Some people call it the Big Apple. Others call it the Melting Pot or the City that Never Sleeps. Personally, I like to call it what it truly is: the Greatest City in the World.

New York is undeniably a city like no other. I have been lucky enough to visit it a few times, and I am always left in awe at its unparalleled diversity in people, attractions and opportunities. That is largely why it has such widespread appeal to people all across the globe; while big cities aren't always for everyone, New York definitely is. I'm not saying you should pack your bags and hop on a plane to move there, but if you are given the opportunity to visit, take it. It will be easy to plan a trip tailored to your interests, and you will never run out of things to do or places to explore.

There are quite a few tourist attractions that all visitors flock to. Places like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building may seem like cliché tourist attractions, but ultimately, they're popular for a reason. Whether it's due to rich history or breathtaking scenic views, visiting a couple of the hottest tourist spots is a great way to experience New York for what it is so popularly known for.

Relatively expensive tourist attractions don't define a successful trip to the city, though, and should not be your sole driving factor for going there. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to figure out what interests you most.

One of New York's most noteworthy facets consists of its endlessly acclaimed museums. They are some of the most respected in the world. Art museums, science museums, cultural museums...the list goes on and on. If you're not sure where to start, perhaps you could go see Van Gogh's The Starry Night in the Museum of Modern Art or check out one of the world's greatest dinosaur collections in the American Museum of Natural History.

It is important to note that while a trip to New York can be alarmingly expensive, I certainly does not have to be. So much can be done for free or at low cost! Many museums, for instance, only require donations. Some are free during certain times and days. Museums aren't the only tourist spots that can be much cheaper than they might seem. Broadway, for instance, is a perfect example. Yes, you can buy a 300 dollar ticket to sit in the orchestra of a show you heard was famous, or you can try to get cheaper rush tickets and enter ticket lotteries. There are many popular shows, such as the Phantom of the Opera, that sell regular tickets under just 30 dollars! The point is that by planning your trip, you can plan an affordable one.

These example barely begin to scratch the surface of what the city has to offer, but hopefully they illustrate that there really is no place like New York City. Try walking at the High Line. Lie down on the grass in Central Park or toss a frisbee. Head to Times Square and get a picture of yourself in the greatest city in the world. It might not sound like it now, but when it happens, the trip will be an experience you will never want to forget.