New York's "Experience New York City in 5 days"

The New York City NY experience

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:26:29 +0500

This is a sample New York vacation and focuses on the main tourist activities and attractions in New York City that first-time visitors should check out. If you have five days to spare in the New York City, NY area, this is a great way to get a feel for the entire city. There's definitely more to see than you can possibly finish in just 5 days, but this New York City trip should be a good starting point for your New York vacation.

Why visit New York City NY?

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:34:34 +0500

New York City, also known as the City of New York and New York, NY is the most populous city in the United States. New York City is a leading global city that exerts power and influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, and entertainment. With the United Nations headquarters being located in New York City, NY, the city is also an important center for international affairs. New York City is made up of five boroughs - Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. New York Manhattan is the section of New York City that most people generally think of when they think of where they want to go on their New York City vacation.

Tourism is important to New York City (NYC) with over 47 million foreign and American tourists visiting each year. There are plenty of New York attractions including the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway Theatre shows, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met), Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Square, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, Fifth Avenue, and the Statue of Liberty.

Day 1 Times Square and a Broadway Show

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:30:13 +0500

Today will be all about Times Square and the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City. Take some time to walk around Times Square New York and experience one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of New York City. This is especially true for first-time tourists because Times Square is synonymous with the image of New York in the minds of many people. And, it's easy to see why. Just step into the streets of Times Square and feel the energy of the bright lights and the hustle and bustle of people walking around. It's an unique New York City experience that you will not want to miss.

Times Square New York is a major intersection in Manhattan New York. It stretches from the main junction at Broadway and Seventh Avenue and continues from West 42nd Street to West 47th Street. The Times Square area consists of the blocks between Sixth and Eigth Avenues from East to West and from West 40th Street to West 53rd Street from South to North. This area makes up the majority of what is also known as Midtown Manhattan New York.

Times Square was formerly known as Longacre Square and was renamed Times Square after the Times Building in April 1904. Times Square New York has become known as the Crossroads of the world and is synonymous with New York City in the minds of many visitors to NYC. One of the attractions in Times Square is the large concentration of Broadway musicals and theaters within the Times Square area. The neon and LED signs that advertise the Broadway shows have been a symbol of the excitement and energy that Times Square is known for. Times Square is the only neighborhood with zoning ordinances requiring building owners to display illuminated signs. The density of illuminated signs available in the Times Square New York area rivals that of even Las Vegas.

Times Square is a busy intersection. Times Square is an intersection where advertisements contend for consumer attention amongst the chaos of dozens of illuminated signs. Times Square is an intersection of artistic expression and commerce. Times Square is an intersection that tourists from around the world see as the heart of New York City. But, there's so much more to the Times Square area than just the theaters and bright signs. There are several very notable landmarks in Times Square that should not be missed. Here are just a few things to see in Times Square -

Coca-Cola Sign
TKTS ticket booth
Panasonic Astrovision
Times Square Studios (home of Good Morning America)
One Astor Plaza (home of MTV's New York studios)
Chevrolet Clock
The Hard Rock Cafe

Now that we've walked around Times Square, it is important to remember one of the most popular things to do in Times Square - catch a Broadway show at one of the many theaters. If you're a fan of Broadway shows and musicals, there is no better place to catch them than at the heart of it all in Times Square New York. So, if you want a bargain, one of the easiest places to find that is at the TKTS ticket Booth located in Times Square. Here, you can get tickets to some of the most popular musicals for up to 50% off of the face value. Come early, however, because the lines can be quite long and tickets to the more popular shows do get sold out rather quickly.

If waiting in line at the TKTS ticket booth is not your cup of tea, there are other ways to get great deals to the Broadway shows in New York City. Some shows offer discounts for students. Other shows offer a standing room only option at the back of the orchestra section where you can get tickets for $20-$30. Another option is to win tickets for the first row orchestra through a lottery system 2 hours prior to showtime. And, there could just be a special deal going on for the show. Whatever the case, a little research could yield a nice bargain on your theater tickets. For one site where you can search for some bargains and deals, check out BroadwayBox.com. Once you've purchased your theater tickets, enjoy the show and enjoy your day wandering around Times Square New York.

