From the bright flashing lights of Times Square to the peaceful corners of Central Park, New York City has it all. NYC is a top destination for many, and I had the privilege of visiting the Big Apple in December.

The city is full of never-ending fun and festivities, especially during the holiday season.

Whether you find yourself in upper or lower Manhattan, there’s a plethora of things that you don’t want to miss. 

For your first day, I recommend starting in Lower Manhattan. Chinatown, Little Italy and SOHO are all within walking distance from one another.

When in Chinatown, you can’t pass up the most delicious and savory dumplings from Supertaste.

The first day might be an adjustment from your day of traveling so make sure you stop by Joe and the Juice for an incredible pick-me-up in SOHO.

You will be exhausted from all of the walking, but there is no better way to recuperate than a dinner in Little Italy at Paesanos. I highly recommend the linguini with red clam sauce.

If you are up for a challenge, walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Atop the bridge, you will see beautiful sites of the city and perfect photo opportunities. Once you make it across you can walk to DUMBO and enjoy tons of great food and small sellers. 

When you find yourself in the city, there are endless things to do. Visiting Summit One Vanderbilt, a surreal experience from 93 stories up, the view of the city can’t get much better than that. 

If you aren’t a fan of such extreme heights, pay a visit to the Museum of Modern Art. There are so many displays of new and different forms of art but also pieces from artists like Piccaso.

Try to set aside time for the Staten Island ferry. It is free of charge and passes right by the Statue of Liberty. Catch the ferry right as the sun is setting and prepare to see one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life.

Last but not least, if you are lucky enough to visit the city during the holidays, pay a visit to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and indulge in a s’mores hot chocolate. 

There is little not to love about New York, but getting around, especially on the subways, might be a challenge. Avoiding public transportation is difficult and can be very costly, so familiarize yourself with the famous New York City Subway before visiting. You’ll also find yourself walking to many attractions.

In all of my travels, New York lands in my top three places to visit. With its lively energy and unlimited shopping experience, it’s a shopaholic’s dream. I could spend hours in the stores, walking the streets and window shopping. 

So the next time you find yourself in New York, take my recommendation and check out all of these amazing places and more. Happy travels!