Coming from a non-NYer who is there at least once a year but rarely goes to the City.....
FAO Shwartz (i feel like i spelled that wrong)
Tiffany's... to browse
Central Park (never been in 27 years that I've been going)
Statue of Liberty tour (never been)
Get a hot dog at one of the many corner stands
Buy an I heart NY shirt
Take a pic in front of Playboy
Isn't the Sex Museum in the City or nearish?
Soho.... buy some bags if you're into name brands but can't afford (illegal but fun)
Walk on the Brooklyn Promenade
Ground Zero.... yes it's sacred and has become quite the tourist stop, but I had the most amazing and sad feeling being there. You can feel the heaviness in the air and it's SO quiet even though there is busy citylife going on around.
If you make it into Brooklyn, stop in Carroll Gardens. Go to Vinny's on the corner of Smith and Union. He's got the greatest food in the area. Annnnnd he's my uncle! i have to plug.....
http://sugarcookiebrooklyn.com/2007/...-thy-neighbor/