New York Sight Seeing

Visit New York - and see the world! Nowhere else offers such diversity in such a compact and exciting way; and no other city has the energy and arrogance to make it work so well.

New York City is made up of the five boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan. Within these boundaries live 7.2 million people, including significant populations of Spanish, Irish, Italian, Chinese, Russians and Jewish. It's an eclectic mix of the world's cultures and nationalities, and means that anything you could possibly want, in NY, "You got it!". You can eat anything at anytime, and while you sleep the city keeps on going, churning out the American dream.

Explore the city on foot and you will find that the highlights are all around you, compelling, addictive and in your face. Alternatively catch one of the famous yellow cabs down Broadway or jump aboard the subway trains that rattle their way through the city's many neighbourhoods - it's a unique place no matter what perspective you take on it.

The city has outstanding museums, cultural icons like the Statue of Liberty, and even a vast dose of parkland right in the middle of Manhattan. You've got the centre of American commerce, sitting alongside Greenwich Village's community of gentrified bohemia, and you can see Broadway and baseball all in one day. Like a truly great city, The Big Apple takes its contradictions and diversity and blends them into an exciting, spicy cocktail that will fire your imagination and bring you back for more.

And, if you're wondering about the origins of the city's famous sobriquet it actually comes from jazz musicians' slang for small towns: "little apples" or even "the sticks"; but New York was always the "Big Apple." The name has stuck and no other title encapsulates this amazing place quite so well.

NY awaits - come take a bite!

SIGHTSEEING

The most populous city in the USA, New York offers a huge variety of sights and attractions. The frenetic pace of life may not be to everyone's taste but with countless restaurants, shops and museums the city rates as one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Check out our selection of New York's attractions drawn from literally hundreds in the "city that never sleeps".

If you're planning on seeing a lot of New York's cultural attractions during your stay it might be worth considering purchasing a "City Pass" ticket. For USD63 you gain entrance to six of the city's top attractions, including: the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, Circle Line sightseeing harbour cruise, Empire State Building and Sky Ride, Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The ticket is valid for nine days from the date it is first used, which gives you plenty of time to see all it can offer. Purchase it at any of the institutions.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Built in 1931 this Art Deco landmark reaches 1,454 feet into the sky and affords fantastic views right across Manhattan from the observatory on the 86th floor. Weather allowing there is even an open-air platform - not for the vertiginous. A further attraction in the building is the New York Skyride, a helicopter flight simulator that makes you feel as if you're flying over the city.

5th Ave between 33rd and 34th St. Open: daily 08h00-00h00 (last lift up at 23h15); Thu-Sat 08h00-02h00 (22 Jun-10 Sep). Admission to the Observatory: USD19, adults; USD17, children. The nearest trains stop at 34th St and 6th Ave.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

A landmark not just of New York but of the entire USA, the massive statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World" can be viewed for free from Battery Park or up close on a trip to Liberty Island. The pedestal contains a museum containing various artefacts and information on the history of the statue.

The statue was re-opened to visitors in August 2004 after having been closed for almost three years in the wake of the September 11 attack. At the time of writing it is only possible to climb up as far as the observation deck at the base of the statue's feet, though when fully open it is possible to climb to the crown, equivalent to 22 storeys up.

Originally a gift from France in 1886, the statue symbolised the freedom and opportunity offered by the USA to new arrivals, who used to arrive in the shadow of the statue at nearby Ellis Island. It is still an awe-inspiring experience to stand at its foot and imagine what the prospective Americans used to feel when the statue hove into view after weeks at sea crossing the Atlantic.

As a quick and cheap alternative to doing a full tour of the statue, the Staten Island ferry sails past Liberty Island affording excellent close-up views without the need to queue for hours.

Circle Line Ferries for Liberty Island leave regularly from the pier in Battery Park or Liberty Park in New Jersey. Return tickets: adults USD11.50; children USD4.50. Boats also stop at Ellis Island if you want to combine the two attractions. Tel: +1 (1)212-269-5755 for ferry information.

CENTRAL PARK

For a bit of peace and quiet head to Central Park, which spans two and a half miles in the heart of Manhattan.

The first urban landscaped park in America, Central Park was established in the 1850s and even then cost the city over USD10 million. Entertainment on offer in the park's expanse ranges from numerous restaurants and playgrounds to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Zoo. One of the best ways to explore the park is by renting a bicycle or, a more romantic option, hiring a horse and carriage from one of the operators along Central Park South between 5th and 6th Ave.

The park had a reputation for being dangerous during the 1980s but a vigorous clean-up campaign means it is once again a safe and peaceful haven in the centre of the city.

BROADWAY

New York's theatre scene is one of the most lively and diverse in the world, and Broadway is where it all happens. Most of the big theatres lie east and west of Broadway between 41st and 53rd Streets although the surrounding area has an artistic buzz with many smaller venues being squirreled away on sidestreets.

