Oct 26, 2016

Times Square, New York

Times Square, New York’s busiest attraction is a global legend. Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and electronic billboards. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps. Flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards, Brilliant Broadway marquees, Costumed characters and musicians - Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the flagship of the National Park Service and a favorite to millions of visitors each year. The park is a major destination for all members of the family. Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, and includes small areas of Montana and Idaho as well. It’s also the site of America’s greatest concentration of geysers and hot springs, which form a visible and spectacular link with the primeval forces of the Earth’s creation. Yellowstone is also the oldest national park in the country.

Golden Gate Bridge, California

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco California America

The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to California's northern counties. With its tremendous 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color, and Art Deco styling, it is a sensory experience featuring color, light, and sound. With more than 10 million annual visitors, be ready for crowds (especially during the summer) and changing weather conditions. It is truly an engineering marvel, a structure of magnificence, grace, and beauty.

Central Park, New York

Central Park is one of those places that make New York such a great place to live. The huge park, 341 hectare large (843 acres), is located in the center of Manhattan, New York City. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States as well as one of the most filmed locations in the world.

Grand Canyon

With its ever-changing and dramatic scenery of enormous proportions, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Its pine and fir forests, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, mesas and plateaus, volcanic and geologic features, the Colorado River, perennial streams, and waterfalls breathtakingly combine to form one of Earth’s greatest landmarks. The only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be located in North America, more than 4,000,000 people visit the canyon each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States.

Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million visitors each year and by far is the most visited side of the Canyon. That's because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities. As with all sides of the Canyon, the South Rim features astounding views of what took Mother Nature millions and millions of years to create. That why it has earned the distinction as one of the world's Seven Wonders.

Particularly during summer vacation months, visitors should expect heavy traffic and parking problems. If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is from November through February. During the winter, heavy snow at the high altitude could be a travel consideration. However, the views of the Canyon dusted with snow is a spectacularly beautiful sight.

The Canyon South Rim is only 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona on State Route 64 and about 90 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona on Highway 180 to SR 64. There are hotels at the Grand Canyon South Rim area, but many visitors prefer hotels in Williams or Flagstaff hotels.

Getting Around

The village of Tusayan is located two miles south of the park boundary and has an airport, shops, hotels, an IMAX cinema and a large, affordable RV park.

Switchbacks On The Kaibab TrailCanyon View Information Plaza is the park's visitor facility. Here you will find the Canyon View Center, a large bookstore, and ample restrooms, all within a short walk of Mather Point. When you arrive at the Rim, park your vehicle at one of the many parking areas and take advantage of the free shuttles. Each parking lot has a shuttle stop nearby. The shuttle system has three main non-overlapping routes:

Village Route: This shuttle explores the developed areas including Grand Canyon Village, hotels, restaurants, and the Visitor Center as well as various viewing points to gaze across the magnificent panoramas.

Hermit Rest Route: Choose this shuttle to explore about 8 miles of the South Rim just west of Grand Canyon Village.

Kaibab Trail Route: Kaibab Trail Route – This shuttle goes to Yaki Point and explores the South Kaibab Trail.

Grand Canyon South Rim CenterYou can get off at any shuttle stop and explore the area as long as you want, catching another shuttle later. Shuttles operate continuously starting before dawn and winding down just after sunset.

Most visitors arrive via the South Entrance, 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Hwy 64/180. Avoid summer wait times of 30 minutes or more by prepaying your park ticket at the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan, which allows you to cruise through in a special lane. Or arrive at the East Entrance instead. In summer, if you've bought your ticket or have a park pass, you can now hop on the park's Tusayan shuttle at the IMAX Theater in Tusayan and disembark at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

A few miles north of the South Entrance, Grand Canyon Village (or simply the Village) is the primary hub of activity. Here you'll find lodges, restaurants, two of the three developed campgrounds, a backcountry office, visitor center, medical clinic, bank, grocery store, shuttles and other services. Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are located next to Mather Campground.

West of the Village, Hermit Rd follows the rim for 8 miles, ending at Hermits Rest. Seven pullouts along the way offer spectacular views; from those at Mohave and Hopi Points you can spot three Colorado River rapids. Interpretive signs explain the canyon's features and geology. From March to November the road is closed to private vehicles and accessible only by tour or free shuttle bus.

