New York City: Summer 09

A recent addition to the upper echelons of Manhattan's restaurant scene, Tabla offers two dining experiences in one-the more expensive upstairs Tabla, and the casual Tabla Bread Bar downstairs. Either way, you will taste Chef Floyd Cardoz's inspiring upscale interpretations of Indian cuisine. The Indian-born Cardoz received classic French training, which he applies to such dishes as Crab Cakes in a crisp Papadum shell. Restaurateur Danny Meyer owns this establishment, in addition to Eleven Madison Park next door and famed locations Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe.

Around since the 1950s, this dessert shop is a classic to older Upper East Side residents, who in turn have made their children fans of this incredibly popular spot. Lines out the door do not deter families from waiting for a table or ordering takeout dessert. Small, white circular tables are scattered throughout the room, past which fast moving waiters weave back and forth. The menu features American food such as hamburgers, but dessert is what you really want to come here for. Be sure to try the famous frozen hot chocolate.

From its colonization by the Dutch up to the present day, the evolution of New York City is explained at this Manhattan museum. Established in 1923, the museum houses hundreds of thousands of photographs, prints and paintings, as well as numerous special exhibitions on the city. Down in the basement, there are antique paintings, safety equipment and maps. Special tours can also be arranged for students and other groups.

Brooklyn's Coney Island, or the more dialectical term of Rabbit Island, exploded in the late 19th and early 20th-century following the introduction of the Coney Island & Brooklyn Railroad streetcar line. Since then the area was swamped with new resorts and attractions, including the ever-famous Luna Park. Following the decline of World War II and the years of neglect the park endured after, the area has burst back into life and is home to Astroland Amusement Park, the Aquarium and of course, the beach. A three-mile-long boardwalk runs the length of Coney Island into Brighton Beach. There is sometimes a circus, and always something strange to see. Also, Don't let the cooler months deter you from visiting- it is much less crowded, and the stores remain open.

The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the United States. It houses thousands of animals, ranging from lions and monkeys to sea lions and sloths. The Congo exhibit features lowland gorillas, pythons and other central African animals. A modern zoo, it places animals into re-creations of their own ecosystems.

Socrates Sculpture Park was founded in 1986 when artist Mark di Suvero, along with significant others, transformed this illegal dump-yard to an open studio and exhibition center as well as a neighborhood park. This is the only site that provides a large space for artists to create and display their talent and generate interaction amongst the artists and the public. As a recognition for the exceptional contribution made by this museum to the art world, it has been honored by many awards. The park holds may activities and education programs for children to encourage their raw talent and build confidence. Open daily from 10a onwards.

This park has a dog run, space for roller blading, skateboarding and other recreational pursuits, as well as public bathrooms and a jungle gym. Food is also available. Union Square Park is host to many activities in warmer months. On a nice day in Manhattan, what more could a park-lover ask for?

This Greenwich Village favorite has been around since 1927. The store claims to have eight miles of books on its three floors, so give yourself time to browse the stacks-you may be rewarded with a real find. Strand has good prices on both new and used books. There are numerous specialty sections, including an excellent one of discounted art books. It also maintains a collection of antique books, and there are discounted reviewers' copies in the basement.

The Cornelia Street Café is a great place to while away a leisurely Sunday morning, tucking into one of the tasty brunch prefixed combos offered. Service is outstanding and even if the place is crowded, prompt service is guaranteed. The food is delicious and generously served, fresh and ordered a la carte. The atmosphere is light, calm and very friendly—no snootiness here at all! Not just a regular cafe, this place is a cultural hub for local artists. If you go downstairs you would be greeted by the performance space that holds a packed schedule of poets, novelists, storytellers and musicians. The cafe also holds events and private parties. Check website for more details on performances and activities.

A stylish hybrid of a bistro and a diner, this Chelsea hotspot has quickly become the place to be seen at 4:30a on a Friday and Saturday night. The interior is a gleaming white, space-age take on the modern restaurant, complete with plastic chairs. The basic American food, including pork chops and fried chicken is good. However, you are paying extra for the trendy décor and downtown attitude, making this spot much more expensive than a real diner.

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.