Hotels around Times Square

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:53:47 +0500

Since Times Square is such a popular tourist destination in New York City, it's easy to see why there are so many hotels available for those who want to stay within walking distance of the Broadway shows and the non-stop energy of Times Square. Here are just a few of the possible NYC hotels to consider. To do a more thorough search of hotels near Times Square New York - click here.

The Paramount Hotel - In the heart of the Theater District and Restaurant Row, this Ian Schrager hotel is modern and trendy. Guestrooms are small but original in design and lighting. (Reserve the Paramount Hotel)
Marriott New York Marquis Times Square - This quality hotel is ideally located near most Broadway theaters. Built in the 1980s, the 50-story building is an integral part of the transformed and family-friendly Times Square. (Reserve Marriott Marquis Times Square)
Westin New York Times Square - Hailed as one of the anchors of Times Square's turn-of-the-millennium renaissance, the Westin is a marvel in more ways than one. (Reserve Westin New York Times Square)
Hotel Edison - The Edison has been recently revamped, but the owners have preserved its art deco lobby. This is a great place to stay if you are a theater lover, as it is so accessible to surrounding venues. (Reserve Hotel Edison)
W New York Times Square - For a peaceful stay in the bustling and vibrant Theater District, opt for the W New York at Times Square. Ease into the evening with fabulous skyline views from your room. (Reserve W Hotel New York Times Square)
Hilton Times Square - This modern looking luxury hotel is at the center of the action in Times Square, and near all of the area's Broadway theaters. (Reserve Hilton Times Square)

Day 2 - The UN, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Square

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:00:35 +0500

Day 2 is another sight seeing day around the Midtown area of Manhattan New York NY. We'll start the day at the United Nations Headquarters and head over to grab some sushi at Sushi Yasuda. Then, we'll make a pit stop at the the Grand Central Terminal before taking some time to see the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. We end the evening with some dinner and desserts at the famous Serendipity 3 and potentially a walk or carriage ride around Central Park. We'll get a chance to see some of the biggest and most well-known tourist attractions in New York City today.

The day begins with the United Nations headquarters, a distinctive complex located in New York City. This famous building has served as the headquarters for the United Nations since it was built back in 1950.

The United Nations Headquarters is located on the East side of Midtown Manhattan New York at the neighborhood that is known as Turtle Bay. The land occupied by the United Nations Headquarters is considered to be international territory even though it is technically located in New York City. FDR Drive passes underneath the Conference Building of the complex.

The United Nations Headquarters is also known for its gardens and outdoor sculptures. One of the most well-known sculptures at the UN Headquarters is the "Knotted Gun" which was a gift from the Luxembourg government and "Let us Beat Swords into Plowshares" which was a gift from the Soviet Union. Another attraction on in the UN garden is a piece of the Berlin Wall.

After a morning wandering around the United Nations Headquarters, you'll definitely work up an appetite. Luckily, one of the best and freshest Japanese restaurants in New York City is located a short walk from the United Nations Headquarters - Sushi Yasuda. If you're looking for really fresh sashimi and sushi in East Manhattan New York, this is the place to go.

Sushi Yasuda says, "Sushi Yasuda is a labor of love by the proprietors — Naomichi Yasuda, Shige Akimoto and Scott Rosenberg — who passionately believe that this remarkable food in this unique environment must be experienced and shared. They are bonded by their love of sushi and are devoted to maintaining the purity of their vision."

Sushi Yasuda serves lunch Monday-Friday 12pm-2:15pm and dinners Monday-Saturday 6:00pm-10:15pm. Sashu Yasuda is closed on Sundays and national holidays. For reservations, call 212-972-1001.

For other restaurants near the United Nations HQ, click here.

Next up is the Grand Central Terminal (GCT) which is better known as Grand Central Station or simply Grand Central. Grand Central Terminal is a terminal at 42nd street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York, NY. Grand Central was built by and named for the New York Central Railroad in the heydey of American long-distance passenger trains. Grand Central Terminal is the largest train station in the world when comparing the number of platforms (44). The terminal covers an area of 48 acres.

