New York City, New York

By: Maddie

About: New York City

arguably the world's most vibrant and sprawling metropolis, occupies five boroughs, each with its own distinct identity. After all, before the historic 1898 consolidation, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island

were each independent municipalities.

Manhattan

Manhattan, home to the most recognizable sites, dominates popular perception of New York City. Its most famous

districts are listed below:

Wall Street & the Financial District

New York's first district remains its most historic. Wall Street investment banks coexist with landmarks like Trinity

Church. Battery Park draws people for its panoramic views. The World Trade Center was also one of the area's most popular destinations, until its tragic destruction on September 11, 2001, which took the lives of many New Yorkers and affected the entire nation. New World Trade Center buildings and a September 11 memorial and museum are

under construction.

Harlem

long the national epicenter of African-American culture, Harlem was home to the Harlem Renaissance, arguably this country's most influential artistic, literary and cultural movement. Harlem is known for its jazz clubs and Southern restaurants.

Greenwich Village At the turn of the 20th Century, Greenwich Village drew free spirits from around the nation, including poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and playwright Eugene O'Neill. As the years went on, rents inevitably rose. Now, its townhouses are some of the most expensive in the city. New York University students gather here in Washington Square Park. A diverse array of shops, bars and music clubs exist along Bleecker Street.

East Village

Artists, students and young professionals have gone a long way towards gentrifying the long poor and multi-ethnic neighborhood. Even today, the artistic spirit that initially brought about change remains, evident in such vibrant cultural establishments as St. Mark's-in-the-Bowery Church. Urban gardens, like Tompkins Square Park and art exhibits sit beside cafes, craft shops and vegetarian restaurants.

Soho & Tribeca Once home to massive factories; artists moved in and transformed the area into a bustling urban mecca. Galleries, designer shops, sophisticated restaurants and trendy bars followed soon after. Among many others in the area, Hundred Acres is a great restaurant, with fresh seasonal cuisine and an upbeat atmosphere. Today, tourists flock to the area and rents have risen sky high.

Lower East Side

This area once housed some of the city's worst slums, well-chronicled by the Lower East Side Conservancy . Today's higher rents mean that the only people who can afford to live here, and want to, are young professionals. The historic Orchard Street Shopping District is home to several hip bars and nightclubs.

Gramercy & Flatiron

The majestic Flatiron Building lords over this beautiful, eclectic district marked by loft spaces to the west and pre-war residences to the east. More than a century after their construction, the apartment buildings and townhouses around Gramercy Park remain coveted residences.

Midtown As the name implies, Midtown is smack in the middle of everything. Nobody is really sure where Midtown begins (most would say somewhere at the 30-block), but most agree it stops around Central Park . Publishing houses, financial firms, import/export companies and fashion houses all do business here. Trump Tower entices shoppers, along with all those glorious stores along Fifth Avenue. Ice skaters twirl at Rockefeller Center and the spectacular St. Patrick's Cathedral offers serenity and spirituality.

Times Square & Hell's Kitchen

Some New Yorkers miss the former seediness of Times Square, as the World of Disney has replaced age-old bookstores and entertainment venues. However, most people begrudgingly admit that it is better this way. Visitors adore everything from souvenir shops to enormous billboards and Broadway musicals. A few blocks west lies Hell's Kitchen, a community filled with eclectic restaurants, such as Five Napkin Burger , bars, shops, and, of course, the Actors Temple .

Upper East Side

Park, Fifth and Madison have always been posh avenues. Whether in the gilded manors of yesterday, like Gracie Mansion in Schurz Park , or the area's high-rise modern apartments, old money and high society have long made their home here. Consequently, shops to serve them line Madison Avenue . Baby Gap coexists with art galleries and antique shops. Further east, new money has overtaken the old Yorkville slum.

Upper West Side

When the co-ops of the East Side were freer to restrict residents, the Upper West Side became home to new money. Then, as "modernist" Eastsiders tore down their pre-war palaces, Upper West Side residents kept their old buildings, such as the famous Ansonia and the Dakota ; renters now value the neighborhood's attractive real estate. Meanwhile, bars and restaurants catering to Long Island and New Jersey folk (aka, the “Bridge and Tunnel” crowd) continue to sprout up along Columbus and Amsterdam avenues.

