We’ve heard of it and seen it on so many TV programmes – Friends, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City (to name a few) – that we feel like we’ve lived like a New Yorker before we’ve even set foot in Grand Central Station.

We’ve heard of the terms ‘Upper East Side’ and ‘Upper West’ but have no real idea what they mean and we’ve envisioned that skyline so many times that when you actually set eyes on it, you have to pinch yourself that it’s real. You’re actually in the Big Apple!

It’s an overwhelming city that steals a slice of every visitor’s heart. Here are my 9 unmissable spots in NYC.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station has become quite the icon of the NYC. Built in 1903 and located in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is a hectic train station, which boasts outstanding, Roman-esque architecture as well as, shops, bars and restaurants.

Rockerfeller Centre

Rockerfeller Centre is a historic landmark in central Midtown, which is a complex of buildings, restaurants, shops and bars. Although all the buildings are worth a quick explore, the main attraction (in my eyes) is Bar SixtyFive on the 65^th floor of 30 Rockerfeller Plaza where you can have a drink with an unbeatable view across Manhattan.

The Empire State Building

Probably the most recognizable building in New York, The Empire State Building is a 102 story building, which soars above the rest of the city’s jaw-dropping skyline. As a result of its height, the Empire State Building offers tremendous views across the city and beyond and is a brilliant spot to watch the world go by from above.

Staten Island/Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is symbolic of NYC.

In 1886, she was gifted from the people of France to the United States as a symbol of freedom and democracy and from that day on, she has appeared on anything and everything New York related. If you head Downtown towards the Staten Island ferry, you will be swarmed by vendors trying to sell you trips to see Mrs Liberty up close and personal. However, if you’re not fussed about actually setting foot on the island, you can catch the Staten Island ferry for FREE, which rides straight past the statue.

Central Park

Central Park is idyllic. Spanning over a jaw-dropping 843 acres, the park takes up a huge amount of Manhattan and is bursting with flora, fauna and wildlife. From rappers, artists, rickshaws and food trucks to horses and carriages, lakes, statues and rowing boats, Central Park can keep you busy for days on end.

9/11 Memorial/Museum

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is heart-wrenching.

A tribute to the thousands of people effected and killed by the tragic terrorist attacks, which struck the Twin Towers in Downtown Manhattan on 11th September 2001, this memorial is informative, emotional and a must visit whilst in the city.

Put aside at least half a day to get the most out of the museum. Tip: the museum is free from 5pm – 8pm on Tuesdays (usually $24).

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is an urban food court located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. Laden in trendy exposed brick walls, cute fairy lights and food stalls galore, it caters for all food cravings. From carefully crafted coffee and wine to soft juicy tacos and ice cream sandwiches, Chelsea Market has it all.

Times Square

Most New Yorkers hate Times Square.

Home to Broadway, this area in Midtown is as eccentric, bright and in your face as most of the shows in the theatres. Garish billboards and kaleidoscopic lights shimmer from every direction and touts, tourists and shoppers patrol the grounds below.

It can be a rather busy and stressful district to explore however, it is worth the overwhelming stress to experience such a unique square.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge connects Downtown Manhattan with the hipster neighbourhood of Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge (especially at sunset) provides you with excellent views across the city’s skyline and, if you’re peckish when you reach the other side, you can reward yourself with a delicious pizza.

Have you ever been to New York? What would you add to this check list?

Ten days and ten pounds later, we had eaten our way across Manhattan sampling everything from calorific Chicago deep pan pizza to succulent, zesty chicken taco shells.

And although my waistline begs to differ, the indulgence was worth every calorie.

Here are my must eats in New York!

Cream cheese bagels

NYC does cream cheese bagels like nowhere else. Not only can you choose your flavour of bagel – plain, salted, herbed, you name it – you can also pick from a ridiculous number of cream cheese flavours and fillings (scallion and smoked salmon being a firm favourite).

Once chosen, an unholy mound of the chosen cream cheese as well as, any other toppings are lathered onto the soft bagel guaranteeing a heavenly ooze.

Try  Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown for a banging bagel.

Burgers

Visiting Manhattan and not taking pleasure in an overflowing burger filled to the brim with meat, cheese, bacon, onion rings and lashings of sauce would be a crime.

Black Tap in Soho, Meatpacking, Broome Street and Midtown sell scrumptious burgers served up with a mammoth mound of fries. If you’re feeling brave team this with a freak-shake for dessert…

Freak-shakes

Freak-shakes have become quite the craze recently and, after trying one in New York, I can see why.

A drink and dessert in one, freak-shakes offer a thick milkshake of your chosen flavour with anything from frosting, ice cream and chocolate sauce to crumbled cookie, chunks of brownie  and even alcohol built atop your glass like a piece of art.

Black Tap is where you’ll find the most Instagrammable freak-shakes that won’t disappoint.

Pizza

Where do I start with pizza.

$1 pizza slices to go, crispy thin crust pizzas, thick deep pan pizzas, NYC has it all.

Grimaldi’s in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Woodbridge, Garden City and Coney Island has been voted as the best pizza in New York. Whilst Emmett’s in West Town makes the best Chicago deep pan pizzas in town.

Cookies

Fancy a gooey choc chip cookie the size of your head? Levain Bakery is the place for you.

A cute tiny bakery in Wainscott, Harlem, Amsterdam Avenue and West 74th Street, this bakery’s cookies are so popular you’ll be lucky if you don’t have to queue before getting your hands on the crumbling cookie of your choice.

Get a selection of flavours and find a pew in Central Park to gorge.

Tacos and nachos

Along with the prominent Mexican influence in the US comes fantastic Mexican food.

In New York, tacos are served in a floury soft shell stuffed with everything from smokey strips of succulent pork, beef and chicken to crispy strips of fish topped with tangy salsa, coriander and an essential squeeze of lemon. Whilst nacho ‘chips’ tend to come doused in a mound of chilli, cheese and fresh tomato salsa.

The best tacos I had in the city were at Los Tacos No.1 in Chelsea Market. Push the boat out by getting one of each filling – you won’t regret it.

Mac n’ cheese

A trip to New York would not be complete without indulging in a delicious, gooey bowl of mac n’ cheese.

Try The Smith in Midtown, East Village, Nomad or Lincoln Square for a giant portion (tip: one appetizer is enough as a main course).

Have you ever been to New York? What would be your must eats in the city?