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This soaring Art Deco skyscraper is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the city, and star of countless movies. It offers unforgettable panoramas of New York from its 86th floor Observatory.

The symbol of freedom for millions seeking a new life in America, the lady holding the torch of liberty is ensconced on her own island.

An urban wonder in the city’s center, with gardens, restaurants, an underground shopping concourse, office space, a skating rink, and over 100 works of art, from murals to statues.

A heady mix of fashionable shops and world-class architecture makes for an avenue of endless pleasures, and some of New York’s best-known addresses.

An explosion of neon illuminates Broadway and Times Square, where more than 40 famous theaters play host to a changing parade of hit shows.

The vast swath of green provides an 843-acre respite from the concrete of the city. The man-made park took 16 years and more than 500,000 trees to complete.

Long famous for its dinosaurs, the museum moves into the space age with the dramatic Rose Center for Earth and Space.

It would take weeks to take in all the treasures of this mammoth, ever-changing museum that includes a collection of more than 3,000 European paintings. The Greek, Roman, Cypriot, and Asian halls have had striking new renovations, and the Howard Gilman Photography Gallery is a growing presence.

The largest museum of its kind in the world exhibits everything from dinosaurs to Chinese costumes and rare gems. In addition to the planetarium show in the Rose Center, there are nature films in a giant IMAX theater.

Two floors of retrospectives and changing exhibits.

New York’s Middle-Eastern shopping center offers baklava, varieties of olives, dried fruits, spices, and traditional clothing.

Headquarters of an old-world Italian community, the street is lined with coffee shops, bakeries, and delis.

In this Italian neighborhood, dozens of small, family-run stores sell everything from Italian wines, handmade pastas, and sausages to rosaries and votive candles.

If you have the where-withal, here’s the place to find the latest designer labels to please a well-heeled, young and trendy clientele. Their semi-annual clearance sales are legendary and draw hordes of shoppers after chic on the cheap.

Former whaler R. H. Macy founded the store in 1858 on 6th Avenue and 14th Street; the red star logo was from his tattoo, a souvenir of sailing days. Innovations included pricing goods a few cents below a full dollar and offering a money-back guarantee. The store was sold in 1888 and moved to the present building.

What can you say about the world’s largest store? Food to futons, the selection is vast. And Macy’s is a major part of the New York scene, from the annual spring flower show to Tap-O-Mania, when thousands of tap dancers converge on Herald Square.

After Macy’s, this is New York’s best-known department store, re-nowned for high fashion for men and women. The main floor with cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories is a mob scene, but don’t be discouraged; upper floors are more manageable.

Hennes & Mauritz, a Swedish retailer, was a smash success when the 5th Avenue store opened in New York in 2000. Their secret? Kicky, young designs for men, women, and children at rock bottom prices, creating a look that belies the price tag.

A handsome setting for fine French cuisine. Service is impeccable and there’s a convivial bar.

This cozy, northern Italian trattoria serves regional dishes like hanger steak, mussels in tomato sauce, and wonderful pastas.

A cheerful café with an updated slant on Southern classics. Waffles are a house specialty.

As close to a Parisian bistro as you’re likely to find in SoHo, Balthazar’s only problem is its popularity. A buzzing scene.

The 20–30-something crowd does its shopping in trendy SoHo boutiques such as Anna Sui, A.P.C., Miu Miu, and Cynthia Rowley. Shops are concentrated between Thompson Street and Broadway, between Prince and Greene streets, though any block in this area may yield a special find. This is also prime hunting ground for home furnishings at stores such as Portico and Armani Casa.

The opening of Bowery Ballroom in 1998 helped spearhead a Lower East Side renaissance. Thanks to a former life as a vaudeville hall (and shoe store), the spacious venue boasts great acoustics and sightlines. Wellknown touring acts, mid-scale indie rockers, and local bands are featured.

Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Ray Charles have all played this Greenwich Village venue. The emphasis is on jazz, but blues, Latin, R&B, soul, and big band also feature.

Watch the sun set and the lights come on in the surrounding skyline at this outdoor bar beside the lake in Central Park, a location worthy of a movie set. The setting is particularly romantic on warm nights when rowboats and gondolas glide by.

A sophisticated spot with a whimsical theme – monkey murals and light fixtures, even a Purple Monkey cocktail. A long-time favorite recently restored, the bar attracts a well-heeled, well-dressed crowd.

Name the stars and they’ve probably been on stage at the Beacon, where the likes of Bob Dylan, Sting, and B.B. King have performed. The Allman Brothers Band is a regular, and it’s always worth checking the current schedule.

Another legend, although no longer in the location opened by Charlie Parker in 1949. After ups and downs, the club is ensconced near Times Square in new quarters built in three tiers to ensure good sightlines. The food is decent, and big bands play from Tuesday to Sunday.

Since 1935, this basement club has featured a “who’s who” of jazz. The early years were eclectic, launching folk singers like Harry Belafonte. Since the 1950s it has been all jazz.

The initials stand for Sounds of Brazil, but the music ranges from African to reggae via soul or jazz. The beat is contagious, and the dance floor gets crowded. Monday is salsa night.

A fine follow-up to a Lincoln Center performance, Iridium has funky decor, good food, a varied wine list, and excellent established and new jazz groups. The great guitarist Les Paul plays here Monday nights.

This swanky oasis attached to the Public Theater hosts an eclectic range of well-known and emerging artists, from jazz to rock, hip hop, and lounge. A DJ usually finishes the night.

Head for this out-of-the-way block in SoHo to discover an absolute gem: a raffish bar with polka dot walls, reasonably priced drinks, and Spanish tapas to be enjoyed with a choice of sherries, fruity sangria, or Spanish wines. Flamenco music adds to the atmosphere. Get there early to get a seat: this place is small and popular.

Columbia students and jazz lovers of all ages congregate at this intimate club to hear top notch jazz groups every weekend.

Star D.J.s make this a late-night favorite; Saturday brings queens, Wednesday is roller skating night.

Serious dancers come to one of the best clubs for Latin music from Tuesday to Saturday. No sneakers.

Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway are long gone, and the location has changed, but the famous club of the 1920s is currently making a comeback.

The place is jammed for Saturday and Sunday gospel brunches, and always fun despite the tour groups.

No pretension, and a 35-ft (11-m) aquarium featuring mer-people.

Eighties decor and a great sound system attract partyloving club kids.

Built for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the hall has a pleasant, intimate feel. Besides chamber and vocal concerts, it is used for shows by the Julliard School students and faculty, many of which are free to the public (see Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts).

Another cellar spot with up to ten acts per night.

Inside this Thai restaurant in the Theater District, there’s no quibbling with the entertainment on stage, from mellow jazz to Broadway favorites. Old timer Blossom Dearie is often featured.

No telling who will be at this fun spot in the Theater District – singers, comics, or magicians. There are no big names, and abilities range from amateur to destined-for-stardom. Sometimes even the waiters get into the act.