Travel Guide to New York, USA

New-York is the biggest city of the USA; it's the city that aims to become the center of the world. The population of New-York is 8 million of people, but if we take into account New-York Metropolitan Area, the number will be 22 million. The most of the New-York sights are famous all over the world and became the decor of many Hollywood films. Your impression of the city would be incomplete, if you won't visit the Central park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

Manhattan. The big rectangular Central Park in the heart of Manhattan is called 'the lungs' of New-York. It takes the territory of almost 3,5 km2 and every year it's visited by 25 million of people. On weekends it can be too crowded there, especially in the south part, though on working days you'll always find some place to have a rest. In the 70s-80s of the 20th century the Central Park used to have the reputation of the criminal area, but nowadays in the whole New-York and at this place exactly the crime rate has been lowered. At present day the well-known park is an enormous green oasis in the very centre of the lively city. If you get there, you should go to the Loeb Boathouse, the wonderful Bethes Fountain and the romantic Conservatory Garden.

The Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is the symbol not only of New-York, but of the whole United States of America. The 46-meter copper statue was presented by the French. The idea belonged to the historian and writer Eduard de Laboulaye, who in 1865 suggested presenting the statue as a sign of friendship between France and America. Almost twenty years later, in 1886, it was installed.

The crown on the head of 'the Liberty' has seven beams that symbolize 7 oceans and continents. The first thing that sticks out is the torch, which in 1984 was changed for a new one. Despite the wide-spread rumor, it's impossible to get on it. For safety reasons the crown is also closed for visitors. But everyone can get to the scenic viewpoint on the 10th stage of the statue's pedestal. There everybody can look at the construction, projected by Eiffel. On the second floor takes place the exposition, telling us about the history of the statue.

The Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is the highest erection of New-York, located in the very centre of Manhattan. It was built for an extremely short time: the building works started in the October of 1929 and in the May of 1931 the Empire State Building was unveiled. After the tragedy that happened on the 11th of September 2001 this building again became the highest skyscraper in New-York (with the antenna its height is 443 m). Being built from the basics the International Shopping Centre soon will get back the leadership position.

The staircases of the Empire State Building have 1860 stairs, but nobody uses them to get to the very top: the building has 73 elevators (some of them were made especially for tourists). On the 86th floor, at the height of 320 meters takes place the scenic viewpoint with the fantastic view on New-York. When the weather is clear the visibility is more than 70 km. More than that, there is also a smaller glassed viewing point on the 102th floor, but for enter you'll have to pay another 15$. Every year the Empire State Building is visited by 3,5 million of tourists, which is in average 10 000 people a day! The illumination on the top of the building is every time different: its color is changed in relation to the season or special occasions (during the US Open the top becomes yellow like the tennis ball, on Christmas it's green with red).

5th Avenue. New-York can offer you a great number of various shops, starting with very cheap and ending with unreasonably expensive. The most fabulous market street of the city is 5th avenue, in which you'll find the well-known skyscrapers of New-York: the Empire State Building and the Trump Tower (it belongs to multi-millionaire Donald Trump). St Patrick's Church is also located there. It seems to be tine in comparison with the other gigantic buildings. Another interesting place is Rockefeller Center, where you can visit the Radio City Music Hall.

Most of the designer clothes shops are situated between 49th and 59th Street. The choice is extremely wide, just a few brands to make you realize it: Versace, Dior, Chanel, Lacoste, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Armani. 'Bergdorf Goodman Shop' with the 754th number specializes on clothes by French, Italian and American beginners of design, but nevertheless prices there can kill. Relatively cheap shops are 'Banana Republic' (it has number 114) and 'Façonnable' (number 689). In 5th avenue are also located such supermarkets, as 'the Saks' and the 'Takashimaya'. At the intersection of 5th avenue and 57th Street takes place the well-known jewelry shop 'Tiffany's'.

Located at Manhattan, Times Square is famous for its neon lights, enormous big boards and rich nightlife. In Times Square you'll find Broadway, the legendary theatre area that can offer you unforgettable music shows.

Read more about New York:
Restaurants and cuisine in New York
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in New York
Nightlife and attractions in New York
Preparing for New York: Advices
New York photogallery