There is no place on Earth quite like New York: The Big Apple; Gotham; The City That Never Sleeps… The Capital of the World.

If you haven't been, you just have to go. Some places on earth are recommended to visit, but New York is a must see. The only downside is that there is way too much to see all in one trip. But follow these tips and you will be sure to enjoy your visit this fall no matter how many days you have.

Lady Liberty and the Empire State Building

First things first: The two most iconic emblems are what most tourists feel the need to see. Both the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are great, but you should just pick one. If you're going to be in town for a whole week, perhaps you can squeeze both in. Each is a tourist trap in its own way, though, and your best bet is to skip the green lady in favor of climbing to the top of the Empire State Building on a weekday when it isn't so crowded. It may take up a few precious hours and the lines are boring, but the view is spectacular. Up close, the Statue of Liberty, on the other hand, isn't all that different from seeing it on a postcard. And if it's a particularly cold day, the boat ride can get frigid.

Broadway Play

There is no point in even visiting New York City if you don't catch a play on Broadway. The only reason not to would be the cost; but if you purchase tickets ahead of time through a service like Telecharge, you will keep costs low and—unlike standing around in Times Square waiting in the rain—you will be sure to get the tickets you want.

For kids, "The Lion King" and "Aladdin" are the clear favorites; but there are plenty of other good options, especially "Wicked" and "Matilda" (check listings for current offerings) or even the "Blue Man Group" or "Stomp." And don't forget about non-Broadway extravaganzas like "Cirque du Soleil" or the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular."

Central Park and Museums

Nowhere in the country—and perhaps the world—has the museum offerings like New York City. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a can't miss, and even those who aren't into fine art can appreciate the majestic building that is conveniently located on the east side of Central Park. So even if you only stop in briefly to see an Egyptian sarcophagus or some Roman armor, it is quick to hit before you enjoy a stroll through the nation's most famous park, which is, of course, a mandatory stop.

Visitors young and old will also enjoy the Natural History Museum. The dinosaurs are a sight to behold, giant meteorites reside in the space wing and the full-sized blue whale model makes the animal section come alive—not like in the movie "Night at the Museum," but almost.

Food and Drink

Now the good part: eating in NYC. Fortunately, there are too many great places to go, so you can't go wrong. Unfortunately, there are too many great places to go, so you can't eat everything.

Carnegie Deli is a must—as is the pizza. Try Lombardi's, John's of Bleecker Street or Joe's on West 4th. Peter Lugers in Brooklyn is the place for steak; and Shake Shack is a modern local institution that should theoretically be fast food, but can come a bit slow given its popularity and long lines (it's worth it).

Don't forget dessert. Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street has world-famous cupcakes. Find an Italian ice from a street vendor if it's still warm enough out, and New York Milkshake Company has, you guessed it, amazing milkshakes.

Jared Wade is a NBA columnist at FanSided; editor at 8 Points, 9 Seconds; contributor at The City Paper Bogota; and a freelance writer elsewhere. Follow him on Twitter @Jared_Wade.