As the saying goes, this city never sleeps—there's always something to see or do. Surprisingly, the best way to find cool things to do is to ask a New Yorker (they don't bite!). A great way to get a quick orientation is to take the bus or a trolley tour—it will highlight the top spots and allow you to plot out your strategy for getting to the places you came to see. Once you feel comfortable with the layout of the city, take the subway—it's the quickest way to get from point A to B and you'll get a slice-of-life snapshot. Almost everyone takes it everywhere.

New York City will also give you a workout. Walking is big here and it's usually quicker than taking a cab. Plus, if you're on foot, you won't miss all the sights and sounds (and smells!) of the city. Once you step into the street from your hotel, you'll feel like you're in the middle of where everything happens, and you are! Take a walking tour of some of the eclectic villages that make up the city, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, step into a museum or hotel lobby to look at historic masterpieces and intricate architecture. See the famous sights during the day, head back to the hotel to rest your feet and head back out. The nighttime is the right time for a walk into Times Square, a bite to eat or a trip around the dance floor at a hot club. There is no place on earth like this city to make you feel like you're a part of something bigger.