Bars are everywhere and come in every stripe: pubs, dives, beer gardens, hidden speakeasies, exclusive hotel lounges. Drinkers descend on the Lower East Side and East Village , especially streets like Ludlow and Avenue A, which can seem like a carnival but are good destinations nonetheless. Rocker hangouts and swanky wine bars also hover around Union Square , and Ninth Avenue , starting in Chelsea and moving up to Hells Kitchen . The most exciting and characterful places are in the outer boroughs, specifically Long Island City and Williamsburg . Most bars and pubs are typically open till the wee hours of morning.
Nightlife
Clubbing hotspots jump around: the lower western edge of Soho one year, 27th Street in the far west of Chelsea another. The East and West Villages always offer a few standbys, and the Meatpacking District can be good if youre looking for busy places to put on your dancing shoes. Keep your ears open, get current listings magazines and generally aim downtown. Music venues are more established: the West Village and Harlem have historic venues for jazz; Lincoln Center holds top spots for classical music, dance and opera, with Carnegie Hall just a few blocks away; and the coolest rock clubs are mostly in Williamsburg and the Lower East Side .
Shopping
For big-ticket retail, look no further than Midtown, specifically Fifth Avenue , where Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and many others congregate. Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side also has its share of famous brands. Somewhat edgier fashion can be found in Soho and Nolita : Prince and Spring streets are crammed with designer boutiques and hip jewellery and shoe shops. Those looking for vintage duds or the truly avant-garde might find the Lower East Side and Williamsburg more suitable. Antique hunters will have fun trolling around Chelsea and on weekends, the Hells Kitchen Flea Market .
Our recommendations on where to eat, drink and shop are listed at the end of each places chapter.
Itineraries
Ferries set out from here to the Harbor Islands; leave early and plan on a full morning.
One of the citys most potent symbols is just as exciting up close as from a distance, especially if you climb the steps to the crown.
The sensitive and moving museum drives home New Yorks immigrant roots.
Back on shore, stop for lunch at on pedestrianized Stone Street.
Stroll along Wall Street to see the buildings at the heart of world finance, then head up Trinity Place (Church Street) to the 1766 St Pauls Chapel, with its 9/11 exhibit. The National September 11 Memorial is across the street.
If youve got the time on your way uptown, take a stroll along this elevated promenade on the West Side.
For a pre-theatre meal, choose from traditional dining spots such as .
Taking in a Broadway play or musical is a must for theatre-lovers; any venue will suffice, as long as the show is up to standard.
Atmospheric is full of crusty barflies and boxing memorabilia; a drink at the bar provides a fitting end to a full day.
Pick up some provisions at Zabars and enjoy them in the attached caf or head for a picnic in Central Park.
Wander across the park, starting at Strawberry Fields in the west, then walking along the Lake and across the Ramble or Great Lawn, emerging on the east side.
Goya, Vermeer, the Hudson River School and the Temple of Dendur are among the highlights at this colossal museum.
Lunchtime tours (Wed and Fri) of Grand Central Terminal help illuminate the magnificent Main Concourse and other features of this architectural marvel.
Enjoy a late lunch in the bowels of Grand Central at this timeless Midtown hangout.
The obligatory trip to the 320m-high viewing platform provides just what youd expect: a great vantage point of the city.
Prada and the Apple Store are destination shops, but theres plenty more to browse along Spring, Prince, Broadway and the smaller side streets.
are full of excellent high-end restaurants; if you can foot the bill, Aquagrill , Bouley or Blue Ribbon Sushi will certainly fit the bill.
Budget New York
New York can be an expensive place to visit, but there are a surprising number of inspiring sights and activities that are cheap or completely free.
The free boat ride across New York harbour offers mesmerizing views of the city and the Statue of Liberty.
Explore the historic houses, parks and galleries of this tranquil island bikes are free weekdays 10amnoon.
The iconic NYC budget snack is done to perfection at this tiny, low-key East Village pizza joint.
Wander a neighbourhood packed with cutting-edge contemporary art galleries (all free).
Free Fridays
are free or donation only on Friday evenings.
Best-value meals in Manhattan eat like an emperor for less than $20 at Great N.Y. Noodletown .
Kids New York
Most sights are perfectly appropriate for kids, but beyond the expected such as the Statue of Liberty you can easily tailor a day or two to their interests.
Load up with pancakes, French toast or corned beef hash at this relaxed restaurant.
Go early to miss the crowds for the innovative special exhibits.
If the kids are too old for this, check out the skaters and performance artists at the nearby Mall or Sheep Meadow.
Their supporting roles in Spiderman and other action movies should compensate for any initial reticence about checking out architecture.
Besides places to run and play, Madison Square boasts the Shake Shack , perfect for lunch or a midday snack.
If its a weekend, you might hear a reading at this kids bookstore; regardless, there are plenty of volumes to browse.