City Breaks in New York

Is it Too Cold to Visit New York in Winter?

2011-02-07T11:05:00.002Z

Because it is a city – and a major one at that – New York doesn’t have any limitations when it comes to the right time of year to visit. Certainly it will be warm and sunny during the summer and bitterly cold at times during the winter, but neither condition really stops you from getting the most out of a long weekend here.

This is good news if you are thinking of going to New York in the not too distant future for a weekend of exploration and shopping. Be prepared for the weather to be changeable in the winter months though. At the time of writing the temperature was forecast to be six degrees above freezing to kick off the week, with a nice sunny day predicted. However in four days time New Yorkers will be facing temperatures of minus three with snow showers in the offing as well.

The main thing you need to bear in mind when it comes to visiting New York in the winter months is to dress for it. Make sure you pack enough to wrap up, especially if you are thinking of exploring the city during the evenings as well.

If you want to go when the weather is a bit less on the nippy side, wait until March and beyond. March typically sees the temperatures staying above freezing by a few degrees, although there might be more in the way of precipitation as well. However with New York offering plenty to do whatever the weather might throw at you, you won’t be too worried by how good or bad it is when you arrive.

A winter trip does benefit from being prepared in other ways as well. New Yorkers don’t tend to let a lot get in the way of them going about their daily business. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding things to do and places to go, even if the weather is bad. Just be prepared with a list of indoor activities and leave Central Park for later if the heavens really do open in a big way.

How Well Do You Know Central Park?

2011-01-06T12:59:00.002Z

Even if you haven’t yet been to New York, you will no doubt be familiar with Central Park. It has featured in plenty of TV programmes and films, so the sight of it is familiar to most people.

But there is more to the park than may at first meet the eye. For starters there is a Conservatory Garden included within the park, and if you like more formal gardens you should definitely make the time to see it. Look for the Vanderbilt Gate as this will lead into the Conservatory Garden.

So what can you expect to see here?

There are several distinct sections to the garden, and each one is quite delightful. There is a huge pergola around which there are several benches arranged so you can sit and appreciate the work that has gone into this wonderful place. The level of detail here is quite stunning. Nothing is out of place and everything is grown specifically to grace a certain area.

The Untermeyer Fountain provides a nice centrepiece in one part of the formal gardens, while a long walkway lined with trees provides some shade elsewhere during the summer months. Every part of the garden is a discovery waiting to be made, and it changes through the year just as all gardens do. It doesn’t however lose its formality though – which is a good thing of course.

The Secret Garden water lily pool is also worth looking for, as it is so named in memory of the author Frances Hodgson Burnett, who wrote ‘The Secret Garden’. This is just one example of the delightful nature of the formal gardens, which consistently appeal to you in different ways as you explore them.

As you can see, Central Park may indeed be slightly different in some areas than you would expect. If you are intending to visit the park while you are in New York, make sure you make some time to see the more formal Conservatory Gardens as well as the rest of it. They hold an appeal that is hard to deny, and hard to miss out on as well.

Enjoying Breakfast in New York

2010-12-08T16:20:00.002Z

One thing is for sure when you go and see New York for yourself – you will realise that New Yorkers love to eat. They have amazing tastes in food and you would have too if you lived in a city with so many amazing flavours and meals around every single corner.

But let’s break this down a bit and see if we can focus in on one meal in particular. Breakfast is the biggest meal of the day for some – and it certainly should be for tourists who are looking to start the day on a full stomach. If you have lots of sightseeing to do you will want to get started in the right way, and there are plenty of venues you can head to for a proper New York breakfast experience.

The great thing is that no matter where you might be staying in the city, you will have a superb choice of venues to go to. If you want to try dim sum for breakfast then look no further than Ping’s Seafood in Chinatown. If you were thinking of eating something more all American than this, try it for a totally different way to wake up your taste buds!

If you still hanker after something all American, then you should definitely pay a visit to Good Enough to Eat. With a name like this you can be sure you will have a great time there, but the good news is that if you want a lie in you can still have breakfast there, as they never stop serving it.

They specialise in all kinds of American dishes here, so you will get the opportunity to try all those American foods and breakfast choices you always wanted to. This is one of the best restaurants in the city for a home cooked feel, so don’t pass it by.

Perhaps you don’t want to have a long drawn out breakfast though, not when you have so much to explore in the city. If this is the case you should make a point of visiting the City Bakery. There is no better way to start the day than with one of their pastries.

Why Do We All Love New York?

2010-11-08T15:01:00.002Z

Let’s face it – New York is extremely difficult NOT to fall in love with. Whatever kind of holiday you want to have there, it can give it to you. Maybe you want to go on a long shopping weekend to take in all the major brand name stores. Perhaps you would rather explore Central Park and all the other green spaces in this most populated of cities. Perhaps you have a long list of all the major sights to go and see, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. The truth is, whatever you want to make of your holiday there, you will be able to have it.

New York is not just lovable for the things you want to do there though. It is also a big hit because of all the things it shows you that you aren’t expecting to see. There is fascination around every corner and whatever holiday you have in mind you will be able to experience all kinds of other things as well.

For instance have you considered seeing some of the city’s great artworks? There are museums and galleries galore here that would amaze you – even if you aren’t an art lover. Furthermore you might find you are captivated by the food that is available. From huge burgers eaten on street corners to gourmet tastes and meals eaten in swish restaurants, New York has it all.

We all know the song uses the name New York twice, but once you see it for yourself you will see just why this is the case. It is a city that has so much to share with you that a weekend will never be enough. Whatever your main reason for visiting the city might be, make sure you are aware that you will be pulled in for lots of other reasons as well.

Once you have visited for the first time, you will see that you can be prepared to visit again as soon as possible. Once is never enough and once you realise just what it has in store, you won’t want to leave either.

The Must See Brooklyn Bridge

2010-10-08T09:57:00.003Z

Every major city in the world has sights that absolutely must be seen to be believed. One of the main ones in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge and it is quite incredible to see it in person if you have only ever seen it on TV or in films.

The fact that it took a full fourteen years to build in the first place tells you something about how important and involved the construction process was. The building work began in 1869 and at the time New Yorkers thought it would be a waste and a folly. Little did they know the finished bridge would become an icon of the city, and a much loved one at that.

The bridge was officially opened in 1883 and since then its popularity has grown. It is one of the major New York sights that is well worth seeing whenever you plan a long weekend in New York. The total length is just short of 6,000 feet, which equates to around 1.1 miles. You can drive across it if you wish, but the best way to travel across the Brooklyn Bridge is to walk across it.

There is a walkway that goes right through the centre of the bridge, so you can walk underneath the two main and very distinctive pillars. It is also a terrific way to see much of Manhattan and Brooklyn as you cross from one borough to the other. But the bridge itself is amazing to see as you take your time in walking across it.

Another good thing about walking across is that you won’t have to tolerate cars speeding past you. The bridge was built so that pedestrians could use their own walkway a level above the road itself, so you will be able to see out and through the cables that hold the bridge in place.

There is no doubt that the Brooklyn Bridge is spectacular in many ways. It may have been deemed a folly before the first pieces of the bridge were created, but thankfully the project proceeded to give us one of New York’s best sights.

Times Square – Not Just For New Year

2010-09-08T13:29:00.000Z

When you think of New York at New Year’s Eve, you cannot fail to think of Times Square. But there is a lot more to the location than that. No matter when you happen to be visiting this amazing city, you can’t go back home again without having seen Times Square for yourself.

Maybe it wouldn’t quite have the status it has if it still went by its original name of Longacre Square. This was the name it was known by before the New York Times newspaper moved into the Square in 1904. Not only did they manage to get the name changed to reflect the title of the newspaper, they also held a party to remember in the Square that New Year’s Eve.

But as we’ve mentioned already, Times Square is not just about New Year’s Eve. There is every reason to visit the area during the rest of the year too. There are several major attractions near here, including Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium. Of course you will also see the famous signs that advertise several well known companies here. Lots of tourists cannot resist whipping out their cameras to take some pictures of these signs – after all they are a famous and integral part of the Square itself.

There are famous shows in the area too so if you want to take in a Broadway production now is your chance to do so. Alternatively if it’s shopping you like to do, Times Square can cater for those needs as well.

You can even walk quite happily around Times Square at the moment without having to dodge lots of cars. This is because it has been pedestrianised in part. Although this is a trial there is every reason to hope it will become permanent, as it has led to more people being able to enjoy the area in a more relaxed way.

It’s clear that Times Square is an iconic part of New York and it is therefore one of the best spots to visit while you are there. Don’t miss it – and make the most of it.

Reasons To Visit The Upper East Side

2010-08-10T13:47:00.002Z

When you think of New York you probably think of it as one large city. But in reality it is more than this. It is divided into areas that can be viewed as being very different from each other – because this is exactly what they are.

One such area is the Upper East Side. It is immediately to the east of Central Park, which makes it very easy to find when you arrive in the city. It is notable for several different reasons, but perhaps the biggest thing of all is that it is a very expensive area to live in. Madison Avenue is in this area of New York, and when you consider how pricey the shops are there, you’ll see why this area has people with expensive tastes and pockets living in it.

If you can’t quite stretch to having a shopping spree in this area you should definitely indulge in some window shopping. This is free of charge of course and it is great to see how the people living in this part of New York really live.

There are other attractions here as well, not least of which is Museum Mile. This is so called because one section of town has lots of museums virtually all one after the other.

Museum Mile used to go by another name – Millionaire’s Row. You’ll see why when you take a look at the buildings other than the actual museums here. It is still an incredibly wealthy area, and simply looking up at the apartment windows and buildings is an experience in itself in this part of New York.

