The Best of Manhattan

A Sunny Day at Central Park in Manhattan 1

New York, New York, it's a wonderful town, the Bronx is up and the Battery's down.
— Excerpt from On the Town (1949).

What else need be said? In one simple song, On the Town was able to sum up New York nicely—it is a wonderful town—and though this classic film may be a little outdated, much of it still rings true. Originally a musical, the movie features a famous montage, sung and acted by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin, that follows three sailors who set out to see everything they can see in a New York day. That's a daunting task, even by today's standards, as the Big Apple contains more sights and attractions than there are minutes in a day. However, before these three enthusiastic men of the sea were shipped out, they managed to capture the energy of this great city, juxtaposed with every tourist attraction imaginable.

Make a trip to Manhattan, New York's heart and pulse, and see why Gabey, Chip and Ozzie were so excited to be there. Bring those dancing shoes though, between Lady Liberty, Central Park and Broadway, the best of Manhattan could inspire a spontaneous song and dance from even the most reserved traveler.

The Empire State Building Glows 2

The sheer volume of classic landmarks alone elevates this city to the top of America's must see list. Showcased in countless movies, TV shows, stories and songs, these iconic sites are known far and wide, even to those who have never set foot on the continent. Go ahead, try to name a couple, it's easy. There's the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Grand Central Station—it's a list that goes on and on, each as grandiose as the next and all demanding to be seen in real life, not just on TV.

Lady Liberty
Standing out in New York Harbor, torch in hand, raised to the sky, the Statue of Liberty has come to represent the entire nation, let alone the city of New York. She embodies the notion of political freedom, stands for diversity and tolerance and is one of America's most beloved treasures. It's fair to say, if there were only time to see one landmark in Manhattan, most people would pay a visit to Lady Liberty. To this day, Liberty Island is only accessible by ferry, from Battery Park or Liberty State Park in Jersey City. This timeless journey presents a dramatic view of the monument set against New York's sprawling skyline—the same sight that, in the past, greeted millions of immigrants settling in America. These foreigners shaped the city and the nation, playing a vital part in the country's history. Their story is told at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum—part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

Empire State Building
Like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is one of this great city's definitive icons. Everyone has seen it before. It's where King Kong made his last stand, it was obliterated in Independence Day and it was the subject of Andy Warhol's silent film Empire—a continuous eight-hour shot of the skyscraper at night. It was even the site for one of Pink Floyd's dazzling laser light shows. Soaring more than a quarter of a mile (0.4 km) above the heart of Manhattan, this towering National Historic Landmark offers an observatory on the 86th floor, two restaurants, a sushi bar, three coffee shops and a myriad of other services.

The Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan Island is bound by the Hudson River to the west and the East River to the east. To the north, the Harlem River stands between it, the Bronx and mainland United States. For obvious reasons, there are five major bridges and four tunnels that connect Manhattan to the other shores. Easily the most historic and fascinating of them all is the Brooklyn Bridge. A marvel of civic engineering when it was constructed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is certainly one New York experience not to be missed. The best method: travel the mile-long (1.6-km) walkway that spans the bridge and enjoy unparalleled views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

	The Brooklyn Bridge at Dusk 3

THE ARTS, THE CULTURE, THE SUBSTANCE

This little island borough is indisputably the center of New York City, New York State and arguably, all of America. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange, the headquarters of the United Nations and most major American radio, television, news and telecommunications companies. But don't be discouraged; it's not all businesses and bigwigs. Perhaps most interesting is the city's cultural finesse and trend-setting prowess. Whether in the realm of fashion, art or pop-culture, whatever happens in America likely happened first in New York City.

The Museum of Modern Art
It's possible to spend a lifetime at the MoMA and never tire of it. In these halls, there is an amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photography and film alongside innovative displays of architectural, industrial and graphic design. It is a complete cultural and educational institution, dedicated to being the world's foremost museum of modern art—and it's well within their rights to say they've done just that.

The Busy Streets of Manhattan 4

Broadway
So much more than a simple street name, this is the Broadway—as in the glamorous musicals, extravagant theater productions and biggest shows on Earth kind of Broadway. A key tourist attraction in New York City, this district is known for presenting everything from musical revivals to political dramas to fairytale productions. It's a fascinating place for fans and fledglings alike and with 39 professional theaters continually running shows, there is sure to be something for almost everyone. However, those who prefer less mainstream, more cutting edge productions tend to stray from the main drag, out to an Off-Broadway show. These smaller theaters, known for exposing hot new talent, may not need a Broadway address but they must be located in Manhattan to be considered Off-Broadway.

Good Things Come in all Shapes and Sizes
Not everything is as obvious as the Empire State Building. In fact, Manhattan's culture thrives on the underground scene, where new thought, fresh ideas and the latest trends are in continual bloom. This is the real New York City, known to most who reside here and few who visit. This is where the streets are alive with something just as crucial to the city's prosperity as the NASDAQ or City Hall. It's perhaps the best part of New York, and the toughest part for the average tourist to nail down.

	An Old New York Taxi 5