Tarrytown
Known as the setting of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow, Tarrytown and its surrounds are filled with history. It is
the birthplace of the author, home to the impressive Rockefeller
residence and sits across the river from Hyde Park, where President
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born. The late President's home has a
library containing hundreds of photos and artefacts, as well as his
car and a letter from Einstein that led to the development of the
atomic bomb. Two miles (3km) outside Hyde Park is the Vanderbilt
Mansion National Historic Site, a spectacular Beaux Arts
mansion.
Tarrytown lighthouse
JMS2
The High Line
The High Line is a verdant elevated strip
hovering between the skyscrapers of Manhattan's West Side. Built on
what was once a freight rail line, this unique public park brings a
welcome splash of greenery into the district. Drawing millions of
visitors annually, it has led to a real estate boom in the areas it
passes through, with apartments overlooking the pretty strip
rocketing in value. The High Line features viewpoints, recreation
areas and public spaces for exhibitions and productions. The 14th
Street Passage and Chelsea Market Passage are semi-enclosed
sections frequently used for public programs and art exhibitions.
Picnic spots on the 23rd Street Lawn are ideal for peace and quiet
while kids love features like the Pershing Square Beams where the
original framework of steel beams is exposed to create a garden
playground.
Address:
The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the
Meatpacking District to West 34th Street and can be accessed at
numerous points.
Opening time:
December to March 7am - 7pm; April to May 7am - 10pm;
June to September 7am - 11pm; October to November 7am -
10pm.
The High Line, NYC
Jessica Sheridan
The Statue of Liberty
The universal symbol of freedom, the Statue
of Liberty was the first thing seen by 12 million immigrants
passing through Ellis Island Immigration Center. Sculpted by
Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes,
the French donated the statue in 1886. The reason was to
commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the
American Revolution. The ferry calls at both Liberty and Ellis
Islands, and tourists can visit the Ellis Island Museum documenting
the experiences of the immigrants. On Liberty Island, advance
bookings allow visitors to access the crown of the famous statue,
but these tickets must be booked some six months in advance for
peak summer season.
Address:
Liberty Island, New York Harbor
Transport:
Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry from South Ferry at
Battery Park to Liberty and Ellis islands. Ferries depart
approximately every 30 minutes.
Opening time:
Ferries depart between 9am and 3.30pm.
Lady Liberty, NYC
D Ramey Logan
World Trade Center - Ground Zero
The six hectare (16 acre) worksite that
emerged from the rubble of the twin towers now symbolises the
infamous events on September 11 2001 when almost 3,000 people lost
their lives. Millions now come to pay tribute and witness the
devastation at viewing sites. In January 2004, a design named
Reflecting Absence by Michael Arad and Peter Walker was unveiled
for the World Trade Center Memorial. The memorial features a
landscaped civic plaza with two massive voids aligned with the
footprints where the twin towers once stood. The memorial and
museum are now open to the public, providing an accurate and moving
account of what the community endured during the attacks. Tourists
should be mindful that this is a sombre memorial frequented by
mourning family members, so loud chatter and smiling selfies are
inappropriate.
Address:
Tribute WTC Visitor Center: 120 Liberty Street
Transport:
Take the subway to Fulton Street, Broadway-Nassau
Street, or Cortlandt Street. Walk to Church and Liberty Streets and
follow signs
Opening time:
The memorial is open daily 7.30am - 9pm; the museum
is open 9am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday, and 9am to 9pm Friday and
Saturday.
9/11 Memorial NYC
NormanB
Radio City Music Hall
Located in Rockefeller Center, Radio City
Music Hall is one of the most famous theatres in the world. The
home of the famous Rockettes chorus line, the interior of the
theatre was declared a New York landmark in 1978. While not in
regular use anymore, the Hall's beautiful cinema still hosts
premieres, shows and selected feature films. The most popular event
is the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular,
attracting more than a million people and running since 1933. It's
best to check the official website listings to see which potential
productions and acts are on while tours run daily and usually
receive rave reviews.
Address:
1260 Sixth Avenue
Opening time:
Tours daily between 9.30am and 5pm.
Radio City Music Hall
Jazz Guy
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building in New York is an
iconic landmark in the sprawling Manhattan cityscape. Completed in
1931, it stretches 102 storeys into the sky and was considered the
tallest building between 1931 and 1970. Today, it is only the
28th-tallest building in the world yet still retains much of its
dramatic grandeur and presence. One of the most beloved activities
is embarking on the journey to the top floor's observation deck,
providing views across the entire city. It's best to visit between
8am and 11am, avoiding the scores of daily visitors. Free
multimedia tours are downloaded with every admission.
Address:
350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets,
Manhattan
Transport:
Subway B, D or F to 34th Street
Opening time:
Observatory: daily 8am-2am; last elevator at
1.15am.
Empire State Building, NYC
BigMac
Central Park
The founders of New York set aside 340 hectares (840 acres) of
central Manhattan as a public space, with Central Park opening in
1873 to provide an essential green lung within the concrete jungle
of New York. It contains themed gardens, tennis courts, lakes and
even a small zoo, infused with daily joggers, skaters, buskers and
tourists. But there are areas beyond the range of baseballs and
frisbees where tranquillity can be found, with music concerts and
Shakespearian plays frequent occurrences. During winter, two
ice-skating rinks open up in Central Park, with the Wollman Rink in
particular considered one of the most picturesque in the world.
