I live in central NY State, and have been to NY City many times. Probably one of the most meaningful places I visited was Ellis Island, because my father, his two brothers, and my grandparents came through there from Holland in 1913. I think my last trip to New York City was in 2007, and I'm sure a lot has changed. When I went to Paris in 2006, I discovered that both cities stunk to high heavens. Both cities have high traffic, and the overwhelming smell of gas fumes. Add the smell of urine for NY City, but at least Paris had older buildings.
I've always wanted to, but never got to Fraunces Tavern. It's where Washington gave his farewell address to his officers. It still serves meals, and there's a museum upstairs.
According to my family tree, I had ancestors who settled in New Amsterdam in the 1600's. I wish I'd known that when I previously visited the area.
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are “musts,” IMHO.