One of the most common errors made by visitors of Grand Central is to call it the Grand Central Station. Technically, "Grand Central Station" is the name of the nearby post office and the name of a previous rail station on the site. Grand Central Station is also used to refer to the New York City subway station at the same location. However, since it is such a common mistake to mistaken Grand Central Station with Grand Central Terminal, the two names have almost become synonymous.

The Empire State Building is the next stop and it is one of the most easily recognizable buildings in the New York City skyline. The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in New York City located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. The Empire State Building received its name from the nickname for the state of New York when it was built in 1931. For over 40 years, the Empire State Building towered over Manhattan New York as the world's tallest building until the construction of the World Trade Center's North Tower was completed in 1972. With the tragedy of 9/11, the Empire State Building once again towers over the other skyscrapers in New York as the tallest building in New York City.

Accolades for the Empire State Building include being named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Also, the building and its street floor interior are designated landmarks of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. In 1986, the Empire State Building was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The AIA also ranked the Empire State Building as their number one on the list of America's favorite Architecture in 2007. You can marvel at this unbelievable structure from outside. But, you can also take the elevator up the Empire State Building to the observation where there are plenty of opportunities to take panoramic photographs of Manhattan New York and its major attractions. This is a great way to learn a few things about the neighborhoods of New York and see an aerial view of where you've been and where you're looking to visit.

After some scenic views of New York, it's time to visit the famous Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres in New York City. Rockefeller Center is located between 48th and 51st streets and spans between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Built by the Rockefeller family and named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Rockefeller Center has become a symbol for the festivities centered around Christmas. The annual Christmas Tree, Radio City Music Hall, and the ice skating rink are all popular images that come to mind when people think of Rockefeller Center. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is now the largest privately held complex of its kind in the world.

Rockefeller Center also offers plenty of shopping opportunities. But, one of the lesser known parts of Rockefeller Center is the underground Concourse. The underground Concourse streteches from 47th to 51st streets and from 5th avenue to 7th avenue. It is an interconnected series of pedestrian passages that can be accessed via stairways from the lobbies in the cluster of six landmark buildings. Access can also be gained through the restaurants at the skating rink, via the elevators to the north and south of the rink. The rink itself is on the concourse level.

A short walk from the Rockefeller Center is the famous Serendipity 3. This popular New York City restaurant is best known for its part in the movie, Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Visitors here are greeted with a gift shop filled with eccentric and unique gag gifts that will entertain you while you are waiting for your table. The crowds here can be pretty hectic during peak times, so be ready for a wait. Once inside, the menu features several unique sandwiches and salads. But, what people really enjoy at Serendipity are the dessert options. The ice cream offerings at Serendipity are definitely large enough to share and their best known menu item is their famous frozen hot chocolate. You can also purchase their famous frozen hot chocolates from the gift store in the front. If you're looking for something beyond extravagant, they also offer a $1,000 sundae that you can ask them about. It won't be on the menu. But, ask about it if you are interested.

If you're looking for other options, there are plenty of restaurants in the area. Here are some other restaurants near Rockefeller Center.

After dinner, a calm stroll through Central Park will help you digest the food. If you're looking for something less strenuous and just as romantic, there are also horse-drawn carriages that will provide you with a nice tour of Central Park.

Central Park is a large public, urban park in New York City. Central Park has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963 and is visited by over 25 million visitors annually. Central Park is entirely landscaped and contains several natural-looking lakes and ponds, extensive walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a reservoir with an encircling running track, and the outdoor Delacorte Theater.

Hotels around Rockefeller Center

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:04:07 +0500

Since Rockefeller Center is one of the hot spots in New York City, you'll see that there are a lot of great hotels near Rockefeller Center. And with its location in the hip Midtown area of New York City, you're just a few blocks from some of the best shopping, theater, and food in all of New York, NY. This is a very good place to stay for tourists who want to be close to some of the main attractions in New York. Here are just a few of the possible hotels to consider. To do a more thorough search of hotels near Rockefeller Center New York - Click here.