The City of New York Museum is also in this area, and if you want to know more about the history of the city as a whole (as well as the Upper East Side) this is the place to come. It’s worth seeing this part of New York because of the architecture as well as the attractions, and you’ll learn more about it if you venture into that particular museum.

Window shopping and history – what better mix could there be?

Take Advantage Of The New York Day Tours

2010-07-09T11:03:00.002Z

There is no doubt about it – New York is an amazing place and it is fairly packed to the skyscrapers with countless things to see and do. We’re all familiar with the famous sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, but there are plenty of lesser known sights you could easily miss out on.

So how can you be sure you see everything you’d like to see? Well you could get a guidebook, and in fact this is one of the best things to do because you’ll certainly get plenty of use out of it. But it probably isn’t the best way of getting to see as much of the city as you can.

The best way in our opinion is to take a day tour. There are several companies offering organised tours of New York City and you will be guaranteed to take a popular route which takes in plenty of destinations and sights. It’s worth looking around at the different options before you pre-book anything though, as not all routes or day tours are exactly the same.

Some of them might be themed, such as the Sex and the City New York Tour for example. If you loved the TV programme you’ll no doubt want to go on the tour because it shows you all the locations that will be familiar to you. If this doesn’t take your fancy there are plenty of other options to choose from as well.

You can also take half day tours if you wish, and bus tours are another possibility if a walking tour doesn’t appeal to you. The bus tours give you the chance to see more over a wider area and get on and off to explore in more depth if you want to.

Tours of any city tend to be popular and New York is no exception. This is why pre-booking your spot on any tour is a good idea; if you turn up on the day you want to take it you might be disappointed. Don’t take the chance – make sure you can see the best of the city with someone who knows it well.

Cruising Into New York City

2010-06-10T09:48:00.003Z

When a lot of people think about taking a holiday in New York, they automatically think about booking a flight to get there. But regardless of where you happen to live, there is another way you can make the journey – and it opens up another kind of holiday altogether.

We’re talking about a cruise holiday, and if you want to get the best possible view of New York City for the first time, this is arguably the best way to do it. Many cruise travellers who have visited New York say that this gives you an awesome view of the city – and of the Statue of Liberty in particular. Just imagine sailing into New York and being greeted by this immense and iconic statue. Wouldn’t that be the best way to begin a holiday in America?

Of course many cruise holidays take in other parts of America as well as New York. But this is a key port in America and many cruises head here before going anywhere else.

Make sure you find out how much time you will be given in New York before you actually move on to another destination though. Some cruises only provide a day or so in the city before you sail on for your next port of call. Think about how much time you would like to spend in the city before you book your cruise. How many of the famous New York sights would you like to see before you go elsewhere to see what else America has to offer?

By planning a bit in advance like this you can make sure you have the best New York holiday possible. And read all the details of the cruise carefully too – you might find you get a day or two in New York on the way back home as well. If this suits you, you might have found the best way to sail to and from New York and see all the sights as well. If you hate flying and dislike airports, wouldn’t the cruising way of life be just about the best way to do it?

The Statue Of Liberty

2010-05-11T13:51:00.002Z

Every city has certain landmarks that just beg to be seen – particularly by those who have never visited that city before. New York has several contenders for this title, but one of the firm favourites must surely be the Statue of Liberty.

The statue stands proud on Liberty Island, which is not too far from Liberty State Park. It was created as a way of commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was first put in place back in 1886. Ever since then she has stood as a symbol for liberty and independence that everyone knows of the whole world over.

The torch that the statue holds is not the original but you can see the original one by going to see the exhibition before you head up the statue itself. The exhibition is underneath the statue, in the base it stands on. This base doesn’t look very big from a distance but you will be surprised at just how tall the statue is when you are standing at her feet. The total height of the Statue of Liberty including the base she stands on is over three hundred feet.

This is certainly a very tall monument, but it’s hard to try and imagine the size before you actually visit it for real. To give you a better perspective on the statue, her face is over eight feet high!

You can actually see a replica of her face in the museum in the pedestal below, so make a point of seeing it for yourself, since you won’t be able to get too close to the real thing. The replica looks a little strange though because the copper has not been exposed to the weather. This means it is not the same greenish colour that the Statue of Liberty is known to be.

You need to get tickets in advance of visiting Liberty Island and they are very popular, so make sure you book well in advance if you want to see the statue. It is well worth the visit and you may be surprised at how fascinating this statue really is.

Fancy Taking In A Show In New York City?

2010-04-12T11:14:00.002Z

If you are going to head over the pond to New York for a long weekend (or longer), you cannot make it a complete experience without seeing a show while you are there.

Just as London has the West End, so New York has Broadway – the place where all the big name shows and stars congregate to entertain thousands of people on a nightly basis.

Whatever you fancy seeing, you are sure to find something which will fit the bill. With big name classics such as South Pacific and more modern delights like Wicked, there are always ways to get hold of tickets to see some of the best shows in town.

For example you can check in advance to see what is on when, and perhaps even book tickets before you leave. Alternatively you can always get hold of tickets when you arrive, but you should be prepared to spend some time looking round and perhaps queuing for last minute bargains.

You can find out all about Broadway shows before you leave by checking online to see what is available. There are several websites that have comprehensive details of all the current and forthcoming shows on Broadway, so make sure you get all the information you need from here.

Don’t forget that it isn’t just Broadway that boasts some fantastic New York shows worth seeing. Off Broadway is another part of town close by that has several other shows running. These will generally be smaller productions but there can be more variety here. If you don’t like the big name shows and you want something slightly different, this could be your best bet.

As you can see it pays to think ahead and get a rough idea of which shows will be on where before you travel. You then have a shortlist of ideas for theatres to visit to try and get tickets from while you are there.

One thing is for sure though – there’s no beating a terrific Broadway show to really rev up your stay in the Big Apple. Which one will you pick?

Ever Heard Of Museum Mile?

2010-03-15T16:22:00.000Z

Sometimes it can seem as if you have visited New York a million times over before you have even touched down in the city itself. We see it so much and so often on television and in films that we feel as if we know it already.

But New York has a lot more to offer than you might imagine. There are the big name sights of course, but there are certain areas of the city that aren’t so well known. Museum Mile is one of these areas. People in the city know it as such, and it isn’t exactly a secret. But ask the average tourist about it and you’ll probably get a blank stare.

You won’t find it tucked away in some forgotten part of the city either – it’s on 5th Avenue, arguably one of the most famous streets in the city. And it certainly lives up to its name of Museum Mile. If you want to visit one of New York’s museums you can have your choice of several along this stretch of 5th Avenue.

One of the most famous of them has to be the Guggenheim Museum. This is home to a huge array of artwork from all kinds of people, and it is a must see if you have even the slightest interest in art of any kind.

Elsewhere on Museum Mile you will find the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This has both permanent exhibitions and those which are only open for a limited time. So whenever you go you can be assured of seeing a splendid mix of artwork of all kinds.

But for visitors to New York perhaps the best museum of all on the Mile is the Museum of the City of New York. What better way could there be to get to know more about the city itself? It has several floors and has plenty to keep you entertained and enlightened for at least half a day.

As you can see there is plenty to delight you and keep you occupied for a day or more on Museum Mile. Don’t miss it.

Visiting Grand Central Terminal

2010-02-09T12:00:00.002Z

It might sound a bit odd to choose a railway station to visit rather than many of the other incredible attractions that New York offers. But you can’t go to the city without seeing Grand Central Terminal. It has a long history and provides a worthwhile experience for anyone who visits, regardless of how much time you spend there.

You see, it is more than just a station. Certainly it is a very big one - there are more than sixty different tracks which terminate here. Five railway lines find their way into the station and you can also jump on the New York Metro here. As such it is a good place to visit when you are arriving there from somewhere else – or heading out to another part of the city altogether.

One of the most famous sights of all – apart from the concourse itself which is huge – is the clock. Many people have met underneath this clock and it is an iconic part of the station that has been included in several films before now. But if you agree to meet someone underneath the clock you might want to pass the time appreciating it – it is said to be worth as much as $20 million dollars.

In recent years Grand Central Terminal has received a much needed facelift and it now looks just as good as it did back when it originally opened in the early part of the 20th century.

But there is more to Grand Central Terminal than simply the notion of seeing a slice of restored history right in front of your eyes. As you will see there are lots of stores and restaurants in the terminal, making this more exciting than you might have previously thought. Try out Brother Jimmy’s BBQ if you fancy a taste of the south while you are there, or go for the Central Market Grill if you want something quick and easy to grab and eat on the go.

Wherever you are heading to in New York there is no doubt that a visit to Grand Central Terminal is a must.

Get A View Of Central Park Zoo

2010-01-08T10:55:00.002Z

Let’s face it you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to thinking about how to spend your holiday time in New York. But some things are simply must sees.

Central Park is one of them, purely because it has such a lot to offer. It is an oasis of relative calm right in the centre of Manhattan. And it also has a superb zoo to share with you.

There are various different sections of the zoo to enjoy during your visit. No matter whether you go alone or you have all the family in tow, you’ll love every minute of it. The Polar Circle alone has plenty to offer, not least an up close and personal look at the polar bear. You can watch it swim and wander around its impressive enclosure. Most recently there were two polar bears at the zoo, so keep an eye out for them both.

Elsewhere you can visit the children’s zoo, a special section of the main zoo which focuses on introducing your youngsters to some of the friendlier animals. There are plenty of ducks to spot in the pond and you can also look forward to seeing goats and pigs among other animals.

There is no doubt the kids will find plenty to amuse and amaze themselves at the Central Park Zoo. But there is a lot here to captivate the adults as well. One of the most recent additions are the snow leopards, who have been drawing crowds who want to see the new arrivals.