Central Park, NYC
Ingfbruno
Museum of Modern Art
Founded in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art
owns the most important collection of modern art in the United
States. Referred to as MoMA, artists with work on display include
greats such as Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Max Beckman,
Ansel Adams and Kiki Smith. What started as a gift of eight prints
and a drawing developed into a vast and varied collection of some
150,000 paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and other
media. MoMA's Library and Archives boast an impressive collection
of books, historical documents and photographs. Priding itself as
an educational institution, the Museum of Modern Art offers various
activities and programmes for the general public. In addition,
special segments broaden the community knowledge of and approach
towards the exciting and puzzling world of modern art.
Address:
11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan
Transport:
Subway: E or V train to 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue, or
B, D, or F train to 47/50 Street Rockefeller Center. Bus: M1, 2, 3,
4, or 5 to 53rd Street
Opening time:
Daily 10.30am - 5.30pm (until 8pm on
Friday).
Museum of Modern Art, NYC
Trish
The Guggenheim Museum
Designed by US architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim was
built in 1959 and is an icon of Modernist architecture specifically
created to showcase the modern art within. Featuring a highly
celebrated collection of late 19th and 20th-century artworks, as
well as touring exhibitions. Beneath a glass dome, a quarter mile
ramp spirals down the inside of the building, past a collection
including pieces by Pissarro, Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso,
Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, Mapplethorpe and Gober.
Address:
1071 Fifth Avenue, at 89th Street
Transport:
Subway 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street; bus M1, M2, M3, or M4
on Madison or Fifth Avenue
Opening time:
Sunday to Friday 10am - 5.45pm; Saturday 10am -
7.45pm; closed Thursdays and Christmas Day.
Guggenheim Museum, NYC
Jean-Christophe Benoist
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum, affectionately
known as the Met, possesses one of the greatest and largest art
collections in the world. Banners above the Met's Fifth Avenue
entrance herald the current attractions at this cherished New York
institution. There are always temporary exhibitions from around the
world alongside the impressive permanent collection. Highlights are
numerous, with American collectors having the foresight and cash to
buy up a large number of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist
masterpieces from Europe at the end of the 19th century. The art
collection at the Met now contains more than two million works of
art from across the planet, from ancient worlds through to modern
times. Some notable works are present from such greats as Van Gogh,
Renoir, Monet, and Cézanne, rivalling any art collection on
earth.
Address:
1000 Fifth Avenue, at 82nd Street
Opening time:
Sunday to Thursday 10am - 5.30pm; Friday and Saturday
10am - 9pm.
Metropolitan Museum, NYC
Jean-Christophe Benoist
American Museum of Natural History
Challenged only by its counterpart in London, the American
Museum of Natural History is the largest and most important museum
of its kind in the world. 45 exhibition halls hold more than 30
million artefacts, quite enough to keep anyone busy on a rainy
afternoon. The most popular exhibit is a 50ft (15m) tall skeleton
of a barosaurus in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, and there are
three more spectacular dinosaur halls on the fourth floor. Other
halls include the Hall of Biodiversity, the Hall of Ocean Life, and
the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution. The fabulous Hayden
Planetarium is a 90ft (27m) wide aluminium sphere that seems to
float inside a massive glass cube, which in turn is home to the
Rose Center for Earth and Space. Those tired of walking can check
out the Museum of Television and Radio.
Address:
Central Park West, at West 79th Street
Opening time:
Daily 10am to 5.45pm, except Christmas Day and
Thanksgiving.
American Museum of Natural History
Ingfbruno
Broadway
Going to the theatre is one of the most popular tourist events
in New York and the shows on Broadway are world famous, boasting
some of the best productions in the world from blockbuster musicals
to intense and intimate dramas. There are ongoing shows that have
been running for years, such as The Lion King, Phantom of the
Opera, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. Newer, edgier shows play
off-Broadway, and may provide just as much entertainment at
slightly lower prices. This is one way to experience part of the
American dream, even if only on vacation. There is something to
entertain people of all ages.
Broadway, NYC
Alex Proimos
Times Square
Though it is ultimately just an
intersection at the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, Times
Square has achieved iconic status. In a single frame, it
successfully represents the hive of activity that is New York City.
Flashing advertisements produce a mesmerizing and memorable sight.
Times Square is used in countless films, TV series and literature
and is the base for ABC's Good Morning America programs and MTV's
popular Total Request Live. Thousands gather annually for New
Year's Eve in the square to see the famous ball drop. Since 2009,
Times Square has been closed to traffic and visitors can now enjoy
strolling and sitting at their leisure, not worrying about the
city's notorious taxis and bustling vehicles.
Address:
Corner of 42nd Street and Broadway
Times Square, NYC
Terabass
Rockefeller Centre
This 22 acre (8ha) land houses a plethora
of iconic New York City attractions. Radio City Music Hall ranks
highly among visitors, having hosted multiple awards shows such as
the Grammys, Emmys and MTV Music Awards and also being a concert
venue frequented by today's top performers. The Rockefeller Plaza
is the site of the eerie Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper photograph, as
well as being the home of Saturday Night Live and popular TV series
30 Rock. The Rockefeller Center also claims to have the best views
of the city, a hotly contested competition for sure. At the
building's base is the Rink at Rockefeller Center with the golden
statue of Prometheus at its head. Beneath is the Concourse, an
underground pedestrian mall boasting designer brands and food
outlets.