Rockefeller Center Hotel - The Rockefeller Center Hotel is located directly across from the Rockefeller Plaza, the famed Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, and the NBC Today Show studios. The Rockefeller Center Hotel is just two blocks from Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Broadway Theater District. (Reserve Rockefeller Center Hotel)
Waldorf Astoria Hotel - The majestic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, built in 1931, still symbolizes the splendor and elegance of New York City. The hotel is known for its glorious lobby and individually-decorated, amenity-filled rooms. (Reserve Waldorf Astoria Hotel)
New York Palace Hotel - The New York Palace Hotel is a stately midtown luxury hotel encompassing the historic Villard Mansion and a fifty five story tower. The hotel is centrally situated, directly across from St. Patrick's Cathedral. (Reserve New York Palace Hotel)
Hilton New York - Built in 1963, the Hilton New York is a newly renovated hotel that has remained one of the top choices for the business crowd in Midtown New York. The Hilton New York is also a great location for visiting shoppers, sightseers and families. (Reserve Hilton New York)
Roosevelt Hotel New York - The Roosevelt Hotel New York reflects Neo Classical style with Tiffany crystal chandeliers, gilt trim, coffered ceilings, marble floors and a life sized statue of Teddy Roosevelt. Artistic renderings of the hotel's namesake, Theodore Roosevelt, grace the walls of the Roosevelt Grill that serves elegant American style buffets, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. (Reserve Roosevelt Hotel New York)

Day 3 Greenwich Food Tour

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:53:16 +0500

Day 3 is a day for foodies. If you enjoy good food and want to try out some amazing restaurants in New York, this is a good way to sample a large number of them. It's a relatively simple walking tour of the Greenwich Village area that you can do on your own or with friends. You'll get a chance to check out the charm and beauty of the Greenwich neighborhood of New York City while also trying out the food that makes New York so unique and so special. This food tour (and others like it) are available for those who wish to purchase it courtesy of Foods of NY - here. This is a slight variation on one of the food tours.

First stop: Pommes Frites where you can try over 100 different sauces with your fries. Pommes Frites isn't just your typical restaurant. In fact, it's anything but an ordinary restaurant. It's a specialty shop where their primary focus is on serving you delicious and authentic Belgian fries, or as the Belgians call them, "pommes frites." There is a limited number of seats here, but you don't come here to sit down and eat a relaxing meal. You come here because you want to try one of the tastiest treats in town. Pommes Frites uses premium fresh fried potatoes and creates a treat that is crunchy on the outside while retaining a soft interior. Their trick is that the pommes frites are all fried twice. The first time, they are cooked through. The second time provides a golden color and makes them deliciously crisp. Another unique feature of this restaurant is the choice in sauce. Europeans have been eating their fries with everything but ketchup for many years, and now you can share in the experience. Some options for dipping sauces include exotic mustards and mayonnaise, vinegar, curry sauce, or even a peanut satay sauce. The selection of toppings for your frites includes everything from the familiar to the exotic, and is limited only by imagination. It's a unique experience that you'll have to taste to believe.

Next stop: Mamoun's Falafel is quite possibly the best bargain in Greenwich. Established in 1971, Mamoun's Falafel has been delighting residents and tourists with tasty and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine for quite awhile. The most popular option at Mamoun's is definitely their falafel - a fried and seasoned chick pea mixture stuffed inside a pita bread with a salad mixture and topped with sesame sauce. Their popular falafels can be had for just a few dollars (although prices seem to be rising slowly). For those who have their own favorite Middle Eastern dishes, Mamoun's also offers hummus, baba ghannouj, kebabs, and just about anything else you might crave at the moment. Seating is definitely limited, so you may want to take your food to go.

