Top 10 New York Experiences

Battery Park and Liberty State Park, New York, NY 10004 (map)

This 305-foot-tall statue (a gift of friendship from the French in 1886) is recognizable the world over as a symbol of freedom and independence. Hop on the ferry to Liberty Island and get ready to discover a whole new New York. The price of your ticket includes admission to both Lady Liberty (and the surrounding park) and the not-to-be-missed Ellis Island Museum. If you want to go inside the statue and visit the new observatory and promenade deck you'll need to reserve another ticket at no extra cost.

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

You may recognize this Lower East Side landmark from "When Harry Met Sally," but once you have a bite of Katz’s famous pastrami sandwich, you might begin to wonder whether Meg Ryan was really faking that orgasm. The sandwiches are enormous, the pickles are delish and the matzo ball soup is downright fantastic. Though the ordering system is a bit confusing and the restaurant is often packed and boisterous, it’s a place everyone should try at least once.

19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)

New Yorkers love their pizza, and though the matter of which joint serves the best pie in town is a contentious one, Grimaldi's is almost always among the contenders. Located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood, Grimaldi’s usually has a long line (and they don’t take reservations) so calling ahead for takeout and eating in the nearby waterfront park is a solid, stress-free way to beat the system.

350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118 (map)

The ESB's 86th story observation deck has been a required stop for all New York visitors since the building's completion in 1931. Lines can be long, but the view from the top more than makes up for the wait: On a clear day, you can see for 80 miles. If you visit at night, you'll have your very own affair to remember, as the view of the sparkling city down below is spectacular.

1 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301 (map)

Hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry won't cost you a penny, but that's just one reason why it's so great. Even though the ferry is mostly used by commuters, the fantastic views of the skyline, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty mean there are usually a fair number of sightseers on board too. The 24/7 ferry runs every half hour (and even more frequently during rush hour) and the trip is 25 minutes each way. An on-board concession stand that serves beer, soda and snacks makes the ride that much more enjoyable.

11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 (map)

The MoMA houses the largest modern art collection in the world, and whether or not you’re an art connoisseur, it's worth a trip to see the permanent collection of iconic works as well as the visiting exhibitions. The painting and sculpture exhibit from 1880 to 1940 is particularly great, as is the pop art gallery, but the architecture of the light-filled museum, with its atrium in the center, is a sight worth seeing in and of itself.

89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 (map)

Located underground in Grand Central Station, this old-school New York dining relic never disappoints--even after 90 years. Though renowned for its large selection of impressively fresh oysters (some of the best in the city), the Oyster Bar is also famous for its vaulted Guastavino tile-lined ceiling, which gives the space a cavernous, lively energy. In addition to oysters, the menu offers a huge selection of other seafood items and an impressive list of American wines. The food is so good, it’s almost worth missing your train.

367 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

The Big Apple is renowned for its bagels, and the Lower East Side's Kossar's Bialeys makes the best around. Though it's just a bakery (i.e., they won't sandwich or schmear), it does sell cream cheeses, lox and whitefish and tuna salad, and will provide you with a plastic knife so you can do it yourself. The eponymous bialeys are just as extraordinary as the unforgettable bagels. We dare you to walk by and not be lured in by the smells of the freshly baked goods.

15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003 (map)

You haven't had a beer in New York until you've had one at McSorley's. This East Village bar, which has hosted everyone from Abraham Lincoln to E.E. Cummings to the New York Rangers, is more than 150 years old, and, barring the fact that women weren't allowed until the 1970s, not much has changed since then. This tavern serves only two ales (McSorley’s Light and McSorley’s Dark), which come served as a pair; this mandatory double-fisting explains why the floors are covered with spill-absorbing sawdust--not to mention why the bar has a bit of an old-school stench.