Take time to explore the rainforest exhibit too, as it holds many other animals of all descriptions. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them all though, otherwise you might miss something. Not all of them are brave enough to venture out in front of the visitors!

The great thing about the zoo is its location. It can be found tucked away in the south east section of Central Park, and once you have enjoyed an active day there you can explore the rest of the park at large as well. What better way could there be to round off the perfect day in New York?

Experience The New York Skyride

2009-11-03T08:52:00.002Z

What is the first thing you think of when you think of New York? The chances are that shopping and skyscrapers are pretty near the top of your list.

But there is a very special experience waiting for you with regard to the skyscrapers. You can try the New York Skyride if you head for the Empire State Building and buy the right ticket.

So what can you expect from the Skyride?

Well it may not be quite what you expect – but it is certainly unforgettable. The experience takes place entirely indoors, but you will feel as if you’re out among the skyscrapers in this high definition cinema experience. It lasts for half an hour, during which time you will be glued to your hydraulic seat as you fly among the most famous sights in the city.

Did we say hydraulic seat? We did – because that is one of the reasons why this experience is so memorable. The huge cinema screen gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and its many sights, and your seat will move to make the experience even more realistic.

As such the New York Skyride is one of the best things you could choose to do when you first arrive in the city. Not only is it hugely enjoyable but it also gives you a nice list of places you might want to see while you are in town! And what better way to see them all than from above, even though it is on a cinema screen?

You’ll probably find that once you start watching it though you will forget that’s what you’re doing. The effect of the superbly shot film – and of course the seat moving beneath you – will combine to make sure you are right there in the experience.

The Skyride can be found just two floors up in the Empire State Building, but don’t miss the chance to go up further and get some fantastic views from the top once you’ve seen the film. Make sure you get a combined ticket for the best value for money possible, and then enjoy!

More flights from New York to St. Lucia

2007-11-20T16:09:00.002Z

St. Lucia will be benefiting from increased airlift out of New York, a move Tourism Minister Senator Allen Chastanet says will be a tremendous boost to the island’s tourism sector.

In making the announcement at a press reception at the Marriott Hotel, downtown Brooklyn, Chastanet said American Airlines will be introducing non-stop, inaugural flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport to Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia.

He said the three-time weekly American Airlines flights will "augment the Air Jamaica service and not replace it."

"We’re looking to grow this market. We’ve spent more money in this market that we’ve ever spent before and we’re committed to see this happen.

"This (New York) really is the basket of tourism for the Caribbean and St. Lucia is going to be rising to the current challenge," he said.

Chastanet said, starting this Thursday, American Airlines will operate flights from New York every Thursday, Saturday and Monday through to December 13. Afterwards, the service will be operated on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays.

"You’re going to see a very different destination than you’ve ever seen before," Chanstanet said.

"We’re not going to be stopping," he added. "We have a lot of work to be done."

John E. Lisiewski, American Airlines Regional Director for Caribbean and Latin America, said he was attracted to St. Lucia by its beauty and warmth, among other things.

"It’s such a beautiful destination," he said, adding, without elaborating, that American Airlines will shortly be expanding its service to the rest of the Caribbean from its new terminal at New York’s JFK.

Chastanet, who is also Minister of Civil Aviation, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that St. Lucia is "excited about sharing St. Lucia's development plans" with the Caribbean American community.

"Our nationals overseas are our greatest cheerleaders and ambassadors, and our visit to New York this week is just a small step in a wider engagement of the Diaspora whether St. Lucian, Grenadian, Vincentian or Jamaican," he said.

Chastanet, who is also chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), urged the expatriate Caribbean community to become more involved in the Caribbean's socio-economic development.
"Which means that the Caribbean Diaspora has to be engaged in both tourism promotion and investment," he said.

"Our politicians really need to engage our overseas-based communities, not just to fund political campaigns, but to safeguard our common futures," he added.

"Our Caribbean hoteliers must understand the economic power of our expatriates, and step to the plate to pitch their attractive offerings to this segment of the market," he continued.

Chastanet said the need for mainstream guests should "not lead us to overlook an economically viable and patriotic community, who already boosts our economies with their remittances and other expenditures when on island or in country."

"In my capacity as chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, I am pleased to disclose that we are in the process of beginning to work with the Diaspora," he said.

"And we will have some very good news about this to share in the near future," he added without elaborating.

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Broadway strike costs New York big but tourists stick around

2007-11-20T15:59:00.002Z

The Marriott Marquis in New York's theatre district was fully booked but a street vendor selling hats and scarves in front of the hotel said his business was down by half. A restaurant two blocks away was also taking a big hit.

The strike that has shut down most of Broadway has delivered a blow to the local economy but the labour dispute's overall economic impact is hard to gauge because Broadway represents just one slice of New York City's booming tourism industry.

Businesses that cater to theatregoers were suffering but it did not appear that the strike was prompting droves of tourists to cancel their trips.

"We show no indication that there's any change in travel patterns or any decline in travel to New York," said Jim Cohen, a spokesman for Orbitz.com.

The walkout by stagehands, which has shut down more than two dozen Broadway theatres, entered its fourth day Tuesday with no negotiations planned.

Estimates about the economic impact of the strike range from US$2 million to $17 million a day.

Karen Hauser, director of research for the League of American Theatres and Producers, said the league monitors the economic impact of Broadway by adding up what the producers spend to mount shows, what is spent to maintain theatres and what Broadway-bound visitors spend while in the city.

The current figure is about $5 billion a year, she said and the estimate of $17 million a day in lost revenues represents a worst-case scenario - if all the tourists with tickets to closed-down shows "went to Florida instead."

"That's not happening right now for a short-term strike," Hauser said. "But the longer Broadway is shut down, the closer to that number we will get."

City Comptroller William Thompson estimated the economic impact of the strike at $2 million a day, based on survey data including theatregoers total spending on tickets, dining, shopping and other activities.

"The strike will have a growing impact on the city as we enter the holiday season," Thompson said. "Let us hope that the parties come to a timely and equitable agreement that will benefit not only all those who make their living on theatre industry, but those who rely on jobs in restaurants, hotels and other tourist-related industries."

Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, a business group, said, "The strike is a potential body blow to the economy not only of Times Square but also all of New York City. Each day the strike goes on means 30,000 to 40,000 people who are not going to area restaurants and hotels and shops."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, asked on Monday about the dollar impact of the strike, said there was no way to tell. "I think most people that were planning vacations to come here will continue to come here," he said. For his part, Bloomberg changed his dinner plans Monday night and ate at a theatre district restaurant instead to support the local economy.

Tourists also have the unfortunate timing of visiting the city during a Hollywood writers walkout that has shut down New York City attraction draws such as "Late Show With David Letterman."

Kathleen Duffy, a spokeswoman for Marriott's 12 hotels in New York City, said all the hotels were at least 90 per cent full, and the Marriott Marquis, which shares a building with Broadway's Marquis Theatre, was 100 per cent occupied Monday night, the third night of the strike.

Restaurants in the theatre district were hurting, though. Sean Ricketts, a manager at Sardi's, the post-theatre hangout where caricatures of actors grace the walls, said business was off by anywhere from 30 per cent to 50 per cent depending on the shift.

"We really fear the coming days," he said. "If the strike were to continue, our business would suffer greatly."

Chuck Hunt, executive vice-president of the New York State Restaurant Association, said he was worried about restaurant employees whose livelihood depends on a high volume of tips.

Several sidewalk vendors who sell everything from shawls to photos of New York street scenes said their business was down by 50 per cent.

"It's devastating," said Yousif Sali, whose hats and scarves were arrayed on a table in front of the Marquis. "Every day is worse and worse and worse. We want them to come back."

For more information click here

Goa Tourism woos American tourists

2007-11-20T15:43:00.002Z

Taking an independent and enterprising initiative, the Department of Tourism, Goa, organised a 'Goan Evening' in Manhattan, New York during the recent 'India at 60' celebrations which was held to promote India under the aegis of the ministry of tourism, Government of India, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) from September 23-26. The invitees were leading travel and tour operators from Manhattan, conducting business between India and New York.

The delegation from Goa was led by the tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco and comprised MLA and chairman of EDC, Agnelo Fernandes, chief secretary, J P Singh, and director of tourism, Arvind Loliyekar. Addressing the audience, the tourism minister said, "Goa may be India's smallest state, but it leaves the biggest and most indelible impression on tourists who visit the place. It is like a jewel in the crown that is India."

He added, "Tourism in Goa has diversified into many other areas. Goan culture offers a unique blend of East and West. From beach tourism, to heritage tourism, hinterland tourism, MICE, medical tourism, eco- tourism, and adventure tourism, Goa has it all."

Among the highlights of the 'Goan Evening' was an audio-visual presentation, which captured the essence of Goa and also spoke about the new tourism avenues the state was opening up to visitors. The presentation was followed by a live performance of local folk dances by a Goan troupe.

During the Q&A session, the American media posed queries on different aspects, especially on the possibility of direct charters coming from USA to Goa as well as on investment opportunities available in the state. The venue was bedecked to promote Goa as a brand, and with the help of visual cut-outs, a Goan ambience was created. The subsequent dinner menu included typical Goan dishes.

The Government of India also organised an exhibition at the picturesque Southwest Seaport, wherein a stall allotted to Goa Tourism, was designed to portray typical Goan elements and which drew maximum crowds among the various states participating in the event.

For more information click here

Non-stop Big Apple flights to St Kitts

2007-11-20T15:28:00.002Z

American Airlines B757 jet touched down at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St Kitts on Sunday signalling the start of the only direct service from New York.

AA has put on the 188-seat jet for the winter tourism season.

It will operate twice a week - on Sundays and Wednesdays.