On the main drag you'll find big name musicals and high quality revivals of the classics. For the most popular shows prices can be astronomical but bargains can often be found for shows that have been around a while. There is also always a host of experimental, eclectic productions often termed "off-Broadway" or even "off-off-Broadway

GREENWICH VILLAGE

Famed for its artistic and bohemian past, Greenwich Village is now a decidedly upscale neighbourhood - but with its coffee shops, tree-lined streets and boutiques it's still an atmospheric place.

Situated between 14th and Houston Streets, "the Village" was once home to writers such as Henry James, Dylan Thomas and Thomas Paine. It is still populated by an arty set, although they tend to be much more affluent than their predecessors. One thing visitors will notice is the slower pace of life in the Village when compared to elsewhere in the city. The exclusive but often quirky shops make it an extremely pleasant place to browse away an afternoon.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

A shrine to the best in Modern Art, MOMA houses important works by artists such as Picasso, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock. Over 100,000 works are contained in the collection, which encompasses all art-forms including photography, sculpture, film and video as well as paintings. The museum's galleries are currently being expanded to allow even more works to be displayed to the public.

11th West 53rd St, Manhattan. Open: Wed-Mon 10h30-17h30 (until 20h00 Fri). Admission: USD20, adults; free for children. Tel: +1 (1)212-708-9400.

THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

Significant as much for its groundbreaking architecture as it is for its art collection, the Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1959. Visitors take the elevator to the top and then walk down spiralling gallery-corridors past Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and Modern paintings as well as sculptures by the likes of Kandinsky, Picasso and Gauguin.

1071 5th Ave (at 89th St). Open: Sat-Wed 10h00-17h45; Fri 10h00-19h45. Admission: USD18, adults; free for children. Tel: +1 (1)212-423-3500.

WALL STREET

Wall Street, in lower Manhattan, is famed the world over as one of the most important financial centres on the planet. Billions of dollars of trade pass through the New York Stock Exchange here each and every day.

Wall Street was actually where the original settlers founded a fortified stockade, which perhaps explains why it became then, as in a rather more sophisticated way now, the depository for the city's monetary wealth. Perhaps the greatest deal ever-struck here dates back to those times, when in 1621 the local tribes sold Manhattan to the settlers for USD24.

Now the world's largest securities marketplace, the Wall Street Stock Exchange (Broad St between Wall St and Exchange Place) is open to the public, featuring a small exhibition called the "Wall Street Story" and a spectators' gallery that overlooks the crowded trading floors. It's a fascinating sight as traders frantically shout out deals, and exchange documentation in frenzied deals worth thousands of dollars a time. The walk down Wall Street is worthwhile in itself, with skyscrapers towering above you on either side.

TIMES SQUARE

"The Crossroads of the World" lies at the heart of Manhattan and is a magnet for both business and tourism. The original square is located just off Broadway at 43rd Street, but "Times Square" generally refers to several blocks on either side of here.

The square itself is most famed for its huge neon advertising boards that cast lurid reflections on the windows of the surrounding buildings. In truth there isn't a great deal else to do here other than tick it off on your sightseeing list, the square isn't home to a great deal of interest. Recent years have seen an attempt by the authorities to improve the area's image and, although a certain scruffiness still remains, the regenerated Times Square is a lot better than it used to be, and serves as a convenient starting point for an exploration of Broadway and the theatre district.

Of course, that said, once a year the square is truly at the heart of things as it is the centre for the entire nation's New Year celebrations. 42nd St, at 7th Ave and Broadway.

ELLIS ISLAND

Ellis Island in New York harbour makes a great day trip. The gateway for more than 12 million people who migrated to the USA between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island is now managed by the National Park Service and hosts a museum, wall of honour and interactive learning centre. It gives a fascinating and poignant insight into the plight of the immigrants who fled poverty in their homelands in order to pursue the American Dream.

Ellis island open: daily 09h00-17h00. Admission: free. Tel: +1 (1)212-363-3206. Circle Line Ferries for Ellis and Liberty Islands leave regularly from the pier in Battery Park or Liberty Park in New Jersey. Tickets: USD10 return. Tel: +1 (1)212-269-5755 for ferry information.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

When completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was hailed the 8th Wonder of the World. Although that might be a slight exagerration, it was certainly an engineering wonder of its time. Today it is the oldest passenger bridge in the city, and still carries more than 100,000 vehicles a day.

With its distinctive brick pillars that support the thick suspension cables, over the years the bridge has become almost as recognisable a symbol of the city as the Statue of Liberty, and has appeared in countless movies.

More practically the bridge offers the tourist great views of the city from its mile-long wooden promenade stretching over the East River. To get to the bridge take subway 4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge or City Hall stops.

