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When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 few could possibly have anticipated the legacy he would leave behind. From humble beginnings, New York City has developed into the greatest metropolis on the planet.

Far from the crime ridden cesspit portrayed in films from the 1970s, New York has cleaned up its act. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the new found order and obedience within the present city.

Few places can compare for modern human spirit, depicted perfectly in the mass gathering of human emotion that is the New York City Marathon. Sunset in Central Park is the motivation for training.

But New York is also a place for individuals. The mammoth manmade canyons a consequence of New Yorks endeavour to reach the sky with its epic buildings provide a space to reflect on its worldwide fame.

For many New Yorkers the sun can prove pretty elusive. The rousing skyscrapers shroud the Big Apple in shadow for much of the time.

For the tourists however, New York is blessed with iconic landmarks on every corner. Make your way to the summit of the Empire State Building to witness a magnificent 360-degree view that is the glory of Manhattan.

Art lovers should make their way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and revel in its noble works from America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Alternatively you may try the more enigmatic collections housed at the Museum of Modern Art and purchase eccentricities within the gallery stores.

If youre fortunate to be in town at Christmas, dont miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting including the wonderful festivities. New York captures the full Christmas flavour; maybe youll even be lucky enough to see some snow.

The bottom line is New York and Manhattan in particular is a living organism. The city that gave the world legends such as Miles Davis, Irving Berlin and Martin Scorsese quite literally shakes you by the shoulders and pushes you into the 21st century.

Many have succumbed and sought refuge in this vibrant theatre. John Lennon, Andy Warhol and the great lady herself, The Statue of Liberty a gift from Paris have all yielded to the cities charm.

When you find yourself entering the gates of New York for the first time, ignore the lousy coffee, New Yorkers dress sense, and the constant irritation of wacky mobile phone ring tones. Just take a breath, grab a seat and go along with the ride.

New York City

New York is one of the most famous and popular cities in the world today. It is also referred to as the Big Apple. The city stands tall with its many impressive skyscrapers and statues. It has a unique fast paced atmosphere that shouldnt be missed.

Travelling to New York

If you are travelling from outside the USA then flying is definitely the best option in terms of getting there. The city has three main airports named John F Kennedy Airport, La Guardia Airport, and Newark Airport. JFK is the main international airport. As the city is so big and popular it has excellent road networks and rail services, making all travelling options easy.

Accommodation Choices

As you can imagine, New York has all kinds of accommodation that caters for a range of budgets. Many of the worlds most extravagant hotels can be found in New York. The most well known are The Crowne Plaza and The Four Seasons. For cheaper options try The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island as they all have quality hotels for less but are slightly further way from the centre.

History

During the seventeenth century, the Dutch settled in the area and traded fur. The region was later colonized by the British who names it New York. In the following couple of centuries, millions of immigrants moved to New York and began bringing masses of money to the burgeoning city.

Sights and Attractions

There is no shortage of sightseeing opportunities in New York. The City is packed with impressive buildings, museums and statues. The Empire State Building is possibly the most impressive feature of the city as well as The Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. The museums are also a must see part of the city. Be sure to visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Modern Art Museum, Guggenheim Museum, and American Museum of Natural History. Broadway is an impressive street with lights and the worlds most renowned shows happening on a daily basis.

Shopping

Thousands of people travel to New York purely to go shopping. It is one of the top shopping places in the world. There are shops for everyone, whatever your budget. You can find designer labels as well as plenty of bargains.

Eating and drinking

The same goes for dining as it does for shopping. New York has heaps of great restaurants and dining establishments. They are scattered all over the city so you never have to walk far. A full range of international cuisine can easily be found. Nightlife in the city is amazing as there are bars and clubs to suit everyone.