Address:
Between 48th and 51st Streets; and 5th Avenue and 6th
Avenue, Manhattan
Rockefeller Center NYC
Mr Bullitt
Brooklyn Bridge
The sheer scope of New York City is hard to
understand until you have traversed the Brooklyn Bridge,
inaugurated in 1883, which crosses 5,989 feet (1,825 m) of the East
River and connects two of New York's biggest metropoles, Manhattan
and Brooklyn. The construction was an impressive feat of
engineering ingenuity and upon completion it was the longest
suspension bridge in the world. Today, it is a treasured landmark
of the city, colourfully illuminated at night to highlight the
architectural towers and hangings. There is a pedestrian walkway
from which visitors can savour vistas of both Manhattan and
Brooklyn. Photographers looking for quintessential New York
cityscapes should be sure to walk the bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge
Michael
St Patrick's Cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic
architecture popular in 13th-century Europe. One of the city's most
gorgeous buildings, its spires soar 330 feet (100m) into the air
while its entrance is both grand and ornate. Built between 1850 and
1878, it is now the seat of the archbishop of New York and the
largest catholic cathedral in the United States. To most New
Yorkers and harried tourists, St Patrick's is most valued for its
peace and tranquillity. But it's still an active place of worship
although tourists are welcome they should show respect, especially
during church services. Guided tours are available.
Address:
Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets
Opening time:
The Cathedral is open daily from 6.30am to
8.45pm.
St Patrick's Cathedral
David Shankbone
Grand Central Station
One of New York's most famous and best
loved landmarks, Grand Central was opened in 1913 opposite
Rockefeller Center. It is one of the world's largest train
stations, with 44 platforms, but its true distinction is its
magnificent architecture. Its striking ambiance is anchored by
enormous windows and the refurbished ceiling covered by a detailed
astronomical fresco. The terminal houses a number of good
restaurants, budget-friendly eateries and speciality shops. The
magnificent Vanderbilt Hall regularly houses public events, while
there is also a one-hour guided tour; book several weeks ahead in
peak season to avoid disappointment. Interestingly, Grand Central
sees about double the amount of visitors every day as it does
commuters.
Address:
110 E. 42nd St.
Grand Central Station
Diliff
Central Park Zoo
Home to some exotic and beautiful animals, the Central Park Zoo
is a must for all children and animal lovers visiting the city.
Residents at the zoo include the elusive red pandas, polar pears,
snow leopards, and snow monkeys to name a few. The Tisch Children's
Zoo is a great place for young kids, with children able to pet the
goats, sheep, alpacas, potbellied pigs, and other barnyard animals
on display. Booking online may result in discounts and also allows
visitors to skip the long summer queues.
Address:
64th St. and Fifth Ave, Central Park
Opening time:
Open daily 10am - 5pm on weekdays and 10am - 5.30pm
on weekends and holidays. Hours are slightly reduced between
November and March.
Duck in Central Park Zoo
x-eyedblonde
Wollman Rink
The Wollman Rink, located in Central Park
and made famous by many movies, is a fantastic place to take the
kids for the day during the winter months in New York City. The
setting of this ice rink is beautiful, surrounded by trees with the
New York City skyline above them. Children can even attend skating
school while adults can host a party or event, guaranteeing an
unforgettable experience. The rink is not just for children but
also a popular spot for dates in New York City due to the romantic
associations and stunning setting.
Address:
Central Park
Opening time:
Public skating hours can vary throughout the year,
and the rink is only open seasonally.
Wollman Rink by night
specialkrb
Brooklyn Children's Museum
The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a great place to take the
little ones while on holiday in New York City. It was founded in
1899 and is said to have been the first museum in the United
States. Its collections and exhibits include hands-on activities,
role-playing opportunities, and resident animals. Thousands of
artefacts are on display to teach children about science, the
environment, culture, and the arts. There are no 'Do Not Touch'
signs here! There is a cafe and a shop at the museum, and a special
'Totally Tots' section for kids under five. Adults must accompany
children.
Address:
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Opening time:
Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm (open till 6pm on
Thursdays). Closed Mondays.
Brooklyn Children\'s Museum
Diane Bondareff
The Frick Collection
The Frick is quite possibly New York's most underrated art
gallery, a collection of exceptional paintings featuring important
works by Vermeer, Manet, Rembrandt, Whistler, Goya and Van Dyk. A
highlight is the renowned pair of Holbein paintings of Thomas More
and Thomas Cromwell, and a group of small bronze sculptures rated
as some of the finest in the world. This was the New York residence
of Henry Clay Frick, who transformed a fortune made in the coal
business into this sublime building facing onto Central Park. The
interior courtyard is a tranquil retreat from the busy world
outside.
Address:
E 70th Street at 5th Ave
Opening time:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sundays 11am -
5pm.
The Frick Collection, NYC
Gryffindor
Staten Island Ferry
The ferry from Battery Park to Staten Island and back is a great
way to see the Lower Manhattan skyline and Hudson River life while
resting your feet. It's a must-see New York attraction that doesn't
cost a thing. It also skirts the Statue of Liberty affording decent
views of this iconic structure. Most tourists stay onboard for the
return leg, but it's worth hopping off and exploring a bit of
Staten Island while you're there. Staten Island is a borough of New
York City and a fun neighbourhood to explore, but the ferry
journey, mainly used by commuters, is actually the main attraction.
The ferry leaves roughly every 30 minutes or every hour and takes
25 minutes each way. Schedules are available on the official
website.
