The Girl in Gucci Glasses

New York City is quite literally the best city in the world, and for so many reasons.

Not only is the big apple a cultural melting pot where all feel welcome, but no matter how long you’ve been here, every day you discover a new treasure.

There’s a reason pop culture loves to highlight New York.

They say if you can make it in New York for a year, you can make it anywhere.

Whether you’re a native or a first-timer, let me break down my list of places you have to visit.

The Vessel
You might know this honeycomb-shaped building from The Chainsmokers Takeaway music video, or just simply a stroll through Hudson Yards.

Joe’s Pizza
Best pie in all of NYC. The lines can be brutal, but they move fast. Trust me when I say that the crust, cheese to sauce ratio, and fold of the pie is a true chef’s kiss.

The MoMA
You will recognize the steps if you’ve ever watched an episode of the original Gossip Girl. So grab your yogurt because you’re about to plan your itinerary, and yes, you will need a game plan because there is SO much to see, and you will never see it all in a single day.

Top of the Rock
Trust me when I saw you have never seen the city quite like this. The view from the observation deck is simply gorgeous.

Central Park
Okay, this one might be too obvious, but trust me that it should make every list of essential things to do in NYC.

With over 800 acres of greenery, there are no shortages of things to experience in Central Park. Some of my personal favorites include stopping in Strawberry Fields. This particular area serves as a nice tribute to John Lennon. Often there will be performers signing some of his classic tunes. You do not need to be a Beatles fan to enjoy this experience.

Depending on the season, you can also take a stab at skating. Not your scene? Take a stroll through the zoo and end your day with a hot dog fresh off a local vendor’s cart.

So there you have it – some of the essential things to do when in NYC. When compiling this list I realized there were still so many more places to eat and explore that didn’t make this list, which means – hello, reoccurring series!