New York is one of the most famous cities in the world, probably due to the huge number of landmarks, museums, shops and entertainment there is on offer. If you didn't quite believe that Americans always have to be that bit bigger and better than the rest of the world, after a visit here, you will understand.


Times Square, Midtown, is packed full of enough dazzling entertainment to amuse you for hours. Home to the famous flashing advertisements and millions of other bright lights, it is not surprising that this is where the action is. There are a variety of restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs, but also some not so classy strip joints might I add. It is also the heart of theatre with Broadway around the corner, which of course offers the biggest and best shows. These come at a hefty price, but are well worth it. However, the shows get less expensive as you move further out, but they are obviously not running on a budget quite as spectacular as the more famous musicals.

For even more entertainment, Radio City Music Hall is the largest movie theatre in the world. It has a capacity for over 6000 people and offers stage shows, which change their themes seasonally.

Fifth Avenue is a must. Mansions were built by the newly rich in the late nineteenth century along this avenue. After World War 1, the section opposite Central Park became more popular. Quality department stores such as Macy's, which is the largest in the world, sprung up here to feed the shopaholics of the twentieth century.

Madison Avenue is another shopper's dream in Midtown with high fashion boutiques, together with antique shops and famous galleries. And if you are still hungry for more shops, The East Side has the famous 'Bloomingdales' or 'Bloomie's', as it is otherwise known. The area is home to the upper crust and therefore has many alluring, but expensive restaurant s and bars.

And now a closer look at landmarks. Once the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Empire State Building offers the most fantastic views across the city. With its spectacular 102 storeys, it is one of the most visited buildings in New York.

Between Broadway and Park Row, in Downtown New York, lies City Hall. It is home to the offices of the Mayor himself and surprisingly small since it is so powerful.

A more natural feature in this area is Battery Park City. This is a great place to relax, with plenty for children to do with its collection of ponds and waterfalls. You may even be serenaded by a street musician as you admire the attractive scenery.

Battery Park is where the ferry leaves from to take you to the most recognised monument - The Statue of Liberty. The 15 minute crossing leaves every half hour and is well worth the trip, especially as you can even explore inside the statue as well as admire it. You can then move on to Ellis Island where you can visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Tickets for the crossing to the statue can be bought from Clinton Castle.

There are two other museums worth visiting. The first is the Museum of the City of New York, which has a fantastic collection of maps, books and costumes. There is also a toy gallery for children. The second is The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum. This has an old navy aircraft carrier as well as exhibits about sea exploration and space travel. In addition, there is the opportunity to ride in the Navy Flight Simulator.

There are a vast number of areas to cover in New York, but Chinatown is one that cannot be missed. It can easily be reached by taking the Lexington Avenue line subway. It is always expanding as the population is forever growing. With numerous exhibits of food displayed in grocers and restaurants offering regional specialities, the Chinese know how to do it best. If you are interested in their culture, there is a Chinatown History Museum.

Another area is the ever shrinking, Little Italy. As Chinatown is spreading further out, the community of Little Italy has got even smaller due to the population moving Uptown. However, you will still find delicious bakeries and a range of espresso bars and restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

Of course there are many more attractions, but these are just a sample of what the 'city that never sleeps' has to offer. For a more detailed look at particular activities, visit www.theinsider.com and click on The NYC Insider.