New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city—from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. In recent years, excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have joined the mix.

Tucked away on Chinatown's bustling Pell Street, Joe's Shanghai is best known for its Pork and Crab Soup Dumplings (the soup is actually inside the dumpling). There is an upbeat vibe to the place, probably because people are so satisfied with their food. A meal here will cost anywhere from $30 a head and up, which is fairly pricey for the neighborhood. Cash only.

Burgers, shakes and soda, the fast food staples, are all found here at great rates. Shake Shack offers cheerful interiors, bright exteriors and outdoor seating for its patrons hungering for its quick creations. What could be better on a hot, summer day than an iced tea and Ice-cream! The surprise here is the wine. Reds and whites are available by glass and bottle. You can take a draught of icy beer too, as you relax in their happy, family-friendly atmosphere. On your way out, inquire about shirts, caps and other paraphernalia to remind you of your outing. If you want your meals fresh, you might just have to wait for their next cooking time, so be prepared for a walk around the park.

Herald Square is named after a defunct New York newspaper. It was once the heart of a red light district, but now visitors are mainly interested in shopping at Macy's, 'the largest department store in the world', Toys R Us, and the Manhattan Mall. It is within easy walking distance from Times Square. When you are done shopping, there is a mini Koreatown located nearby along 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

Herald Square is named after a defunct New York newspaper. It was once the heart of a red light district, but now visitors are mainly interested in shopping at Macy's, 'the largest department store in the world', Toys R Us, and the Manhattan Mall. It is within easy walking distance from Times Square. When you are done shopping, there is a mini Koreatown located nearby along 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

This Macy's claims to be the largest department store in the world. It is housed in a 20-story building that covers an entire city block. Indeed, the store is so large that it is easy to get lost in it. Fashion sections blur into jewelry, beauty, houseware, luggage and much more. There is even a post office, pet shop and a fish market. The store sponsors the famous annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks each year. Call for hours.

White Castle Says,

"More than 80 years.
More than 380 restaurants.
More than 500,000,000 burgers sold last year alone.

But when you add it up, the by-the-numbers White Castle math just can't compare to the steam-grilled science of creating that signature Slyder.® Or the consistent history of high quality and great taste that turned fast food into big business and jumpstarted the nation's first hamburger century. (Well, almost a century: meat rationing during World War II forced us to sell hot dogs and eggs.) Or, most of all, the shared secret language of committed Cravers across the country, the words and senses that turn all of you into One of Ours.

Still, math is pretty fundamental. Mostly because, in White Castle mathematics (crunched at our Columbus, Ohio, headquarters), the number one keeps popping up.

First fast-food hamburger chain ever. First industrial-strength spatula. First mass-produced paper hat. First to sell a million hamburgers. First to sell a billion hamburgers. First frozen fast food for sale.

All of which, of course, makes us your number one. Hold your applause for your next burgers."

Named after the New York Times, which moved here in 1924, Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit area in the heart of the Theater District. Once populated by peep shows and sex shops, it has undergone a complete image overhaul. Hotels, office towers and commercial businesses have sprung up. Disney has moved in, as well as Condé Nast. Megastores and theme restaurants have also set up shop. Times Square remains the city's favorite venue for New Year's Eve, where a huge street party is highlighted by a glitter ball dropped from Times Tower. The Times Square Alliance which was founded in 1992, works for the improvement and promotion of this most popular New York city attraction.

The lighting of this famous giant Christmas tree will be televised from coast-to-coast, kicking off the holiday season at Rockefeller Center. The ceremony takes place at the end of November/ beginning of December each year and is aired live on the NBC television network. The lighting occurs at approximately 8:50p. The entire area gets extremely crowded, so come early if you want to see anything. If you miss it, the tree is lit every night through December.

Always filled with people, Rockefeller Center stretches for blocks. There is plenty to do here—in winter an outdoor café is transformed into an ice-skating rink. There is a shopping plaza with stores, restaurants and bars. The GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza houses NBC, which offers guided tours of its premises, as well as the Top Of The Rock observation deck. Visitors can also take a tour of Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street at Sixth Avenue. In December, be sure to check out the enormous lighted Christmas tree.

You will spot Saks by its array of flags flying outside the building. It is a fashion-only department store, featuring contemporary women's clothing and classic men's outfits. The women's departments have a great range of international designer wear, including Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino and Sonia Rykiel and popular fragrances by Bond no.9. There are also the traditional American designers like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. The men's department leans to the conservative side.

