Leisurely Seven Days in New York City

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that New York City is impressive. Often referred to as the “Big Apple,” the “City That Never Sleeps” or the “Capital of the World,” New York is one of the most vibrant urban centers on the planet, and also one of the largest.

When people talk about New York, they typically mean Manhattan, which is but one of five boroughs that make up the city proper, the others being Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The full metropolitan area, which includes nearby Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, has a population upwards of 18 million.

New York draws tourists from around the globe, not only for its rich cultural and historical attractions, but also because it is a major center for media, theater, food, fashion, art, research, finance, trade and nightlife. It also has one of the most famous skylines on earth, dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.

First-time visitors can’t go wrong by hitting the traditional tourist spots: the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Greenwich Village and SoHo, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, even Times Square. But those looking for more local, authentic experiences, plan a trip to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens; Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a taste of old-world immigrant history meets modern-day hipsters and nascent art scene; or Jackson Heights in Queens, for the best Indian and Thai food outside of Asia.

Hilton Waldorf Towers is located ten miles from the LaGuardia Airport. Local attractions include Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Broadway Theater District, United Nations Headquarters, Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, Carnegie Hall, Central Park and Wall Street. Hotel amenities include beauty salon, health club, florist, theater desk, complimentary usage of the nearby Plus One Fitness, Bull and Bear (steakhouse and bar), Oscar's American Brasserie, Inagiku Restaurant (Japanese cuisine), Oscar's Bar, Cocktail Terrace and Sir Harry's. Other services include babysitting, concierge, valet laundry service and garage and valet parking. All rooms include coffeemakers, minibars, work desks, fax machines, telephones, voicemail, dataports, safes, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and baths, hairdryers, oversized closets, kitchenettes or wet bars with refrigerators, Lodgenet Video, complimentary newspapers, down comforters and pillows, triple sheeting, irons and ironing boards, and twice-daily maid service.

You'll probably feel silly for not going to this gem in Times Square before... it is that good. Traditional American recipes and seafood delicacies will keep your tummies busy, while the décor soothes the eyes. The abstract fish sculpture, the large white staircase, plush seating and spacious interiors all contribute to a calm eating space. The place is popular so somehow the 400-seat restaurant never looks too empty. Bring along some friends and discover why critics rate it as one of the best eateries in the city.

You will spot Saks by its array of flags flying outside the building. It is a fashion-only department store, featuring contemporary women's clothing and classic men's outfits. The women's departments have a great range of international designer wear, including Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino and Sonia Rykiel and popular fragrances by Bond no.9. There are also the traditional American designers like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. The men's department leans to the conservative side.

MoMA is considered by many to be one of the best modern art museums in the world and with a major renovation recently completed by Yoshio Taniguchi, it has only become better. The building was erected in 1939 under the supervision of Edward Durrell Stone and Philip Goodwin. The galleries are filled with paintings, drawings, prints, illustrations, and photographs. Besides Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe and Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, there are plenty of other classics to view. There is also a restaurant and a museum shop. Check the website for admission prices, event times and more.

Bar Masa keeps up to the high standards of its sister restaurant, Masa, next door. The sushi is great—black truffles baked with oyster, pearly shrimp and silky squids are every seafood lover's delight. Chef Masa serves the freshest catch in the traditional Japanese way. Dimly lit surroundings, sake and seafood make Masa a gourmet delight.

Right in the heart of Manhattan stands this oasis of rolling pastures and gardens, stretching from Midtown to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. These days walkers, rollerbladers, bikers and joggers compete for space. Lovers meet at Bethseda Fountain on Bethseda Terrace. To the north, others wonder at the mystery of Belvedere Castle. Nearby is the Delacorte Theater, where you can watch plays in the summer. It blends so easily with the Manhattan environment that it is difficult to guess that it is totally man made. Across the park lies a charming Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center, and children of all ages love the restored carousel.

This popular attraction is the largest Natural History Museum in the world. It is bursting with artifacts, displays and exhibits, all geared to let out secrets about the beautiful natural world. The visit begins with dinosaurs, which welcome you as you enter the main hall. Other points of interest include the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, the Hall of Meteorites, a vast collection of gemstones, an IMAX theater and the Rose Center for Earth and Space planetarium shows (at extra cost), as well as a research library.

Esca means "bait" in Italian, so it is not surprising that this Southern Italian restaurant's main focus is on seafood. Run by celebrity chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich (also partners in Lupa and Babbo), Esca has innovative food, impeccable service and a charming atmosphere. Located on the edge of the Theater District, it features a dining room with pale yellow walls and a raw bar. Especially interesting are the crudos, pieces of raw fish seasoned with sea salt, olive oil and other condiments. The pastas, cooked fish and appetizers are also excellent.

