New York

One of the worlds great cities. New York may not have the largest population but it does have the biggest personality. This city is the benchmark for all others in the western world. Love it or hate it you cannot escape the importance of this metropolis, this heaving mass of humanity in all its wondrous forms.

Initially New Amsterdam (as it was then called) was a Dutch colony. The British took possession in 1664 and renamed it New York and the city began to grow. In 1825, the Erie Canal allowed the trade sphere of the city to spread. In the 1840's, the railway was linking the major East Coast cities and trade blossomed further.

The boom in trade and industry had a voracious requirement for labour. This was fed by wave upon wave of immigrants from Europe, most of who came via New York's Ellis Island. All of this conspired to make New York, as it still is today the financial engine room of the country (if not the world).

Unbridled growth and development put pressure on land availability, the only way to go was up and in the late 19th century the first skyscrapers started to appear.

The story of New York has not been entirely untroubled and in the 70's the image of New York as a dirty, crime-riddled place emerged. The Big Apple was only saved from ignominious bankruptcy by a huge Government loan and in the 80's the good times began to roll again.

In the 90's, Mayor Rudi Giuliani introduced the zero tolerance approach to crime and the clean up of the streets commenced.

New York is a bold, cocksure sort of a place with more than enough self-confidence to go around. The character of the city was tested as never before by the events of September the 11th 2001. The city emerged from the rubble of the Twin Towers stronger than before; they displayed a resilience and courage in the face of disaster that rightfully earned them the world's admiration.

New York for the visitor is a cultural, artistic, architectural giant. Its streets and buildings, through the work of Scocese, Woody Allen, Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote and others, are familiar to us. The music and theatre are part of our cultural scene.

New York is a noisy, lively, brash, exciting place whose very streets ooze with energy and enthusiasm. The problem with New York is where to begin.

Where to Go and What to See

Lets get this straight from the start, 'You Can't Do It All!' There is just too much to see, except if you are planning on living here for awhile. Be discriminating. Below are listed just some of the things you might like to try.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

For so many reasons an American Icon. The statue was a gift from the French to commemorate the co-fraternity of republics, the bonds between the French and American people (I wonder if another such gift is in the offing?). The statue represents liberty and must have had a huge impact on the people who on sighting liberty were close to achieving their dream of a fresh start in the New World.

To reach the island, on which the 151 foot high copper clad, iron bodied lady stands take the Staten Island Ferry. This gives splendid views of the famed New York skyline and can take you on to Ellis Island.

On visiting Liberty Island you may well find that it is very busy and it may take a couple of hours to ascend the 354 steps to the Crown and a brief look out over the city.

Ellis Island is an important place in American history. This is where 12 million of the immigrants into the States between 1892 to 1954 were processed. The impact these people and their descendants had on the growing nation is incalculable. Many of those who arrived were in a parlous state, they were poor and spoke little English. They had left their home countries in the hope of a better life. They had been driven from their homes by war, disease, famine and oppression. Ellis Island welcomed them all. The Museum of Immigration reminds us of the trials and tribulations of these people and their feelings on arriving in their new home.

The Empire State Building

Since September the 11th, this is once again the city's tallest building. Standing just over 1400 feet tall it was erected in 1931 - just in time for King Kong to get shot off it - at a cost of 41 million dollars. There are two observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors; the views are amazing.

Broadway

Along with London's 'West End' this is the world's most popular theatre district. The great thing about it is that although there are the big glitzy musicals, heavy weight drama from the worlds leading playwrights and comedies to have them rolling in the aisles there is also 'Off Broadway'. This is where smaller productions are mounted, where experimental theatre finds its way and new talent cuts its teeth.

Prices for tickets are not cheap and demand for the 'hot' shows is high. Do not expect to turn up and just be able to get tickets for a John Malkovich first night. Broadway is a great place to see many of those actors that you have only seen on the big screen or at the Oscars.

The infamous Time Square is next to Broadway and is now free of the seediness for which it was notorious.

...Just the tip of the Iceberg

As far as entertainment goes Broadway is just part of the picture. There is an ever-vibrant live music circuit with venues of all sizes and acts to suit all tastes. It is possible to see current hot new bands, rock dinosaurs from the last century and the next big thing; everything is and does happen. There are comedy clubs aplenty, these are the places where many well-known names got their early breaks. For lovers of higher art there is much that will please however the place to be is the Lincoln Centre. This is home to the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet. If you want entertainment at the latter end of the day (and early next morning) then there are numerous nightclubs and discos.

Museums

You name it and New York has a museum dedicated to it. Check out subway memorabilia at the New York Transit Museum for instance or the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

The biggest museums in New York are some of the worlds best within their chosen fields. Most notable of these is 'The Met' (Metropolitan Museum of Art). This is a big and popular place so pick your time to visit with care. Also, because of the size and number of exhibits you need to choose carefully which of the 2 million pieces you would like to see. There are works of art from all over the globe. Amongst the highlights are the Dutch and Flemish masters, Italian Renaissance, Impressionist and Post Impressionist art. There are extensive parts given over to American paintings and 25 rooms that are historically furnished dating from 1674 to a Frank Lloyd Wright (the 'organic architect') of the last century. There is also room upon room devoted to examples of Egyptian, Medieval, Asian, Greek and Roman works to name but a few.

The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art is equally notable. Sadly, this collection of late 19th and 20th century art is currently being relocated although a temporary and truncated version is open in the Queens district. Reopening is due in 2005.

For those less inclined towards the art world there is the American Museum of Natural History. This is the largest collection of this sort in the world and includes a 'Dinosaur Hall' a 'Hall of the African Peoples' and a magnificent Planetarium. Many exhibits are 'Hands On'.

Amongst other places worthy of a look if you have the time is the Guggenheim Museum, New York Historical Society (housing Audubon's original 'Birds Of America'), the Jewish Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the New York City Fire Museum.

Greenwich Village

Since the early 20th century, this has been known as the place where artists, writers, poets, musicians and actors were to be found. This image persists although is not as true as it once was; the smell of rebellion and the liberal life has gone from the air. Greenwich is still a popular district and the atmosphere on the streets is convivial at all times of the day and night. Take some time out from the rush of the rest of the city to relax, enjoy a coffee in a street cafe whilst watching some very interesting people pass by.

Central Park

Another place in which to seek refuge from the day to day hurly-burly, as the locals do. The park was opened in 1876 to be a people's park and it certainly fulfils that function today. This is where New Yorkers go for a small taste of nature; it was originally intended to give the impression of contained countryside. Highlights of the park include boat and buggy rides, skating (ice and in-line), Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacourt Theatre or just lounging on the Great Lawn. Although Central Park has undergone improvements since the 70's, it is still not a good place to be after dark.

Shop 'til you Drop

New York is the world's capital of naked, unbridled, capitalist consumerism. As with so many things in New York everything is available to suit all tastes and budgets. Visit Bloomingdales and Macys and be amazed.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

There large numbers of Hostels and Hotels, prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in the US. Prices are lower in some of the outlying districts and Bed and Breakfast may be an option. If you have the money some of the worlds top hotels are to be found in New York. Try and book well in advance. For the best bars head for Greenwich Village, The East Village SoHo (South of Houston Street) and the Lower East Side. There are various types of bars all over New York, take your pick and enjoy. New Yorkers are very serious on the subject of food and restaurants. They won't just settle for OK, they expect it Good. Places less than Good don't last the pace so standards are high. The number of restaurants and the city's cosmopolitan nature ensure that the range of cuisine on offer is huge. If there is anything, but anything that you want to eat then go to New York.