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New York, the largest city in the USA, is a name to reckon with. Associated with prosperity, freedom and liberation, Manhattan is all these and much more. Manhattan translated as the Island of Many Hills, in Lenape language, the Encyclopedia of New York city translates Manhattan as The Place of General Inebriation!
Think New York and immediately, the picture of the soaring "Statue of Liberty" flashes! A potent symbol of democracy and freedom, the Statue was presented as a gift by the French to the people of United States in 1886. Sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi, the statue greeted millions of immigrants who migrated to America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Situated at Liberty Island, Upper New York Bay, at the mouth of Hudson River and also known as Lady Liberty, the statue stands 152 feet tall and inscribed at its base is Emma Lazaru's inspiring poem, which still rouses all who read it. The lady in the statue is dressed in flowing robes, with a seven-spiked crown (representing the seven continents) adorning her head.
The Brooklyn Bridge is undoubtedly the largest and most popular bridge in New York City. Atop the bridge, you get a good view of the city's many soaring attractions, including the towering Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building.
The impressive Empire State Building at the centre of Manhattan, with over 100 floors gives the New York skyline a fascinating look. The two observatories on the 86th and 102nd floor offer a bird's eye view of the city. The view at night is superb. The Sky-ride here is wondrous.
The popular ice skating rink at the Rockfeller Centre is a wide-open plaza. Every Christmas, it houses a giant Christmas tree. Just in front of the central 70 storey tower, is the massive sculpture of Prometheus sculpted by Paul Manship. Take back a memento from the souvenir shops lining the area. There are shops selling Swiss chocolates and French books too. Call it a day, by just strolling and relaxing at The Channel Gardens, located at the space between La Maison Francaise and the Empire State Building.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, founded in 1910, spans 52 acres and boasts of more than 12,000 variety of plants. Its well-manicured lawns and gardens are a delight to walk on. The highlight of the gardens is The Japanese Hill and Pond Garden and The Osborne Garden.
The 843-acre Central Park New York just in the middle of the city is an oasis among a concrete jungle. There are about 275 species of birds here! A boathouse, a carousel, a running track, reservoir and ball fields in the garden make it alluring. Of particular interest are the sculptures of Alice in Wonderland and Shakespeare! There're many events held here. You can gaze at the lawns from the several restaurants dotting the area.
Another must-see is The American Museum of Natural History, famous for its dinosaur exhibits and its historic animal dioramas. You'll be fascinated by the mineral collection which includes moon rocks and a sapphire of 563 carat, called the "Star of India". Among the exhibits, is a presentation of "Human Evolution". Other attractions include Hayden Planetarium.
The famous Wall Street in lower Manhattan has several major US stock exchanges, including NASDAQ, AMEX, NYSE and NYBOT.
For theatrical performances head for The Broadway, that stages grand performances. The city that never sleeps has many hideouts for the night. Being the hub of the Jazz World, there're jazz tours every night. Dance the night away in many of its dance clubs. New York is liberal even on 16 year olds who can frequent some clubs. The city also boasts of many Comedy Clubs and Bowling Alleys.