In the opposite direction, Desert View Dr meanders 25 miles to the East Entrance on Hwy 64, passing some of the park's finest viewpoints, picnic areas, the Tusayan Ruin & Museum and the Watchtower. A campground, snack bar, small information center and general store are in Desert View, right by the entrance. Also here is the park's only gas station, which offers 24-hour pay-at-the-pump service from April to September. Gas stations in Tusayan are closer to the Village and open year-round.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)

A vacation to the remote, North Rim of the Grand Canyon delivers some of the most spectacular vistas you’ll find anywhere in the world. Once you’ve reached the North Rim, get out your hiking boots and explore. You can hike numerous trails or drive to the three main viewpoints.

Bright Angel Point is a popular spot at the southern end of the entrance road. You’ll walk over to the Grand Canyon Lodge and then follow a short, paved trail to the point. This trail does have a few steep sections and stairs but it offers a spectacular view.

Take a winding drive to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal where you’ll see an expansive view of the canyon. The views of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim give you a sense of its vast scale rather than its depth. In fact, you may not even be able to see the Colorado River below.

Point Imperial is located 8,803 feet above sea level and overlooks the eastern end of the Grand Canyon. Below, the Marble Canyon winds its way toward grandeur where it opens up dramatically.

Cape Royal provides dramatic, sweeping views of the canyon. A paved, level trail makes getting here easy and rewarding. Straight across, you can see the Desert View Watchtower located on the South Rim. Look for the natural arch known as “Angels Window” and notice how it frames the Unkar Delta below.

A fourth viewpoint takes a bit more effort to reach. Point Sublime is accessible via a rough road that is subject to poor road conditions and occasional road closures. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended for this two-hour, one-way trip.

How to get there

The park entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is about 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, Arizona (not far from Utah) on Highway 67.

From Zion National Park. Take Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction, then turn south on Highway 89 to Kanab, Utah. At the stoplight in Kanab, Highway 89 turns into Highway 89A. Continue on US 89A to Jacob Lake (about 36 miles), then take Highway 67 to the entrance of Grand Canyon North Rim.

From Flagstaff. Take US 89 North to US89Alt. Take US89A West to Highway 67. At Jacob Lake, turn South on Highway 67 and continue to the entrance to the North Rim. Total one-way trip is about 207 miles (333 km).

Weather

The Grand Canyon is a year-round destination. When most people think of Arizona they think of the warm, dry desert. However, being at nearly 7,000 feet elevation means there are four seasons at the canyon. Here’s what you can expect during each season.

Summer

At 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant 50°-80°F (10°-20°C). The North Rim is 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, so its summer temperatures are cooler, and can range from 40°-70°F (5°-21°C). Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September, and inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river—5,000 feet (1,500 meters) below the rim—often exceed 105°F (40°C).

Winter

Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. Be prepared for snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Roads on the South Rim are plowed when needed, and canyon views may be temporarily obscured by fog during passing storms. The North Rim can get heavy snowfall during the winter months. The road into the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. (Please note: Entrance fees are not refundable because of weather conditions.)

Los Angeles - The City of Angels

Los Angeles is a trend-setting global metropolis with an extraordinary history and a rich cultural heritage. It is the second-largest city in the United States after New York City, situated in Southern California, Los Angeles is known for its mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, sprawling metropolis, and as a major center of the American entertainment industry. Los Angeles lies in a large coastal basin surrounded on three sides by mountains.

While LA will always be associated with movies and movie stars, it is also a culturally vibrant city that boasts a range of interesting attractions from prestigious art museums and galleries to fabulous theatre, both well-known productions and smaller fringe shows.

Top Tourist Attractions

Disneyland

Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars—all in the same day! Disneyland Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park is divided into 8 extravagantly themed lands—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. It is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.