Opening time:
Runs 24 hours, see website for
schedule.
Staten Island Ferry, NYC
Norbert Nagel
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village began life as an industrial park but has been
transformed by a vibrants arts community. Affectionately known as
the Village, it's now home to New York University, the famous
Washington Square Park and also the setting for the iconic sitcom
Friends. Despite gentrification and a high influx of yuppie
residents, the district has retained a bit of its artistic flair.
There are a number of great off-Broadway theatres, as well as
historic jazz and rock venues like Bitter End, Village Vanguard,
Small's, and the Blue Note. Additionally, there's an eclectic mix
of international restaurants and cafes.
Address:
Lower Manhattan
Greenwich Village
GK tramrunner
Wall Street
Home to the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street has attained
legendary status as the financial heart of the USA. The narrow
street runs from Broadway to the East River and is home to
landmarks like Federal Hall, where George Washington was
inaugurated as the first president. 23 Wall Street still has
shrapnel holes in its limestone façade from the 1920 Wall Street
Bombing. Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Wall Street is the Wall
Street Bull, a 7,100 pound (3,200kg) bronze sculpture by Arturo Di
Modica. The sculpture is a popular photo opportunity in New York,
symbolising financial optimism and prosperity. The installation of
Fearless Girl, a small statue of a girl facing the beast, adds
another layer of artistic intrigue.
Wall Street, NYC
Vlad Lazarenko
Coney Island
Coney Island has been a tourist attraction
in New York City since the 1830s, when New Yorkers would flock to
the beaches. Its movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, circus,
aquarium and restaurants still attract crowds each summer. Claiming
to be the birthplace of the hotdog, a visit to Coney Island isn't
complete without sampling the yummy street food along the
boardwalk. While filling one's stomach, they can gaze upon the
fireworks which light up the sky each Friday around 9.30pm. The
activities and amusements at Coney Island are in full swing from
May to September, but many attractions close outside these
months.
Wonder Wheel, Coney Island
DangApricot
Ellis Island
From 1892 to 1924, more than 20 million immigrants
moved through the crowded halls of Ellis Island. Today, it draws
millions of people each year as one of the most popular tourist
attractions in New York City. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum
offers multimedia exhibits and audio tours, a chance to experience
the island as a new arrival might have back in the day. One of the
more popular exhibits is the American Family Immigration Center,
where visitors can access passenger records to find relatives,
while there are also special children's tours. Reached by ferry,
the journey also stops at the iconic Statue of Liberty.
Ellis Island Immigration Building
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New York is a great place for vacations with
children. Parents can take the family out to Ellis Island to see
the Statue of Liberty or trek up the Empire State Building to stand
on its observation deck, the panoramic views of the metropolis a
joy at any age.
For active children, a stroll through Central Park
will give them plenty of space to stretch their legs and in winter
months don't miss ice skating at the Trump Wollman Rink or
Rockefeller Plaza. The amazing shops around New York City are also
perfect for those rainy days.
Options include Toys 'R Us in Times Square, NIKETOWN,
or the decadent Dylan's Candy Bar, where kids will go wild at the
amount of sugary candies and chocolates available. The Brooklyn
Children's Museum is also worth a visit, as are the New York
Aquarium and Central Park Zoo.
For warm summer nights, nothing beats a baseball game
at Yankee Stadium, complete with hot dogs and popcorn. With so much
to see, children visiting New York City will be sure to have a
memorable and unforgettable experience.
New York City has a humid subtropical climate, with cold winters
and hot, moist summers. The city's coastal location ensures that
winters (December to February) are not as cold as inland cities on
the same latitude, and daytime temperatures generally stay above
freezing point but average lows drop to 27°F (-3°C). Snow is common
in winter, but the amount varies, and winter rain is common. Spring
in New York is pleasantly warm, and the weather heats up to high
temperatures of around 77°F (25°C) by mid-May. Summers (June to
August) are generally swelteringly hot and humid, with average
highs hitting 84°F (29°C). The best time to travel to New York is
in autumn, when temperatures are mild, days are sunny and humidity
not too high.
New York City is famous for roadside vendors selling
all-American goodness, like hotdogs, corndogs, bagels, and donuts.
But it's an international affair when dining out, with offerings of
cuisine from all over the world meaning it would take a lifetime to
sample them all.
With more than eight thousand restaurants to choose
from, it is difficult to know where to begin. Chinatown has
restaurants serving Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shanghai cuisine, while
there are also a few Chinese restaurants where dim sum is available
throughout the day.
The popular Times Square is plagued with mediocre
chain restaurants. But there are a few wonderful eateries beyond
the tourist traps. New York's steakhouses offer a variety of
delicious steak options from porterhouse steak to New York strip
steak.
Everything is big in the United States and the pizzas
and pizza pies are no different. With plenty of fantastic pizza and
Italian restaurants around the city, it's a pizza lover's paradise.
Many small pizzerias sell the iconic New York-style pizza.
Ukrainian, Indian, and Japanese cuisine can be found
in the East Village, while Harlem is synonymous with African and
Soul food. Queens offers the most variety with Greek, Irish, Latin
American, Russian, Indian, and Kosher fare to tantalise the taste
buds.
