New York, New York: Here Comes APA!

Take it from a New York native: from the world-famous to the ultra-secretive and even mythical, New York City has attractions that are sure to draw the undivided attention of any visitor. Here’s a partial list of things to do in the city, from the greatest hits at the top to local favorites at the bottom. Enjoy!

iStock/FilippoBacci

• The Statue of Liberty: Take the boat from South Street Seaport to reacquaint yourself with the statue that celebrates American immigration, openness, and diversity.

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum: A beautiful and touching tribute to the many innocent lives lost on 9/11, this stunning memorial anchors an increasingly vibrant and dynamic Lower Manhattan neighborhood.

• Times Square: You’ve seen how crowded it gets on New Year’s Eve in television coverage of this annual rite. Now see how crowded it gets up close and why New Yorkers avoid it at all costs!

• Central Park: This is a park so big and lovely and, in parts, densely forested that you could get lost in it for hours. Animal fans should be sure to check out the Central Park Zoo.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ensconced in a masterful Beaux Arts building on the Upper East Side is a stunning collection of art spanning centuries, with particular strengths in Impressionism and the Dutch masters. Admission is pay-what-you-wish!

• Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): Fans of modern and contemporary art need look no further than this massive museum, which has arguably the best collection in the world. Plus, it’s free on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• The Highline: Starting in the ultra-hip Meatpacking district and snaking its way all the way up to 34th Street on the Far West Side, this elevated jewel of a park has become an example of urban renewal that the rest of the world tries to copy.

• The Tenement Museum: This Lower East Side treasure is a must-see for American history buffs as well as those who want to know more about the groups of immigrants who helped build this country and the harsh conditions in which they lived. It offers several well-preserved artifacts from 19th-century New York.

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Free on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, this wonderful garden adjacent to the Olmsted-designed Prospect Park offers a peaceful respite from city life in the middle of a wonderful part of Brooklyn. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed the grounds of Central Park and a number of asylums.

• NYC Ferry: For just $2.75, you can take a ferry from the East 34th Street pier in Manhattan across the river to Brooklyn or all the way to the Far Rockaways in Queens, all while appreciating one of the world’s best skylines for no added charge.

• The Campbell Apartment: Tucked above the main hall of Grand Central, this recently-renovated bar, prominently featured in the pilot of the hit series “Gossip Girl,” has all of the dark wood tones and plush furnishings that you need to enjoy a martini in peace.

• Upright Citizens Brigade: With Chelsea and East Village locations, the stand-up, script, and improv comedians at these locations will make you laugh … and perhaps offend you!

• Chelsea Market: Explore a seemingly endless number of shops and restaurants on the ground floor of this converted factory in the heart of Chelsea. For a cool bar, check out the Tippler in the basement!

• Little Branch: This underground, dimly lit, unmarked, cash-only, speakeasy-style bar with both inventive and classic cocktails will make you think you turned the clock back 50 years as you descend the stairs into its dimly lit room. ■

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum: Explore the many ships turned into museums at this naval history museum, near the Javits Center. This site is always a tourist favorite.