Magical, resplendent and enchanting—all these words describe dining in Tavern on the Green's glittering Crystal Room, which looks out onto the glorious Central Park. On a spring day, eating in the flower-filled garden is equally divine. Unfortunately, the American food is overpriced, and widely considered to be only average. Shrimp cocktail, lobster tail, pork chops and chicken potpie are some of the menu's standbys. The restaurant may attract a lot of tourists, but many New Yorkers also come to enjoy the wonderful view of the park.

Sarabeth Levine is a well-known jam and pastry maker in New York. Along with Chef Stephen Mayers, she has created this eating house, which serves delicious American food. On offer are Sarabeth's best, such as Pumpkin Waffles, Cream of Tomato Soup and Strawberry Shortcake. New additions to the menu include the Muscovy Duck Breast with Sunchoke Puree, Lobster Broth and Fava Beans. The restaurant has side-walk seating area and a front room that faces Central Park. It also has a well-stocked bar, which boasts of an extensive wine list. This place has a homely charm to it, not to mention Sarabeth's 25 year culinary experience that makes every visit worthwhile.

The zigzagging streets and charming brownstones of the Greenwich Village have a far more laid back atmosphere than most neighborhoods in the city. The center of New York's gay and student communities lies here, with a variety of funky shopping and nightlife including jazz, rock and dance clubs, restaurants, bars and cafés. By the early 1900s, the Village had fully established itself as the center of radical thinking in the United States. Famous reformers, artists and intellectuals all gathered here—and many still do. Do not miss a visit to Washington Square Park as it will take your breath away!

The Greenwich Village park is popular with students and residents. It is one of the few green spots in the area. At the northern end of the park is a triumphal arch, built in 1789 to honor George Washington, the late President of the United States. This historic arch is since then, referred to as the Washington Square. The area was home to artists and writers, including Henry James, Edith Wharton and Edward Hopper; many lived in the still intact row houses across from the northern end of the park. Other parts of the park are surrounded by the campus of New York University.

Pommes Frites isn't an ordinary shop, but a specialty shop serving authentic Belgian fries, or as the Belgians call them, "pommes frites." You won't find many seats here, but you will find the tastiest treat in town. Pommes Frites means premium fresh fried potatoes, crunchy on the outside, and soft inside: self-indulgent and pleasurable. The atmosphere is intimate and warm, the packaging and signage unique. Pommes Frites isn't only selling affordable food, but excitement and an experience, too. There is no fancy skill involved, but there is a trick. The potatoes are fried twice. The first time they are cooked through. The second time provides a golden color and makes them deliciously crisp. Europeans have been eating their fries with everything but ketchup for many years, and now Americans may also have the best crispy fried potatoes with their choice of sauce. Americans (those who have experienced Pommes Frites) seem to be extremely pleased that fries can be prepared differently and served with a variety of goodies, other than ketchup. For example, you can eat them with exotic mustards and mayonnaise, or drowned in vinegar, curry sauce, or even with a peanut satay sauce. All are for sale at Pommes Frites. The selection of toppings for your frites includes everything from the familiar to the exotic, and is limited only by imagination. Pommes Frites sales' policies include allowing the customer to sample the frites and taste any and every sauce until satisfied. With the help of the amazing potato, Pommes Frites will continue to join the ranks of other famous street foods and become a part of American culture.

Another example of the multi-ethnic cuisine available in New York, the Caracas serves delightful 'areperas' and 'taguaritas' from Venezuela. This tiny eatery is grabbing the fancy of New Yorkers and threatening to replace their penchant for pita or tortillas. The spongy cornflour coverings are stuffed with a wide choice of fillings like black beans, sweet plantains and cheese, mashed chicken with avocado and the list is almost endless. Served with bowls of nata (sour cream), the arepas are irresistible. Next time you are in East Village, try it out.

Tasty authentic middle eastern cuisine for a great price! "Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant on MacDougal Street, NY, in Greenwich Village was established in 1971 and has been a favorite for folks looking for a delicious Middle Eastern falafel at a cheap price. Be prepared for lines out the door during lunchtime. But, they speed through the lines pretty quickly.

