New York

New York is a densely packed mass of humanity - seven million people in 309 sq miles (800 sq km) - and that's just Manhattan, only a part of greater New York City. In a city that is so much a part of the global subconscious, it's pretty hard to pick a few highlights - wherever you go you'll feel like you've been there before. For iconic value, you can't surpass the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park or Times Square. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's top museums, and the Museum of Modern Art isn't far behind. Bookshops, food, theater, shopping, people: it doesn't really matter what you do or where you go in New York because the city itself is an in-your-face, exhilarating experience.

Statue of Liberty
Following years' worth of renovations, The Statue of Liberty is back and better than ever. Lady Liberty, representative of freedom to the world, shines bright in New York Harbor. 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. Once again, visitors can walk out onto the observation deck to see New York City and its Harbor.

Central Park
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. Across the park lies a charming zoo, and children of all ages love the restored carousel.

Times Square
Named after the New York Times, which moved here in 1924, Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit area in the heart of the Theater District. Hotels, office towers and commercial businesses have sprung up. Disney has moved in, as well as Conde Nast. Megastores and theme restaurants have also set up shop. Times Square remains the city's favorite venue for New Year's Eve, where a huge street party is highlighted by a glitter ball dropped from Times Tower.

Empire State Building
The majestic Empire State Building was completed in 1931 as the world's tallest building. While not the tallest, it remains as impressive as ever. At night the building is lit up, with special colors displayed on holidays. Tickets can be purchased online through the Empire State Building's website or in the building's lobby. The observatory is open 9:30a-midnight daily, 365 days a year. Last elevators go up at 11:15pm.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Any visitor to New York should spend at least a couple of hours at this vast museum. Built by Richard Morris Hunt in 1895, it has more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space. European paintings on display include works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Vermeer. The Egyptian gallery is unparalleled. Asian art, sculpture, armory and photography also vie for your attention. During warm weather, the open-air roof garden displays contemporary sculpture.