Elli, New York, USA

With so much diversity that a big city brings, there is no doubt that New York is THE most exhilarating state in America. Elli, 50, has been living there for the past 16 years and has found her adventure in this fast-paced urban metropolis. Find out what she loves most about the city that never sleeps.

Elli enjoying the fall foilage at Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, New York

What do you enjoy best in the country you're in? Any recommendations for travelers going to your new country?

"What i love best about New York is that it is so rich in culture. Its a haven for lovers of the visual arts, music, theater, film, dance, literature and other mind enriching events. From the diverse works of art at the MET to the eclectic MOMA, the spectacular musicals and plays on Broadway, beautiful music at Carnegie Hall, Operas, Ballets and Music at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, I could go on and on.

Come with a good pair of shoes and be prepared to walk a lot! take in New York with its electric energy and powerful vibe!"

Personal favorites in New York:

Restaurants

Burgers and Fries

Burger Joint at the Le Parker Meridien

Shake shack

Street Food

Halal Guys

Brunch

Norma’s

Sarabeth’s

Seafood

Le Bernardin

Japanese food

Yasuda

Italian Food

Eataly

Steak

Peter Luger

Pizza

Grimaldi’s

Pastrami Sandwiches

Pastrami Queen

Desserts

Two Little Red Hens for their Brooklyn Black Out cupcake

Levain Bakery for their ginormously yummy cookies

Bagels

Ess-a-Bagel

NYC Restaurant Week

In New York City, twice a year, some of the city's best restaurants offer delicious $29 three-course lunches and $42 three-course dinners.

Places to see

If you can only visit one museum in New York, this should be it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art hallowed halls contain one of the most dazzling and comprehensive classical art collections in the world. Known simply as "the Met," this museum’s collections include more than two million works of art that span over five thousand years of history.

Take advantage of pay-what-you-wish admission during designated times at major museums (call to inquire)—at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it's whenever they're open.

Another favorite of mine is the Frick museum. Tucked inside an 18th-century New York mansion that once belonged to steel tycoon Henry Clay Frick, this robust art collection features works that span from the Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. It’s a vivid illustration of the grandeur of The Gilded Age.

Central Park is beautiful any time of the year! Thought of as the city’s playground, Central Park covers 843 acres (341 hectares) and is located in the heart of Manhattan. Today, the 843-acre plot draws millions of visitors to its skyscraper-bordered vistas in all seasons: sunbathers and picnickers in summer, ice-skaters in winter, and bird-watchers in spring and fall.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Especially during cherry blossom festival and rose festival.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country. A nice walk across the bridge and you end up at Grimaldi’s for the best pizza, and ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice cream factory!

Top of the Rock for the amazing sunset views and cityscape views. Perched more than 800 feet (244 meters) above ground level and spanning three floors, the deck offers 360-degree views of the city.

Broadway Shows

Each year, about 13 million locals and tourists take in Broadway shows at one of NYC's 40 Broadway theaters. Most of those venues are located in the theater district—roughly, 41st Street to 52nd Street and Sixth Ave to Eighth Ave.

Lincoln center

One of the world's largest campuses for the performing and visual arts.

Strand Book Store

The single most beloved and iconic used book store in the entire city, and has been a destination for bibliophiles around the world for nearly a century.