YANKEE STADIUM

Consecrated in 1923 with a Babe Ruth homerun, Yankee Stadium is home to America's most accomplished baseball team, the New York Yankees. Situated in the Bronx, this New York icon is the best place to experience the American cultural experience of a baseball game.

Baseball is the quintessential American sport and its stars are lauded as superhuman athletes by the nation. Watching the game, though, could almost be secondary to the mass consumption of junk food that being a spectator at an American sporting event entails. Baseball season runs April to September and ticket prices range from USD8-65.

161st St and River Ave. Tel: +1 (1)212-307-1212.

CHINA TOWN

Labyrinthine and fascinating, and home to over 100,000 residents who make up New York's most thriving ethnic neighbourhood, Chinatown is a fascinating collection of shops, dim sum joints and clothing factories.

It is a real city within a city, to such an extent that seven Chinese newspapers are published here every day. Venture in and you're transported round the globe to Asia more effectively than in any Disney Theme Park. Situated in Lower Manhattan, major streets where to best experience this vibrant culture include Pell, Canal and Mott.

SHOPPING

Shopping in New York can often be a case of not being able to see the wood for the trees. In the centre stores are breathtakingly huge and intimidate the timid shopper. People also get sick of the crowds and think they are better served by heading off the main drags. Being honest it is a mistake to do so unless you know the city's secrets - stores on Fifth Ave are generally bigger and more crowded because they're the best. Take a deep breath and a firm grip on your Goldcard and battle the crowds - it's worth it.

Anything and everything is available in New York, this is the biggest city in the land of plenty and the source of all manner of goods. New York is the highstreet fashion capital of the world and certainly European visitors will find that everything here is slightly cheaper than back home.

International clothing labels such as Nike and Hilfiger are widely available at low prices. The biggest savings are often made on trainers and sports footwear, look out for names such as Converse, Nike (again), Vans, Airwalk and any other of the major sports brands - prices are up to fifty per cent lower than those across "The Pond".

Americans also love their consumer goods and everything has that distinctive American over-sized look and feel. Check out the discount stores on 7th Avenue around Times Square for cheap electrical goods, toasters, kettles, waffle irons and the like. They make excellent souvenirs. Meanwhile for off-the-wall household goods and furniture try the East Village, where the trendies do their shopping.

Souvenirs of the Big Apple are widespread, although a lot of people plump for a Yankees hat (the red one rather than the traditional blue has become more popular with kids recently), or Knicks vest. A miniature Statue of Liberty is perhaps the cheesiest of souvenirs but nevertheless proves enduringly popular with the tourist masses. The traditional "I Love NY" T-shirt is considered fashionably post-modern nowadays by some and worn with a laconic sense of irony, but beware the low quality cheap versions - hawked all over the city.

Best Areas

The best stretch of 5th Avenue is between 59th Street and 42nd Street where there is a dazzling selection of some of the world's most famous stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffanys and FAO Schwarz. Naturally you'll also find the big national chains represented as well as some of the best known department stores on earth.

If you do try elsewhere other than Fifth Ave, hip and trendy Soho is home to a variety of galleries and boutiques while nearby Greenwich Village offers a range of shoe stores, Indian import shops and bookstores. Head to the Upper East Side between 57th and 96th streets for exclusive designer clothes and antiques.

Markets

Green Markets are a beloved NYC institution that offer everything from fresh goat's cheese to organic bread, all courtesy of upstate farmers who bring their produce to the city to sell in the open-air markets. Sites include Union Square (open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 08h00-18h00) and Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn on Saturdays.

The Annex on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue is a popular weekend antiques market that stocks furniture, toys, jewellery and other collectables. Entrance costs USD1 and more information can be obtained from the organisers at Tel: +1 (1)212-243-5343.

Malls and Department Stores

Some of New York's flagship department stores are practically malls in their own right. Over several floors these merchandising megaliths sell absolutely everything you could need.

On 6th Avenue and 33rd Street, the Manhattan Mall is New York's main shopping mall. This temple of commerce occupies nine floors and houses over 80 shops including Ann Taylor and The Limited.

The largest department store in the world, Macy's covers an entire block and occupies an incredible ten floors packed to the rafters with just about everything you could possibly want. Herald Square at 34th St and Broadway.

A firm favourite with New Yorkers, Bloomingdale's stocks everything from designer clothes to gourmet foods. 1000 3rd Ave at 59th St.

Saks Fifth Avenue specialises in luxury fashion for both men and women and is renowned for the quality of its service. The store has a slightly more upmarket feel than some of its competitors. 611 5th Ave at 49th St.

Outlet Centres

Woodbury Premium Outlets just one hour's drive north of New York is officially the world's largest collection of designer outlets. In over 220 stores you can find all the big names in global fashion, including Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada and Christian Dior. 498 Red Apple Ct. Tel: +1 (1)845-928-4000.