Third stop: The famous Joe's Pizza is a restaurant that you may have seen in popular movies. It's also popular amongst the celebrities. In fact, Ben Affleck said that “Without a doubt this is the best pizza in the entire city.” Affleck also said that “It’s so good, in fact, that I don’t even want to ruin the taste of it by putting any toppings on it. I just get a cheese slice and savor it. There are tons of pizza places all over New York. It definitely has the best pizza in the world. But Joe’s is the best of the best.” Quite an endorsement for a small pizzeria in Greenwich Village. Definitely worth a try since you're in the area. The pizza at Joe's provides a taste of what New York style thin crust pizza is all about. Crunchy bottom with a thin layer of cheese and toppings. Don't go overboard on the toppings though, generally 1-2 toppings is preferred on these thin-crust pizzas. In fact, most people stick with the plain cheese ones. Try it for yourself.

Fourth on our list: Rocco's Pastry Shop has a long history of selling delicious pastries. Rocco's Pastry & Espresso Cafe has been satisfying the great citizens of New York for 31 years. With an astounding selection of baked goods - nearly everything under the sun - Italian family traditions live on at Rocco’s. A highly recommended treat for fans of sweets is their delicious cannoli's. It's a real treat that you won't want to miss out on.

Fifth: Milk and Cookies hits the spot after all the other food items and is a great place to stop for some more dessert. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves up the all-American treat that people just can't seem to get enough of - milk and cookies! It's a real treat when they have fresh cookies fresh out of the oven, but even when it isn't fresh out of the oven, one bite into one of their cookies can cheer up anyone's day. If you prefer, you can spice up your day with a variety pack where you "mix-in" a mini batch of cookies with the flavour of your choice - they'll be ready in 10 minutes! And after you've had your fill, don't forget to add a glass of milk to top it all off.

Last but definitely not least is another dessert favorite: Magnolia's bakery is the place to go if your sweet tooth has not yet been quenched. This famous bakery is especially well-known for their cupcakes and its chic ambience. Many trendsetters are spotted here nibbling on some cupcakes with chocolate, mocha or white butter cream icing. One taste of the cupcakes and you'll see why they are so hard to resist. The presentation of the cupcakes adds to the already irresistible frosting and makes them perfect for special occasions. Magnolia's also bakes all of their products directly on their premises. So, it's a chance to see bakers at work right before your eyes. It makes you appreciate the cupcakes and encourages you to purchase more.

Day 3 Greenwich Village Sights and Attractions

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:09:34 +0500

Greenwich Village isn't just about the food. There are certainly sights and attractions in the area to keep an eye out for while you are out and about tasting all the delicious food. Greenwich Village, also known simply as the Village, is largely a residential area in New York City, New York. Previously known as more of a haven for artists and musicians, Greenwich blossomed and is now populated mostly by upper middle class families. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Greenwich Village was known as the bohemian capital and the birthplace of the Beat movement.

Located within the confines of Greenwich Village is the park that has come to symbolize not only the neighborhood, but the university nearby as well. Washington Square Park is one of the most well-known parks of New York city's 1,700 public parks. Washington Square Park has become not just a landmark, but also a meeting place and a center for cultural activity.

The Washington Square Park fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots for residents and tourists. Most of the buildings surrounding the park now belong to New York University. The university rents the park for its graduation ceremonies and uses the Arch as a symbol of NYU. New York University (NYU) wants Washington Square Park to be the core of the school's campus and students frequently use the park as a popular meeting spot for activities. Local residents of Greenwich Village consider the park to be an essential part of the neighborhood.

Hotels around Greenwich Village

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:04:43 +0500

Greenwich Village is located right next to New York University and Union Square. So, you'll find plenty of students and families in the hotels in the Greenwich Village area. Here are just a few of the possible hotels to consider. To do a more thorough search of hotels near Greenwich Village - click here.

