New York City

New York City, New York, USA is perhaps the top travel destination in America the city is a center of commerce, the fashion world, the entertainment industry, tourism, media, art and is home to the United National Headquarters. In other words it is the cultural capital of the world.

The City of New York is comprised of the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan Island, Long Island and Brooklyn as well as an enormous natural harbor which the Hudson River feeds into. The multi-cultural city has a “town” or enclaves for many ethnic groups where you can eat their traditional foods, purchase traditional ethnic items and do some serious people watching. There is China Town, Jamaican communities, Indian, Korean, Italian, Greek, Mexican and many more.

The easiest way to get around New York is by the subway system. Tourists can also make use of the hop-on-hop-off bus which goes past all the major attractions. The New York Pass can save you money on 6 attractions, it costs $89 and can be purchased online. Go for a free ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island on the Staten Island Ferry and also don’t leave NYC without seeing at least one Broadway show.

Must Sees!

Statue of Liberty

The first thing immigrants would see when arriving by ship in the NYC harbor this symbol of freedom and democracy was a gift from the French in 1886, it stands in the harbor on Liberty Island. Tour tickets to the statue include a stop at Ellis Island, where, from 1892 to 1954 immigrants were brought on arrival and where they went through immigration control before continuing on to the mainland. The Federal Immigration Station has been renovated and now holds several exhibits in the original building.

Although the statue is undergoing renovations and it will not be possible to enter the statue until at least the end of 2012 it is still possible to visit the island and stand at the great lady’s feet. Buy your ticket from the only ferry company authorized to stop on Liberty Island – Statue Cruises. Purchase tickets online or at the ferry departure points at Battery Park, New York or Liberty State Park, New Jersey, the ticket includes ferry ride to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, a conducted tour and a self-guided audio tour. Adults pay $17, seniors $14, kids 4-12 years $9 and under 4 years go free. The first ferry leaves at 8:30am and they run until about 6:15pm when the last ferry leaves Liberty Island. During peak season there can be an extended wait.

Empire State Building

Since 1931 this iconic skyscraper has been a feature of the NYC skyline. King Kong climbed it and Sleepless in Seattle ended here, it has also featured in many other unforgettable films. You can ascend to the Observation decks on the 86^th floor (with indoor and outdoor space) and 102^nd floor (with an indoor gallery). The decks are open 8am to 2am year round with the last elevator going up at 1:15am. Tickets range from $17-$64.5 depending on your age and whether you visit one or both the observation decks.

Central Park

This 3.41m ² public park in the center of Manhattan has much to offer apart from simply strolling through it. You can take a guided walking tour around the park to learn about the history, ecology and design(for information call: 212-360-2726); you’re allowed to fish in the Harlem Meer (and even hire a rod and bait for free during summer) but the fish must be caught and then released; take a ride on the carousel; kids can use the many playgrounds; see the many statues and sculptures like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture; follow the lakes and ponds as you cross the many stone bridges; visit Belvedere Castle; visit the Central Park Zoo; rent a bicycle or boat; visit the Italian, French and Italian Conservatory Gardens and enjoy a meal in one of the many eateries.  You can also take one of the iconic horse drawn carriage rides around the park, prices start from $110 per carriage for a 45 minute ride.

Time Square

Time Square was named by Travel & Leisure Magazine as the “world’s most visited tourist attraction”  it is a major pedestrian intersection featured in countless films, the buildings on the square are plastered with bill boards and giant neon signs. The square is where the high shinny ball is dropped at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is also the heart of the theatre district known simply as Broadway. You’ll find 40 theatres and about 22 landmarks in the nearby vicinity as well as restaurants. For discount theatre tickets visit the TKTS booth in Duffy Square (Broadway Street and 7^th Street the northern triangle of Time Square). You can see some free entertainment in the square as many buskers perform here like the well known “naked” cowboy. You can reach the square by subway. The Visitor’s Center at 1560 Broadway Street between 46^th and 47^th Streets will help you out with any questions you may have.

Ground Zero Workshop

At Liberty Street and Church Street you can visit the September 11 Memorial and Museum which records the events of that tragic day, the museum is still a work in progress but many come to pay their respects at the site where the World Trade Center stood before the 2001 attack. The site is currently under construction but can be visited at all hours.

Must Eats!

Eleven Madison Park

This restaurant at 11 Madison Ave is the top of the Trip Advisor New York Restaurant list, diners praise the unique and eclectic American and French cuisine as well as the ambiance and good service. Prices range from $25-$100 and the menu includes lobster, Fois Gras, lamb and chocolate.

Katz’s Deli

This is the Urbanspoon’s number one trending NYC restaurant for its down to earth sandwiches, subs, matzo ball soup, noodle pudding, hamburgers and their classic pastrami and corned beef. Entrees cost between $10 and $20 at the restaurant on E Houston Street, Lower East Side. It is a classic Jewish deli and the oldest in the city having been opened in 1888.

Gramercy Tavern $$$$

This romantic restaurant at 42 E 20^th Street, Gramercy serves American cuisine and specializes in great seafood like calamari, mussels, flounder topped with walnut and sherry sauce and baked-Long-Island-clams. It is a restaurant for fine dining with entrees starting at $30. It also has one Michelin star. The ingredients are top quality as is the restaurant’s service.

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