Brooklyn

This massive borough stretches from festive Coney Island to elegant Brooklyn Heights. But wherever Brooklynites hail from, they remain a largely proud lot. They can boast of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden , the gorgeous bridge that bears the borough's name, the Brooklyn Museum , and a growing restaurant scene.

Queens

From Flushing to Astoria, Queens is experiencing a quiet renaissance, as refugees from Manhattan's high rents continue to discover what this working-class borough offers its residents. Inexpensive ethnic restaurants pepper the borough. Queens is also home to the Museum of the Moving Image and Flushing Meadows Corona Park .

The Bronx

This borough boasts the Yankees , one of the nation's finest zoos , and an extraordinary Botanical Garden . Areas including the South Bronx have benefited from economic booms.

Places to stay

#1 hotel The Plaza Central Park, Fifth Avenue, spectacular art, thriving culture, endless

shopping, unbelievable dining and lively nightlife – this is New York City. Amid the whirl of

excitement you will find The Plaza, a

Fairmont Managed Hotel, a timeless

landmarked New York hotel capturing

memories since 1907.

#2 hotel double tree suites In an

ideal location directly in Times Square on

Broadway, this all-suite New York City

hotel offers an on-site restaurant and

modern accommodations which include a

minibar and flat-screen TV.

The Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square New York City is within walking distance of local

attractions, including Radio City Music Hall and

Central Park. The Empire State Building,

Carnegie Hall and a subway station are also

nearby.

All suites at the Doubletree Times Square are

furnished with a microwave and refrigerator. They

include a safe and separate living area with sofa

bed. Some suites also have a beautiful city skyline

view.

Ginger’s Restaurant pays tribute to Broadway

Theater while serving American cuisine for

breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ad Lib is a full service bar with coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Chocolate chip cookies are served at check-in.

At Doubletree Guest Suites New York City, guests can work out in the gym or use the business

center. To help plan each vacation, the hotel’s 24-hour front desk and concierge service are

available.

#3 hotel New York Marriott Marquis The New York Marriott Marquis brings the energy of Manhattan to your door. Located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district, this hotel in Manhattan, New York is perfect for weekend getaways, as well as family and business travel. Boasting updated rooms and suites, high-speed elevators and three restaurants and lounges, this New York hotel in Times Square puts you near attractions like Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park. We're also close to attractions like Carnegie

Hall, Lincoln Center, the UN and Madison Square Garden - so a stay at this Midtown Manhattan hotel in Times Square ensures that entertainment is just around the corner. Our central location also makes us the perfect choice for meetings, conventions, social events and weddings. With renowned Marriott service, creative catering and a variety of ballrooms, the Marriott Marquis hotel is the best choice for Manhattan events /

#4hotel Hilton new York For the best vantage point

in New York City, choose the stylish Hilton New York Hotel in New York City. Beautifully re-

designed, this exquisite Midtown Manhattan hotel features spacious accommodations just steps

from Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the city’s dynamic business

and media center.

Discover every possible convenience, from magnificent meeting facilities to our extraordinary

fitness center and spa. Few New York City hotels can match the splendor, elegance and

convenience of the Hilton New York Hotel

#5 hotel jet luxury resorts

Adding distinction to the skyline, Jet Luxury Resorts @ Trump SoHo, New York will bring a new perspective of

Manhattan from the SoHo New York neighborhood. The impressive 46-story tower places you in the heart of New

York City's most exciting neighborhood and soars above Spring Street to allow for unparalleled views of the City.

Guests enter through a dramatic two-story conservatory into a grand lobby reminiscent of luxury New York hotels of

the early 20th century.

Exclusively at Trump SoHo, custom designed bed linens along with a Trump Pillow Menu allow guests to create their

own sleep experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows complete the cosmopolitan setting, providing a view no other New

York City hotel can offer, extending to the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. The five star

experience you will enjoy at the Trump SoHo New York Luxury hotel will surpass any and all expectations. Book your

next New York City vacation with Jet Luxury Resorts at

Trump SoHo and receive the best hotel deals in New York

restaurants

Le Bernardin

155 West 51st Street (Between 6th & 7th Aves.)

Telephone: (212) 554-1515

If you can put down a few hundred for a dinner for two, and you are looking for one of New

York's most expensive and refined restaurants, with jackets required and flawless, old-

school service, this is the place for you. The impeccable French service is the best in the city

and the food is superb. Don’t miss the fluke seviche; sea urchin; whole red snapper baked

in a rosemary-and-thyme crust; and wild striped bass in bouillabaisse broth.

