@kross8 . . .
You have gotten a lot of GREAT advice and suggestions about NYC already . . . So I am going to limit my suggestions to just a few other ideas . . .
IMHO - As a Resident of NYC and frequent visitor before and after I lived there (1968 - 2016) . . .
Depending on what Ya' really want to do and see . . . A day trip to any of the "outerboro's" - Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island/Bronx would be interesting - I'm sure and will get Ya' a better feel of what NYC has to offer everyone, however I would strongly suggest getting a Professional & Reliable Guide to take you through them . . . Or plan well in advance where and how to get there before you go (
Getting Around | The Official Guide to New York City) . . . Not Fun if Ya' get lost, which even some native New Yorker's can still do . . . .
BUT - To actually see NYC (aka Manhattan) on your own might be better, and although it might be a little confusing at times, it would be well worth it once you get use to or accustomed to the area around you . . . One of the most important thing to remember is Manhattan is approximately 13 miles long by 2 1/2 wide (so definitely walk-able) and 5th Avenue divide s Manhattan from East & West and 14th Street - North from South . . . And more importantly, most New Yorker's are not mean and/or nasty and will help Ya' out if you do get lost (just be sure to trust your gut with who you are asking- - safe person alert) . . . They are even the ones to turn to for suggestions about where to eat too (OH BOY - Are They. . .

) be it in the local neighborhood or somewhere special close by . . . All Ya' NEED to do is ask - They'll tell Ya' where to go . . .
NOW - Transportation - While it might take longer to get from place to place a Bus is best (not a sight seeing bus - but a real bus) . . . "You" will see more places and "You" will get to meet the people of NYC in more ways then one . . . Subway's for those who are visiting NYC for the first time - I suggest only if NEEDED and not during rush hours - just make sure to keep your eyes open and be aware who is around you . . . Both the Bus & Subway are more affordable, unless you walk the streets . . . As for Taxi's - well first find out and/or know where you are going (the direct route) or get ready to pay more then Ya' really want to and without a doubt DO NOT take a cab during rush hour . . . Don't know about Uber/Lyft.
However - If Ya' really want To SEE NYC - Bring a Great Pair of Walking Shoes - And Walk the Neighborhoods (
List of Manhattan neighborhoods - Wikipedia) . . . Given this - while NYC is a blend of many different cultures and people - Each neighborhood is known for something special, especially when it comes to offering a "national" food . . . Oh YEA - Restaurants/Deli's/Coffee Shops/etc are Grade from A to D . . . AND - If you see a lot of people eating there, go on in - Ya' might be surprised . . . Just Sayin' . . .
Again - IMHO - Some of the places you might like to see, because of what they offer would be . . . The Villages - both East & West (aka Greenwich Village ) . . . Bleeker Street - NYU - Washington Square Park. . . Chelsea (west side of town 14-23 Street) . . . Murray Hill (east side of town 14 -23 Street) . . . on 14th Street the Union Square "Farmer's" Greenmarket . . . Little Italy into China Town (they are right next door to each other) . . . Houston Street/Canal Street (Shopping

) . . . Mid-Town 34th - 42nd street, Macy's and including the NYC Public Library (especially the public park in the back - picnic

even on the front steps with all the people having a lunch break - great people watching) . . . Central Park - Bryant Park . . . Upper East side (take the Tram over to Roosevelt Island only $4 Roundtrip - also Bloomingdale's can be Fun) . . . Harlem 125th Street & the Apollo Theater and Spanish Harlem . . . OH and don't forget - Tribecca, Wall Street, Freedom Tower/World Trade Center, South Street Sea Port, and a MUST - The Staten Island Ferry (especially once at night - absolutely beautiful "On A Clear Day" - just ask Barbara . . .

) and The High Line (
High Line - Wikipedia) .
As for Hotel/Motel:
New York City Hotels & Hotel Deals: The Definitive Guide (Maybe ? ? ? ) . . . Now - Depending on how long you plan to stay and if You can find one that is not too expensive might I suggest finding a Bed & Breakfast while you are there . . . Just A Thought . . .
EDIT: BTW - Ya' Might want to check out this website in more detail for a lot more information too:
Hope this information is helpful . . .
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