After the terrorist attach on September 11, 2001, the site of the World Trade Center is still one massive hole in the earth. They have errected a set of pictures that describe the event and the NJ Transit Path station has been rebuilt. Nevertheless, this is something no tourist should miss.

Easiest way to get there is to take the subway to Broadway/Nassua stop (many lines cross here). Then exit the subway, and walk south. You can’t miss the hole or the tourists.

When you are at the site, there are many “vendors” trying to sell you Sept. 11 memoralbilia. Not only is it illegal for them to sell these things, but I also believe it to be a bit unethical, making money off of the tradgedy of others.

Twice a year (in late February-early March and again in August) Barney’s has a warehouse sale where they sell off their remainders and overstock for 50-80% off. It is probably one of the largest sale of it’s type in Manhattan.

Between 7th and 8th Aves.
A, C, E; 1, 2, 3, 9 at 14th St.; L at 8th Ave.

The lines are super long, and at even 50-80% off, the clothes are still roughly normal price for most other “normal” stores. But then again, in the fashion mecca of the world, some of us need our Prada. The later (the date) you go, the more things are discounted. But of course, selection of sizes may dwindle by then. Oh, and there are no dressing rooms, so come properly attired.

The location of New Year Eve’s biggest party, and home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, and super-stores. Times Square epitomizes the New York label of “the city that never sleeps.” Lit brightly up at night with signs and people that hustle and bustle. Times Square was named after the New York Times company, which moved to this location in 1924.

Between 46th and 47th Ave.

In terms of dining, there is rarely a good find in Times Square, home to bad food and exhorbitant prices. However, if you are stuck hungry in the area, walk a few blocks north to 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Aves. This section of Manhattan is aptly named “Restaurant Row.” Prices are not exceptionally good, but the food is noticeably better than those tourist traps in the heart of Times Square.
Oh, and need to use a restroom? The Times Square Visitor Center has well stocked ones.

Rockefeller Center is a defining location for New York City. Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, it is the home of some of the most memorable sights of New York City: the famous Ice Skating Rink, the Atlas Statue, Radio City Music Hall, the Christmas Tree (and the Lighting of the Tree ceremony in late November), plus many stores and places to eat on the concourse level. There is plenty to explore and do at Rockefeller Center, and if you get bored of the sights, 5th Avenue and Saks is just a few blocks East.

Stretches from 47th to 50th Streets and 7th to 8th Avenue, “The Rock” is just a short walk from Times Square and the shops along Fifth Ave.

Not all of Rockefeller Center is above ground. Below the surface, the “Concourse” connects the entire center and its buildings. The Concourse also houses many shops, restaurants, and entrances to the subway. The observation deck at Rockefeller Center just opened up as well. It offers one of the most pleasing panoramic views of the New York City skyline. It’s also cheaper than the Empire State Building’s deck.

Perhaps one of the most well-known cathedrals in Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has stunning gothic architecture, especially when contrasted with the rest of the modern midtown architecture that surrounds it. Many United States Presidents as well as many dignitaries have attended mass at St. Patricks.

Train 6 to 51st St Subway: E, F at Fifth Avenue

Because St. Patrick’s is such a tourist spot, and because so many people walk through it a day, masses are usually only a half hour. You don’t even need to attend mass to tour the inside; you can walk around the church and look at all the religious sculptures while enjoying perhaps the only bit of peace and quiet on 5th Ave.

For some reason, every tourist wants to see Donald Trump’s Tower. Not for the gaudy, gold TRUMP sign out front, not for the slightly boring stores inside, but perhaps for being in the presence of the sheer audacity of the man. The building, however, is a splendid piece of Midtown architecture (and so is the vertical mall and waterfall inside the building).

@ 56th Street. F, N, R, W, 4, 5, 6 exit 57 Street / 6 Avenue

In the basement level of Trump Tower, there is a small cafeteria with semi-reasonable prices. There, you will also find a Tower Records. Not inside Trump Tower, but next to it is one of the largest Nike World Stores. It is connected to the Trump Tower in the back, next to an outdoor atrium that is a nice place to sit and relax (especially if it’s raining outside).

Grand Central Station, besides Times Square, is perhaps one of the most filmed spots in New York City. It is also one of the most beautiful train stations with a ceiling painted with the constellations, huge chandeliers, and a large clock in the middle.

4,5,6 Subway line to 42nd Street. Shuttle from Times Square.

In the basement of Grand Central Station, near the entrances to all the Metro-North tracks, is a large food hall with a pretty decent selection. The clock in the middle of the station makes for a good meeting point, you simply can’t miss it. Another interesting fact is that all the constellations on the ceilling were accidentally painted in reverse (they decided not to fix it). The chandeliers weigh over 2 tons each. They also have a large market on the upper level as well as walking tours.

Wall Street is not only the home of the reknown NY Stock Exchange, it’s also where the famous “Charging Bull” Statue is (Broadway @ Bowling Green Streets). It’s the historical heart of the financial district. Since September 11, 2001, the NY Stock exchange has been closed to tours.

Between Trinity Place to South Street. Trains 2,3,4,5 to Wall St, or N, R Train to Rector St

Try to go during the work week, when you can watch all the men and women in suits on their lunch break.

The south-most tip of the island of Manhattan is Battery Park, named that because it used to be the location of a Battery (Fort) used in the Civil War by the Union. Battery Park is also home to many memorials, including the East Coast Memorial and the Coast Guard Memorial. You can also take the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park, which is free and gives you a good view of the Statue of Liberty.

Beware of the numerous vendors and people trying to sell you trinkets of all kinds. Some can be a good deal, but only if you bargain. If you want to see a closer view of the Statue of Liberty, but don’t necessarily want to pay to get on Liberty Island, you can take the free Staten Island Ferry (which goes between Battery Park and Staten Island). It gives you a pretty good view of Lady Liberty.

For any Apple enthusiast, the Apple store in SOHO is a fantasy playground come true. Two levels, the downstairs is where you can try out all the newest Apple products, while the upstairs area is where they shelve the software, the “genius bar” (where trained and friendly staff are there to answer your Apple questions), and a presentation hall (where they give lectures on various topics.

Between Greene St. and Mercer St.

If you are in SOHO and can’t find a free restroom, the Apple store is your best bet.

The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 when it was the world’s tallest structure. It is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and an icon not only of New York City but of America itself. There are spectacular 360 degree panaramic views from the observation decks on the 86th Floor and the 102nd Floor. At night the building is lit with a brilliant array of colors.

@ 34th Street. By Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R or Path to 34th Street/Avenue of the Americas .

Unfortunately, the Empire State Building has turned into quite a tourist trap. The hefty $16 dollar admission will only get you to the 86th Floor observatory. To get to the 102nd Floor, you’ll have to shell out an additional $14. Even though they say that there is nothing describing what you see at the top (a ploy to sell you the audio tour, $6), there are plaques at the top that give you an indication of which buildings are which. At night, the colored lighting of the building often corresponds to specific holidays or occasions. Find a lighting schedule on their website.