Grew up in Queens. Worked in the city for many years. At 55 I was able to escape the Rat Race and ended up in Idaho for a few years. Now I am back east within a 2 hour drive.
As others have noted find a reasonable lot north of 57th St and park for the duration of your stay. Just know that if you do enter south of 60th St you will get a toll charge by way of you license plate for $9.
Be prepared for bridge and Tunnel tolls as you cross by way of any river crossing into the city.
Definitely park in a cheaper location for the duration of your stay. Driving in Manhattan is treacherous at times. I have to sometimes drive in for one reason or another and I have survived. I have no choice at times.
Yes NYC is very alive, electric, vibrant, cultural. I take it for granted at this point. Sad to say that I have not yet visited the 9/11 memorial. However I was in Midtown on 9/11. Did visit and had to attend some training soon after 9/11 in Oct of 2001. So perhaps I just don't need to be reminded about that event.
One other attraction I actually want to visit is
https://summitov.com/tickets/
Not sure if this is part of City Pass? Has anyone done this Summit One ?