Whether you’re here to peruse the blocks upon blocks of shops, receive a serenade and a selfie from the Naked Cowboy, or just take it all in, Time Square is infamous for entrancing visitors with its bright lights and bustling vibe. Understandably, traffic around this NYC hotspot is hectic, so consider having your driver drop off your group at the edges of Midtown or Hell’s Kitchen to avoid the worst of it. Taking on the entirety of this district can take a toll on your feet, but trust us, the prime window-shopping and people-watching are worth experiencing on street level. Just be mindful of where to chill and where to book it. No one likes an inconsiderate pedestrian.

It takes about an hour to cross this mile-long walkway over the East River, especially if you stop to enjoy the view, so be sure to give your group plenty of time to take it all in. If you’re coming in from Manhattan, your driver should drop you off at the northeastern corner of City Hall Park. Those crossing from the Brooklyn side should meet on the corner of Tillary and Adams. There are no tolls for the automobiles rumbling away underfoot, so save your group— and your feet— the trouble of the return walk by having your driver meet you on the other side for an easy ride to the next stop on your itinerary.

Three floors. A collection of rare and out-of-circulation editions. Over 2.5 million—yes, million— titles. Need we say more? Come visit this oft-overlooked hidden gem of the Village: the last remaining shop from the district’s historical Book Row. Whether you’re in the market for a well-loved classic or a specific square-footage of beautifully bound tomes, this shop has enough charm to fill even the pickiest of book snobs with unabashed, child-like wonder.

Did you honestly think we’d bypass this New York City staple? Of course not, and neither should you! Making the most of the Empire State Building, however, is not for the faint of heart. For bold sight-seers willing to brave the 102-story climb to the building’s peak, you’ll be met with some of the most unforgettable, panoramic views of Manhattan and—on a clear day—the surrounding 80 miles of land and sea.

For many first-time visitors, the culture shock here can be intimidating. Embrace it! Grab some street food— we recommend the fried noodle cart on Centre Street; it’s authentic, delicious, and extremely cheap— and enjoy your meal in Columbus Park amid the waves of local checkers champions, Tai Chi savants, and other passersby that make up the life of this thriving neighborhood. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, sit in on a service and pick up a fortune at Temple Mahayana, the east coast’s oldest Buddhist temple, or wander through Chinatown’s local-frequented open air markets, groceries, and butchers. 

Explore all the cultural icons and cuisine of traditional Italy without ever leaving lower Manhattan! Don’t let its mere 3-block span fool you; this neighborhood is dense. So dense, in fact, we recommend spanning your experiences here over several days to avoid a stomach ache or cannoli overload. However, visitors itching for a concentrated dose of Italia via live music, parades, and carb-filled foods galore should not shy away from the Feast of San Gennaro— the locals sure don’t.

Sure, with its seasonal ice rink and an annual Christmas tree nearly 10 times taller than any farm-bought fir, Rockefeller Center is a romantic must-see for tourists lucky enough to visit New York City in winter. However, visitors often forget the Center has year-round appeal, especially for city first-timers. Don’t be a rookie. Check out Rockefeller’s countless shops, jewelry vendors, and eateries between your NBC Studio Tour and taking in the cityscape from the “Top of the Rock.” 

No, a charter bus can’t take you to the foot of this iconic NYC fixture quite like the Statue Cruise ferry. We can, however, book your ride to The Battery docks with plenty of time to organize your tickets, clear the security gate, and grab your audio tour materials before you board. Even better, your driver can look after whatever belongings you leave on the bus, so you can explore the statue and Ellis Island unencumbered.