This pizza place features no atmosphere, no service and no seating. But if you are on the run and need a good slice, Joe's is the place to go. The pizza is available plain or with toppings. If you have a little more time, just down the street is their other location with plenty of seats available, the pizza is just as good, and the atmosphere is definitely better.

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.

As the name suggests, this little place serves up the staple all-American treat that both adults and kids can't seem to do without—milk and cookies! Bite huge chocolate-chip chunks out of your blues and up your mood with oatmeal-cranberry cookies! If you like, you can try a "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, drink up a delicious cold glass of milk!

Old-fashioned goodness is chic at this Greenwich Village bakery and cafe. Many trendsetters are spotted nibbling on cupcakes with chocolate, mocha or white butter cream icing. Their cakes are also hard to resist, and the beautiful presentation makes them perfect for special occasions. The Hummingbird Cake is particularly enticing, made with bananas, pineapple and pecans and covered gingerly with cream cheese icing. Since they bake on the premises, this cafe is also quite entertaining-watch the diligent bakers work their magic right before your eyes.

SoHo is named because it's "south of Houston Street," which makes it's location easy to remember. This Manhattan district has a rich and eventful history, from being known as the "Cast Iron" district to becoming the premier spot for artists. There is no better way to appreciate the history than to walk through SoHo. Not only will you appreciate the beauty of the buildings around you, you can shop at trendy stores and eat at highly acclaimed restaurants. Most of the unique stores and restaurants are in northern SoHo, near Broadway, Spring, and Prince streets.

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this casual American bar and restaurant open till late (usually until 4a) and serves cheap, casual fare. Greasy but tasty burgers and fries are what makes this place popular. A friendly spot, Corner Bistro caters to a diverse crowd of downtown denizens as well as the college types who party on Bleecker Street. This is a cash only joint, but at these prices you should have no problem paying the bill.

Spice is a restaurant in Greenwich that serves inexpensive, authentic Thai food in a hip atmosphere. Popular dishes here include their pad thai and curries.

Home of the Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, Nathan's Famous has been serving mouth-watering hot dogs since 1916 at its landmark location in Coney Island. What started as a nickel hot dog stand has grown to a nationwide franchise, but hot dog aficionados swear that no other hot dog can compare to the original Nathan's! Maybe it's the sea air or the honky-tonk atmosphere—no one knows for sure, but one bite into these crunchy all-beef dogs will win over the greatest skeptic. The fries (with or without gobs of cheese or chili) are to die for! —Linda Steinmuller

The Coney Island Museum is a small but informative museum dedicated to preserving the history of Coney Island. The museum features Coney Island memorabilia like the Steeplechase Horse, the Boardwalk Rolling Chair, Funhouse Distortion Mirrors, and antique souvenirs. Relics of old rides, including vintage bumper cars, bring you back to Coney Island's heyday. With a changing exhibition schedule that showcases items like Mermaid Parade photos, this museum's a bargain at 99 cents! A knowledgeable staff can answer any questions on Coney Island, and Coney Island historians hold an "Ask the Expert" lecture series on Sundays at 4p during the summer months.

This aquarium has all the bases covered; shark tanks and shark feedings, dolphin and sea lion shows (for no extra charge), whales, walruses, touch tanks with skates and horse-shoe crabs, and interactive exhibits in the Discovery Cove building. The aquarium includes parking, a cafeteria and plenty of concession stands for those in need of a quick drink and snack. The beach and Coney Island are only a few yards away. Admission is $12 for adults, and $8 for seniors and children 2-12 years old.

Brooklyn's Coney Island, or the more dialectical term of Rabbit Island, exploded in the late 19th and early 20th-century following the introduction of the Coney Island & Brooklyn Railroad streetcar line. Since then the area was swamped with new resorts and attractions, including the ever-famous Luna Park. Following the decline of World War II and the years of neglect the park endured after, the area has burst back into life and is home to Astroland Amusement Park, the Aquarium and of course, the beach. A three-mile-long boardwalk runs the length of Coney Island into Brighton Beach. There is sometimes a circus, and always something strange to see. Also, Don't let the cooler months deter you from visiting- it is much less crowded, and the stores remain open.

Peter Luger is one of the best steakhouses in New York City, making a trip to Brooklyn worthwhile. This place has been serving top quality meats to their patrons for a very long time. Service is amiable and friendly, thereby making the experience even better. The steaks which are juicy and cooked to perfection, promise to give good value for your money. Altogether a memorable experience.