New York City Gift Baskets

Your Guide to New York City, New York

Experience a Lifetime of Fun in New York City

New York City has long been a favorite destination for visitors from around the country and across the globe, and it is certainly easy to understand why. This vibrant city offers a wealth of options for travelers of all ages and all tastes, and many visitors find themselves returning again and again to experience this magnificent world class city in all its glory.

From the canyons of Wall Street to the exclusive apartment buildings of Central Park West, New York City has so much to see and do that it is impossible to experience it all in only a day or two. Those planning a visit to this famous city should allow plenty of time to experience all the charms of this unique travel destination.

Thanks to a well designed and well run public transportation system, getting around without a car in New York City is far easier than in many other cities. In fact a car can be a liability in many ways, with high parking fees, crazy drivers and other hazards. Most visitors choose to leave their cars at the hotel and use the extensive network of subways, buses, ferries and other reasonably priced public transportation options.

While it would be impossible to compile a list of all the attractions in this wonderful city, below is a list of some of the must see attractions no first time visitor to New York City can afford to miss.

The EmpireStateBuilding

The Empire State Building is once again the tallest building in New York and this architectural marvel is well worth a visit. The observation deck on the roof provides a stunning view of New York City and the surrounding area, and no visitor to New York should miss it. While the views are always great, they can be particularly breathtaking at sunset, when the multifaceted hues of the sun fade away into the coming evening.

Rockefeller Center

Just uptown from the Empire State Building lies the equally famous Rockefeller Center complex, another must see for first time visitors to the Big Apple. Rockefeller Center is home to a spectacular holiday display every December, including an amazingly tall and amazingly decorated Christmas tree featuring thousands of shimmering lights.

The Rockefeller Center complex is also home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and galleries, as well as some great guided tours. Any visitor to New York City should be sure to spend some time exploring this world class attraction.

Canal Street

If bargain shopping is your passion, you absolutely must experience the excitement and the mad rush of Canal Street. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Canal Street is a shopper’s paradise. From designer knockoff perfumes and purses to all manner of Big Apple paraphernalia and souvenirs, shoppers from around the world can find whatever they are looking for. Bargaining is a way of life here, so set your price, haggle and have fun.

South Street Seaport

When you have had enough of the bargains on Canal Street, why not take the short walk to the South Street Seaport. South Street Seaport features an assortment of fine shops, dining and entertainment options, as well as a variety of special events. If people watching is your thing, South Street Seaport is your place, so spend a pleasant afternoon just relaxing and watching the world go by. South Street Seaport is also home to a number of boat tours, including an exhilarating speedboat tour that brings visitors close enough to the Statue of Liberty for some great photo opportunities.

State of Liberty and Liberty Island

Speaking of the State of Liberty, this world famous symbol of freedom is another must see attraction for any firs time visitor to New York. Visitors are escorted to the Statue of Liberty and the island it calls home via a series of ferry boats, and once there those visitors are free to wander the grounds and explore the fascinating museum in the statue’s base. In this age of heightened security visitors should expect to encounter long lines, but the time spent waiting in line will be well rewarded with the first sight of this lasting symbol of America.

Wall Street

Perhaps the most famous street in the world, Wall Street itself is actually quite narrow and nondescript. Nevertheless, this famous piece of real estate is home to some of the most prestigious firms in the financial, banking and brokerage industries, and billions of dollars flow through the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange every day. Even though the NYSE no longer offers guided tours, it is still worth taking a look at this venerable institution. The Wall Street area is also a great place to enjoy a leisurely lunch, and you just may find yourself sitting next to one of those self appointed masters of the universe as you dine.

Broadway

New York City is justifiably famous for its theatres, and the Broadway area is home to a stunning number of world class theatrical productions. From the lightest comedies and musical fares to the darkest and most somber dramas, theatre lovers can find whatever they are looking for.

And those theater lovers in search of a bargain can enjoy some of the hottest shows at bargain prices by joining the line at the TKTS booth in Times Square. The lines are almost always long, but they move quickly, and those patient visitors are rewarded with theater tickets at a substantial discount. To see if the show you want is available simply step around the line to the front of the booth, where a large display shows the available shows and the applicable discounts.

Central Park

Central Park is an oasis of green in a sea of concrete, and for New Yorkers this venerable park offers a respite from the stresses and strains of daily life in the city. From rollerblading and cycling to the many ball fields and open spaces, this huge park offers a wealth of recreation options.