Tribeca Grill
Located in Tribeca's Washington Market area, Tribeca Grill
radiates excitement and energy. Co-owned by Robert DeNiro, 'The
Grill' is a classic New York social venue. It's a massive
restaurant with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, and it's
great for celebrity spotting. The menu includes enticing grilled
and sautéed selections, with cross-cultural creative influences of
many different cuisines. Favourites on the menu include short ribs
braised in red wine, the grilled duck, and the pan-roasted cod.
Open for dinner every night, lunch during the week, and brunch on
Sundays.
Address: 375 Greenwich Street
Le Bernardin
New York's internationally acclaimed seafood restaurant, Le
Bernardin opened in New York in 1986 and in no time became a
four-star restaurant that is renowned for setting standards in the
cooking of seafood in America. The sliced conch in a Peruvian
marinade is delicious, and the crispy black bass with Masala spice
is also very good. Open for lunch, Monday to Friday, and dinner,
Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays. Reservations are essential.
Address: 155 West 51st Street (Midtown West)
Delmonico's
This attractive Wall Street landmark, Delmonico's first opened
its doors in the 1830s as the first fine dining restaurant in the
country. It has an impressive history, even providing the setting
for Mark Twain's birthday party. Serving up delicious steaks in a
leather and mahogany setting, it attracts a loyal crowd of
businesspeople who feel at home setting at the low-key bar.
Signature dishes include the 'Delmonico Steak' and 'Lobster
Newberg'. Reservations recommended, open Monday to Friday for lunch
and dinner.
Address: 56 Beaver Street, near Wall Street
Balthazar
Since its 1997 opening, this SoHo bistro has retained its buzz
and irresistible allure. It exudes the look and atmosphere an aged
Parisian brasserie with pastel colours, oversized mirrors, and
powdery homemade bread. Nightly specials focus around classic
French dishes, such as duck confit with wild mushrooms. Open for
breakfast and dinner all week, lunch Monday to Friday, and brunch
on weekends. Reservations recommended.
Address: 80 Spring St, SoHo
Gramercy Tavern
This iconic Union Square eatery's spacious, rustic-looking
interior includes a casual street-facing tavern, a lively bar and a
series of formal dining areas. The dining room menu offers
inventive American cuisine such as lobster salad, and venison with
onion marmalade, while the tavern is good for seafood chowder or
pork sandwiches. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner daily, and
the dining room is open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner all
week. Reservations recommended.
Address: 42 East 20th Street (between Broadway and Park
Avenue)
Nobu New York
Nobu opened in 1995, bringing innovative and fresh styles of
Japanese cooking to New York City. The restaurant is a visual and
culinary treat, with tall birch tree columns rising towards a
ceiling painted copper with stylish patches of open brickwork
showing through. Nobu's new style Japanese cuisine weds South
American sensibility with Japanese traditions. Try the mussels with
the signature Nobu salsa, or the yellowtail with jalapeño. Open
Monday to Friday for lunch and all week for dinner, reservations
essential.
Address: 105 Hudson Street (Tribeca)
Daniel
One of best venues for classical French cuisine in New York,
Daniel reflects its original 1920s Renaissance splendour. Using the
freshest ingredients, seasonal masterpieces include squab with
Swiss chard barbajuan, and a radish and artichoke barigoule.
Customers should always leave room for the huckleberry sorbet.
Jacket and tie is required for gentlemen. Open for dinner Monday to
Saturday, closed on Sundays. Reservations recommended.
Address: 60 East 65th Street (between Madison Avenue and Park
Avenue)
Keen's Steakhouse
For a thick cut of New York steak, one of the best places to go
is Keen's Steakhouse. The buzzing dining room has an old-fashioned
charm with classic elegance, and though it can be loud, there's
always a great atmosphere. Don't expect a variety of vegetarian
options on this menu, as it focuses on meat and seafood.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 72 West 36th Street
Acme Bar & Grill
With its exposed brick interior and the world's largest
collection of hot sauce, catfish, and hickory chips delivered fresh
from Mississippi, Acme Bar & Grill is as far south as you have
to go to enjoy the cuisine of the Deep South. Creole delights are
in abundance, such as Louisiana seafood gumbo, Creole jambalaya,
and Catfish po' boys, a traditional submarine sandwich originating
from Louisiana. An extra thing to note: the mashed potato is pretty
famous. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on
weekends.
Address: 9 Great Jones Street
Ess-a-Bagel
Regardless of whether you're looking to eat on the run or ease
into a delicious lunch, there's nothing like a big fresh bagel to
sink your teeth into. Ess-a-Bagel is one of the most popular bagel
spots in town, serving freshly baked bagels with any filling one
can think of. These include orders such as honey-glazed turkey,
chipotle chicken, lake sturgeon, or the traditional salmon and
cream cheese, called 'lox and schmear' by native New Yorkers. They
even have a selection of tofu bagels for vegetarians. Great for
breakfast, lunch, or a cheap dinner in New York.
Address: 359 1st Avenue
Paul's Da Burger Joint
Sometimes in life and in New York, it's essential to eat a truly
great burger and satisfy this urge in the most complete and
delicious way possible. Described as being vintage New York, Paul's
Da Burger Joint is an East Village classic famous for its huge
variety of perfectly prepared burgers. The diner décor is
wonderfully kitsch and the joint is staffed by a team of eccentric
and wacky waiters. Open daily from 11am till late.
