New York City is without a doubt the most dynamic city in the world. It is the most populated city in the United States, and it is multicultural, dense and diverse. New York is situated on the east coast of America, and it is bordered by the Hudson River, Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. New York City covers the western end of Long Island and two islands, Manhattan and Staten. New York's harbor is one of the largest and safest in the world and one of the great New York attractions. There a a few small islands in the harbor, Liberty Island, Ellis Island and Riker's Island.

If your next vacation destination is New York City you need to decide how and where to take your first big bite out of the “Big Apple.” New York City shopping is a huge attraction for many as are the many excellent New York City restaurants but those travelling with families are likely to be interested in checking out a few of the major landmarks that New York City is famous for.

The Statue of Liberty
One of the biggest and most loved attractions in the city is the Statue of Liberty. You can begin the tour by taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which provides an impressive view of the Lower Manhattan area as well as Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry rides are free and are a great way to take in the view (they can also be quite romantic in the evening). While visiting the Statue of Liberty you may want to plan to spend a little time exploring Ellis Island. Another popular recommendation is to bring a picnic lunch from one of the many excellent deli's in the city rather than fighting the long lines and enduring the mediocre food served at concession stands on the island.

Central Park
New York City offers a great resource to its citizens and visitors in the 843-acre stretch of land known as Central Park. This park is definitely a must see attraction for many tourists and a great place for families to visit almost any day of the week. Check the Central Park website calendar of activities for the duration of your trip to New York City as there are often major events, concerts, plays, and other activities that you may find interesting to experience going on in the park.

The Empire State Building
Yet another impressive attraction that is worth taking the time to see while in New York City is the Empire State Building. You can travel to the 86 th Floor Observatory for the price of admission. There you will find a stunning view of New York City and the requisite gift shop. You can travel to the 102 nd Floor Observatory for an additional fee. Remember that security is tight in this building and bring items accordingly. You may want to visit the website and check out the security requirements before visiting to insure that you aren't in violation of their restrictions.

Broadway
One can hardly discuss New York City and the great things to do without mentioning the great shows on and off Broadway. Whether you are interested in musical, comedies, family shows, or something a little more adult in nature you can find something suitable for the mood somewhere in New York City. Theatre in this city offers appeal that is almost universal. If you have any interest at all in theatre then plan your travels early and purchase tickets when making your plans. Popular shows have a tendency to sell out quickly.

New York City has often been referred to as brash, burly, and brusque. It has a reputation for a city filled with people who have nerves of steel and attitudes to match. The events of September 11, 2001 showed another side of New York City to the world. The sense of community, even among people that are so proudly diverse is something that is seen very few places. There truly is no city on Earth quite like New York City. Enjoy your experience in this fascinating city.

New York is the most populous city in the United States, and the centre of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. A leading global city, New York holds a dominating influence over global commerce, finance, media, fashion, education and entertainment, among others. As host of the United Nations Headquarters, it is also an important centre for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.

Set on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, the city consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Times Square, "The Crossroads of the World", is the brightly lit hub of the Broadway theatre district, one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, and a major centre of the world's entertainment industry. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, is the fiscal bedrock of New York City, the financial capital of the world which is also home to the New York Stock Exchange, the world's largest stock exchange by market capitalisation of its listed companies. The original Manhattan Chinatown attracts throngs of tourists to its bustling sidewalks and retail establishments.

New York City is a global hub of international business and commerce and is one of three "command centres" for the world economy (along with London and Tokyo). The city is the centre for finance and insurance in the United States. The New York metropolitan area had approximately gross metropolitan product of $1.13 trillion in 2005, making it the largest regional economy in the United States and, according to IT Week, the second largest city economy in the world. According to media analyses, New York controlled 40% of the world's finances by the end of 2008, making it the largest financial centre in the world. Many major corporations are headquartered in New York City, including 42 Fortune 500 companies. New York is also unique among American cities for its large number of foreign corporations. One out of ten private sector jobs in the city is with a foreign company.

Midtown Manhattan is the largest central business district in the United States and is home to the highest concentration of the city's skyscrapers. Lower Manhattan is the third largest central business district in the United States, and is home to The New York Stock Exchange, located on Wall Street, and the NASDAQ, representing the world's first and second largest stock exchanges. Financial services account for more than 35% of the city's employment income. High-tech industries like biotechnology, software development, game design, and internet services are also growing on the back of the city's position at the terminus of several transatlantic fibre optic trunk lines. Manufacturing accounts for a large but declining share of employment. Garments, chemicals, metal products, processed foods, and furniture are some of the principal products, and it is recommended that investments be made in Technical or Smart Fibres, based on the rapidly burgeoning field of Nanotechnology.

New York City's five boroughs are home to some of the most recognisable and cherished landmarks and attractions in the world. From Times Square and Central Park to the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the island of Manhattan packs more legendary icons into one compact area than any other place on Earth—and that's to say nothing of the City's other four boroughs, each of which has its own array of must-see destinations. With so much to see and do, a trip to NYC may seem daunting. A small list of 23 select stores has been compiled alphabetically for easing part of the burden.