Visiting New York - What to See and Do

(New York LaGuardia Airport LGA, USA)

Iconic New York City is a place where anything can happen, and everything does. It is one of the world's most exciting cities, teeming with humanity and iconic attractions, as well as a non-stop parade of noise, bustle and yellow taxis. Simply put, there's nothing you can't find or do in the Big Apple.

Broadway's theater district still outshines most of the world, while neighboring Times Square mesmerizes the senses with its advertising and circus atmosphere. High fashion rules in SoHo and the Meatpacking District, and a global array of memorable dining seems to exist on every street and corner. After dark, there's jazz in Harlem and upmarket clubbing in the Meatpacking District.

New York's museums are among the finest on earth, and this city of skyscrapers offers plenty of options to rise above the chaos of the streets. Best of all, right in the center of all the bustle is Central Park, an oasis of greenery and calm that dazzles in every season. Do as New Yorkers do and walk. This is one city that serves up colorful urban scenery with every step.

Ten things you must do in New York

• No trip to this hectic city would be complete without an afternoon stroll through Central Park. This is one of the planet's largest and nicest urban parks, with walking and biking paths, wooded areas, huge grassy lawns and more than a handful of outdoor attractions. Get your exercise or simply enjoy a breath of fresh air to balance out the urban fun.
• New York is an absolute marvel from above, and one of the best bird's eye views can be found atop the Empire State Building. This beautiful piece of skyscraper design is one of the city's most famous structures. Head up to the lofty Observation Deck around sunset and enjoy one of the most magical scenes in the world, as the sky dims and the sea of city lights pop into life.
• Take a ferry boat over to Liberty Island in New York Harbor and pay your respects to the Statue of Liberty. The boat ride alone is half the fun, providing a unique perspective of the city's impressive skyline. The lady's torch observation area is once again open to the public, following a decade of closure after the tragic 9-11 attacks.
• If you visit just one of New York's majestic museums, make it the American Museum of Natural History. This behemoth of American heritage covers four square blocks and can easily consume a day or two if you're the curious type. From the amazing Hall of Ocean Life to a pantheon of huge dinosaur skeletons, there is a lot to check out here.
• New York also has the art world well covered. Its best venue is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the collection of artwork is mind-boggling in its scale and coverage. Easily the top art museum in the Americas, the Met is nicely paired with an afternoon at the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. This piece of design is just as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside.
• Carnegie Hall remains one of the world's best performance venues. You can expect a world-class performance almost every night of the year at Carnegie, from ballet and opera to superlative symphony orchestras, both from New York and abroad.
• This is very much a city of neighborhoods, and one of the coolest is Greenwich Village. This traditional haven of artists, writers, musicians and general bohemians still exudes a timeless charm on its historic streets. There are cozy cafés to discover, legendary jazz clubs and a never-ending stream of eccentric characters wandering its streets.
• Baseball fans will certainly want to try and catch a game at the legendary Yankee Stadium. A brand new stadium was recently built right next to the original classic, but it is just as charismatic. The Yankees baseball season runs from April through October and tickets are usually readily available. If basketball is your thing, then check out the New York Knicks playing their home games in the venerable Madison Square Garden, May through September.
• Whether you are willing to loosen the purse strings or simply salivate while window shopping, New York is a shopper's paradise. You can fill an entire trip just shopping in New York. From charming districts like historic Orchard Street to the cutting-edge fashion of SoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, there is something for everyone. Greenwich Village serves up the funky goods, while Union Square and the Flatiron District cover the best of both worlds.
• The Bronx Zoo is American's largest urban zoo. Opened in 1899, it is also one of the country's oldest and remains a fantastic place to interact with wildlife. There are an astounding 4,000 different species of animal within the 265-acre / 107-hectare complex. Specialized habitats include the Himalayan Highlands and Wild Asia Complex. New York's zoo is easily one of the city's top attractions.