New York Travel Guide

The Hippo's guide to New York, the Big Apple

New York City consists of five boroughs, Manhattan being the main one for all the activity. It is a large island on the Hudson River, approximately two miles wide and 12 miles long. There are various ways to see this remarkable city, fly by helicopter, cruise around Manhattan on the many boat tours available or travel in the heart of it all with the sight seeing tour buses.

With so much to see and do, it is impossible to list them all here. Places that are a must see are the bustling bright lights of Times Square and Broadway Avenue to be in the heart of the Theatre district. New York is famous for its skyscrapers so go check out the very famous Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street - venture up to level 102 for outstanding views over Manhattan. Hop on the Staten Island ferry to view the most famous landmark in America, the Statue of Liberty plus see fantastic views of the skyline. Take a few moments out to take a relaxing stroll in Central Park, situated in the middle of Manhattan and whilst there drop in to view the animals at the Central Park Zoo. Alternatively another, much larger zoo is located in the Bronx, hop on the BXM11 bus from Madison Avenue. Another place that may interest you or your children is the New York Aquarium on Surf Avenue & West 8th Street in Brooklyn.

The big and well known department stores are certainly worth a look whether you are browsing or buying. Macy’s located on Herald Square by the Empire State Building, Bloomingdales on 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street and Saks Fifth Avenue on 611 Fifth Ave. at 49th Street.

There's so much to do during the day, and the evening is certainly no different. New York boasts a huge range of evening and late night entertainment, from Jazz, being the hub of New York music, to comedy clubs and the usual dance clubs to boogie the night away. The most popular Jazz clubs are the Blue Note, Jules and the essence of Harlem Jazz being Parlor Entertainment. For comedy value, try the Comedy Cellar and the Comic Strip Live, where many famous comedians kick started their career here. Dance at Cream at 246 Columbus Ave at 71st Street or at Club Shelter, which has opened up on 20 West 39th Street. For Edgy, Urban and Elegant then Exit2 is your place on 610 West 56th Street. For some Latin music then head for Club New York at weekends for a taste of Spain. No matter what you are looking for you can be sure you can find it here in the Big Apple where the city never sleeps!

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