City Guide

Yes, the famed Statue of Liberty is notoriously smaller up close than she looks from far away. Nevertheless, the green marble landmark, perched on an island accessible by ferryboat, is mammoth in historical and cultural significance. The soaring statue, originally a gift from France, is best appreciated when visitors consider what it might have looked like to the boatfuls of Irish, Italian, and other European immigrants catching their first glimpse of America. Ferries depart from Battery Park about every half hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., though visitors can no longer access the upper reaches of the statue, they can check out the original torch on display at the accompanying museum on the island. Free ranger-led tours are available upon arrival; no reservations are required.

Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, (212) 363-3200, www.nps.gov/stli and www.statueoflibertyferry.com, Adult Ferry from $12, Children $5

Revel in the Flash of Commerce in Times Square

Visitors come from far and wide to experience the electronic thrill of Times Square, a wide, chaotic space that blinks with bright neon signs and Calvin Klein advertisements that stretch twenty stories tall. An emblem of contemporary culture, Times Square is oddly fascinating, mildly repelling, and somewhat dangerous - anyone who dares to gawk too long runs the risk of getting hit by a bus while reading about the show times for Chicago or The Producers on Broadway. Ever touristy, the famous square is nonetheless a worthwhile stop on any trip to New York. Restaurants in this area tend to be drastically overpriced, but travelers might consider popping by the enormous multi-level Virgin Megastore to find any book or CD the heart could possible desire.

Times Square, Broadway and Seventh Avenue, www.timessquarenyc.org

Admire Paintings at the Met

New York is teeming with art galleries and museums, but in terms of scale and popularity, nothing compares to the Metropolitan. The elegant Gothic building features a staggering variety of work ranging from Rembrandt's drawings to Van Gogh's self-portrait. Islamic artwork, coats of armor, Tiffany stained glass - all of it can be found in this must-see museum. Check out the captivating collection of Egyptian artifacts or stop into the Costume Institute for one of the celebrity-popular revolving exhibitions. Visitors who just can't get enough can walk down to the Guggenheim and Whitney museums, which are located near the Met; those who need a breather can step out into the adjacent Central Park.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, (212) 535-7710, www.metmuseum.org, Adult $20, $15 Senior Citizen, Free for Children Under 12

Take in the Views from the Empire State Building

Immortalized in countless films, books, and television shows, the Empire State Building is a classic symbol of New York. Once dwarfed by the much taller Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the landmark, sadly, has been restored to its previous status as the city's highest-reaching building at 1,453 feet. To ride to the top, enter through one of the elegant doorways on 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue, then wait for one of the speedy elevators that whisks sightseers to the 86th floor. Fasten hats and scarves before departing the elevator, since the high altitude can be windy, and then step out onto the observation deck for panoramic views of the expansive city below. Stroll around all four sides to marvel at the Hudson River, Central Park, Brooklyn, and pretty much everything else within a wide radius of Manhattan. For some extra cash, visitors can go 174 feet higher to the smaller deck on the 102nd floor.

Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, www.esbnyc.com, (212) 736-3100, Adults $20, Children $14, Audio Tours $7 extra

Picnic in Central Park

Directly in the city center is that oasis of rolling green hills, soccer fields, and weeping willows just begging for a picnic blanket to be spread out beneath - Central Park. In all seasons, the 843 acres serve as a playground for locals and tourists alike. In spring, rent one of the ubiquitous rowboats and paddle out to the middle of the pond to admire the contrast between nature and the fashionable apartment buildings that rises up on the edge of the park. Summertime means concerts, festivals, and Shakespeare performances; wintertime brings a snow-capped beauty to the winding paths and vast open spaces. To take a guided tour, adopt a tree, or find out which Hollywood actor is donning tights for an evening performance of As You Like It, contact the Central Park Conservancy.

Central Park, Midtown (Central Park Conservancy at 14 E. 60th Street), (212) 310-6600, www.centralparknyc.org

by Bridget Gleeson

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