1)  See a Show - NYC is pretty synonymous with theater, whether it be on or off Broadway, NYC has an ever rotating list of new and classic musicals, plays, and operas to keep you entertained to check out here. 

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2)  Be a Tourist - It's ok to be a tourist, especially in a city like NYC with so much to see and do. Viator lists the top sights for each city, which can be viewed here for NYC. Here are some recommendations:

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   a) Visit the Status of Liberty - Yes, it's an obvious option, but many people haven't visited it.  It took me many visits before I did and it's definitely worth it, but try to go during an off time to minimize crowds. You can book the first boat over here to be among the first to arrive. Want to avoid the crowds and ok only seeing it from afar?  You can pass it by on a relaxing sightseeing cruise on a 1920's style boat here or a quick 50 min water taxi pass by here. 

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  b) Take a Food Tour - A big part of what makes NYC so special is its amalgamation of different ethnicities and preservation of ethnic backgrounds highlighted in places like Chinatown and Little Italy, which are luckily located adjacent to one another and can be experienced in a food tour like this one. 

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  c) Hire a Professional Photographer - Why not create your own personal tour of the highlights with the help of a local and document it all with a professional photographer?  You can do just that with this tour photographing your experience at some of the best photo spots around the city, including Times Square, Central Park, The Plaza, and Brooklyn Bridge with customization options. 

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3) Experience Central Park - Either on foot, bike, pedicab, or quintessential carriage, your options are covered here. Highlights include the Central Park Boathouse restaurant and rowboat rentals, Tavern on the Green, zoo, Bethesda terrace, and my favorite Bow Bridge. Central Park is a year-round attraction whether it be a picnic or rowboat rental in the Spring, Summer, or Fall or ice skating and roasted chestnuts in the Winter. After you're done, head over to The Plaza Hotel for Afternoon Tea or a drink at Bemelmans in The Carlyle. 

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Where I stay and what I do in NYC is often dependent on the season, though. In the Summer, I like to stay at The Frederick Hotel​ in Tribeca. It's a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge to cross over to DUMBO to stop by Cecconi's in Soho House and Time Out Market before walking along the riverfront to Pilot (an oyster bar on a sailboat overlooking Manhattan). 

 

Pilot is adjacent to Pier 6/Atlantic Avenue ferry stop to take the NYC Ferry South Brooklyn route to Governors Island for a bite at Gitano Island before taking the ferry back downtown to Pier 11 (with direct service on weekends). Governors Island also has bike rentals, a spa, glamping accommodations with Collective Retreats and more for longer stays. An alternative option, is taking a 50 min boat ride round-trip from Pier 16 Downtown on the NYC Water Taxi to pass the Statue of Liberty here. 

 

The Frederick Hotel is also located close to Little Italy and Chinatown for a Food Tour and to explore. It's    also not too far from West Village, Meatpacking for brunch at RH Rooftop Restaurant, and Chelsea for the Chelsea Market, High Line, Little Island, and Hudson Yards. In Hudson Yards, check out the Vessel and Edge on the 100th floor, which is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. There's also Peak NYC restaurant & lounge on the 101st floor that provides access to the Edge after spending at least  $40 pp.  

 

During the other seasons, I'm likely to stay closer to Central Park, especially in the Fall to walk through and in the Winter for ice skating at Wollman Rink and a carriage ride with roasted chestnuts. It also provides close proximity to The Plaza Hotel for Afternoon Tea and a drink at Bemelmans in The Carlyle. Being close to Times Square is also convenient to see a show at one of the many theaters in the area available here.