Address: 131 2nd Ave
John’s Pizzeria in Bleeker Street
Everybody knows about New York pizza, world-famous for being
thin, crispy, and gigantic. John's Pizzeria is rated consistently
as one of the best in New York City, with their coal-fired
brick-oven pizzas sure to fill the stomach. The restaurant is
unassuming, but the food is divine. They don't take reservations
nor serve slices, so people must expect to wait at peak times. A
genuine slice of New York.
Address: 278 Bleecker Street,
John F Kennedy International Airport
Location: The airport is located 15 miles (24km) southeast of
central Manhattan.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to
November).
Transfer Between Terminals
Passengers can travel between JFK's six terminals for free on
the AirTrain, with any travel beyond that incurring various
costs.
Getting to the city:
Ground Transportation Information is available in the baggage
claim/arrival areas of all terminals, providing information on
buses, shared-ride vans, and limousines. The AirTrain links the
airport to the subway, train, and bus system, which go to the city
centre.
SuperShuttle Manhattan is a 24-hour, shared, door-to-door
service to anywhere between Battery Park and 227th, including all
hotels. The service also reaches the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn,
the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Go Airlink is another rideshare service, providing shuttles that
travel between the airport and the city. Similarly, NYC Airporter
is an express bus service that transports passengers from JFK to
stations like Grand Central and Penn, and the Port Authority Bus
Terminal.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented at all terminals include
Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise,
National, and Payless. The AirTrain shuttles passengers between the
terminals and the car rental offices.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available in front of all six terminals, with the
general journey time to Manhattan being around 40-60 minutes long.
Excluding tolls, the flat fee to Manhattan is around $52, while
other approximate fairs include Brooklyn $59-$64, Queens $28-$33,
Staten Island $67-$79, and the Bronx $48-$68.
A journey to La Guardia Airport may cost $34-$39, and Newark
Airport $97-$102, with a $17.50 surcharge. Tipping is customary for
good service. Only use taxis from the taxi dispatch booth and
refuse offers from others.
Facilities:
All terminals have ATMs, bureaux de change, bars, restaurants,
and a wide selection of shops. Travellers will be able to find most
services in the terminals, including wifi, medical facilities,
information counters, and shoe-shiners.
Parking
JFK has two types of parking. Long-term parking is four miles
(6km) from the terminals and served by the free AirTrain.
Passengers should allow 30 minutes to reach their terminal. The
Central Terminal Area (CTA) parking is adjacent to the terminals
and provides daily parking needs.
Signs to the parking facilities are colour-coded to indicate
their proximity to terminals. A cell phone lot waiting area is
located near the airport's entrance for drivers to wait for
disembarking passengers, reducing traffic congestion.
New York La Guardia Airport
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) east of central
Manhattan, in the borough of Queens.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to
November).
Transfer Between Terminals
There are two bus routes connecting the four La Guardia
Terminals. The Route A Bus is a free service running every 15
minutes, stopping at all terminals in the central terminal area as
well as the Marine Air Terminal. Expect 15 minutes travel time.
The free Route B bus runs every 10-15 minutes between all four
terminals, except the Marine Air Terminal/Delta Shuttle. The
journey time is between 5-10 minutes.
Getting to the city:
Ground Transportation Information is available in the baggage
claim/arrival areas of all terminals. All service arrangements can
be made at these counters. Public buses service the city and
connect with the New York subway; the Q33 and Q47 service Manhattan
and Queens. The New York Airport Service Express Bus leaves
regularly for all areas in Manhattan. The SuperShuttle Manhattan is
a 24-hour, shared door-to-door service that goes to all areas of
the city.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and
National. The Arrivals level of each terminal has either car rental
courtesy phones or counters. Free shuttles transport customers
between the terminals and the car rental offices.
Airport Taxis:
The Welcome Center/Ground Transportation Counter is near the
baggage claim area, offering information on authorised
transportation services. There are taxis available outside each
terminal.
Facilities:
All terminals have ATMs and currency exchange can be found at
the Central and US Airways Terminals, as well as a wide selection
of bars, shops and restaurants, but the best choice is at the US
Airways, Delta and Central Terminals.
There are business facilities at Laptop Lane in the Central
Terminal, including meeting rooms, dataports, internet access, fax,
phones, printers, and photocopiers. Disabled facilities are good,
but those with special needs should ideally contact their airline
or travel agent in advance.
Parking
Short-term parking is available next to the terminals. Long-term
parking is available in Lot 3, although there are limited spaces.
Additional long-term car parking is located very close to the
airport and can be accessed by following the 'P' to the airport
exit.
Express payment machines are located throughout the parking
areas. Signs to the parking facilities in the terminal buildings
are colour coded to indicate their proximity to the terminals. Free
shuttle buses transport passengers to the terminal buildings.
Chinese New Year
A must-see on the opening day of the Chinese New Year
celebrations, the city's Chinatown is the biggest in the United
States. Performances dance in the streets in colourful costumes,
preceding a great parade of dragon floats. With over 200
restaurants, celebrations are sure to be huge and business buzzing.
There are interesting tidbits to note such as eating a whole fish
to represent togetherness and abundance, and not chopping one's
noodles as they represent long life. Colours are important at New
Year too, with the luckiest being red, orange, yellow, gold, and
pink. Black and white are unlucky.
Venue:
Starting at Mott and Hester Street
![Chinese New Year NYC]()
Chinese New Year NYC
Jeffery DelViscio
Central Park SummerStage
Summer Stage is one of New York's greatest
institutions as Central Park fills up every summer with music,
theatre, opera and dance. There's a different performance every
Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and usually Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday evenings, and entry is mostly free. Famous performers and
musicians sometimes grace the stage in Central Park and the
atmosphere at the concerts is one of the great joys of a New York
summer. Bring a picnic if you don't want to pay for overpriced beer
and food and get in early for a good spot. Visit the official
website for a list of events.