The service was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at JFK International Airport attended by representatives of the airlines and the twin-island's government and tourism authority.

To mark the occasion, AA said it will give bonus miles to frequent fliers until February 12, 2008.

"Earlier this year we made it clear that American Airlines intends to be the preferred airline in New York, and our new non-stop service to St. Kitts and Nevis is part of that commitment,' said American's Vice President of Passenger Sales in the Greater New York, Chuck Imhof.

He added that "from New York, travellers on American can expect convenient flights to lots of destinations, competitive fares, and in the case of JFK, a sparkling new state-of-the-art terminal. We now look forward to showing residents of the tri-state area what a wonderful addition St Kitts and Nevis are to our schedule."

"We are delighted that American Airlines will operate non-stop service from New York to St. Kitts and Nevis," said Director of the St Kitts Tourism Authority in the United States, Robert Kelly.

"We offer visitors unspoiled beauty, first-world hospitality, and excellent shopping, resorts and facilities - all in an uncrowded environment. And it's just a short flight from New York on American. St Kitts and Nevis is an ideal destination for a quick getaway or an extended vacation."

New York City Launches Campaign to Attract Tourists

2007-11-09T16:00:00.000Z

With 43 million visitors last year, New York City is a destination that needs no promotion. But the city of over-achievers is not satisfied with the status quo. It wants to attract 50 million tourists by the year 2015, and with them, their tourist dollars.

New York City's new advertising campaign, celebrates the virtues of Manhattan, and is aimed at attracting international tourists.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently said, "This campaign, our multi-media campaign, is one designed to make tourists to our city feel more welcome, help them enjoy their stays and thank them for visiting our city."

The city has launched a program called "Just Ask the Locals." It uses celebrities to encourage visitors to ask New Yorkers about their city.

Tourists say it is working. "We have been absolutely amazed at how friendly people have been,” said a recent visitor. “When they see us with our map and they say, 'Do you need help?' or 'Can we tell you where to go?'"

The city's tourism agency, called "NYC and Company," has launched a new advertising campaign, with TV commercials airing in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Britain and Ireland. Research shows that travelers from those countries tend to stay longer and spend more money. City officials say the $25 million a year tourism industry is vital because it supports about 350,000 jobs.

For more information click here

Brooklyn: A bridge to New York

2007-10-29T15:16:00.000Z

Autumn showcases the Big Apple at its ripest, certainly one of the loveliest times to take in an ambling city stroll.

The skyline surrenders to a golden hue. A welcomed chill clings to the air. And the pace slows, if just for a sigh of a moment, before the crush of the holiday rush.

But regular New York day-trippers should bypass the tried and true of Manhattan for the city streets less traveled. Just a hop, skip and a borough away lies Brooklyn, ripe for its own autumnal exploration.

Brooklyn, you ask? The borough of Nathan’s hot dogs and Coney Island fame? The borough that bids drivers a prickly adieu with its expressway signage: “Leaving Brooklyn ... Fugheddaboudit”?

Indeed, grit and attitude and heart. Brooklyn’s got it all. But there’s a whole other side to the borough that the uninitiated might not know: The Brooklyn of vibrant, trendsetting neighborhoods with their unique shops and sidewalk cafes, of serene landscapes and lush parks, of historic brownstones and community stoop culture.

A proper visit to the borough should begin with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, where regular New York visitors can symbolically leave the familiarity of Manhattan for the adventure of the unknown. Find the pedestrian walkway at Park Row and Centre Street in Lower Manhattan, just across from City Hall Park (by subway, take the 4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge — City Hall, or the J,M,Z to Chambers Street).

Depending on how leisurely your stroll, a trek over the 5,989-foot expanse of steel and wire can take less than a half-hour, twice that if you stop often to soak in the views. And you should. They’re often proclaimed better than any offered by the tallest of New York skyscrapers. (Tip: If you’re on foot, hug the right side of the walkway to avoid the speeding cyclists and panting runners occupying the left).

Gazing from this perch above the East River is to see the literal nuts and bolts of the city and to appreciate the artistry of the bridge’s architects. Upon its completion in 1883, it stood as the largest suspension bridge in the world, and the first to be made of steel and wire.

Here the city’s skyline glistens behind you, with clear views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings to the left. Trudge farther to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to the right, and farther to get a view of the borough waiting to greet you. Along the way, make sure to linger at the twin gothic-style arches whose wide platforms are dotted with plaques detailing the bridge’s history — how it was built and what the views were like at its opening May 24, 1883.

As cabs rumble beneath and pedestrians swarm, it’s difficult not to recall another of the bridge’s historical footnotes: its use as a somber exit route from Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001. Gazing across the river, you can’t help but replant the twin towers with your mind’s eye, imagining them back in their rightful spot, reaching up from the city skyline.

Once the bridge spills you out onto Adams Street, swing around to find 19 Old Fulton St. and stand in line beneath the bridge to get a taste of the fuss over Grimaldi’s famous coal-oven pizza. Linger to explore the waterfront and picturesque Brooklyn Heights, or hail a cab for greener pastures.

The best way to enter Prospect Park is by way of Grand Army Plaza, an elaborate arch adorned with bronze sculptures, including a bust of President Kennedy. It’s a bit of European flair, Brooklyn-style, right in the heart of a bustling intersection across from the Brooklyn Public Library. Visit on Saturdays, when vendors’ displays of fresh produce are dotted with fall’s golds and oranges and greens as the plaza plays host to New York City’s second-largest open-air farmers market.

For more information click here

Restaurants in New York to display calories

2007-10-29T14:53:00.000Z

The city of New York is taking one more step in the fight against obesity.

Starting in 2008, the city will require restaurants to display the amount of calories on their menus and menu boards, according to media reports Saturday.

The law will only apply to eateries which have 15 or more franchisee in the city or around the country.

In total there are approximately 23,00 restaurants in New York city, only 10 percent will be effected by the new rules.

The calorie count will have to be be posted as prominently as the price of each menu item.

To read more Click here

New Passport Rules Bring Worry Over Tourism at Niagara Falls

2007-06-12T13:27:00.003Z

11 June 2007

Starting in January, the plan approved in 2004 — known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and suggested by the 9/11 Commission — will for the first time require Americans traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean to present a passport, a less expensive alternative called a passport card or one of several frequent-traveller cards already available. A passport requirement for those flying between the United States and those places went into effect in January but was temporarily lifted last week.

Earlier this year Congress recommended that the deadline for beginning the land and sea portion of the plan be extended until June 2009, but the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly said it intends to stick with the original deadline of January 2008. And despite the government’s refusal to delay the plan, officials at the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security said in congressional hearings last month that the government had not tested the proposed cards or the machines to process them.

“It is a security vulnerability as identified by Congress and the 9/11 Commission,” said Kelly Klundt, a Homeland Security spokeswoman.

Since January, people flying between the United States and those destinations have been required to present passports. But on Friday the State Department said that because it has been unable to keep up with the surge in new passport applications, it would allow travellers to fly without a passport until the end of September if they could present a State Department receipt showing they had applied for one, as well as a piece of government-issued identification, like a driver’s license.

After the announcement, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the department would begin to phase in the land and sea strictures beginning in January.

So as the government tightens security between the United States and Canada, the world’s longest nonmilitarized border — 5,526 miles over land and water — businesses in both countries are growing increasingly wary. A survey conducted by Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission in 2005 showed that 36 percent of Americans and 37 percent of Canadians said they would “severely curtail” the number of times they crossed the border if a passport were required.

Arlene White, executive director of the Binational Tourism Alliance, which has offices in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Buffalo, said the Niagara Falls region would be hit particularly hard.

The bill’s impact would be felt beyond tourism in industries including trucking and manufacturing, Ms. White said. New York’s trade with all of Canada totaled almost $38 billion in 2006, while Ontario did more than $285 billion of business with the United States, according to statistics provided by the Canadian government.

“If they make everyone have a passport, you’ll see people just start to stay away from the border,” Ms. White said. “The thought of this actually being allowed to happen is unfathomable to me.”

About 20 million people travel to Niagara Falls each year, with each side of the border offering a vastly different experience.

In New York, visitors can walk within yards of the brink of the falls in at least six different places. Ontario’s park touches the edge of the cataracts in only one spot, but offers a panoramic and breathtaking view.

The differences are even more pronounced beyond the parks themselves.

New York CityPass adds Museum of Art

2007-06-04T10:31:00.000Z

New York CityPass adds The Metropolitan Museum of Art as the sixth blockbuster ticket in its booklet of must-see attractions in New York City. CityPass®, known for assembling North American big-city destinations’ most popular museum and attractions tickets into one time-and money-saving booklet, announces a new era of its New York CityPass. Available June 1, 2007.

New York CityPass features the iconic Empire State Building Observatory, a Circle Line Sightseeing cruise, and four of the world’s most important museums:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History and Rose Center.

Priced at $65 for adults – a $130 value – New York CityPass represents a travel savings of 50% off individually purchased attraction tickets.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s premier cultural destinations. Its collections include more than two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe.

Famous for its majestic galleries, superb collections, and wide-ranging educational offerings, The Metropolitan makes its full range of exhibitions, collections and programs – relating to Egyptian art, European paintings, medieval art, musical instruments, American paintings and sculpture, American decorative arts, arms and armor, modern art, costume, art from Asia, Africa, and much more – accessible to all ages and interests.

For more information visit New York CityPass

The World's Top 50 Tourist Attractions

2007-05-21T09:54:00.003Z

May 1, 2007

The Sydney Opera House has been named by Forbes Traveler website as one of the top 50 visited tourist attractions in the world. The Sydney icon came in at No. 38 with more than four million annual visitors and is the only attraction in the southern hemisphere listed.

