The beauty of this famous Beaux Arts building is not to be missed, whether you arrive by rail or not. Built between 1903 and 1931, Grand Central Terminal is stunning. Take a tour to learn of its history, including its near destruction and restoration.

9. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center is the world’s largest performing arts center (16.3 acres / 66,000 m²) and home to 12 resident arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera and New York City Ballet. Go watch a performance and also make time for a tour of the center itself.

8. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

A unique and fun winter tradition is to take a whirl on the rink at Rockefeller Center, or just watch the skaters glide by while you sip on hot chocolate.

7. Empire State Building

The classic Art Deco architecture of the 102-story Empire State Building makes this yet another icon of NYC. Go up to the 86th floor outside observatory for views of up to 80 miles (130 km).

6. FAO Schwartz

FAO Schwartz is in a class all its own. Live toy soldiers greet you as you enter (there’s a ceremony every morning); enormous stuffed jungle creatures beg to be touched. An ever-changing LED grid light show on the ceiling; professional dancers performing on the giant floor piano (shoppers get a chance, too); an ice cream shop; and endless things to explore make this at least a two-hour visit, if not more. It actually is just as much fun for adults as kids.

5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The symbol of political freedom and democracy is a must-see. Located on 12-acre (48,500 m²) Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924. Ellis Island was incorporated as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on May 11, 1965. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million steamship passengers entered the United States through the port of New York at Ellis Island.

4. Theater

There are 39 theaters in operation on Broadway today, most packed in a small area called the “Great White Way.” Any visit to the city should contain at least one show, whether it’s seeing an edgy new work or a classic piece.

3. Museums

Where to begin? The world-class museums of NYC all clamor for your attention. To start, there’s the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art and, of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A lifetime of visits would still leave you wanting to visit more.

2. Times Square

This revitalized area of the city was once a place to avoid. No more! Now the heart of NYC is a safe, bustling hive of activity, with huge electronic billboards and lots to do. Visit Toys R Us, Lazer Park, MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL), Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum or the Hard Rock Cafe. Other nearby attractions include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the doll store American Girl Place and the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.

1. Green Spaces

Contrary to what you might think, New York City is the greenest city in America. The 843-acre Central Park, the most famous park in the city, is actually only the 5th largest. Jog, walk, bike, in-line skate, horseback ride, ice skate, rent row boats, play basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, enjoy special events and festivals in the city’s 1,700 parks and playgrounds, or just kick back and people-watch.