So you’ve finally made it to the Big Apple, but where do you go? What do you do? And what on earth are you going to put on your Instagram? Not to fear, my friends, for New York City has some of the finest views that any seemingly-daunting city has to offer.

For your essential skyline photo to finally prove to everyone that you really are in New York, a view from the top of the Empire State Building is enough to wow even the most hardened, cynical New Yorker. It’s a view that you’ve probably seen on postcards and T-shirts, but it’s a breathtaking sight to realize that this entire city is at your fingertips. So Instagram worthy.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of a walk, a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge offers competing views of Manhattan and Brooklyn as the East River runs beneath you. The Manhattan Bridge, which runs parallel to the Brooklyn Bridge against a backdrop of the New York City skyline, is definitely a scene you don’t want to miss, especially if you can catch it as the sun rises over your newfound home.

While these spots are certainly nice, they can often be overrun by tourists upon tourists upon tourists. For a less traditional view that doubles as an adventure, the Staten Island Ferry will give you a sweeping view of the Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, all for free! This half-hour long boat ride is sure to give you goosebumps as the fresh air tickles your nose and you sweep past Ellis Island. It’s even more fun if you bring a friend or two and catch a baseball game while you’re over on Staten Island – a Yankees minor league affiliate plays just a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal.

When all is said and done, there’s nothing like a view from your very backyard, so take a quick stroll over to the Hudson River. If you look straight across the river, you get a view of the New Jersey skyline; to the left or the right, it’s New York City as far as the eye can see. Certainly all of these views are made spectacular with a sun perched atop them, but the Hudson River at sunset is hard to beat. It won’t wow you with a sweeping landscape and it’s not your typical tourist attraction, but that’s okay. It’s a comforting reminder that you have a lot to explore in your four years here, and it’s not hard to find the place that’s right for you — you just have to get out and enjoy the view.

A print version of this article appeared in the Food and Fun Guide. Email Alex Bazeley at [email protected].