Built in 1913, Grand Central Terminal is impressive even to New Yorkers, particularly the massive main hall with its cathedral-like vaulted ceiling. The building recently underwent a major restoration project, with chic new shops and a food court lending an air of urban charm. Not an easy feat for a railway station that is filled with a half million commuters each week. The bar at Michael Jordan's The Steak House overlooks the busy terminal. If you crave shellfish, dine at the legendary Oyster Bar. The Vanderbilt Hall within the station is also the site of numerous cultural events, so check out the website for the latest in the station's support of artistic endeavors. The station services outlying suburbs via the Metro-North Commuter Railroad. Payment options vary by businesses.

SoHo is named because it's "south of Houston Street," which makes it's location easy to remember. This Manhattan district has a rich and eventful history, from being known as the "Cast Iron" district to becoming the premier spot for artists. There is no better way to appreciate the history than to walk through SoHo. Not only will you appreciate the beauty of the buildings around you, you can shop at trendy stores and eat at highly acclaimed restaurants. Most of the unique stores and restaurants are in northern SoHo, near Broadway, Spring, and Prince streets.

This French restaurant owned by Chef Daniel Boulud is considered by some to offer the best dining experience in the city. Both the preparation and presentation of the food is outstanding, and the Italian Renaissance decor, wine list and experienced staff are all noteworthy. The prix per person for appetizer, entrée and dessert may be too costly for many, but lunch is more reasonable and a fairly informal atmosphere is maintained.

Lady Liberty, representative of freedom to the world, shines bright in New York Harbor. Created by Frenchman Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue was a gift from France to the United States. Now, visitors can view the inside of the statue through a glass ceiling, and capture a better image of Lady Liberty through the enhanced lighting and video system surrounding the statue. Visitors can walk onto the observation deck to see New York City and its Harbor. With a torch and a book in her hands, Lady Liberty has generously welcomed immigrants and visitors for over a century.

Powerful socialites and celebrities dine nightly at this world-famous French restaurant, now located at the New York Palace Hotel. Since its move, spirited debate has raged—is the food still as wonderful as it used to be? Is the spectacularly ornate, circus-inspired room too over the top? If you are lucky enough to get a coveted table, you will be able to decide for yourself. Just enjoy the occasionally abrasive service as part of the show.

Before the creators of some posh day spas were even born, Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa was dispensing luxurious beauty treatments to the rich and famous. It is located in Midtown and still has its signature red door, complete with a white-gloved doorman. Despite all its competition, it still stands out as one of the best spas and certainly one of the biggest, occupying nine floors. It offers hairstyling, makeup, massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and beauty wraps.

The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts is a giant in the field of live entertainment. It has family programs, LC Salutes Gay Pride, the Lincoln Center Festival and the Midsummer Night Swing. The Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors has something for everyone: internationally recognized dances, high-level performances, special events and jazz. Watch out for the Live From Lincoln Center, a program that has famous orchestras and persons performing. This show reaches most households of America. Appreciators of Classical music should attend the Mostly Mozart Festival where classical music from Beethoven to Schubert, Mozart and Haydn is played. The Lincoln center holds about 400 live performances a year, ranging from classical to modern productions. And as if that wasn't enough, the Center also hosts many events put on by The Film Society at Lincoln Center. There are guided tours on a daily basis that explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, the New York State Theater (home of the New York City Opera) and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. During the tour, your guides will entertain you with fascinating stories and give you a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.

You're surrounded by quiet elegance at Cru, where you can choose from an astounding list of over 3000 wines to complement your meal. They serve contemporary European fare with influences from all over the continent-- dishes include all sorts of meats from quail to rabbit to duck, and for the psuedo-vegetarian there is lots of fish, and for raw food enthusiasts there is a section of seafood crudo appetizers. And you'll like the impressive dessert list, which has trifle, terrines, tarts, and more.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that New York City is impressive. Often referred to as the “Big Apple,” the “City That Never Sleeps” or the “Capital of the World,” New York is one of the most vibrant urban centers on the planet, and also one of the largest.

When people talk about New York, they typically mean Manhattan, which is but one of five boroughs that make up the city proper, the others being Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The full metropolitan area, which includes nearby Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, has a population upwards of 18 million.

New York draws tourists from around the globe, not only for its rich cultural and historical attractions, but also because it is a major center for media, theater, food, fashion, art, research, finance, trade and nightlife. It also has one of the most famous skylines on earth, dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.

First-time visitors can’t go wrong by hitting the traditional tourist spots: the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Greenwich Village and SoHo, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, even Times Square. But those looking for more local, authentic experiences, plan a trip to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens; Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a taste of old-world immigrant history meets modern-day hipsters and nascent art scene; or Jackson Heights in Queens, for the best Indian and Thai food outside of Asia.