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What's it really like? Location: They say New York is the city that never sleeps - open your hotel window at 3 in the morning and you'll hear why it earned its nickname. Look down on the sidewalk in the middle of the night and it still resembles rush-hour anywhere else. The buzz, excitement and noise continues round-the-clock and the welcome for tourists since 9/11 is overwhelmingly heartfelt. Manhattan is the epicentre and home to most of the major sights and the best way to get around is by the famous yellow taxis. Indeed, just about everything in New York is 'famous' for something whether it's a landmark of Art Deco architecture, had a song sung about it, or been the star of a movie. The subway is on a par with London's tube for efficiency and cleanliness but New York is flat and good for walking. Note: Hotel rooms in New York tend to be smaller and more basic than the same standard class in other US cities. Days out: The Empire State building is the most popular attraction and in many minds the symbol of New York. The two observatory platforms offer spectacular views and by afternoon the queues get longer. Even when the crowds are thinner in the morning it can still take several hours to reach the top. But it's worth it!.
The Staten Island Ferry provides fantastic views of The Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. Helicopter tours give passengers breathtaking views of the city although they're not for the faint-hearted. Browsing around 5th Avenue, Macy's and Bloomingdales is the stuff of dreams for shop-a-holics. Free guided walking tours of Central Park are available taking in the history and beauty of its gardens and woodland. The zoo is extremely popular and is home to polar bears, penguins, monkeys, sea lions, and more, in enclosures closely resembling their natural habitats. Bikes can be hired, too. Strawberry Fields is a section dedicated to the late John Lennon. If you go in the winter - and Christmas in New York is spectacular, find time to go to the skating rink in central park. Equipment can be hired The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art near Central Park accepts a donation to enter and then offers superb skyline views from its rooftop bar. The Staten Island Ferry provides fantastic views of The Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
Other attractions: Astroland is family amusement park with dozens of rides and roller coasters. Stadium tours of the New York Yankies or the virtual tour of city in a theatre auditorium in the Empire State Building. Nights out: Broadway shows can be booked in advance before you travel. The most popular include; Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Chicago and Mamma Mia. The sightseeing continues in the evening for a different perspective of the city in the dark. Many visitors also enjoy soaking up the flavour in a bar or two. The best restaurants in the world offer top notch cuisine or there's plenty of mid-range eateries and the more familier fast food outlets to choose from. The level of service in bars and restaurants certainly exceeds anything you would find in most other cities. Children: Don't presume youngsters will be as enthusiastic about sight-seeing as grown-ups. New York is an exhausting place especially for little feet. However, there are plenty of attractions to amuse the children such as Astroland and Central Park Zoo and a huge 'Toys R Us' megastore in Times Square. |
