View from the Brooklyn Height's Promenade (preferably at sunset): Standing in Brooklyn and looking across the East River, you'll see a fantastic view of Lower & Mid Manhattan (and also the Statue of Liberty off in the distance). If you're there at sunset and happen to catch a good one, the view of the sun setting behind the buildings is incredible. After the sun sets and the sky darkens, the view turns into silhouettes of the buildings with thousands of sparkling lights. It's awe-inspiring! Brooklyn Heights is a very pretty area, with lots of restaurants and stores, so you can make an afternoon or evening out of the visit. (Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; N, R, M to Court St. When you get off the train, ask any passerby, "Which way to the Promenade?")

The Lobby of the Woolworth Building: A truly magnificent sight to behold. Here's a description taken from the building's brochure: "A lofty three-story-high entrance arcade frames walls of golden, veined marble. Wide, marble staircases lead up to the richly decorated second floor balconies with their huge frescoes. The vaulted ceiling is set with brilliantly colored patterns in glass mosaics that glow like a million jewels. Lace-like wrought iron cornices are covered with pure gold leaf." This building is a national treasure! (Subway: 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; J, M, Z to Chambers St.)

Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge: This is a fantastic thing to do right after you visit the Woolworth Building (they're very near each other). If you walk at a leisurely pace, it'll take you about an hour to the other side and back. Throughout the walk, you'll see great views all around, and an entirely different perspective of the city. I have a virtual photo tour of my walk across the Bridge, but if you're ever in NYC, I highly recommend taking the walk yourself. (Subway to the entrance of the walkway to the Bridge: 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; J, M, Z to Chambers St.)

The Waterfront at Battery Park City: Battery Park City was recently cleaned up and renovated, and now there's a great walkway and park area. Strolling along the promenade, you'll see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance. There are plenty of clean, grassy areas perfect for having a picnic - just lay down a blanket and relax! Actually, a picnic is recommended, because there isn't a lot of food available in the vicinity. (Subway: 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chambers St; N, R to Rector St. Head west when you get off the subway.)

Tudor City: Tudor City spans the area between 40th to 43rd Streets & First to Second Aves. Mostly all of the buildings were built from 1925-1928 in Tudor-style, and made of red brick. They remain remarkably well-preserved to this day. There are two parks, either of which is a nice place to take a break from it all. The area has a quaint feel to it - it's remarkably quiet, and you can forget for a few minutes that you're in one of the busiest cities in the world. (Subway: 4, 5, 6, 7, S to 42nd St/Grand Central.)

The Mirrored Buildings on Lex and Park: Start at 51st Street and walk uptown on Lexington or Park Aves. You'll see an astounding assortment of ultra cool-looking mirrored buildings. It's a great area to view during the day, and also at night time - the many glass-enclosed offices are gloriously lit up. (Subway: 6 to 51st St; E, F to 53rd St.)

Sony IMAX Theater: If you've never seen a 3-D IMAX movie before, this is the place to start! Seeing a 3-D IMAX movie in this theater is an incredible experience -- the effects are amazing. (The plot lines of most IMAX movies aren't so great, but who cares - we're not going for the story - we're going for the super-cool visuals!) The screen at this theater a whopping 80 feet tall x 100 feet wide. That's eight stories high! Located in the "Sony Lincoln Square" Theater. 1998 Broadway at 68th St; 212-336-5000. (Subway: 1, 9, C, E to 66 St.)