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One of the original 13 colonies that became the United States, this northeastern state has grown to include a world capital—with the home of the United Nations in New York City. The cosmopolitan yet rural state appeals to people from all over the world.

Go wine tasting in some of the oldest vineyards in the nation in the Finger Lakes region, or travel by boat or foot through the popular Hudson River Valley. Pick apples or leaf peep in the fall, and enjoy the state’s beautiful scenery any time of year. Enjoy a gourmet meal, view world famous art, or simply feel the heartbeat of the city that never sleeps. There’s so much to do in New York that all visitors are bound to find something to love.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that New York City is impressive. Often referred to as the “Big Apple,” the “City That Never Sleeps” or the “Capital of the World,” New York is one of the most vibrant urban centers on the planet, and also one of the largest.

When people talk about New York, they typically mean Manhattan, which is but one of five boroughs that make up the city proper, the others being Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The full metropolitan area, which includes nearby Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, has a population upwards of 18 million.

New York draws tourists from around the globe, not only for its rich cultural and historical attractions, but also because it is a major center for media, theater, food, fashion, art, research, finance, trade and nightlife. It also has one of the most famous skylines on earth, dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.

First-time visitors can’t go wrong by hitting the traditional tourist spots: the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Greenwich Village and SoHo, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, even Times Square. But those looking for more local, authentic experiences, plan a trip to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens; Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a taste of old-world immigrant history meets modern-day hipsters and nascent art scene; or Jackson Heights in Queens, for the best Indian and Thai food outside of Asia.

Learn how to get the most out of your New York City campus visit with a suggested itinerary to cover the major schools in the city, along with recommended attractions and restaurants.

New Yorkers are some of the most discerning diners in the world. Same goes for New York City kids. Check out these family-friendly restaurants on your next trip to the Big Apple.

Despite its ongoing changes, no other place in the world can match the creative energy, vibrancy and diversity of New York City.