Travel Guides > New York, NY

New York City Travel

Bright lights, street musicians, taxi horns, mile-high billboards, skyscrapers, mouth-watering delicatessens, and stores that offer everything from t-shirts to ten-carat diamonds. Those are the things that make New York a city like none other.

Guests who've never visited The Big Apple, will likely be overwhelmed - and maybe even frightened - by the number of people here, the diverse neighborhoods, the beauty, and all there is to take in as they step foot into this amazing metropolis.

It takes more than a few days to appreciate this incredible city. Travelers will want to explore each and every section, from the Battery to the Bronx.

Many visitors begin by exploring the Times Square area, which is a must-do on any trip to Manhattan. Here you'll find most of the city's Broadway theatres, both old and new. These ornate buildings, some actually quite tiny, light up nearly every day of the week (except Monday) and offer some of the best entertainment in the world, performed by top names in the industry. Don't miss the opportunity to take in a play or musical.

For guests to New York City who are traveling with children, a stop at Times Square's giant Toys-R-Us store is a must! For little girls, schedule a visit to The American Girl Place.

You'll no doubt want to schedule visits for New York City's top attractions, like the Empire State Building, which was the tallest skyscraper in the world for almost seven decades. Rockefeller Center is another favorite site, especially in the winter when locals and visitors are whirling around the outdoor skating rink.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art are a must for art-lovers and the American Museum of Natural History should be a stop for every family.

Across from the Natural History museum is the perfect place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or even a little Shakespeare. Central Park is one of the world's most magnificent city parks, boasting everything from picturesque lakes to a zoo to numerous theaters. You'll forget you're in the city!

At the Battery, by the waterfront, visitors can hop aboard a ferry for a trip to see the Grand Lady of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty. You can also combine that jaunt with a stop at Ellis Island, the first sight that many U.S. immigrants saw when they arrived in this country.

Half the fun of visiting New York City is checking out the different neighborhoods. SoHo, for example, is an artist's colony, full of quirky boutiques, high-end stores, and trendy little cafes and restaurants. New York's Chinatown is one of the largest in North America and features great eateries and plenty of places to shop. On the other hand, the Upper East Side boasts multi-million dollar properties and stores that are sure to help you exceed your credit limit.

First time guests would be well-served to do a little prior research before visiting the city, just to determine the things they'll want to see and do and how best to organize their days. It's a good idea to pick up a city map that includes the transit lines, the best way to make your way from one end of the city to the other.