Restaurant Daniel 60 East 65th Street (Nr. Madison Ave.)

Telephone: (212) 288-0083

Daniel Boulud’s namesake restaurant features contemporary, seasonal French cuisine in a

setting that combines striking neoclassical architecture with elegant modern furnishings.

The sophisticated bar and lounge are a welcoming spot for before and after dinner drinks.

Not only is the food fantastic, the space is beautiful and the service is out of this world. You

must try the Paupiette of sea bass in a crisp potato shell or the braised short ribs. They also

have a separate vegetarian menu.

Mercer Kitchen

99 Prince Street (Between Mercer & Green Streets)

Telephone: (212) 966-5454

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten oversees this chic subterranean power-bar, lounge and

restaurant in the heart of SoHo's. The dining area extends to the turn-of-century brick walls

and out under the sidewalk vault so guests below can watch foot traffic walking across the

roof through glass bubbles in the floor-ceiling. The Kumquat Mojitos and the White

Chocolate Martinis are to die for. The toppings on the brick-oven pizzas — raw tuna and

wasabi; pear and pistachio; black truffle and Fontina — are bold and flavorful.

Peter Lugar

178 Broadway,Brooklyn, NY 11211

Telephone:(718) 387-7400

Some call it the Bad Boy Steak House. I call it carnivore heaven. Peter Lugar has been in

the steak business since 1887, and they give new meaning (and taste) to perfect, glorious,

butter-tender porterhouse steak. Every steak is hand-picked and dry-aged onsite, then

prepared to perfection and served by amiable waiters who aren't anywhere near as gruff as

some claim. (Unless you order your steak well done.) You can’t go wrong with the popular

starter of thick slices of tomatoes served with Peter Lugar’s famous signature sauce. And

don’t forget to try their sizzling bacon appetizer. Extra thick sliced bacon that literally melts

in your mouth. Add the creamed spinach, onion rings and German fried potatoes to your

steak order, and get ready for the meal of the century. Still hungry? Their New York

cheesecake is delish.

BLT Steak

106 East 57th Street (Between Park & Lexington)

Telephone:(212) 752-7470

If I am not up for traveling to Brooklyn, BLT Steak is a really great steakhouse bliss option.

Sit down and start with their delicious signature popovers. Their tuna tartare appetizer is

amazing and you’ll still have plenty of room for their delicious steaks. You can’t go wrong

with their porterhouse, rib eye or New York strip. But for great taste and a terrific price, try

the hanger steak. All their steaks come with a side selection of sauces, ranging from

béarnaise to blue cheese, and paired with decadent sides such as parmesan flavored

gnocchi and oversized onion rings. Order a side of roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, and

some good ole fries and you’ll become a regular. If that doesn’t do the trick, top the meal

off with their profiteroles and/or the banana butterscotch sundae and you’ll see why the BLT

Restaurants have such a great rep.

Tao

42 E. 58th Street

Telephone: (212) 888-2288

Tao’s is hot. The 12,000 square feet of dining levels come complete with reflecting pool, Zen

garden, and a sky high Buddha. This is where the beautiful young people come to drink

Sake and mingle with the rich and famous.Use your time at the bar efficiently - the social

scene is as impressive as the food. The Mongolian spicy beef is fabulous, and you can’t go

wrong with any of the sushi offerings. Try the Squab lettuce wraps or the fabulous Peking

duck. For dessert splurge and order the giant chocolate-filled fortune cookies. If you're from

out of town Tao is worth a visit - just make sure to dress chic, talk loud and bring your

wallet.

Olives 201 Park Avenue South

(In the W Hotel on Union Square)

Telephone: (212) 353-8345

As you enter the restaurant through the trendy W Hotel, and are greeted by Olives'

charming front desk hostess, you will feel as if you have arrived. When making reservations,

if you are a party of four or more, ask for a curtained table in the back. Go for lunch and

enjoy the sun pouring in from the open sky over Union Square. Chef Todd English’s menu is

wonderful. Try the lamb spare ribs and you will undoubtedly agree. The tuna tartare and

their flat bread pizzas are a culinary pleasure. If you are a traditionalist, you can’t go wrong

with the simple but sumptuous herb-and-garlic-roasted chicken. And there's a copious, first-

class wine list to compliment all the terrific food. And don’t forget to save room for dessert

or cheese.

