The magical feeling in the air combined with some of the world‘s finest architecture, culture, eating, drinking and shopping, makes it difficult to imagine a more exciting place to visit. Whether it‘s a long weekend, a business trip or a first-timer‘s jaunt, it really shouldn‘t take much convincing that New York is worth more than a glance. The cinematic backdrop and the frenetic pace may be the first impression of New York, but give the city a little time and it will reveal many different faces. It‘s all at once sophisticated and chaotic, entertaining and beguiling, grungy and luxurious, full of attitude; and it has energy bursting at every avenue and street corner.
Borough breakdown
New York City consists of the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The island of Manhattan is undisputedly the pulse of the city, and most island dwellers consider its division an Uptown/Downtown one. Downtowners, or those living below 14th Street, think of themselves as the artsy crowd, while those living Uptown next to Central Park have the reputation of being slightly more sophisticated.
During the work week, Midtown is the central axis of the city, bringing together the liberal Downtowners with their well-heeled Uptown counterparts. Broadway cuts through the whole of Manhattan, and there is a distinct east-west divide, often crisscrossing through neighbourhoods with distinct personalities. Lower Manhattan - Dutch settlers first arrived here in 1624, and this tip of Manhattan has breathtaking views towards the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the surrounding boroughs. Some of the federal and financial institutions are here, including the New York Stock Exchange, and the tragic events of 9/11 mean it has also become a destination for both mourners and tourists. Enjoy Battery Park and the green space along the Hudson River Park for roller-blading, cycling, jogging and more.
Chinatown and Little
Italy Chinatown and Little Italy have almost merged into one. Colorful Chinatown has some of the best dim sum, as well as shops full of tat and counterfeit handbags of all sorts. The tinselled streets and espresso bars of Little Italy flow out of Chinatown, trying to keep their authenticity. Nolita (north of Little Italy), the artsy extension of Little Italy, has Elizabeth and Mott Streets at its heart, where bars, intimate restaurants and cafés and eclectic boutiques are plentiful.
Artists and bohemians once dominated the cobbled streets of SoHo and Tribeca, but now it‘s more likely to be movie stars, moguls and well-to-do artists you spot here. SoHo (South of Houston, pronounced How-stun) is a strollers delight. Look up at the cast-iron buildings from the turn of the 19th century. They form a glamorous backdrop to the narrow, touristy streets, lined with art galleries and shops. Tribeca (Triangle below Canal) lies immediately west of Broadway and is full of loft conversions, high-end galleries and chic New York restaurants. The Lower East Side still keeps its edgy vibe, despite the former tenement days of Irish, Italian, Jewish and now Puerto Rican immigrants. The neighbourhood is now full of trendy restaurants and bars, tea shops and plenty of boutiques. The East Village to the north, though still home for many artists, has seen a rapid gentrification of its brownstone streets. The West Village feels like going to a small town with its intimate streets and historical brownstones. Go south to the area around New York University and find plenty of cafés where beatnik culture came to life still exist.
