As much as I love New Jersey, I am a city girl at heart. Which happens to work out nicely considering my house is only 45 minutes away from one of the most iconic cities in the world: New York. I'm a big fan of day trips and overnights, especially in downtown. Sometimes, I underestimate the amount of beauty in the typical, "tourist" activities that can be found throughout New York. Each of them are fun, inspiring, and can be jammed into one or two days! I hope you take the time to adventure out of your comfort zone and do something new (or something you've already done before!) in the city, get inspired, and have fun while you're there. Don't forget to take hundred of pictures, too!

1. Walk around Central Park

The most obvious, most tourist-y spot in New York also serves as a gorgeous running path or the perfect place to snap an Intagram-worthy picture.

2. Top of the Rock

I recently went to the Top of the Rock with my boyfriend, and I can't even begin to explain how beautiful the view was. We were both speechless when we reached the top, and New York City has never looked prettier. I can't imagine what it would look like in the evening...

3. One World Trade

Not only the building itself, but the World Trade Museum is definitely worth a visit. The iconic Freedom Tower stands tall above a gorgeous memorial, and I can guarantee that anyone who has visited would join me in recommending this beautiful tribute to everyone - proud American or visitor.

4. Chelsea Market

On a more lighthearted note, Chelsea Market is the place to be. Between shops, stop in for some ice cream or homemade doughnuts. From fresh, handmade sushi to gorgeous glasses to handy canvas pencil cases, there are shops for any individual.

5. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

A few years back, my family took our Christmas card photo on the Brooklyn Bridge, and they are to this day some of my favorite family photos. The aesthetic of the bridge and the view from both sides is breathtaking and unlike any other walk I've taken in New York.

6. Washington Square Park

New York University students use it as a quad or a place to study, little kids use it as a playground, and couples use it as a cute place to catch up. Whatever you're looking for, Washington Square has it. This animal-friendly park is enormous and makes room for everyone, yet simultaneously makes you feel like you have a little piece of the country in your city-backyard.

7. Eat at Rockefeller Center

After visiting Rockefeller Center countless times, I finally decided to grab a bite to eat there. I was not disappointed. My friends and I accidentally ran into Just Salad, and we all agreed that their quinoa bowls were to die for. Rockefeller has a wide variety of places to eat, and they vary from fine dining (Del Frisco's) to on-the-go, easy to grab foods (Jamba Juice or Liberty Deli). No matter the occasion or the price range, you're bound to find some good nom-noms at the heart of the city.

8. Eataly

Eataly, the largest Italian marketplace in the world, offers the widest variety of snacks, drinks, and sit-down meals in New York. Whether you're looking for a sandwich, soup, and a salad, you can find something to suit all tastes. Alongside lunch and dinner foods and fresh meats, cheeses, and drinks that you can take home after a long day in the city.

9. Visit the Whitney

The new Whitney Museum location is finally completed, and it looks better than ever. This aesthetically pleasing-looking building features American arts dating back to the 17th century. The balconies offer extra space for the museum to display large, marble sculptures and a beautiful dining area with a view of the gorgeous Meatpacking District.

10. See Times Square at night

As typical as this sounds, Times Square is bound to blow you away. The gorgeous billboards and colorful lights take my breath away every time - and I guarantee they'll do the same to you. Hard Rock Café and Oceana are two fun restaurants that are located in the heart of NYC's night-life; Hard Rock featuring traditional American food with a twist, and Oceana featuring lovely, fresh seafood.

11. Visit the markets at Grand Central Station

This is something that the holiday season is known for, but the markets are available year-round. Between foods and handmade goods, the Grand Central Markets offer every gift or treat possible. Most notably are the handmade gloves, fresh fudge, and silver charms: all of which are handcrafted and sold by their vendors year-round.

12. Walk the High Line

The High Line needs no introduction, as it has become New York's place-to-be this past year. This one-and-a-half mile long was revamped and open to the public in September of 2014, and has since become one of New York's most visited attractions by tourists and residents alike. On either end of the High Line is a selection of cute restaurants and cafés, and the old railway also gives entrance to a marketplace and an entryway into Chelsea Market.

13. See a Broadway show

As much as this seems to be a complete no-brainer, never underestimate the power of a Broadway show! From Wicked to Phantom of the Opera to Hamilton, there is something along Broadway for everyone.

14. Eat in Bryant Park

As someone who used to work in the city, I can testify for the calmness and charisma found in Bryant Park. Lunch breaks and after-work strolls often end up here, and it's not hard to see why. The view of the library and the carousel are irreplaceable, and the people are not so bad either.

15. See a baseball game

I know the Yankee's aren't doing as well as we all hoped, but the games are fun either way. The newly finished stadium can now hold upwards of 54,000 fans, and the infamous Johnny Rocket's can be found in Central Stadium (their shakes are worth the wait, I promise).

16. Visit the Flatiron building

NYC's own Flatiron building has been a national icon since the 18th century when it was built, and is now home to countless shops, restaurants, and office space. Although the store selection is fairly minimal, the occasional picture of the iconic building couldn't hurt!

17. Take a horse carriage ride

Central Park has already been discussed, but Central Park from a carriage is so chic and fun! Horses are available nearly around the clock for a fun daytime or nighttime ride around NYC or Central Park.

18. Visit Jekyll & Hyde

Close by to the horse carriages and Central Park is the infamous Jekyll & Hyde restaurant: a traditional American restaurant with a Halloween theme. The restaurant features shows, skits, music, and decorations that add to the theme and really make you feel like you're part of their story.

19. Shop downtown (SoHo is preferred)

Downtown definitely has the best finds when it comes to recreational shopping. SoHo and Tribeca are home to Benefit, Brandy Melville, MAC, and adorable street shops. You can even find high-end consignment shops, which have been known to sell Chanel purses and Michael Kors jackets!

20. Visit Stumptown

I have tried a lot of coffee in my lifetime, but Stumptown is one of my favorite shops yet. The café has a rustic, vintage vibe to it, and the employees are angels. If I had to give one single recommendation for you, it would be their Cold Brew with chocolate milk - it's life-changing. Keep an eye out for my next article (where I'll talk about my all-time favorite coffee shops around the world!), but for now, do yourself a favor and take a day trip down to NYC and grab yourself some Stumptown coffee. You won't regret it.