NYC is a large city, and as a consequence has literally hundreds of attractions and things to do. Luckily for you, this post doesn’t have anywhere near to a hundred things to do. It has been condensed to include only the best of things to do in New York City.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The MET is my favorite museum in New York City, if not in the entire world. It’s massive (I assure you that you won’t be able to get around the entire thing in just a day), and it’s full of significant and iconic works, ranging from paintings to sculptures. One of the must-see’s in this museum is the little, blue Egyptian hippo sculpture, dubbed William. William has become something of a mascot for The MET, and he is adorable.

Tip: If you don’t have a whole day to go around, do your research and find out which pieces or artifacts you want to see the most, and where in the museum they are located. That way you can prioritize them and get through the museum quicker.

2. The MET Cloisters

The MET Cloisters is the Medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specializing in Romanesque and Gothic period works. This museum is significantly smaller than the main branch of the MET, but still definitely worth going to. If you buy tickets for either of the MET museums, you can get into the other one using that ticket, as long as it’s the same day you purchased it.

My favorite part of the museum is the Unicorn Tapestry Room, which is exactly what it sounds like. Unicorns. Tapestries. Need I say more? My personal favorite tapestry is pictured below.

3. The American Museum of Natural History

With dozens of interactive exhibits, The American Museum of Natural History is the perfect museum for the entire family. From insects to dinosaurs, this museum covers pretty much anything you can think of that occurs in the natural world.

4. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a small park, in which is located an iconic arch. Built in honor of the centennial of President George Washington’s first inauguration, the Washington Arch is perfect for photo opportunities, and it won’t take up too much of your time (because the arch is pretty much the only thing to see in the park.)

5. Central Park

Probably the most popular (and definitely the largest) park in NYC, Central Park is perfect for the whole family. Whether you want to stroll and take in the nice scenery or run across the 2.5 mile span of the park, the area has something for everyone. It even has a zoo (remember Madagascar, anyone?)

Tip: visit the park in warmer weather.

6. The Vessel at Hudson Yards

The Vessel is a super cool geometric structure consisting solely of stairs. Unfortunately, The Vessel is currently temporarily closed, so access to climbing the stairs is prohibited. Still, it’s cool to look at, and makes for a unique photo opportunity.

7. Brooklyn Bridge

One of the many icons of NYC, Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see. The Bridge has a pedestrian walkway running down the middle, so if you want to walk across and take in the NYC skyline and the Bridge’s arches, you can! Brooklyn Bridge is a very popular (and free!) attraction, so it can get a bit crowded on the walkway.

8. Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is a great place to go shopping in NYC, with shops selling everything from books to clothes to coffee to…LEGO. (My little brother’s sole reason for visiting NYC was to see the LEGO Store on Fifth Avenue.)

Speaking of Fifth Avenue, right across from the Rockefeller Center building is the iconic Tiffany Street Clock.

Other things to do at the Rockefeller Center include The Top of the Rock observation deck and ice skating (in the winter, of course.)

9. The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is the top must-see for all book lovers. The Stephen A. Shwarzman Building is the main branch of the public library system, and it is home to the iconic lion statues, dubbed Patience and Fortitude.

Inside the building is the famous Rose Reading Room, featuring breathtaking ceiling murals and classic architecture. The Polonsky Exhibition, located on the ground floor, features several literary treasures, including manuscripts and letters from well-known authors, and Charles Dickens’s writing desk and chair. Also these Winnie-the-Pooh plushies, based off of the original Ernest Shepherd illustrations.

10. Try New York Pizza

Going to NYC and not trying pizza is like living life and not breathing. You’d be missing out on EVERYTHING. If the only thing you do in NYC is eat pizza, consider it a trip well tripped. Be sure, though, that you find a good pizza place. Being NYC, there are tons of options for places to eat pizza, so you have no excuse to not try it!

11. The Chrysler Building

When people think of skyscrapers in NYC, they often think of the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center. But the Chrysler Building tops all of those (in my opinion.) The building is a classic example of art deco architecture, and it’s one of the prettiest buildings in the city. It’s not exactly a tourist destination (it’s mainly used for businesses and office spaces), but you can still visit the main lobby and take pictures for free.

12. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal (also known as Grand Central Station) is a must-see for anyone visiting New York. An architectural landmark, this train station is full of things to see and do, from shops to restaurants.

13. 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial is an essential destination for anyone visiting NYC. If you’re visiting the North and South Pools, it’s completely free. (The museum, however, does require an entrance fee on all normal days. On every Monday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the museum admission is free.)

14. The Morgan Library and Museum

This unique museum houses J.P. Morgan’s library, as well as several bookish exhibitions. The collection includes dozens of rare books and artifacts, including a Gutenberg Bible, first edition books, and dozens of manuscripts and letters from great authors such as Henry David Thoreau, Jane Austen, and Beatrix Potter. My favorite room in the Morgan Library and Museum is the historic library room (pictured above) which looks like it came straight out of a murder mystery mansion.

I hope you enjoyed this post featuring some of the best things to do in New York City. Happy adventuring!