Traveling to New York City is usually a right of passage for most Americans, even more so for New York State residents. However, if home life in upstate New York is all you know, a visit to the “city that never sleeps” could make you uneasy to visit if you don’t have an itinerary in mind.

For newcomers and first time visitors, it may not be wise to just wing your vacation or stay, it’s best to know where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and how much cash you’ll need. The last thing you need is to be stranded in the middle of Battery Park without money for a cab or a subway ride. Thankfully, there are several sites that can give you an idea of where to go on your trip to New York City.

Central Park
Even for first timers, most people know that the crown jewel of the city is Central Park. Located in the middle or Manhattan, dividing the West and East sides, Central Park is a lush 843-acre park that serves as an ideal location for films, tv shows, romantic or family picnics or a vibrant jog. Whatever you decide, Central Park should be at the top of your “places to visit” list. The park is just a subway ride away, connecting most railways under Columbus Circle, which is at the southwesternmost tip of the park.

Empire State Building
We’ve all seen it, standing 102 floors from the pavement below, soaring upward in a spire of light. The Empire State Building is the embodiment of the spirit of the state of New York, which also happens to be called the Empire State. Known as the tallest building Manhattan, the Empire State Building has been featured in many films and tv shows, such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Gossip Girl”. If you just so happen to visit the City with your significant other, visiting the Empire State Building could be both fascinating and romantic.

Madison Square Garden
You haven’t really experienced a concert if you haven’t seen you favorite band or singing artist at Madison Square Garden. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is easily accessible by cab, by car, though you may need to find Madison Square Garden Parking, or the F, B, D or M trains. The stadium also serves as a multipurpose arena known for holding the concerts of the century and being the home for the New York Knicks. If you’re looking to attend a concert or perhaps a basketball game, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended due to the popularity if the venue.

Shopping
If shopping is your thing, one of the places you may also want to visit is Bergdorf Goodman, one of the only remaining luxury department stores on the island. Competing with Bloomingdales, Barney’s and Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman offers shoppers a wide selection of designer apparel such as Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen and Jimmy Choo. 
The great thing about Bergdorf Goodman is that it’s divided into two department stores, one for men and one for women, making shopping more accessible. If you’re feeling up for it, call in advance and ask for a personal shopper to help you pick out what you need. Bergdorf Goodman is located on 5th Avenue at the heart of Manhattan, just a few block from Central Park. You can’t miss it!

Wherever you decide to go on your trip to New York City, make sure you know where you’re going. This doesn’t mean that you need to strictly stay on schedule, it just gives you an idea of where to go so you don’t get lost.  It’s always good to have a flexible itinerary and subway map handy to navigate you through the city. If you need more ideas on where to go in your stay at NYC, check their website for fun, seasonal events taking place during your stay.