Thirteen countries are represented in the list with the US home to 20 of the locations, followed by France and Britain with seven each.

Amusement and theme parks are the world's dominant attractions with 16 in the top 35 including all five Disney theme parks (Orlando, Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Hong Kong) and the three Universal studios (Orlando, Osaka and Los Angeles).

Times Square in New York topped the list with an estimated 35 million visitors while Trafalgar Square (No.4) was the most popular attraction outside of North America.

Paris featured seven attractions, the most from any one city.

Forbes Traveler excluded shopping centres and religious pilgrimage sites, such as Mecca, from the list. Although some religious sites, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Vatican, were included for their cultural significance.

The top 10
1. Times Square, New York
2. Memorial, Washington D.C.
3. Disney World, Orlando
4. Trafalgar Square, London
5. Disneyland, Los Angeles
6. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
7. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
8. Disney Resort, Tokyo
9. Notre Dame, Paris
10. Disneyland, Paris

Jumeirah Wants 57 Hotels

2007-04-10T11:14:00.000Z

Dubai based hotel group Jumeirah expects to be operating 57 properties around the world within the next four years, according to Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless and cited by Reuters.

Jumeirah has targeted 26 locations for hotels including cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt and New York. The firm is close to deals in Beijing, Bali and Jakarta, while India is also seen as a market with much potential.

Tussauds sold to Merlin Entertainments for £1 billion

2007-03-06T10:36:00.002Z

5 March 2007

Dubai International Capital has sold Tussauds Group, the company known worldwide for its Madame Tussauds wax museum and London Eye tourist attractions in London, to Merlin Entertainments, which owns Legoland and other entertainment properties. The price: £1.03 billion (approximately Rs8,885.81 crore). DIC will retain a 20 per cent stake in the combined entity.

Merlin, majority-owned by private equity capital group Blackstone and partly owned by LEGO Holding/KIRKBI groups, operates 38 attractions worldwide. Its brands include Legoland, Sea Life, Gardaland and Earth Explorer.

Tussauds Group consists of London city centre attractions (six Madame Tussauds - London, New York, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Shanghai and Hong Kong; the British Airways London Eye, and Warwick Castle); and theme parks (Alton Towers; Thorpe Park; Chessington World of Adventures in the UK and Heide Park in Germany).

Exciting combination
Merlin and Tussauds together attracted 30 million visitors to their 50 attractions and four hotels in 2006. Merlin says the Tussauds acquisition would make it the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator after Disney. The two firms operate in 12 countries and employ more than 13,000 people.

Says Merlin's chief executive Nick Varney: "The combination of the Merlin and Tussauds brands, people, and operating expertise will create an exciting and world-beating global entertainment company." He adds: "With such iconic brands, the expanded Merlin will not only have strong development potential, but also an amazingly robust and high value portfolio. Our ambition is to build on this to become the world leader in location-based, branded, family entertainment."

According to Varney, "The deal is a major strategic move for Merlin which has already seen the most successful and dynamic growth in the sector over the last five years. It not only expands our business both geographically and demographically, but also underlines our objective to build a balanced portfolio. The combined group also has the resources and expertise to focus on accelerating current expansion plans for all the brands, particularly in North America."

The deal will give a boost to Tussauds Group's growth plans, including, according to its chief executive Peter Phillipson, the London Eye and the theme parks, and the launching of Madame Tussauds in other cities in the world.

Says Phillipson, "Under DIC's ownership, we have continued to make significant progress against our strategic objectives. We have acquired the British Airways London Eye, continued the international rollout of Madame Tussauds, and the construction of hotels at Chessington and Heide Park is progressing well."

He adds: "Joining forces with Merlin represents a very exciting opportunity to develop these brands as part of the world's second largest visitor attractions business. The combined group will be in an excellent position to continue the development of The London Eye and our theme parks, as well as accelerate the rollout of Madame Tussauds around the world. I am very much looking forward to working closely with Nick Varney to build a great business for our staff, customers and shareholders."

For more information visit domain-b.com

New York Fashion Week Displays Leg Wear

2007-02-05T15:21:00.000Z

It looks like leg wear is here to stay, at least through fall. Textured tights are the first must-have item to emerge from New York Fashion Week — you need them to wear with all the short, flirty skirts.

On Sunday afternoon, DKNY and Tracy Reese kept the hemline above the knee and then some. But the runway shows previewing fall styles for editors, retailers and stylists continue through Friday, with trendsetters such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and Calvin Klein still to come.

DKNY: Forget separate daytime clothes and evening clothes. Donna Karan seamlessly blended the two in her DKNY collection for fall. There was a hint of sparkle peeking out from under skirt suits with bouncy flip hems, and a playful heart print used on bow blouses softened an outfit of tailored separates.

The knits, many of the them chunky cardigans in black and white, were cozy and inviting but, when paired with tweed wide-leg trousers or a ruffled miniskirt, never looked too slouchy for work or too fitted for play.

The palette was purposefully dark: black and gray with bright spots of berry, violet and "acid" — sort of greenish yellow. A berry-colored cashmere and double-faced wool coat and a matching short skirt were particularly stylish — perfect for the young urbanite who is the target DNKY customer.

These outfits also would look trend-right on a college campus or a hip high-tech office. Some skirts were too short for anyone with three-decade-old legs, but it's likely the lengths will be a little longer when the clothes arrive in stores.

Karan, in her notes, said she was inspired by the "sexy buzz" of a city night when streets are "a blur of dotted lights and neon color." This was the excuse to infuse a few 1980s touches, such as a purple and black scuba dress and silver sequin-covered leggings, but this was the '80s done right, not as the fashion joke that era has become.

New York City to set 2006 tourism record

2007-01-19T11:11:00.003Z

NEW YORK: A record 44 million visitors will have visited New York City by the end of 2006, continuing the city's tourism revival following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, officials have said.

Even so, the number of international tourists has not reached its pre-Sept. 11 levels, and the competition for those travelers is increasingly intense, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

"The days of New York City sitting there and saying, 'We're New York, they're going to come to us,' are long gone," Bloomberg said. "People have alternatives to go anyplace in the world ... we are in competition for tourists."

Tourism is said to support nearly 350,000 jobs and generate $24 billion (18.24 billion euros) annually for New York City, which is why Bloomberg is pushing to attract millions more tourists.

Officials said that 44 million visitors will have come to New York by the end of the year, including some 1.25 million this week, alone. Last year, the city hosted a total of 42.5 million tourists.

The number of international tourists, which has lagged behind domestic totals since the 2001 terror attacks, also is estimated to set a record this year with 7 million visitors from other countries. Its previous high was in 2000, with 6.78 million people.

Las Vegas, another top U.S. tourist draw, also expects to break records and surpass 38.7 million visitors this year, according to its convention and visitors authority.

To help reach even higher tourism levels, New York City is beginning an overseas marketing campaign offering various hotel and airline discounts for foreign travelers during traditionally slower periods.

Bloomberg hopes for New York to draw 50 million annual visitors by the year 2015.

To reach this goal, the city is beginning an overseas marketing campaign offering various hotel and airline discounts for foreign travelers during traditionally slower periods.

The first phase of the campaign was rolled out this month with advertising in London's underground rail system. Officials said it was too soon to gauge the exact results of that push, but the city is enjoying a spike right now in visitors from a number of foreign countries.

International tourists are drawn here because the weak dollar makes for shopping and entertainment bargains. In particular, there has been a surge in visitors from Ireland, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.

But more should be done to woo them and other foreign travelers, according to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

In a September report to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the board said that the United States>' competitive position in international tourism "is not nearly as strong as it should be." There were slightly more than 49 million international visitors in the U.S. in 2005, which represents about a 6 percent share of the 808 million travelers worldwide, it said.

Other countries have become better funded and more coordinated at courting visitors, while the U.S. lags behind, the board said. It also noted a widespread perception that the U.S. is a tangle of post-9/11 extra security procedures and visa requirements.

"Our national strategy must include an entry process that is faster, friendlier and more efficient," the report said.

New York City’s 'Paint the Town' Promotion Biggest Ever

2007-01-16T15:27:00.000Z

“Paint The Town,” New York City’s annual winter travel savings promotion, is once again underway in the Big Apple, now through February 28, 2007, presented by American Express, American Airlines, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and I Love NY. This year’s promotion is the biggest ever, with more than 300 special offers and exclusive discounts throughout the city when paying exclusively with the American Express® Card.

“Tourism is incredibly important to the city’s economy, as well as for all the people who make their living in the hospitality industry,” said NYC & Company Chairman Jonathan Tisch. “Coming off a record-breaking year in tourism in 2006 – and with more than 44 million projected visitors to the five boroughs in 2007 – we are well on our way to achieving Mayor Bloomberg’s mandate of attracting 50 million visitors to New York by 2015.”

Produced by NYC & Company, “Paint The Town” makes it easy and affordable to plan an exciting urban getaway in the world’s greatest city. This year’s program is complemented by a pocket-sized guide with special discounts citywide on shopping, hotel stays, dining, museums, theaters, tours, nightlife, attractions, culture, services and more.

“We’re excited to once again partner with the City of New York and NYC & Company on this incredible project,” said Dionne Rogers, Vice President, American Express Establishment Services. “Paint the Town truly embraces the spirit of New York with something for everyone – whether families looking for a quick getaway, international visitors seeking the best of fashion and hospitality or those of us who call New York home interested in a great night out.”

By presenting the Paint The Town Card and paying with an American Express Card, New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy special savings and create flexible, individual itineraries:

• Art lovers can see classic and contemporary art at special admission prices at the American Folk Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum, The Frick Collection, Staten Island Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art and more.