Venue:
Central Park
![Central Park SummerStage]()
Central Park SummerStage
Matt J Carbone
New York City Marathon
As the world's largest marathon, only
London ranks alongside New York in terms of running prestige. The
New York City Marathon hosts more than 35,000 runners from around
the world, with a route passing through all five of New York City's
five boroughs before finishing in Central Park. Spectators line the
way, famous celebrities take part and there's usually some athletes
in fancy dress, all creating a festive atmosphere. As so many
people are keen to run, the general participants are usually
selected in a lucky draw. Check the official website for
details.
Venue:
Finish in Central Park
![Runners draw near to the finish line]()
Runners draw near to the finish line
Postdlf
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is one of the
Big Apple's most dynamic and colourful events, taking Thanksgiving
celebrations one step further. The parade features marching bands,
clowns and the Floats and Falloons, by far the day's biggest
attraction. Towering over crowds, they are a Macy's hybrid of cold
air balloons and floats. Famous characters include Angelina
Ballerina, the Statue of Liberty, and Santa Claus. Starting on 77th
Street, it proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, then
down Broadway to Macy's at 34th Street, and finally finishing on
Seventh Avenue. Good places to watch include Times Square and
Columbus Circle.
![Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]()
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
tweber1
Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Independence Day is celebrated throughout
the States, but nowhere more than in New York City. Although many
locals leave to spend the holiday on Long Island or in Upstate New
York, thousands of others stay behind to watch Macy's Fourth of
July Fireworks Spectacular. This is probably the biggest and best
firework extravaganza in the country, culminating in a massive
party. More than 10,000 fireworks explode from barges along the
west side of Manhattan, synchronized and choreographed to music. It
starts at sunset and the best place to watch is from the banks of
the East River.
Venue:
The spectacle will take place from barges positioned in New
York City's East River
![Macy's Fireworks]()
Macy's Fireworks
drewgeraets
TD Five Boro Bike Tour
The Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour is
the biggest cycling event in the USA, seeing 30,000 cyclists
pedalling through the five boroughs of New York City on 42 miles
(68km) of traffic-free avenues, highways and bridges. The route
travels through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten
Island, encompassing the world's longest single-span suspension
bridge, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The day ends with a festival
at Fort Wadsworth, featuring live music, food and exhibitions.
Spectators make a festival out of the event and line the route to
cheer the cyclists on. For more details and information on how to
enter, check out the official website.
Venue:
Battery Park to Staten Island
![TD Five Boro Bike Tour]()
TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Mikel Ortega
Gay Pride Week and March
Rainbow flags flutter in Greenwich Village
and crowds of people dress up in outrageous costumes during New
York's Lesbian and Gay Pride Week, with numerous events arranged to
commemorate the Stonewall Riot and to show support for the LGBT
community of the city. Highlights of the week's festivities include
a massive rally, the dance on the pier and the culminating march.
Some huge sponsors get involved in Pride Week and people travel
from all over the world to participate. New York City has a vibrant
gay community and many locals come out in support of the community
during the many events. For more information and a full programme
of events, check out the official website listed below.
Venue:
The march which follows a route along 5th Avenue, right onto
8th Street, on to Greenwich Avenue and along Christopher Street in
Greenwich Village.
![NYC Pride Parade]()
NYC Pride Parade
May S. Young
Times Square New Year's Eve Celebrations
Times Square boasts one of the largest New
Year's Eve celebrations in the world and the biggest party in New
York. The famous lowering of the New Year's Eve Ball signifies the
60-second countdown to midnight and the tradition has become a
worldwide symbol of welcoming in the New Year, viewed by millions
across the globe. The festivities include the raising and lowering
of the ball, music, an hourly big screen video countdown and a
spectacular burst of fireworks. Revellers are showered with
colourful confetti and are given celebratory hats, pom-poms and
balloons to welcome in the New Year.
Venue:
Times Square
![Times Square Countdown]()
Times Square Countdown
Quentin Yang
US Open Tennis Tournament
The top names and seeds in international
tennis vie for victory in the final Grand Slam event of the season
in New York each year. First played back in 1881 in the State of
Rhode Island as a men's singles event only, the tournament occurs
annually at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. It wasn't until
1968 that the US Open took the shape and structure it has today.
Those wanting tickets for big games are advised to book as far in
advance as possible. For more details, check out the official
website listed below.
Venue:
Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows
![US Open Tennis Tournament]()
US Open Tennis Tournament
manalahmadkhan
New York Fashion Week
Fashion gurus, gorgeous models and
Hollywood socialites attend the New York Fashion Week to check out
the latest on the catwalk for next year's Spring Collection. Sadly,
it's almost impossible for the general public to gain access to the
event. Even so, budding fashionistas flock to New York at this time
to enjoy the many associated events and spend some time
celebrity-spotting and strutting their designer threads. For more
information of this prestigious fashion extravaganza check out the
official website listed below.
Venue:
The Museum of the City of New York
![New York Fashion Week]()
New York Fashion Week
Peter Duhon
![]()
The nightlife in New York City encompasses jazz bars,
nightclubs, lounges, comedy clubs, and live shows, with something
happening around every corner. The Village, Broadway, Bowery, and
Madison Square Garden are just a few destinations for evening
entertainment in New York.
