City Guide

Sailing to the Statue of Liberty: On Liberty Island in New York Harbor. If you have time to do only one thing on your visit to New York, sail to the Lady in the harbor. No other monument embodies the nation's, and the world's, notion of political freedom and economic potential more than Lady Liberty. It is also the ultimate symbol of New York, the personification of the city's vast diversity and tolerance.

Visiting the Empire State Building Observatory at Dusk: Like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, once again the tallest building in New York, is one of the city's definitive icons. Arrive at dusk and watch the lights of the city come on. It's pure magic.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: Manhattan has five major bridges connecting the island to other shores, and easily the most historic and most fascinating is the Brooklyn Bridge. For a close-up look at what was a marvel of civic engineering when it was built in 1883, and a true New York experience, take the walk across the bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn.

Taking the subway to Yankee Stadium for a Yankee game: It doesn't sound very intriguing, does it? Good or bad, there's nothing like being crammed into a subway car packed with rabid Yankee fans. And it's an experience you'll not soon forget.

Jogging around the Central Park Reservoir: Okay, you don't even have to jog it. You can walk the jogging path around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and take in the beauty of Central Park, the views of Central Park West, Fifth Avenue, and especially the skyline of midtown Manhattan.

Spending Sunday Morning in New York: This might not sound so unforgettable, but to experience the city minus the noise and activity is something special. I've noticed quite a few tourists, usually jet-lagged Europeans, wandering the parks and streets early Sunday mornings.

Walking 125th Street: Take a walk across this famous Harlem boulevard and your senses will be assaulted from the music, the variety of stores, the restaurants, the impromptu stalls selling everything from homemade CDs to fresh bean pies, the street prophets and musicians; the energy on this street is relentless.

Best Events

Best Parade: West Indian-American Day Carnival and Parade. Held on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, this is the biggest parade in New York. The music (calypso, soca, reggae, and Latin), the amazing costumes, and the incredible Caribbean food make this an unforgettable experience. If you're lucky enough to be in town on Labor Day, don't miss it.

Best Street Festival: Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. Held for one weekend (usually in the middle of May), this festival is the perfect illustration of the ethnic diversity in the city. You can taste foods from local restaurants and sample cuisines from Afghani to Peruvian.

Best Time of Year to Come to New York: Summer. Most people prefer the temperate days of fall to visit New York, and that's when the city is most crowded; but my personal favorite season is summer, when the streets are empty, restaurants and shows are easier to get into, and countless free outdoor cultural events abound.

Best Day to Come to New York: New Year's Day. You've skipped the insanity of New Year's Eve and arisen fresh and sober. Get out on the town early; you have the city practically to yourself.

City Guide

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