Union Square Inn - The Union Square Inn Is A Small Boutique Hotel With 41 Charming Rooms Combining A Landmark Building With Modern Decor. (Reserve Union Square Inn)
W New York Union Square - The landmark Guardian Life Building, which sits right on the edge of Union Square, has been reborn as the city's latest W Hotel - Union Square. It offers the stylized, modern decor and long list of plush niceties that separate W Hotels from the pack. (Reserve W New York Union Square)
Hotel Gansevoort - Trendy Hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan's Meatpacking District provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, a swimming pool on the roof, and Ono, a Japanese bar and restaurant. (Reserve Hotel Gansevoort)
The Maritime Hotel - The Maritime Hotel in Chelsea is popular with travelers, given its unique nautical theme and modern structure. Make yourself comfy in any one of the 125 rooms, all equipped with flat-screen television sets, DVD players, mini-bars, cozy beds and beautiful attached bathrooms. (Reserve The Maritime Hotel)
Soho Grand Hotel - Opened in 1996, this opulent hotel greets you with a brightly mirrored lobby and a sweeping staircase made of iron and bottle glass. All the comforts of a top quality hotel are here, along with easy access to the restaurants, shops and galleries that give Soho its reputation for being the artistic heart of the city. (Reserve Soho Grand Hotel)
Tribeca Grand Hotel - Just down the street from its popular sister location the Soho Grand Hotel. Like its older sibling, the Tribeca Grand caters to hip, wealthy business types and tourists who prefer to avoid the noise and bustle of Midtown. It's proximity to Wall Street and such top Tribeca restaurants as Chanterelle and Bouley Bakery only adds to the appeal. (Reserve Tribeca Grand Hotel)

Day 4 Wall Street and Statue of Liberty

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:54:45 +0500

The symbol of freedom and New York City is the Statue of Liberty. So, this is a sight that new tourists to New York City should definitely check out. So, today, we'll check out the Southern tip of Manhattan New York and check out the Wall Street area and walk over to Battery Park before heading over to the famous Statue. There's lots of sights and attractions in this area so get your cameras ready.

Wall Street is a street in lower Manhattan, New York NY and has now become synonymous with the financial district of New York NY. Wall Street runs from Broadway to South Street on the East River through the financial district and is also home to the New York Stock Exchange and the famous Charging Bull Statue. Over the years, Wall Street has also become shorthand for the "influential financial interests" of the American financial industry, which is centered in the New York City area. Several major stock exchanges continue to be headquarterd on Wall Street and in the Financial District of New York including the NYSE, Nasdaq, AMEX, NYMEX, and NYBOT.

Located within Wall Street is one of the most famous stock exchanges in the world - The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSE is a stock exchange that is based in New York and has become the largest stock exchange in the world by dollar value of its listed companies' securities. The New York Stock Exchange trading floor is located at 11 Wall Street and has four rooms used to facilitate trading. The main building is located at 18 Broad Street and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978 as was the 11 Wall Street building.

While you are taking a stroll through the Wall Street area, don't forget to take a picture with the famous Charging Bull Statue. The Charging Bull, also referred to as the Wall Street Bull or the Bowling Green Bull has become a symbol of Wall Street and is frequently shown when news reporters are showing the Wall Street area. Busy New Yorkers and busy business men may walk by this famous statue, but this is something that a new tourist to New York City should definitely take a picture with. And, you'll notice that most people agree since it can be pretty tough to get the sculpture all to yourself for photographs.

The Charging Bull Statue is a 3,200 kg (7,000 pound) bronze sculpture by Arturo Di Modica. The sculpture sits in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street in New York. The sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity leaning back on its haunches with its head lowered as if ready to charge. The Charging Bull has become one of New York City's most photographed artworks and has become a popular destination for tourists in the Wall Street area.

Once you're down strolling around the Wall Street area and soaking in the fact that millions and millions of dollars are changing hands, head on over to the tourist attraction that everyone needs to see at least once - The Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty was formerly known as the Liberty Enlightening the World statue and was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886. There are several ways to see the Statue of Liberty. The most popular way for tourists to see the Statue of Liberty is to take the ferry over to Liberty Island in New York Harbor and experience it face to face. Another is to marvel at its beauty from Battery Park. And, still another free way is to take the Staten Island Ferry and view it from the Harbor as the ferry sails past. Liberty Island is the most popular method to see the Statue of Liberty because you come face-to-face with the Statue in all its glory. A ferry ticket to the Statue of Liberty also includes the ferry to Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and was given as a representation of the friendship established between the French and the Americans during the American Revolution. The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch and is made of a sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of steel with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf (originally made of copper and later altered to hold glass panels). The Statue of Liberty is 151 ft tall and stands over 305 ft. tall with the pedestal and foundation. The Statue of Liberty has become one of the most recognizable icons of the United States around the world and was also one of the first sights that greeted immigrants after a long ocean voyage from Europe.

