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1. TOP OF THE ROCK
The Empire State Building may be recognized as the Big Apple’s most famous edifice, but the best view of the NYC skyline is from the top of the Rockefeller Center. Created by John D. Rockefeller to be the grandest building in the city at 70 floors, it indeed has been since 1947. Get yourself up there at sunset for an epic photo.
2. CENTRAL PARK
One of the largest city parks in the world, Central Park is a must-stop no matter how many times you’ve been to Manhattan. Sprawling over 750 acres, it’s been a reprieve for New Yorkers and visitors since 1853. Veg out and people watch, snap plenty of Instagrams, have a picnic or take in the park’s regular events.
3. 5TH AVENUE
What to do on 5th Avenue? Shop. The mid-town section (between 49th and 60th) is crammed with the best shopping in the city — think Prada, Burberry and Gucci plus mega department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Get your credit cards ready — depending on the currency situation, it’s been dubbed “the most expensive street in the world.”
4. BROADWAY
The theatre district and NYC go hand in hand and Broadway is the spot to catch a show starring up-and-coming actors and Hollywood’s elite. Over 40 theatres with 500 seats dot the district, meaning you can catch a show of pretty much any genre — from musicals and dramas to quirky comedies.
5. THE MET
Whether you’re a museum person or not, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which dates back to 1872, lures you in with nearly every major exhibit in the world, including top fashion collections. Don’t miss out on a creamy latte at the on-site café.
Must-Eat in Manhattan: Foodie Fixes
Pizza: A New York slice is a thing of heaven. Fold it in half and try it at Lombardis (firstpizza.com).
Hot Dogs: Nothin’ fancy, but definitely special, an NYC hotdog on the street corner is always in order.
Cupcakes: Sex and The City made them famous. Indulge at Magnolia Bakery (magnoliabakery.com).
Matzo Ball Soup: Slurp your way through the soup at any NYC delicatessen like Lobels’ (lobels.com).
Pretzels: It’s carb-aholic but oh so worth it and can be spotted at nearly every street vendor.
This piece originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Travel & Style Magazine.
