Time Out Guides Ltd - Time Out New York

To open the book, this series of features tells the citys fascinating back story, covering everything from the immigrant influx that helped create its modern identity to the evolution of its iconic skyscrapers. We also look at the legacy of controversial mayor Michael Bloomberg, before going on to profile other key figures whove made their mark on the metropolis.

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As well as in-depth insights into the citys best-known attractions the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to name a couple the Sights section illuminates the shifting character of local neighbourhoods. Heres where youll find pointers about the latest art districts and fashionable areas, underrated small museums and less celebrated architectural highlights.

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One of the most exciting eating and drinking playgrounds is also among the most changeable, but that doesnt mean you should neglect old favourites. Weve combined the best of the recent openings with trusty classics and wallet-friendly pit stops, all reviewed by critics from Time Out New York magazine. Insider guides to shops, bars and hotels round out this section.

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Beyond the razzle-dazzle of Broadway, this culture capital is also home to top-notch repertory theatre and fearless fringe companies. The underground club scene may have shrunk, but live music still thrives and the city holds a prominent place in rock and jazz history. Also in this section, youll find details of everything from literary salons to gay nightclubs, childrens museums to sports stadiums.

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If you need respite from the non-stop activity that defines New York City, or if you simply want to explore further afield, youre in luck. Whether you crave culture in a country setting, bracing wilderness walks, a beach day, or the retro glamour and gaming tables of Atlantic City, there are many worthwhile destinations within easy reach of the city.

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8AM Start your New York odyssey Downtown, where Manhattan began and where millions of immigrants embarked on a new life. Get an organic caffeine jolt at Jacks Stir Brew Coffee , then stroll down to Pier 17 for great views of the harbour and the Brooklyn Bridge. Head further south if you want to hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for classic Manhattan panoramas.

11AM To get a sense of how many New Yorkers ancestors lived, take the subway to Delancey Street for a tour of one of the reconstructed immigrants apartments at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum . For a more literal taste of the old neighbourhood, order a pastrami on rye at the classic Katzs Delicatessen , or take a detour into Chinatown for superior dim sum at Dim Sum Go Go .

3PM The Lower East Side has changed considerably since its 19th-century squalour. Not only is it bursting at the seams with idiosyncratic shops boutique-cum-bar the Dressing Room , gothic-tinged clothier Thecast and new-wave hatters Victor Osborne (see Hat Tricks ) and Still Life (see Hat Tricks ) but its also now a booming art district. Once youve checked out the New Museum of Contemporary Art , gallery-hop the art spaces in the vicinity, especially on Chrystie, Orchard and Rivington Streets (for highlights, see ). When youve worked up an early-evening thirst, sleuth out one of the many speakeasy-style bars: the Back Room or PDT .

8PM At this juncture, you can either stay on the island or exit to Brooklyn. Youll take Manhattan? If youve managed to secure a table, head west for Keith McNallys latest hotspot, the Minetta Tavern , and a musical pot-pourri at eclectic (Le) Poisson Rouge . Alternatively, cross the East River for what many consider to be New Yorks best steakhouse, Williamsburgs Peter Luger , before bar-crawling across to overlooked indie-music gem Petes Candy Store .