• Enjoy discounts at the best in entertainment and nightlife. Check out Gotham Comedy Club, Jazz Standard, S.O.B.’s (Sounds of Brazil) and more.

• Plan a New York City getaway with the Third Night program, which offers complimentary third-night accommodations at 10 luxury hotels in New York City including: The London NYC, The New York Palace, St. Regis and more.

• You can take advantage of special rates from a variety of hotels including: Blue Moon Hotel, Courtyard New York/Upper East Side, Grand Union Hotel, New York Marriott at The Brooklyn Bridge, Waldorf=Astoria and more.

• New York City is the shopping capital of the world. Make sure to take advantage of the discounts at Books of Wonder, Macy’s Herald Square, Matinee-New York and more.

• New York City dining is the most diverse and delicious in the world. Among New York’s amazing and unique restaurants offering discounts are ALEO Restaurant, Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen, Churrascaria Plataforma, Havana Central (in Times Square, Union Square and Uptown) and more.

• Dozens of specially priced tours await you, including: NY Waterway Tours, Timeline Touring, Walkin’ Broadway, Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts and more.

• No trip to New York is complete without going to the theater or seeing a dance performance, and there are many discounted productions to choose from including: “The Apple Tree” presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company, Dance Brazil at the Joyce Theater, “Murdered By The Mob” Interactive Mystery Dinner Theater, “Spamalot,” winner of the 2005 Tony for Best Musical and more.

• Enjoy special savings at New York City attractions including the world famous Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Top of the Rock Observation Deck and more.

For information about Paint The Town or to receive your free copy of the Paint The Town guide detailing do-it-yourself savings throughout the city, call 800/NYC-GUIDE in the U.S. and Canada or go to nycvisit.com/paint to download a Paint The Town savings card.

Freedom Tower

2007-01-12T09:59:00.001Z

When completed, this will be one of the most important buildings of the early 21st century. It is significant in stature, in design, in its politics, its symbolism, and for the reason it was built.

The Freedom Tower is the replacement for what was once New York's World Trade Center. In September, 2001 terrorists destroyed several of the Center's buildings, including the massive 110 -story twin towers. The stated reason for this action was to protest the United States; support of the nation of Israel and its people. The terrorist attack only served to solidify the bond between the U.S. and Israel, and caused wars in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and the toppling of the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Thousands died when the twin tower fell, and millions were emotionally and psychologically scarred.

The Freedom Tower is more than a real estate project. It is rehabilitation for those hurt by the terrorists and a way to heal the scar on a nation. Part of the healing process is new growth, which this tower represents. But it has been a painful process. The early designs were ridiculed. When the first cohesive plan came out of the pack it, too, found slews of detractors. New Yorkers are notoriously cranky people and they took aim at the design. Most had forgotten, or were too young to remember, that the original twin towers were also the subject of much vitriol for their design and expense. It was only after those towers were taken away that the city realized it had grown to love its pair of white albatrosses. But detractors stalled the project for more than a year, adopted celebrity real estate mogul Donald Trump as their mouthpiece, and embarrassed the city and the nation by allowing the United Arab Emirates to begin work on what would become the world's tallest tower while New Yorkers were busy sticking their thumbs in each other's eyes.

The current design is much less flashy than the previous one. It is something like a large sloping block with the corners carved off, so it appears that the entire building twists as it gets higher. The building's faces will be huge triangles that taper toward the top and the bottom. At the center of the building, they will form an octagon. The skyscraper is symmetrical. Asymmetry was something in the last design that set a lot of people off. Some people also don't appreciate the spire at the top. They forget that the Twin Towers had a spire, too, and the mast is necessary for communications transmitters.

The new Freedom Tower will pay homage to the twin towers in several ways. The base of the Freedom Tower will be 200 feet square - the same dimensions as the original towers. The observation deck will be at 1,362 feet: the heigh of World Trade Center Tower Two. The glass parapet will be at 1,368 feet: the height of World Trade Center Tower One.

That square base is a safety measure, not just an engineering method. Though it will be clad in glass prisms, the 186-foot-tall base will be a windowless concrete wall, intended to absorb and deflect the blast from car or truck bombs. The glass prisms will be coated with plastic like automobile safety glass to help absorb the impact. It is hoped that the prisms will refract light into color and make the monolithic security measure an eye-leasing curiosity. The Twin Towers were targeted by Islamic terrorist truck bombs twice, once successfully in 1993, before they were destroyed by terrorists in jets in 2001. The corners of the base will taper inward, with small reflecting pools at ground level.

The Freedom tower is just one of several buildings that will be erected to compose the new World Trade Center. The design is officially known as "Memory Foundations" because it leaves room for several memorials in the 16-acre complex. One of those memorials is the slurry wall, more commonly known as "the bathtub." This structure was the basement of the World Trade Center and served to hold back the Hudson River to keep it from flooding the complex. It was here that the remains of thousands of dead were found, and hundreds more who were never found. People will be able to walk down a ramp from ground level all the way down to bedrock along the edge of this wall - the last original remaining piece of the twin towers.

> Sculptor Kenneth Snelson is working on the spire at the top of the building.
> The glass prisms at the base will each be 13-feet tall.
> The base of the tower will be 186-feet tall.
> The base of the tower will be 200-feet by 200-feet.
> The top of the tower will be 145-feet by 145-feet.
> The shaft of the tower will be 1,182 feet tall.
> The height of the base and shaft together will be 1,368 feet - the height of the roof of 1 World Trade center.
> The main structure will be topped by a 408-foot-tall mast containing antennae. The base of the mast will be surrounded by a 145-foot wide ring containing more equipment.
> The overall height of the structure will be 1,776 feet - a number symbolizing the year of America's Declaration of Independence.
> The building will have 2,600,000 square feet of rentable space.
> The trees surrounding the Freedom Tower will be sweetgum trees.
> 1st-19th floors - Podium
> 20th-63rd floors - Offices
> 64th floor - Sky lobby
> 65th - 88th floors - Offices
> 89th and 90th floors - Transmission equipment
> 91st - 100th floors - Mechanical
> 100th - 101st floors - Restaurant
> 102nd floor - Observation deck
> 103rd - 108th floors - Mechanical

Rockefeller Centre

2006-12-19T12:44:00.000Z

Rockefeller Center is an art deco marvel consisting of 19 commercial buildings covering 11 acres in midtown Manhattan from 49th to 52nd Streets, Fifth to Seventh Avenues.

Named after the multi-millionaire, John D. Rockefeller, who leased the space from Columbia University in 1928

Originally occupied by tenements and theaters, Rockefeller planned to revitalize the area with 3 huge office buildings and a new Metropolitan Opera House.

The stock market crash of 1929 helped scrap the original plans but Rockefeller still wanted a commercial district.

Hiring 3 architecture firms and a consulting firm, ground was broken on the Rockefeller Center we see today in late 1929.

30 Rockefeller Plaza was the largest and first built. It is the centerpiece and probably best known building.

Completed in 1934, 30 Rockefeller Plaza became the RCA headquarters. General Electric's initials now brighten the rooftop of the home of NBC.

30 Rockefeller Plaza is the most public of the buildings and two of the most popular tourist attractions reside here

New York City Crime Rate Falls 7 Percent, Even as Murders Rise

2006-12-19T12:36:00.001Z

Serious crime in New York, the U.S.'s biggest city, fell 7.2 percent in the first six months of this year, even as murder rose at eight times the national rate.

The drop made New York ``the safest big city in America,'' Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement, citing the FBI's Preliminary Crime Report.

Lower crime benefits the city's $24 billion tourism industry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. New York has filed suits against gun retailers in several states to curb illegal gun use in the city, part of a national anti-gun initiative Bloomberg is pursuing.

``There's more to do, which is why I've made stopping the flow of illegal guns into our city a top priority,'' Bloomberg said in the statement.

Violent crime, such as rape and assault, fell 3.1 percent compared with a national increase of 3.7 percent. Property crimes, including burglary and car theft, fell 8.6 percent, compared with a national decrease of 2.6 percent.

The murder rate rose 12 percent, compared with a 1.4 percent increase nationally. For the first six months of 2006, the total crime index in New York City was 1,188 per 100,000 people, the lowest among the U.S.'s 25 largest cities.

New York was followed in the ranking by San Jose, California; Los Angeles; San Diego; Philadelphia; Las Vegas; San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix; Houston and Dallas.

Halifax Travel Insurance Urges Christmas Travellers to get Cover

2006-12-04T11:00:00.000Z

It seems that Brits are shunning the possibility of witnessing a white Christmas by escaping the UK in record numbers this yuletide and with millions of pounds worth of presents, the onus should rest on gaining adequate insurance, says Halifax Travel Insurance.

Research has shown that 2.5 million Britons will leave the UK and with them they will have presents that amount to 727 million pounds.

Insuring these items must become a priority, according to Halifax Travel Insurance, as research discovered that insurance claims for personal baggage increases by some 48 per cent in the aftermath of Christmas - a rise from the monthly average of 560 pounds to 830 pounds.

Watson at Halifax Travel Insurance said: 'Britons no longer feel compelled to spend Christmas in the traditional fashion. More and more people want to use the time off work as another opportunity to indulge their passion for travel.'

'However it's good to know that while the scenery of a traditional Christmas may be changing, the desire to celebrate with friends and family remains strong.'

Halifax Travel Insurance is available at a ten per cent discount if purchased online and an individual annual travel insurance policy can be bought from 30 pounds.