As a hub of the jazz world, New York is home to
venues such as 55 Bar and Arthur's Tavern. Jazz tours from
Greenwich Village to Harlem are a fun option for enthusiasts, with
a stop at the legendary Apollo Theatre a great attraction to tick
off the bucketlist.
As the launching pad of big name comedians such as
Jerry Seinfeld, New York also has many comedy shows, with some of
the best happening at the New York Comedy Club or the Upright
Citizens Brigade Theater (UCB).
Of course, there are always famous Broadway shows in
New York. Try the Palace or Eugene O'Neill theatres for the latest
productions. Broadway shows are expensive, hence the popularity of
the three TKTS discount ticket booths, the most popular of which is
in Times Square.
They open every day at 11am, but the queues form well
before this. You can pick up last-minute tickets for half of the
regular price, depending on what's available. There's seldom a
queue at 5pm, with last minute prices dropping even further.
Nightclubs come and go quickly in New York City, as
the fickle population becomes enamoured with the newest venues and
trends. But you can always rest assured that whatever you want, the
City of Dreams will have plenty of it.
Live music venues covering hip hop, rock, indie, and
almost any other genre imaginable abound, and well-established
venues offer events like poetry readings. At any given time,
internationally-acclaimed DJs are usually heating up dancefloors in
the New York darkness.
World-class performing arts venues are a dime a dozen
in a city that boasts Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall,
Lincoln Centre, and Carnegie Hall, and you can take your pick of
ballet, opera, symphony orchestras, and chamber music.
For up-to-date events information on New York City,
pick up a copy of the Village Voice or Time Out New York, both of
which are accessible online.
New York's public transport system is relatively good
and cheap, including buses and the subway. There are also the
iconic and ever-present yellow cabs, although they are more
expensive. Visitors should avoid unlicensed cabs, sometimes called
gypsy or pirate cabs.
One can use a combination of these or just get around
on foot. Walking is often the best way to see the city. During rush
hours, when buses and taxis are caught in gridlock and the subway
is overcrowded, stretching the legs can be the quickest option.
Usually, the most efficient way to get around is the
24-hour underground system, especially as most of Manhattan's
sights are near subway stations. Like other massive cities,
however, this can be extremely confusing at first.
The bus system is simpler but slower, a good option
for shorter distances or for travelling across town. Driving in New
York is not recommended as traffic is heavy, drivers rude and
aggressive, and parking both rare and exorbitant.
With New York's countless attractions, it would take months to
see and do everything this vibrant city has on offer. The must-see
New York attractions include iconic structures and buildings such
as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State
Building, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building. In among all the
skyscrapers Central Park provides a green haven for relaxation and
exercise. Many first-time visitors to New York don't leave
Manhattan at all, but the four other boroughs of the city - Bronx,
Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island - all have their own appeal and
are worth exploring for those wanting a broader experience of the
metropolis. Taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is one of the
best free activities NYC has to offer.
For culture vultures there are wonderful museums to explore,
such as the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. There are also less high-brow museums: at Madame
Tussaud's Wax Museum, for instance, visitors can play superhero on
film.
An easy way to see the sights is to take a ride on one of New
York's topless tour buses. It may not be as exciting as exploring
the city on foot, but it's a great way to learn and see a lot
quickly. Central Park also provides a great thoroughfare for
sightseers exploring Manhattan on foot, and the grid-pattern layout
of the streets makes finding your way fairly simple. The New York
subway is a good, cheap option for those needing to cover greater
distances.
Those planning a lot of sightseeing should consider purchasing
the New York Pass, which covers about 80 NYC attractions and allows
the holder to skip the often lengthy queues at popular sites.
Tarrytown lighthouse
JMS2
The High Line, NYC
Jessica Sheridan
Lady Liberty, NYC
D Ramey Logan
9/11 Memorial NYC
NormanB
Radio City Music Hall
Jazz Guy
Empire State Building, NYC
BigMac
Central Park, NYC
Ingfbruno
Museum of Modern Art, NYC
Trish
Guggenheim Museum, NYC
Jean-Christophe Benoist
Metropolitan Museum, NYC
Jean-Christophe Benoist
American Museum of Natural History
Ingfbruno
Broadway, NYC
Alex Proimos
Times Square, NYC
Terabass
Rockefeller Center NYC
Mr Bullitt
Brooklyn Bridge
Michael
St Patrick's Cathedral
David Shankbone
Grand Central Station
Diliff
Duck in Central Park Zoo
x-eyedblonde
Wollman Rink by night
specialkrb
Brooklyn Children\'s Museum
Diane Bondareff
The Frick Collection, NYC
Gryffindor
Staten Island Ferry, NYC
Norbert Nagel
Greenwich Village
GK tramrunner
Wall Street, NYC
Vlad Lazarenko
Wonder Wheel, Coney Island
DangApricot
Ellis Island Immigration Building
chensiyuan
Chinese New Year NYC
Jeffery DelViscio
Central Park SummerStage
Matt J Carbone
Runners draw near to the finish line
Postdlf
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
tweber1
Macy's Fireworks
drewgeraets
TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Mikel Ortega
NYC Pride Parade
May S. Young
Times Square Countdown
Quentin Yang
US Open Tennis Tournament
manalahmadkhan
New York Fashion Week
Peter Duhon
