The Concrete Jungle can be pretty intimidating when you first arrive, but here are a few essential "to do's" while in Manhattan.
1. Times Square
Every person that visits New York has to make this trip at least once. After your first trip through the hustle and bustle of the main streets, you aren't going to need another. Just one quick trip will give you enough bumping shoulders to last you a life time, but what is a trip to New York without a picture in front of the marquee?
2. Staten Island Ferry
One of the only things in New York that will be free to you is the Staten Island Ferry. Leaving every 30 minutes, the ferry will take you across the Hudson River past Lady Liberty and far enough away from Manhattan to see the entire city from the back of the boat. The sights and photo opportunities this ferry ride offers will surpass that of many others. A local informed me that the ferry was the only place you could see all three bridges on the East River at the exact same time.
3. 9/11 Memorial
The "day the world stopped turning" is one that is burned into the hearts and minds of Americans nation wide. The memorial is one place you can be assured to feel the loss and sorrow New York and the world faced that day. Being able to stand at Ground Zero alongside thousands of other people from across the globe that came to pay their respects is an unforgettable experience. The two gaping holes where the towers stood juxtapose the enormous Freedom Tower that stands above your head. The copious amount of languages being spoken beside the fountains where the towers once stood shows how the story of 9/11 reaches across the world.
4. Macy's
On a lighter note, who could possibly pass up the chance to shop in the world's largest department store? The windows they are famous for will quickly catch your eye as you walk around the outside, but they do not compare to the ultimate size of the actual store from the inside. It would take hours to navigate the entire store from basement to the top floor if you tried hitting every part of the store. Everything from purses to clothes to shoes to jewelry with almost every name brand on display.
5. Food
One thing I can say is a must in New York is the food. Pizza, subs and cheesecake are New York staples and absolute musts. Leonardo's Pizza in Little Italy makes the best pizza in the same oven they've had since 1905. Eataly's La Pizza and La Pasta will leave you wanting to lick your plate clean if you order their Cacio e Pepe (pasta in a butter sauce). You can eat out every meal for a week straight and will probably never have a bad experience. Be warned, you may leave a few pounds heavier than when you arrived.
6. Central Park Bike Tour
When visiting Central Park, you have the option of walking the 60 miles of sidewalk to see all of the sights, or you can get on a 30-45 minute ride with someone pulling you on a bike. Through this tour, you have the opportunity to get out at landmarks for pictures, see everything the park has to offer, and learn all about the history and movie connections from your friendly guide while never breaking a sweat. Having a local tell you about the park will give you an experience you would not be able to achieve if you were to try guiding yourself. Definitely worth the money and the haggling it takes to get a ride.
7. Subway ride
Taxis and Über are the main source of travel you will take while in Manhattan, but you have to, for experience sake, take a ride in the subway. New York is known for its subway system and for good reason. It's cheap and easy transportation through the city without the long wait of traffic or risk of a rude driver. As long as you can learn to navigate the system, this is by far the easiest and fastest way to get to get from point A to point B.