Hours of Operation

Mon - Thurs: 10 am - 8 pm

Fri - Sun: 10 am - 9 pm

Venice Beach

Venice is a residential, commercial and recreational beachfront neighborhood on the Westside of the city of Los Angeles. Venice Beach includes the beach, the promenade that runs parallel to the beach Muscle Beach, the handball courts, the paddle tennis courts, Skate Dancing plaza, the numerous beach volleyball courts, the bike trail and the businesses on Ocean Front Walk. Besides, the recreational fitness, family fun activities and shopping, Venice also has a fishing pier at the end of Washington Boulevard. From its days as home to Beat Generation poets and artists, Venice continues to be an important Los Angeles cultural center.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a two-mile long street, primarily in Beverly Hills. In the heart of Beverly Hills, three blocks of Rodeo Drive are home to the epicenter of luxury, fashion and lifestyle. Flagship locations for some of the most prestigious brands in the world are lined up, all polished and elegant. Even if you aren't a shopper or if this doesn't fit your price range, there is so much to fill your vision - almost a museum or architectural experience. If you enjoy a bit of designer label shopping - this is a great spot because the shops here have the best selection of the latest and greatest.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California. The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of a mix of actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, fictional characters, and others.

Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is the name given to the 2.4 km stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood at Havenhurst Drive, to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive. The Strip is probably the best-known portion of Sunset, embracing boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs, and nightclubs that are on the cutting edge of the entertainment industry. In the evening, the Strip is a vibrant slash of gaudy neon, a virtual traffic jam of young cruisers on weekends, a stimulating mecca for people-watchers and celebrity wannabes.

3rd Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade is an upscale shopping, dining and entertainment complex in the downtown area of Santa Monica. It is considered a premier shopping and dining district on the Westside and draws crowds from all over the Greater Los Angeles Area. Third Street Promenade attracts a wide spectrum of street performers who display their talents for onlookers in hopes of a donation from an appreciative visitor. Walking down the street you'll witness a variety of performances that range from the downright good to the blatantly unqualified.

Getty Center

The Getty Center is a campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust. The Center branch of the Museum features pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts; and 19th- and 20th-century American, Asian, and European photographs.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the unincorporated Universal City community of the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA". Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an art museum located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles. LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. It attracts nearly a million visitors annually. It holds more than 150,000 works spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series.

Beverly Center

The Beverly Center is a shopping mall in LA. The mall contains shops for brands including Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Diesel, Gucci, Prada, Ferrari Store, Burberry, Fendi, Victorinox, and Hugo Boss.

Watts Towers

The Watts Towers are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural structures within the Simon Rodia State Historic Park in the Watts community of Los Angeles. The tallest of the towers reaches a height of over 30 m. The Watts Towers structure, consisting of seventeen major sculptures was created by Italian immigrant Sabato “Simon” Rodia out of steel covered with mortar and embellished by the decorative finishings of mosaic tiles, glass, clay, shells and rock. There is no welded inner armature. Rodia wired rebars together then wrapped this joint with wire mesh and hand packed it with mortar and his mosaic surface.

Best Places to Eat in New York City

With some 20,000 restaurants, New York is a city of staggering options when it comes to dining. From inspired iterations of world cuisine, to quintessentially local nibbles, New York City’s dining scene is infinite, all-consuming and a proud testament to the kaleidoscope of citizens that call the city home. New York's celebrity chefs - David Chang, Mario Batali and Daniel Boulud to name a few - continue to redefine notions of the great New York restaurant, while new trends and constantly-changing appetites fuel a city ever on the cusp of reinvention. These days the scene very much revolves around fresh, locally sourced, Modern American cuisine and high-end comfort food.

Le Bernardin

The interiors may have been subtly sexed-up for a 'younger clientele' (the stunning storm-themed triptych is by Brooklyn artist Ran Ortner), but triple Michelin-starred Le Bernardin remains a luxe, fine-dining holy grail. At the helm is celebrity chef Eric Ripert, whose deceptively simple-looking seafood often borders on the transcendental.

The menu works simply: three lunch courses for $76 or four dinner courses for $135, with ample choices per course, and two tastings menus for those with more time and money. The dishes themselves are divided into three categories (Almost Raw, Barely Touched, Lightly Cooked), and while most shine with delicious complexity, Ripert's signature tuna and foie gras creation is especially outstanding. Book at least three weeks ahead for dinner and two weeks ahead for lunch.

