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.

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.

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.

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).

This is simply a must see museum in New York with works by Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and Vermeer. There are also one-of-a-kind art galleries from Egyptian, Asian and many other cultures. $8 adults, $4 students/seniors, children under 12 free

Take 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue

This New York burrough is filled with elaborate and unique shopping, restaurants, night clubs, cafes and bars. The trademark brownstones mark the relatively laid back N.Y. neighborhood. The area is home to a large student, gay, artistic and intellecutual community.

South of 14th Street and West of Broadway

In 1952 this beautiful (and politically powerful) structure was to be the headquarters. This place is technically not even located on U.S. soil, but on international space. Guided tours are a lot of fun, as you can sit inside the great chamber halls, and look at valuable gifts given from countries around the world.

Grand Central Station-42nd Street (4,5,6,7)

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.

Finally a nice open space of green land! This popular park is often filled with students, local residents, and (the corpses of) hisorically [sic] famous artists and writers such as Edward Hopper, Henry James, and Edith Wharton. NYU is close by along with a nice strip of shops and restaurants. The noticeable arch on the northern side of the park was built in 1789 and named after George Washington, the 1st U.S. President.

Area surrounded by West 4th St, Waverly Pl, University Pl, MacDougal St

This building is simply full of history. Originally constructed in 1933, it became renowned for the Christmas Spectacular. Currently home to the Rockettes, it has served as stage for numerous artists and performers. The architecture of the structure is one to remember.

Originally contructed in 1927, this theatre gained extreme popularity during the 1950’s and 60’s when “The Ed Sullivan” show was performing. Currently it is home to “The Late Show with David Letterman.” If you want to watch a live taping of the Letterman show, you can purchase tickets at noon time Mon-Thur, but beware… people begin lining up at the wee hours of the morning.

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.

World renowned Statue of Liberty sits peacefully and proudly in the New York Harbor. You can take a quick boat ride around the statue, and actually get off and walk around the statue as well as take a look at what’s inside, with the newly renovated glass ceiling. The statue was originally a gift from France, and was designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $4 children, under 3 free

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.

Go inside and take a look from above at live trading action going on. This is the place where millions of dollars gets transaction happens in a whim.

The largest park in N.Y., Central Parks serves as the central hub of many outdoor leisure activities. A nicely paved loops circles around the park, and within are enormous size lawns, ball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, ponds, to name a few. Recommended is renting a bike, and biking around the whole park (not more than a few miles). It’s a lot of fun, and you can pack a picnic for lunch.

Awesome architectural site!!! Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this extremely unique museum located along the edge of Central Park. The circular shape structure really makes this place stand out, and the modern looking interior is unfogettable. Galleries of famous artists such as Picasso, Kadinsky and Paul Klee can be found here. Admission: $12 adults, $8 students/seniors, children under 12 free

-subway, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street. Walk west on 86th Street, turn right at 5th Avenue and proceed north to 88th Street
-5th Avenue (at 89th Street)

Vincent van Gogh’s famous “Mountains at Saint-Rémy” is housed here. The museum is currently under construction so half of it is blocked off from visitors.

New York’s Chinatown is the 2nd largest in the nation (San Francisco is the largest), and is filled with the majority of New York’s Chinese population. It seems like there are as many sites, shops and restaurants here as there are people! Nevertheless, Chinatown is simply a must see for all the wonderful culture, tradition, shopping and food.
it’s not a majority. flushing has more than manhattan chinatown.

Subway – A, C, E exit Canal Street

Make friends with a Chinese man!

Great stores on Broadway and if you shop in the side streets, there are lots of trendy and great boutiques.