New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With so many different things to do in the city, it can be difficult for new visitors to know what to do first. Below are some of the top sites that you need to see when you visit New York City.

Central Park

There’s no better place to start your visit to New York than in Central Park. In the park, you’ll find 843 acres of beautiful views and peaceful hideaways from the bustling city. If you really want to experience the park, you should rent a bicycle. Feel free to explore the park on your own, or take a guided tour. One of the most photographed spots in the park is the Bow Bridge, a cast-iron bridge that stretches across the lake. Numerous movie scenes take place on the Bow Bridge, so don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve been to the location before even if you haven’t.

West Village

If you want to see what New York City looked like in the 19th century, there’s no better location than West Village. The neighborhood is one of the only places in Manhattan where streets don’t follow the traditional street grid. While it’s easy to get lost, it’s worth it. Explore the shops on Bleecker St. and then catch a bite to eat at Corner Bistro.

Pizza

When it comes to pizza, it’s difficult to know where to start in NYC. Some of the most popular contenders for best pizza include Di Fara’s, John’s and Lombardi’s. However, you should also consider visiting Grimaldi’s. The pizza shop is located in one of the oldest sections of Brooklyn right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. While you eat your tasty slice, you’ll get to take in a wonderful view of Manhattan across the river.

Empire State Building

Visiting the Empire State Building might be one of the most touristy activities you can do in NYC. Yet if you are only going to do one touristy thing, this is the one you should do. There are a number of different ways you can experience the building. Take a look at the Empire State Building’s site to learn more.

Museum of Modern Art

MOMA was established in 1929. Today it holds some of the most popular paintings in the world, including Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory. Every month the museum features a number of exhibits from artists in various mediums. While it usually costs visitors $25 to enter, if you go on Friday after 4:00, it’s free. It’s a good idea to arrive early on Friday since there is typically a line to get in for free.