John Dory Oyster Bar

In the summer of 2009, the high-end and well received seafood restaurant the John Dory closed to the public in a move that surprised followers and fans of its British chef April Bloomfield. But Bloomfield and her business partner Ken Friedman have made a comeback in a major way. They've reopened their restaurant as a bar, hangout, and spot for a quick bite. The menu is much more limited – entrees have given way to small plates – but includes standouts like oyster pan roast, chorizo-stuffed squid, and smoked haddock terrine. And as a bonus, it's located in the Ace Hotel, which is also home to gastropub The Breslin, excellent sandwich shop No 7 Sub, and exquisite coffee shop Stumptown.

Oriental Garden

A favourite of many New York chefs including David Chang and David Bouley, Oriental Garden is a place for great dim sum, superb Peking duck, and, most importantly, excellent and fresh seafood (sitting right in the tanks by the entrance). They put forth a slew of great complex sauces and flavors but getting the black bean sauce, whether with scallops or razor clams, is always a safe bet. As is the lobster (all preparations), the seafood in bird's nest, and the grilled fluke filleted at the table. The space can be a bit boisterous and tight, but the waits are never that long. And while Oriental Garden is more expensive than some of the its dingy neighborhood brethren, the quality justifies the price.

RedFarm

RedFarm transforms Chinese cooking into pure, delectable artistry at this small, buzzing space on Hudson St. Fresh crab and eggplant bruschetta, juicy rib steak (marinated overnight in papaya, ginger and soy) and pastrami egg rolls are among the many creative dishes that brilliantly blend east with west. Other hits include the spicy crispy beef, pan-fried lamb dumplings and the grilled jumbo shrimp red curry. Waits can be long, so arrive early (reservations not accepted), or plan on a few cocktails at the bar on the lower level (scotch lovers: don't miss the Suntory Old-Fashioned).

Foragers City Table

Owners of this new restaurant in Chelsea run a 28-acre farm in the Hudson Valley, from which much of their menu is sourced (and true to name, some products are indeed 'foraged'). Dishes are sustainable, locally sourced, and perhaps most importantly, delicious! A few temptations: squash soup with Jerusalem artichokes and black truffles; roasted chicken with polenta; heritage pork loin; and the season's harvest featuring toasted quinoa and a flavorful mix of vegetables. Brunch is another big draw.

Next door is the gourmet market, where you can browse many goodies, from organic produce to heavenly desserts; there's also a wine shop with reasonably priced bottles from small producers.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is more a collection of food places than a single restaurant. It’s extremely popular and a great place to pop into when you need some groceries, a meal, or snacks. You’ll find good Thai food here, and Amy’s Bread has amazing bread. The Lobster Place has decent sushi (and great lobster), but I really enjoy their clam chowder. If you want a meal with local and organic food, try the Green Table.

Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market that occurs every weekend starting in May until the end of November. There are two locations: Saturdays at East River State Park and Sundays on the DUMBO waterfront. Close to 100 vendors serve food and drinks, and on a warm day in the summer, you’ll find the place swarming with locals.

Jeffrey's Grocery

A West Village classic, Jeffrey's is a lively eating and drinking spot that hits all the right notes. Seafood is the focus: there's an oyster bar and beautifully executed seafood selections such as razor clams with caviar and dill, whole roasted dourade with curry, and seafood platters to share. Meat dishes come in the shape of roasted chicken with Jerusalem artichoke, and a humble but juicy pastrami burger.

Café Boulud

This Michelin-starred bistro – part of Daniel Boulud’s gastronomic empire – attracts a staid crowd with its globe-trotting French cuisine. Seasonal menus include classic dishes such as coq au vin, as well as more inventive fare such as scallop crudo (raw) with white miso. Foodies on a budget will be interested in the three-course, $43 prix fixe lunch.

The adjacent 40-seat Bar Pleiades serves seasonal cocktails, along with a full bar menu (think beef sliders and grilled baby octopus).

