First visit to New York: non-touristy places for newbies

America’s obsession with pizza started in 1905, when Gennaro Lombardi opened his eponymous restaurant on Spring Street. More than a century later, there are myriad places to get a pie in the city (such as TONY critics’ picks Roberta’s, Paulie Gee’s and Lucali), but we’d recommend eating your inaugural slices at this storied joint. A classic round (small $12, large $14; no slices) arrives piping hot, with a perfectly charred crust, chunks of crushed tomatoes, gooey mozzarella and a speckle of basil leaves. A line is inevitable—though it’s shorter since the resto moved into its current, larger space—so use the time to soak in the sweeping views of lower Manhattan. Cash only.

Get an up-close-and-personal look at one of NYC’s best-known attractions: the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, the structure holds the distinction of being the world’s first major steel-wire suspension bridge. But beyond its architecture, the icon still serves an important utilitarian purpose: Every day, more than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 3,100 bicyclists cross the 6,000-meter-long span connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It also provides an incomparable view of the entire East River waterfront—and a way to work off your lunch. Keep an eye out for any padlocks you see attached to the fencing; newly engaged couples leave them behind after tossing the key into the East River.