No wonder New York is the city to be in – from culture, food, movie references, and sights – it has everything! So I’m rounding up my 15 favorites during my summer there that I want to share with you (and mostly for me to reminisce.) It was hard to make this list because there were so many!

1 Travel back in time at the Met

The Metropolitan Museum is definitely one of the best museums in the city. It’s too big and beautiful you will need a whole day here. Each section effectively brings you back to a certain era.

2 Catch the sunset at the High Line

The High Line at Chelsea was an old rail line transformed into a linear park. That’s just how smart New York is, they know how to make the most out of the old. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean we cannot make anything out of it anymore. Aside from catching the sunset and the glorious view, Chelsea Market is just below the High line – grab artichoke pizza!

3 Hear mass St. Patrick’s Cathedral

More than just taking photos and appreciating the beauty of this Cathedral, make the most out of the experience by attending mass. I was able to talk to the kind and gentle priest after one mass and he blessed rosaries for me that I brought home as gifts for my mother and grandmothers.

4 Stroll around Dumbo, Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the new Manhattan, they say, and I agree! My favorite spot would be Dumbo and you can head on there from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The Manhattan Bridge is more picturesque from Dumbo though if you ask me.

5 Get Serendipity’s Frozen Hot Choco

The first time we attempted to go to Serendipity, we were 15th on the line. That was a weekend so we planned to come back instead on a weekday and their famous Frozen Hot Chocolate was worth it.

6 Watch Broadway in Time Square

I cannot emphasize how memorable (and emotional, mostly) it was for me to watch my all time favorite story – Les Miserables – on broadway. I have dreamt of that moment since I finished the book in highschool and I started crying the moment they said “The show will start in 5 minutes.” I also watched Mama Mia and The Lion King and if only money grew on tree I would watch more. Time Square is okay – bright, busy, smelly and maybe a bit sketchy, but do not go there without a ticket to any show.

7 Fall in love with NY from the Top of the Rock

The Empire State Building would be a good place to see New York although they have bars that kind of ruin the view, while One World Trade (though it may give a different experience because of it being the tallest) is too far from Manhattan so you won’t get to appreciate the beauty of a big patch of green land which is Central Park surrounded by the concrete jungle. So personally, the Top of the Rock is the best place to fall in love with the Big Apple.

8 Walk 5th Ave until you reach Washington Park

The character of New York’s architecture is what truly sets the tone; the brownstone row houses, gothic and art deco buildings, and so much more. On my first day, I didn’t plan anything special but to simply go around the streets where my school apartment was. Together with my roommate, we decided to walk along 5th avenue which was a beautiful street that leads you to Washington Park.

9 Let New York Public Library enchant you

Probably one of the best places for me in New York that is free! I can work here all day.

10 Dine at Tribecca & enjoy the view

Tribeca is known for having good restaurants so drop by here if you are tired of pizza and burgers. It’s a perfect area to get a good and decent meal with some friends. I suggest you get early dinner and enjoy the sunset colors the sky will produce.

11 Visit the Grand Central Station

A very tourist thing to do, but it is definitely a gorgeous place for a station. Grand, indeed.

12 Eat Shake Shack at Madison Park

Madison Park was just a block away from my school and though I would eat shake shack anywhere because of how good it is, this was still the best place to enjoy the famous burger. It is also more beautiful at night with the lights.

13 Sign up for a class

Taking an art summer program was my main reason for going to New York but you don’t need to get into a whole program. I took a fine arts & graphic design program in School of Visual Arts. New York has tons of classes and workshops in different creative fields from the top schools and it would be a great experience to see how this passionate city celebrate and appreciate its arts, culture and identity.

14 Say Hi to Picasso & Van Gogh

The Museum of Modern Art holds such great pieces. I think I stared at Van Gogh’s piece for half an hour.

15 Spend an afternoon at Governor’s Island

For my last day in New York, I chose the less known island: Governor’s. Only because it was highly encouraged by a friend. It’s National Historic Landmark District and was previously a U.S. Army Base.  It was a good last day because this place will allow you to relax and just look back at your whole New York trip. You can ride a bike, have a picnic, or sleep in the many hammocks they have.