The park is also home to a wonderful series of summer concerts, many of which are free, as well as the famous Shakespeare in the Park. Those planning to enjoy a free concert should be sure to get in line early, and those hoping to catch a Shakespeare play in all its glory will need to arrive early to snag one of the limited number of tickets available.

Central Park is also home to a number of famous attractions, including a wonderful little zoo in the heart of Manhattan. Children and adults alike enjoy spending a day at the Central Park Zoo and the nearby playgrounds, and first time New York City visitors should definitely consider checking out this hidden gem.

Bronx Zoo

The more famous Bronx Zoo lies just a short subway ride away from midtown Manhattan, and it is definitely worth a visit. Those planning to visit the Bronx Zoo should allow plenty of time to see it all, since this is one of the largest zoos in the country. Animals from around the world call this zoo home, and zoo management has worked hard to make them feel at home even as the city buzzes to life around them.

Coney Island

Another subway ride brings visitors to the famous Coney Island, featured in countless movies, television shows, theatrical presentations and even songs. While many of the original rides are long closed, others are still operating much as they were in the region’s heyday, and visitors are free to take a thrilling ride on the famous Cyclone roller coaster. Less daring visitors can simply stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a snack at the original Nathan’s hot dog stand, a symbol of Coney Island since its opening so many years ago.

Guggenheim Museum

New York City is of course a city of museums, and the original Guggenheim Museum is certainly worth a visit. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the exterior of this fine museum is nearly as fascinating as the works of art inside. The spiraling design is instantly recognizable, and the theme is continued inside as well as out. Visitors to the Guggenheiim can find a great assortment of artwork, including a variety of temporary exhibits in addition to the museum’s permanent collection.

Museum of Modern Art

Recently redesigned and renovated, the Museum of Modern Art is home to some of the most famous masterpieces in the world of modern art. From Salvador Dali and Vincent Van Gogh to works by Pollock and Miro, visitors to MOMA will find a feast for the senses at every turn. . Art lovers should be sure to leave plenty of time to visit this fine museum in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

More interesting facts about New York City:

New York's World Trade Center, "Ground Zero"

One cannot help but be saddened by the tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. Thousands of tourists travel to New York each year to see what is now called "Ground Zero," and to remember those who died in the attacks or those who perished while trying to rescue victims.

Statue of Liberty

As one of the most popular attractions in New York and America, the Statue of Liberty stands tall on Ellis Island, a site just south of Manhattan Island, New York. Here, visitors can learn about American history and our nation's founding fathers. They can also tour the statue and see a fabulous view from the observatories at the top.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is another must-see attraction in New York. This is an amazing building with an observatory on the 86th floor where one can get a spectacular view of New York City.

Other places of interest in New York include Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Staten Island Ferry, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and more. New York also offers a unique shopping experience, fine dining, and a hopping nightlife. Visitors to New York can literally spend weeks exploring the city. More info about New York City, can be found at the NYC official Web site.

New York, New York - Tour the Big Apple. Take a visit to the most amazing city in the country - New York, New York. There's no other place quite like it. The city is domineering with endless skyscrapers reaching toward the sky. It's attractive to those seeking adventure and variety. New York is truly a city for the tourist!

New York is located in New York County and is the county seat. The city's population was estimated at 8,085,742 as of 2003. New York's name came from the Duke of York and a city in England. The city is divided into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island.

New York City is intersected by and surrounded by bodies of water including the Atlantic ocean, Harlem rivers, Long Island Sound and others. Nearby cities include Elmhurst, Maspeth, Woodside, Ridgewood and Long Island City.

History of New York City

New York was a settlement that was under Dutch rule until the English took over in 1664. From then on, the area began to grow in population and economy. The financial center "Wall Street" was established early on, and overseas trade increased along the river and sea banks of New York.

The city was under British rule through most of the American Revolution and reported more damage than any other city. In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first United States President in New York. During the 19th century is when the skyscrapers started to appear in the city; development was rapid.

More Things to See and Do in New York

While visiting New York, tourists find that the city really "never sleeps" but offers continuous entertainment, sight-seeing, dining and more! First-time travelers to New York are usually amazed at the big city life. Whether touring the city alone or with family and friends, there's plenty to do for everyone.

New York Entertainment and Culture

New York is known for its Broadway shows and overall cultural experience. The diverse ethnic cultures in New York offer places like Chinatown in Manhattan, SoHo, Jewish Lower East Side and TriBeCa.

There are also many great museums for those who love to explore and learn. To name a few - Metropolitan Museum of Art, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Lower East Side Tenement Museum and more.