by Jemima Rushworth


America's most populous city, it is easy to believe that New York truly is the city that never sleeps. With its iconic architecture, interesting attractions and bustling life it is an exhilarating place to visit. With its long history of immigration, New York is a cosmopolitan city meaning you can eat every kind of cuisine imaginable including the food in a typical New York diner. Choices also lend themselves to accommodation. There are top end hotels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels or if you prefer your own city base apartments can be rented on a short term basis.

Where to start on a trip to New York? Anywhere in the five boroughs has familiar sites for the visitor but nowhere more so than Manhattan, arguably one of the most recognisable places in the world. This is where most visitors tend to base themselves during their stay and there are many things to see and do in this area of the city in addition to the joys of just walking along those famous streets; Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue and Broadway.

Unlike many other cities in America, New York is great for pedestrians. The first taste of the city for many tourists is strolling along the city's most famous streets such as Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue or taking a walk through Central Park. This huge area truly is the lung of the city and New Yorkers and tourists alike can be found enjoying the open spaces. Jogging and other exercise activities are popular as is a visit to the zoo or just the chance to watch the world go by.

New York, of course, isn't just Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty is probably the most visited place in the whole city. Located on Liberty Island, the statue can be reached by boat from Battery Park City or New Jersey. Another well-known site that lies off shore is Ellis Island, a reminder of how New York became the cosmopolitan city that it now is. Also located in New York Harbour, it is reachable by boat. Many visitors also like to take the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan as despite being a commuter ferry it also gives great views across the harbour. Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx and New Jersey may not have all the attractions of Manhattan but can be of interest to the visitor.

In the ideal world, all visitors would choose to stay in Midtown as it is extremely central, but this also makes it somewhat pricey. It is here that most of the top end hotels can be found. Other desirable locations are in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. Funky hotel options can be found in the more Bohemian areas of Soho and Tribeca which also offer great nightlife. Chelsea, Greenwich Village, the West Village and the East Village are also interesting areas to stay in and these are home to many of New York's most interesting boutique hotels.

Of course, Manhattan may be the most popular place to stay but it's not the only place to stay and many visitors find that staying in one of the other boroughs can be both interesting and more affordable. There are hotel options in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx which can provide a different New York experience for the visitor. JFK Airport is located in the borough of Queens and there are a number of hotels within close proximity to the airport.

Whether for just a few days or longer New York is a great holiday destination. Its attractions are numerous and there is something to do at whatever time of the year you choose to visit. It has culture, history, cuisine, nightlife and a truly unique atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else on earth.




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