Nobu 105 Hudson Street (At Franklin Street)

(212) 219-0500

There is no other experience like this wondrous and original epicurean delight. The densely

flavored sweet black cod marinated in miso is Nobu’s signature item and as one would

expect, the sushi and sashimi are decadent. The food and presentation are so delightfully

unique that you will hardly feel the sting of the hefty bill at the end of your meal.

Megu

62 Thomas St. (Tribeca — between Church and W. Broadway)

212-964-7777

An architectural wonder on two soaring levels, Megu is created around a 600-pound Bonsho,

or Temple Bell, which is suspended over a stunning ice-carved Buddha. The 14-page menu

offers distinct selections beyond your wildest culinary imagination. Megu specializes in meat,

fish, and vegetables grilled over charcoal imported from Japan. Try their cold edamame

soup, sake-steamed slices of grilled abalone or Panko-crusted pork tonkatsu. Or go all the

way with one of their tasting menus or the Kobe beef. And if you have room for desert (and

money left in your pocket) try Yuzu’s unforgettable dark chocolate soufflé.

Sea Grill Rockefeller Center

19 W. 49th St. (5th & 6th Aves.)

New York, NY 10020

212-332-7610

The Sea Grill is one of New York City’s best seafood restaurants. While not on grand display,

the restaurant boasts an impressive raw bar, usually featuring a half-dozen choices of clams

and oysters, plus perfect jumbo shrimp for a divine shrimp cocktail. Winning appetizers

include Sea Grill chowder with lobster, shrimp, and clams; and a wonderful cured salmon

belly tartare with fresh dill and black salt. As good as the seafood can be, and as clever as

many of the colorful presentations are, none of that really matters in winter, when the

dining room overlooks New York’s most romantic and nostalgic scene — the skaters twirling

about under the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. For a major

tourist destination, the dining room does not feel all that touristy, especially in the evening

when the lights soften and the pace eases.

Casa La Femme North

140 Charles Street between Greenwich and Washington

Telephone: (212)505-0005

Gauzy white tents, belly dancers, exotic plants, leather ceiling lamps. Egypt? No, it’s Casa

La Femme North, one of New York City’s few Egyptian restaurants. Dine in a romantic tent -

where only a $55 tasting dinner is served – and you won’t be sorry. Everything is made

fresh and from scratch so it may take 40 minutes or so for your main course to come, but

what’s the rush? The belly dancer and exotic music will help pass the time while you sample

delicious appetizers from Arab wheat bread to Crab Kofta. The entrees are indeed fresh and

the menu completely authentic. For fish lovers try the whole fish or the wood-grilled red

snapper for two. And don’t forget to top it off with Turkish coffee (the only coffee served)

and their amazing Baklava.

Dos Caminos

373 Park Avenue South

(Between 26th and 27th Streets)

Telephone: 212 294 1000

Walk into Stephen Hanson’s Dos Caminos and you feel like you’ve entered party central.

Weave your way through the packed bar to your table, and be prepared to have fun. With

100 types of Tequila to choose from, as well as an impressive array of exotic drinks, Dos

Caminos has "party time" written all over it. The restaurant is Hanson-fusion so don’t think

Mexican food when you come here. Start with the delicious guacamole, made tableside with

the freshest of ingredients. Try the baby back ribs, roast chicken or the sirloin steak – all

are impressive. If you’re a fish eater try the big eye tuna ceviche with chile salsa. Too full

for dessert? Indulge in a coffee with Kahlua and whipped cream. In a city with only average

Mexican restaurants, Dos Caminos is a gem.

Blue Water Grill 31 Union Square West

(Flatiron/Gramercy/Union Square at 16th St.)

Telephone: 212 675 9500

If ever a restaurant was a New York City “scene” – this is it. The converted bank on Union

Square, seats 500 on three levels, and includes outdoor seating. Dine in the lower level and

enjoy the dimly lit romantic ambiance and fantastic jazz band. The fish - always fresh - is

incredible, the sushi – divine. The Chilean sea bass is wonderful and if you like shellfish go

all the way with the impressive seafood castle. Chocolate fondue is a must dessert, and the

wine list is varied and reasonably priced. At the bar, it's cruising and hooking-up galore.

