The bustling city of New York hardly needs an introduction. The Empire State Building , the Statue of Liberty, Bloomingdale's: each of these institutions conjures a distinct image or memory of this exciting city for both visitors and native New Yorkers.
New York is America 's largest city and is a global leader in industries such as finance, arts, entertainment, and fashion. The city has a distinct character that sets it apart from most other world cities. Renowned for its theater, exciting nightlife, and high-end shopping, New York lures millions of visitors from all over the world each year. A wide variety of museums, parks, and other attractions means there is something for everyone.
Even those who haven't visited New York can recognize many of its iconic landmarks. Among the most visited are the Empire State Building , the Chrysler Building , the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center , Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge . Ground Zero has also become a site of pilgrimage for many Americans.
New York is divided into five boroughs The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan , Queens, and Staten Island with Manhattan home to most of the major tourist attractions. Manhattan is divided into several areas or neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Home to New York University , Greenwich Village is popular with writers and artists. Grand Central Terminal is located in Lower Midtown. In Upper Midtown, you'll find the Museum of Modern Art and the famed Plaza Hotel, along with shopping hub Fifth Avenue .
Central Park is a vast urban oasis, spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan . Dotted with lakes, meadows, and hills, you can stand in the middle of the park and almost forget you're surrounded by one of the world's biggest cities. Some of the park's notable attractions include The Dairy, which now functions as a visitor's center; Bethesda Fountain and Terrace; the Alice in Wonderland statue, whose giant bronze toadstool makes for a delightful climbing adventure for children; Bow Bridge , the site of many famous film scenes; Woolman Rink; and the Central Park Wildlife Center .
New York is a shopper's paradise. Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue , Tiffany's, and F.A.O. Schwartz have become household names.
New York 's tastes are perhaps just as legendary as its sights and sounds. Pizza, bagels, New York-style cheesecake, and pastrami on rye are New York institutions. Corner delis and street vendors happily co-exist with five-star restaurants serving some of the world's finest haute cuisine, and trendy bars and nightclubs abound.
New York 's offerings are limitless. It's worth a visit just to experience the vibrant pulse of the city that never sleeps.
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