Go right when it opens to beat queues. The Rockefeller Center observation deck gives the best view of Central Park and the Empire State Building framed together.

Step inside the Gothic Revival cathedral across from Rockefeller Center. Check out the rose window and the Altar of St. Elizabeth.

Walk the stretch between 49th and 59th Streets for flagship stores and window displays. Pop into Saks Fifth Avenue or the Apple Store glass cube.

Explore the concourse level shops and the NBC Store. In autumn, the ice rink is often already set up and worth a look even if you don't skate.

Walk through the pedestrian plazas between 42nd and 47th Streets. Look for the TKTS booth on Duffy Square for discounted same-day Broadway tickets.

Enter through the Vanderbilt Avenue entrance for the full ceiling reveal. See the whispering gallery outside the Oyster Bar and check the clock above the information booth.

Enter from the Grand Army Plaza entrance at 59th and 5th Avenue. Walk north towards the Mall for the best tunnel of golden autumn leaves.

Head to the terrace overlooking the Lake. Check the archway ceiling tiles and walk down the steps to see the fountain framed by orange foliage.

Enter at 1000 5th Avenue. Go straight to the Temple of Dendur and the European paintings on floor 2 before the crowds build. Pay what you wish if you are a New York State resident.

Enter at 79th Street and Central Park West. The Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs are the top draws for most visitors.

Located at 105th Street and 5th Avenue on the park's northeast edge. The three formal gardens feature late-season blooms and bright maple trees in autumn.

Catch the first ferry from Battery Park at 8:30 AM. Book tickets online in advance to skip the long lines. Aim for a pedestal ticket for the best photo angles of the skyline.

The ferry from Liberty Island takes you directly here. Head to the second floor for the restored Great Hall and search the passenger records for your own family name.

Walk over from the Battery Park ferry terminal through Brookfield Place. Take the elevator to the One World Observatory on the 100th floor for a full 360 degree view of the city.

Located directly next to One World Trade Center. See the two reflecting pools with the names of victims engraved in bronze. Allow extra time for the museum exhibits underground.

A short walk north on Broadway to Wall Street. Step inside to see the Gothic Revival architecture and the historic graveyard where Alexander Hamilton is buried.

A cobblestone pedestrian lane between Mill Lane and Pearl Street lined with old taverns and restaurants. It is one of the few remaining 17th century street layouts in the city and perfect for an early dinner outdoors.

Walk along Water Street and under the Manhattan Bridge archway for classic skyline photo angles. Explore the cobblestone streets and small boutiques around Front and Washington Streets.

Walk the pedestrian promenade from the Brooklyn side toward Manhattan for views of Lower Manhattan and both bridges. The wooden boardwalk path starts at the intersection of Tillary and Boerum Place.

Head to the Dumbo waterfront food hall at 55 Water Street with dozens of vendor stalls. Grab a seat outside on the plaza for harbor views while you eat.

Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade along the Esplanade for elevated views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. Walk down Pierrepont and Montague Streets for brownstone architecture.

Find the rocky shoreline near Furman Street and Joralemon Street for a quiet waterfront spot. Bring a jacket as it gets windy near the East River.

Take the subway to 34th Street and head up to the 86th floor observatory for sunset views. Book tickets in advance online to skip the long entry lines.

Walk the elevated park from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District up to 34th Street. Enter at the Gansevoort entrance and walk north through the gardens and art installations.

Explore the food hall and artisan shops inside the converted Nabisco factory at 75 9th Avenue. Walk through the main corridor and browse the bakeries, spice shops and produce stalls.

Visit the outdoor sky deck at 30 Hudson Yards, 100 floors up with a glass floor and angled glass walls. Book tickets in advance to secure your entry time slot.

Head to the rooftop public park at 25 11th Avenue, accessible from the street level elevators. Walk around the garden paths for views of the Hudson River and Midtown skyline.

Walk through Greenwich Village to the iconic arch and central fountain. Sit near the fountain to watch street musicians and local performers.

Tour the historic library and museum at 225 Madison Avenue, originally the private collection of J.P. Morgan. See the rotunda, the librarian's office and the main reading room.

Book a guided tour in advance to see the restored apartments and learn about immigrant life on Orchard Street. The 97 Orchard address is a block from the Delancey Street subway stop.

Head to the roof terrace at 66 Park Row for skyline views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a quiet spot to pause between museums and markets.

Stop by the Westgate facade at Grand Central Terminal to see the Beaux Arts architecture and the main concourse clock. It is a short ride uptown on the 4,5,6 or the S shuttle.