For more information see:

http://www.halifax.co.uk/insurance/insurance_home.shtml

Nokia Announces the World's Biggest New Year's Eve Celebration in Five Party Capitals of the World

2006-11-21T10:13:00.002Z

On December 2006, Nokia will welcome the New Year in unique style - by connecting millions of music lovers from around the world as they count down the final minutes of 2006. Nokia New Year's Eve, a global music event stretching across four continents, will feature a number of international artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Scissor Sisters to entertain audiences at New Year's celebrations from Hong Kong to Rio de Janeiro.

Those unable to attend in person can experience the party via television or the internet. To orchestrate this unique global celebration, Nokia has enlisted the services of Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the producer of Live Aid and Live8.

Nokia New Year's Eve will travel from east to west, starting in Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, followed by Mumbai's Andheri Stadium, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro and rounding off the night in New York.

'Living up to our promise of 'Connecting People', Nokia New Year's Eve aims to connect millions of people from around the world through music and mobility,' says Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Nokia.

'Nokia New Year's Eve leverages the power of television, the internet, live events and the world's most exciting music artists to get people talking, sharing and celebrating on one incredible night.'

Speaking about the event, Scissor Sisters' singer Jake Shears said 'We're damn thrilled to be playing Nokia's world wide music party. It should be a helluva good time.'

'This is an exciting and ambitious project and the first time that New Year's Eve will be celebrated as a global music event,' said Harvey Goldsmith. 'Nokia New Year's Eve will feature international and local artists with live broadcasts on New Year's Eve as well as a New Year's Day TV special to be aired globally. I am delighted to be on board.'

Nokia New Year's Eve looks set to be the world's biggest New Year's party of 2006 with the five events expected to have a combined attendance of 1.3 million and an anticipated global television and Internet audience of 150 million. In the coming weeks Nokia will announce further details, including additional international and local artist announcements - artists who are sure to get people talking around the world. For the latest information, visit www.nokianewyearseve.com.

Hot Ticket: 'Dreamgirls' Previews Set For December 15

2006-11-06T16:33:00.001Z

The musical Dreamgirls is throwing some glitz on the usual 'limited release.'

On Dec. 15, 10 days before it opens nationwide, the film starring Beyonce Knowles and based on the Broadway musical inspired by the story of The Supremes will be shown at special previews in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco - billed as a 'road show' by distributors Paramount and DreamWorks. Preview screenings will be accompanied by a gallery display of costumes and design art. Souvenirs and soundtrack CDs will be on display, and each guest will get a glossy program booklet. Tickets will cost 25 dollars, and each seat will be assigned.

Set in the 1960s, the story follows the rise of an unknown female Motown group from backup singers to superstardom. Dreamgirls co-stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson of American Idol fame.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2006-10-31T15:35:00.000Z

23 Nov 2006

Thanksgiving Day throughout the USA celebrates the harvest with a traditional family feast. In New York City the holiday is further celebrated with this spectacular and colourful parade through the streets of Manhattan - in one of the Big Apple's most eagerly anticipated events.

Stars and celebrities appear among the many floats, but are dwarfed by 15 or more 'falloons' (a cross between a float and a balloon) representing familiar cartoon characters. There are more than 50 balloons in all, which are inflated on the evening before the Parade as part of the warm-up. Over 30 clown groups, 10 marching bands and dozens of school bands also form a part of the spectacular.

Good vantage points include Columbus Circle and Times Square, but get there early for a place near the front of the big crowds.

Times

09.00-12.00

Where?

Various streets in Manhattan. Starts from 77th Street, down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, down Broadway to Macy's at 34th Street. Finishes Seventh Avenue.

Getting There

Underground (subway): to 34th Street

How Much?

Free

Project to Expand Saratoga Racino Gets Under Way

2006-10-03T09:08:00.000Z

Ground was broken Monday on a 15 million dollar expansion of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway in Saratoga Springs, a project that will add more than 400 video lottery terminals, a two-story nightclub, and a 300-seat buffet restaurant.

The expected completion is in spring 2007.

The 45,000 square-foot expansion will nearly double the size of the racino, which opened in January 2004 at the harness race track in Saratoga. The facility drew 2 million visitors last year, making it the biggest tourist attraction in the Albany region.

'Our new expansion will feature a look that pays tribute to the history of Saratoga Springs,' Daniel Gerrity, president of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, said in a press release. 'It will encompass many of the same architectural elements that have made Saratoga Springs a top tour and travel destination.'

The racino will have 1,700 video lottery terminals, which are similar to slot machines, when the project is complete. The new gaming floor area will have a 'High Limit' area featuring games with wagers starting at 5 dollars.

World Tourism Day Recognized In Cities, States, And Nations Worldwide On September 27th

2006-09-19T10:28:00.002Z

Washington DC

September 27th marks the global celebration of World Tourism Day. Sanctioned by the United Nation's World Tourism Organization and recognized for the first time by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), this annual event fosters awareness among the international community of the importance of travel and tourism and how this important industry touches us all.

Under the umbrella theme 'Tourism Enriches', World Tourism Day provides a platform for countries and communities worldwide to acknowledge the power of travel on all levels: social, cultural, political and economic. This year's simple, straightforward theme speaks specifically to tourism's contributions to individuals, families and communities - from enhanced national reputations to preservation of local heritage.

Roger Dow, President and CEO of TIA, will join international tourism leaders in Lisbon, Portugal - the site of World Tourism Day's official activities - on Sept. 27 to participate in proceedings relevant to the global travel economy.

In the United States, TIA is leading the effort to promote the value of travel on this special day and throughout the year, and the enrichment resulting from active programs that feature a region's culture, heritage, lifestyle and attractions.

'Travel and tourism has an undeniable and direct impact on how visitors perceive the United States and the American people,' said Dow. 'World Tourism Day underscores the value of this industry and the unique opportunity that it plays in promoting what's great about our country for domestic and international travellers.'

Materials produced by the World Tourism Organization and TIA relating to World Tourism Day will be posted at www.tia.org. States and communities across America will have access to these tools to assist in localized promotions.

Travel and tourism keeps the world economy on the move. According to the World Tourism Organization, it is No. 1 in world trade, is the largest export earner, employs millions of people, benefits the environment and local cultures, and develops infrastructure such as airports, roads and ports. In the U.S., direct travel expenditures total 646 billion dollars, with 103 billion dollars created as tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. Nearly 7.5 million jobs are directly attributed to travel and tourism, according to TIA.

Governor joins with police, firefighters, and emts to host New York's Salute to first responders

2006-09-07T10:49:00.000Z

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he will join with police, firefighters, and emergency medical technician organizations to host New York's Salute to First Responders on September 10th in World Trade Center 7, adjacent to the World Trade Center Site. Representatives from every corner of New York and more than 30 states from around the nation will be in attendance.

"Our founding fathers believed that the strength of this nation lies in its people. They were right. Throughout American history, the people of this great nation have proven time and again that when we join together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome, no challenge we cannot meet, and no difficulty we cannot transcend. It was nearly five years ago that America was attacked by terrorists who were intent upon destroying our freedom. Not a day goes by that I am not mindful of the great loss and devastation we endured on September 11th. But at the same time, not a day goes by that I am not inspired by what I saw. I have never been prouder to be an American citizen," Governor Pataki said.

"As we prepare to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, it is appropriate that America be reminded of the courage and selfless dedication of America’s first responders and once again say, 'Thank You.' These brave men and women represent the true and enduring spirit of America; a spirit of unity and coming together to overcome any obstacle. On Sunday, September 10th, we will pay tribute to America's first responders and thank them for all they do for us. On that day, we will host a ceremony in honor of the heroes of September 11th and the heroes who everyday heed the call to help their fellow New Yorkers," the Governor said.

New York's Salute to First Responders is co-sponsored by the Uniformed Firefighters Association of the FDNY, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of the FDNY, NYC Police Benevolent Association, the NYC Detectives Endowment Association, the Captain's Benevolent Association, the Lieutenant's Benevolent Association, Correction Officers Benevolent Association, the Sergeant's Police Benevolent Association, the Port Authority Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, the New York State Association of Police Benevolent Associations, Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, the Uniformed Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics of the FDNY, and the Uniformed Fire Alarm Dispatchers Benevolent Association, the Public Employee Conference, the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers and the NYS Investigator's Assn, IUPA, and the Empire State Development Corporation.

"In the aftermath of that dark day, help poured into New York from every corner of our nation. That's the real strength of this nation, the fact that in spite of everything else, it is the goodness of our people, and our devotion to freedom, that makes the difference. It was the tremendous courage, unity, and selflessness of the people - people like our first responders - that got us through our darkest hour. And because of their help, New York and America have come back, and come back stronger than ever, from those attacks. And while September 11th is a day that is now part of national consciousness, we know that each and every day our police, our firefighters, our EMT's put their lives on the line to make our lives safer. Indeed, many of our first responders are volunteers, brave men and women, who serve and seek nothing but the satisfaction of making our communities stronger and safer," the Governor added.

Broadway Theatre

2006-08-14T08:42:00.000Z

Broadway theatre is often considered the highest professional form of theatre in the United States. Broadway theatre, or a Broadway show, refers to a performance (usually a play or musical) staged in one of the thirty-nine larger professional theatres located in the New York City borough of Manhattan, with 500 seats or more, that appeal to the mass audience.

Along with London's West End theatre, Broadway theatre is often considered of the highest level of English language theatre. Unlike most developed nations, the US has no nationwide government-subsidized theatre program, and thus the shows that reach Broadway and thrive there have historically been perceived as more populist or crowd-pleasing, less avant-garde or challenging than the plays produced Off-Broadway or in regional non-profit theatres such as the Guthrie Theatre and the American Repertory Theatre. (Whether this remains the case is debatable, as rigorous and harrowing shows such as The Pillowman and The Lieutenant Of Inishmore have met great critical success on Broadway, while conversely many regional theatres have tried to keep audiences by producing fluffy or 'commercial' shows.

