New York Tourist-Attractions Page

United States,New York

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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. 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.

Coney Island

Although hardly anybody's idea of a coastal resort Coney Island at least boasts sand, surf and a wonderfully cheesy funfair that has delighted New Yorkers for generations. Don't miss trying one of Nathan's famous hotdogs and it is de rigueur to take a ride on what is probably the world's most famous rollercoaster - the Cyclone. Almost 75 years old the venerable 'coaster has been designated an official landmark and historic site, but its 70mph plunges and curves still manage to whiten anyone's knuckles. Stillwell Ave. Coney Island is last stop on the F, Q or W Subways.

The 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.

Chinatown

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.

The Staten Island Ferry offers wonderful views of downtown Manhattan and is free to ride; it departs from Battery Park Pier. NY Waterway operates ferries from New York to Tarrytown, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, Long Island, Queens and the Liberty Science Center. For further details contact Tel: +1 (1)800-533-3779. The two docks are located at Pier 78, W. 38th Street at 12th Avenue and Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. You usually pay at the dock before boarding for most services.

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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: USD16, adults; USD10, 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.

Long Island and The Hamptons

Celebrated in the books of F Scott Fitzgerald, The Hamptons have long been a popular vacation destination for rich New Yorkers, offering refined relief from the noise and activity of Manhattan. Along the coast here visitors can enjoy the many picturesque seaside resorts and fishing villages, or in seasons go whale-watching or sport fishing. Long Island and the Hamptons can be reached via the Long Island Railroad (Tel: +1 (1)718-558-7498) from Penn Station. The journey from Manhattan to East Hampton takes up to three hours depending on the time of day. Fares are from USD26 return.