Hotels around Wall Street

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:55:10 +0500

Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty are both popular attractions in New York, so you'll find plenty of great hotels around Wall Street. In fact, there are also some exquisite hotels around the Soho area for those who enjoy shopping. Tourists staying in the Wall Street area will have great views of the New York Harbor and be close to the financial hub of America as well as one of the most well-known statues in the world. Here are just a few of the possible hotels to consider. To do a more thorough search of hotels near Wall Street - click here.

The Wall Street Inn - The Wall Street Inn, a deluxe hotel located in New York's financial and historic district, offers the best of the best. The hotel is well suited to please both the business traveler and the leisure guest. (Reserve The Wall Street Inn)
Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel - Guests can almost smell the money and hear the deals being hatched. In the historic and financial heart of New York City, the Wall Street District Hotel stands within a flip of a coin to the New York Stock Exchange, leading banks and financial institutions, and close to leisure spots like South Street Seaport and dynamic neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Little Italy and Chinatown. (Reserve Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel)
Millenium Hilton - Known for its first-rate business center and luxury rooms, the 55-story hotel is an inspiring black-glass encased monolith, with impressive views of the Hudson and East Rivers and all of Manhattan. There is ample space for any traveler, whether you're in for business or leisure. (Reserve Millenium Hilton)
Ritz Carlton New York Battery Park - The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, is the only AAA Five Diamond luxury waterfront in NYC. Panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, plus indoor and outdoor dining are on offer. This orgy of luxury and pomp is just 30 minutes from LaGuardia Airport. (Reserve Ritz Carlton New York Battery Park)
New York Marriott Downtown - Within walking distance of Chinatown, the South Street Seaport and Tribeca, just to name a few of the city's most popular destinations. The popular Roy's New York restaurant is located inside the hotel. (Reserve New York Marriott Downtown)
Greenwich Hotel - The Greenwich Hotel is New York's new place to be seen. Robert DeNiro's venture into hospitality impressively boasts that no two rooms are the same. (Reserve Greenwich Hotel)

Day 5 Chinatown and flying home

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:43:03 +0500

An important part of a vacation is having the time to purchase some gifts and souvenirs. And it's also great when you can get some gifts for your friends and family at a discounted rate. If you like getting souvenirs for bargain prices, New York's Chinatown is definitely the place to go.

The Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan New York is an ethnic enclave with a large population of Chinese immigrants similar to the Chinatown districts at other American cities. The Chinatown in New York is the second most populous Chinatown in the Western hemisphere after San Francisco's Chinatown.

If you're looking for delicious and unique Chinese cuisine, Joe's Shanghai is a great restaurant to try out. The first Joe's Shanghai was founded in Flushing, New York in 1995. Fame and fortune came quickly as their Shanghai dumplings also known as shao long bao or soup dumplings became an immediate hit. Their famous Shanghai dumplings come in two main flavors - crab or pork meat. Both flavors helped Joe's Shanghai earn numerous accolades and awards and became favorites of locals and visitors. Over the years, Joe's Shanghai has received awards from the New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, Travel and Leisure, New York Magazine, and Zagat Survey. They have also been featured in many gourmet magazines and tv shows. There are now three Joe's Shanghai locations in Chinatown, Flushing, and upper Manhattan.

Joe's Shanghai is more than just Shanghai dumplings. Some other popular dishes here includes Shredded Turnip Shortcake; Twin Prawns in Chili Sauce; Crispy Whole Yellow Fish; Lion's Head (Stewed Pork Balls), Braised Duck, Braised Pork Shoulders, cold cuts like Wine Chicken, and Shanghai Fried Bean Curd.