I recently took my first trip to New York, New York. I couldn't help but be starstruck by the life and culture of the Big Apple. Here is a list of must-see's for the wanna be New Yorker:

1. Times Square

If you're like most of us tourists out there, then you are probably staying somewhere in and/or near Times Square. It may be a little cliche, but you can't go to NYC and not explore this bustling tourist location.

2. Today Show

Go to Rockefeller Plaza and proudly hold a sign on national television representing your hometown.

3. Empire State Building

If you're a super devoted tourist, I challenge you to wait in long lines and snap a "candid" pic on the 86th floor of this towering structure.

4. The Plaza Hotel

5. The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

6. Brooklyn

Brooklyn is home to some of the most instagrammable art work in the city of New York so don't cancel it out on your list of tourist adventures.

7. 5th Avenue

Tiffany's and Cartier, need I say more? Imagine waking up each day with enough money to indulge yourself along this luxurious stretch of retail therapy.

8. Chinatown

Disclaimer: the signs that read "$10 Pandora Bracelet" or "$20 Coach Purses" = fake news, don't do it. Also, never accept a vendor's first offer!!

9. Little Italy

What is NYC without some authentic Italian cuisine?

10. Yankee Stadium

Embrace your inner New Yorker and watch the Yankees play some baseball! Also, be sure to embrace the tourist experience and buy an overpriced Yankees hat at an "I Heart NYC" store in Times Square.

11. Broadway

12. St. Paul's Cathedral

13. Grand Central Station

As you walk into this bustling epicenter of the NYC commuter you'll inevitably notice the innate architecture and astronomy ridden ceiling. However, I encourage you to take a moment and remember this: THEY WANTED TO TEAR THIS PLACE DOWN IN THE 1970s (s/o to Jackie O for saving this beauty for our enjoyment).

14. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

15. The M&M Store

The M&M store is proudly located in Times Square, and it is no accident that this place of business was built within close proximity to top-tourist hotels in the city. A bag from the M&M store equals one notion: YOU. ARE. A. TOURIST. But, so what? Embrace your wanna be, but never will be, New Yorker and buy a Statue of Liberty M&M dispenser.