Almost panic stations!!!!
 

My brother and I are headed to NYC in 2 weeks, I got so caught up in my shopping list I didn't ask what are the must sees?

I have been to NY twice before for work so never really got to see it as a tourist.

My brother is so laid back getting any info on what he would like to see is near impossible!

We have 4 days, what do we need to see for sure and what can we miss, I don't really want to look like a tourist!!!!!!!!

Thank you in advance

Charlene

Rockerfeller Christmas stuff is a good stop. The windows on 5th Ave are excellent. Times Square, determine WHAT you wish to do, it's endless in NYC. AND have plans in place before you leave, you waste a lot of time, once there deciding what to do.

We travel frequently with a well-organized friend who gives us three activity/sightseeing options for every morning and three options for every afternoon. We vote on one; no other options allowed. Saves tons of time. If you want to do something different, you have to do your own research. Mostly, I am too lazy.

Why don't you want to look like a tourist? That's what you are!!

Consider taking some kind of tour. This one gets great reviews.
kingofnyc.com
Top of the Rock (at Rockefeller Center) is a newish observatory. Go during the day. Consider going ice skating in Central Park at Wollman rink.
Go to at least 1 Broadway show. Playbill.com has listings. There are discounts available to some shows, but maybe not that close to Xmas. Broadwaybox.com lists them and if you register at Playbill for free, they list some.
What else do you like? An art museum? Some are open late on Fri/Sat nights. The Met is huge and wonderful. metmuseum.org The Frick is small and wonderful. http://frickmuseum.org/

Well - you probably will look like a tourist to the locals - those are the ones looking up at the buildings, dawdling along instead of walking quickly, and standing around in groups clogging up the sidewalk.

But -NYC is full of tourists this time of year - so don;t worry about it. As long as you don;t actually trip someone nobody cares.

As to what see/do look at desinations above and about 50 answers below.