While the term 'Broadway' comes from the street, Broadway, it is best described as a theatre district as not all Broadway theatres are located on this street. With roots in 1882, and expansions and new construction, by 1900 Broadway was the centerpiece of American musical theatre and fast becoming the most important commercially in the world.

New York Information Fact File

2006-07-07T11:53:00.000Z

New York's largest city: New York City

New York's population: 20 Million

New York's population density: 400 inhabitants per square mile

New York's area: 55,000 miles squared

New York's coordinates: Latitude 40"29'40"N to 45"0'42"N / Longitude 71"47'25"W to 79"45'54"W

New York's time difference: GMT - 5

New York official language: none. English is widely spoken

New York City Tours

2006-05-06T08:27:00.000Z

Top 10 Tours
(6th May 2006)

1.Uptown,Downtown & Everywhere In Between 2 Day Hop on/off pass

2.Statue of Liberty & Empire State Building

3.Showbiz Insiders Tour

4.Gospel & Sunday Brunch

5.New York Twilight Cruise

6.NY, NY Helicopter

7. Sex & The City Tour

8.Niagara Falls Air Tour

9. Train to Washington DC

10.Manhattan Comprehensive

New York State Trout Fishing Season Opens April 1

2006-04-07T14:30:00.000Z

Anglers Can Look Forward To Successful Season of Fishing New York's Waters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today reminded anglers that the April 1, 2006, opening day of trout season is just around the corner. As is true every year, anglers can look forward to a great year of fishing, thanks to the natural diversity of angling opportunities within New York State.

Most of New York State experienced a hot, dry summer in 2005 that likely impacted growth and survival of trout, especially in streams that are typically prone to high water temperatures. However, winter conditions have been wet and mild with little anchor ice and as a result, trout over-wintering survival rates are expected to be high. Also, low snowfall amounts should produce only minor increases in stream levels during spring melt thus improving fishing conditions for anglers. In many areas, ice fishing was severely limited this year, which should leave more trout for spring angling in lakes and ponds.

Due to the potential for icy banks and high flows in many of the State's rivers and streams on opening day, anglers are urged to use extreme caution while wading in high water. The early season is a great time to try some of the smaller tributaries. Smaller streams typically have more manageable flows, and are also more likely to hold larger populations of wild trout.

For tactics, early season anglers may improve their success by fishing deep and slow, and by using natural baits such as worms and minnows where permitted. Anglers who prefer fly-fishing may consider using weighted nymphs and large, flashy streamers, possibly coupled with a sink-tip line. Once the water temperatures rise to approximately 50 degrees, the potential for dry-fly fishing improves. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice melts. Since most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain frozen for the April 1 opener, anglers should scout out areas beforehand where the possibility of frozen waters may exist. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest, including tributary mouths and shallow shoreline areas. It should also be noted that ice fishing is prohibited in trout waters except as noted in the Fishing Regulations Guide.

Trout stocking of catchable-size fish generally commences in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York, and then proceeds to the Catskills and Adirondacks. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.39 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout in nearly 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 3,100 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings include 1.8 million brown trout, 436,000 rainbow trout and 154,000 brook trout. DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring stocking program. These fish average 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as 15 inches. Approximately 97,000 of these larger fish will be stocked into lakes and streams statewide.

New York Marathon

2006-03-10T11:45:00.000Z

New York's annual marathon has grown from a minor race in Central Park with 127 runners to a city-wide event with 36,000 participants. These runners - and the more than 2 million spectators who show up to cheer them on - come from across the globe to be a part of one of the world's largest and most famous running competitions.
The Marathon starts on the Staten Island section of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, proceeds through Brooklyn and Queens, crosses into Manhattan and up to the Bronx, and is completed back in Manhattan near Central parks Tavern on the Green.

New York City Museum

2006-03-10T11:34:00.000Z

The Museum of the City of New York embraces the past, present, and future of New York City and celebrates the city's cultural diversity. It does so through its rich collections, a lively schedule of exhibitions, and an array of programs for adults and children. The Museum is dedicated to fostering an understanding of New York's evolution from its origins as a settlement of a few hundred Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans to its present status of one of the world's largest and most important cities.
The Museum of the City of New York was founded in 1923. Its first home was Gracie Mansion. The Museum opened the doors of its new building at 1220 Fifth Avenue in 1932.

Times Square

2006-03-10T11:20:00.000Z

The theatres of Broadway and the huge number of gaudy animated neon and television-style signage have long made it one of New York's iconic images, and a symbol of the intensely urban aspects of Manhattan.
From the sparkling toys 'R Us to Popcorn, Indiana, Times Square has something to offer shoppers of all kinds. Part of the fun of shopping in Times Square is the way your favorite stores are represented but in a completely different way, often with flashing lights and crazy floor plans that make shopping a true experience.
If you're at Times Square on the weekend, venture down to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on 39th between 9th and 10th Avenues for a completely different shopping experience. It's a must visit for bargain hunters and antique collectors.

Eating Out in New York

2006-03-10T11:07:00.000Z

As with pretty much everything else in New York, eating out will either prove a very expensive activity or a very cheap one. Manhattan, being such a melting pot of many cultures, all international cuisines can be found here. But one type of establishment that is truly exclusive to this city is the traditional New York deli where you can get subs (rolls) with enough meat to fuel a small army. You can find many of them on 7th Avenue, between Central Park South Times Square. Delis aside, there is nothing too unique about the restaurants located in Midtown Manhattan. The rest of the food is forked out by nonchalant people in fast food restaurants that are omnipresent in the most populous areas of Manhattan. For more variation you will have to delve deeper into the more atmospheric end of Manhattan, mainly Little Italy and Chinatown where eateries bare all the trademarks of their motherlands. If your budget is as tight as your jeans after one too many subs, you can always count on New York's hot dog stands are cheap pit stops for food. It won't be one of the most memorable sittings in your life, but they're part of the New York experience all the same.

Getting around New York

2006-03-10T11:01:00.000Z

A fast 714-ml underground system (the 'Subway'), with 468 stations, operates on a flat-fare basis, using tokens or the more economical MetroCard, which can be purchased at most stations, special vending machines and newspaper stands. MetroCards offer unlimited travel for 1, 7 or 30 days are available. The system is fairly complex so arm yourself with a subway map. Despite its reputation, subway travel does not usually present a security risk except perhaps late at night. Buses are modern, frequent and operate on a similar flat-fare basis to the subway, except that the fare can be paid in cash (exact money only, in coins) or with a MetroCard. Again, a transport map is essential. Taxis (the famous 'Yellow Cabs') are plentiful and metered. However, the driver may not always speak English or know where your destination is; a tip is essential and payment with notes over $10 will cause problems. The ferry to Staten Island is a bargain (free for foot passengers) and is the cheapest way of seeing the Statue of Liberty up close.

Shopping in New York

2006-03-10T10:53:00.000Z

New York is incredibly well known for its shopping and has around 10,000 shops and stores, with some great bargains to be had. Different areas of the city specialise in certain types of shop or goods. Designer boutiques, fashion houses and department stores like Bloomingdale's, Saks, Barney's and Macy's (reputedly the world's largest department store) are mainly in Midtown; bargain clothing in Lower East Side. South Street Seaport is a Covent Garden-type area with shopping malls and souvenir outlets. Look out for FAO Schwarz, the world's largest toy store. For people who like their jewels, don't forget the truly amazing Tiffany's - every girls choice!

Central Park

2006-03-10T10:49:00.000Z

With great foresight, the founders of New York set aside 340 hectares (840 acres) of central Manhattan as a public space. Central Park was officially opened in 1873 and today provides an essential 'green lung' within the concrete jungle that is New York. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park contains themed gardens, tennis courts, lakes and even a small zoo. Much of the park is infused by the city's bustle and on nice days swarms with joggers, skaters, buskers and tourists, but there are areas beyond the range of baseballs and frisbees where tranquility can be found in this beautifully landscaped park. During winter, two ice-skating rinks open up in Central Park, the Wollman Rink (mid-Park at 62nd St) is one of the most picturesque in the world, set among the trees and rolling hills and against the backdrop of Manhattan's skyscrapers.

The Empire State Building

2006-03-10T10:47:00.000Z

One of the enduring symbols of New York, and once again the city's tallest structure, the Empire State Building stands 436ft (145m) high. Completed in 1931, this stunning Art Deco building remains one of the most impressive engineering feats of all time; it was built in just 410 days and remains the fastest rising major skyscraper ever built. The building has been immortalised in many films - most famously the classic King Kong. The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer magnificent views of the city.

Statue of Liberty

2006-03-10T10:32:00.000Z

The universal symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight to be seen by the 12 million immigrants who passed through the Ellis Island Immigration Centre. Sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes, the statue was donated by the people of France in 1886 to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. Visitors can climb the 354 steps to the statue's crown for a view over New York Harbour - the equivalent of a 22-storey building. Access to the monument is via ranger-guided tour only and a time pass is required for visiting the inside of the Monument.

New York

2006-03-10T10:25:00.000Z

New York City is made up of five boroughs - Staten Island, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, but many visitors never leave Manhattan. There is a lot packed into this tiny area: the 24-hour pasta restaurants of Little Italy and the bustling sidewalks of Chinatown, the jazz clubs of Greenwich Village and the theatres of Broadway; and of course the iconic sights of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square.
New York has been described as the best three-day city in the world, and that's about right. After a frenzy of museums, galleries, bars and clubs, some visitors are ready for a break. Fortunately there's a lot of choice, from the National Parks of Upstate New York, to the beaches of Long Island or simply the leafy oasis of Central Park. Whatever you're after, New York is ready and waiting to bewitch, bother and bewilder.