Francisco’s Centro Vasco

159 West 23rd Street (Between 6th and 7th avenues)

Telephone: (212) 645-6224

Love lobster? This is my all time favorite restaurant for King Kong sized lobsters, but you

can get any size you want. They also offer large and very delicious lobster tails. They have

great Spanish food, but the lobster tails and/or whole lobsters are incredible and the value

unbeatable. Great food, great prices.

Barbounia

250 Park Avenue South (at 20th Street)

Telephone:(212) 995-0242

Barbounia’s menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with evident inspirations from several

European cultures. Hints of Greece are found in the traditional Mezze— tzatsiki and several

other spreads, served with delicious flatbread—which has acquired a cult-like following.

South of Italy shines through during lunch featuring a Mushroom & Asparagus Pizza topped

with parmesan, fontina, & truffle oil, hot from the taboon; while the Mushroom Gnocchi is

an Italian-inspired entrée for the evening. The Grass-fed hanger steak “au poivre” served

during dinner and the Croque Madame sandwich served with sunny side up eggs during

brunch has unmistakable ties to the South of France. Their brunch is excellent and they

have the best champagne cocktail deal - unlimited champagne cocktails for an additional

$14. They refill drinks super fast and you can change the kind of drink you get. If you just

want to stop by for a quick drink, it is always packed with interesting and friendly people

and the cocktails are awesome.

professional sports teams

Buffalo Bills (NFL) - Buffalo

Buffalo Destroyers (AFL) - Buffalo

Buffalo Sabres (NHL) - Buffalo

MetroStars (MLS)

New York Dragons (AFL) - Long Island

New York Giants (NFL) - New York City

New York Islanders (NHL) - New York City

New York Jets (NFL) - New York City

New York Knicks (NBA) - New York City

New York Liberty (WNBA) - New York City

New York Mets (MLB) - New York City

New York Rangers (NHL) - New York City

New York Yankees (MLB) - New York City

The statue of liberty

The statue was designed by a young French sculptor, Frédéric-Auguste

Bartholdi, who was striving to build a statue like the great Colossus that once

stood at the Greek island Rhodes.

The statue's face was modeled after his mother's and the story goes that the

body was modeled after a prostitute.

The crown of Lady Liberty, as the statue is often affectionately called, has seven

spikes, symbolizing the Seven Seas across which liberty should be spread. In

her left hand she holds a tablet with the Declaration of Independence and in her

right hand a torch, symbolizing Enlightenment.

Construction

Statue of Liberty

under construction

The statue's steel framework was made by French engineer Gustave Eiffel,

better known as the man behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Thanks to an

ingenious construction consisting of copper plates attached to the metal

framework, the statue is flexible enough to withstand heavy storms. Large iron

bars attach the framework to a central pylon.

The Statue of Liberty was constructed in Paris, France. It took nine years before

it was completed in 1884 after which it was sent to the USA in 214 crates. Even

before the arrival of the statue, Bartholdi himself had traveled to the

Unites States to discuss the location of the statue with president Ulysses S.

Grant. Eventually it was decided tot erect the statue at a small island in the

harbor of New York City. Today the island is known as Liberty Island.

Liberty Island

The biggest and most embarrassing problem was the construction of the

pedestal, which had to be paid for by the Americans themselves.

The statue's torch was displayed in Madison Square park for six years - from

1876 until 1882 - in an attempt to spark interest and attract funds. But it was

only after publisher Joseph Pulitzer published the names of those who donated

money for the project that the funds started flowing in. Eventually, the statue

was erected 10 years late, in 1886, when it was officially inaugurated by

president Grover Cleveland.

The Statue

Aerial view

The Statue of Liberty is 46,5 meter (151ft) high and together with the pedestal

it reaches 93 meter (305ft). You can take the staircase inside the statue and

walk all the way up the 354 steps to the crown from where you have a nice

view over New York City.

Information brought in from these sites

http://www.aviewoncities.com/nyc/statueofliberty.htm

http://www.50states.com/sports/newyork.htm

http://worldpress.org/Americas/1945.cfm

http://www.jetluxuryresorts.com/Trump-Soho-luxury-hotels-new-york/index.cfm

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i

http://www.theplaza.com/ http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/doubletree-guest-suites-times-square-new-york-city.en.html http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycmq-new-york-marriott-marquis

. http://www.newyorkhiltonhotel.com/