Taïm

This tiny joint whips up some of the best falafels in the city. You can order them Green (traditional style), Harissa (with Tunisian spices) or Red (with roasted peppers). Whichever you choose, you’ll get them stuffed into pita bread with creamy tahini sauce and a generous dose of Israeli salad. There are also mixed platters, zesty salads and delicious smoothies (try the date, lime and banana).

New York - The City that Never Sleeps

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and one of the largest city in the world. The city is the epicenter of the arts, dining, shopping capital and a trendsetter. New York City wears many crowns, and spreads an irresistible feast for all. New York is a global power city and exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. It has been described as the cultural and financial capital of the world.

Top Tourist Attractions in New York City

Statue of Liberty and Battery Park

The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America. It was built in 1886 and remains a famous world symbol of freedom and one of the greatest American icons. It is the world's largest statue and stands just less than 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds. The statue offers a fine view of the New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. It is located on Liberty Island and a short boat ride is required to get to the statue. To see the statue from shore, Battery Park sits on the southern tip of Manhattan and affords great views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. From here visitors can catch the ferry to the statue and Ellis Island.

The crown is again open to the public – numbers are limited, however, so reservations are required, as far in advance as possible. For those without crown reservations, a visit to Statue of Liberty National Monument means you can wander the grounds and enjoy the view from the 16-story observation deck; a specially designed glass ceiling lets you look up into the statue's striking interior. The trip to its island, via ferry, is usually visited in conjunction with nearby Ellis Island. Ferries leave from Battery Park. South Ferry and Bowling Green are the closest subway stations. Ferry tickets (additional $3 for crown admission) include admission to both sights and reservations can be made in advance.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in a city full of them. The tallest building in New York City has appeared in over 90 movies, and is the key piece of the NYC Skyline. The 381 m tall, 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher 41 years later. The Empire State Building is a 103-story. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet (381 m), and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 feet (443 m) high.

Central Park

Spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is one of the world's greatest urban oases, encompassing a diverse landscape of rolling fields, walking trails and tranquil bodies of water—all sculpted by human hands. Designed in the mid-19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park is the centerpiece of the City's public parks system. Among its attractions are the Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle and the Friedsam Memorial Carousel (which, weather permitting, operates seven days a week from April through October and intermittently the rest of the year). Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn offer sprawling expanses where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors. In the winter, there's ice-skating at Trump Rink, which provides a picturesque backdrop for that classic cold-weather pastime (a second Trump-run skating spot, Lasker Rink, is in a quiet section at the northern edge of the park). In the summer, the Delacorte Theater hosts Shakespeare in the Park, outdoor performances of the Bard's work. Elsewhere, Rumsey Playfield serves as the primary home for SummerStage, a citywide free performing-arts festival featuring music, dance, theater and more.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or "The Met" as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870.

The permanent collection at the Met contains over 2 million works of art. Highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, and photographs, along with much more. The Cloisters in northern Manhattan is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which focuses on the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the bridge has been featured in movies and on television shows, and is a real piece of New York City history. A stroll across the elevated pedestrian walkway provides a true New York City experience. The Manhattan-side entrance is at Park Row and Centre Street, across from City Hall Park, east of City Hall.

Times Square

Love it or hate it, the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Ave (better known as Times Square) is New York City's hyperactive heart; a restless, hypnotic torrent of glittering lights, bombastic billboards and raw urban energy. It's not hip, fashionable or in-the-know, and it couldn't care less. It's too busy pumping out iconic, mass-marketed NYC – yellow cabs, golden arches, soaring skyscrapers and razzle-dazzle Broadway marquees. This is the New York of collective fantasies – the place where Al Jolson 'makes it' in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer, where photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt famously captured a lip-locked sailor and nurse on V-J Day in 1945, and where Alicia Keys and Jay-Z waxed lyrically about this 'concrete jungle where dreams are made.'

For several decades, the dream here was a sordid, wet one. The economic crash of the early 1970s led to a mass exodus of corporations from Times Square. Billboard niches went dark, stores shut and once grand hotels were converted into SROs (single-room occupancy) dives, attracting the poor and the destitute. What was once an area bathed in light and showbiz glitz became a dirty den of drug dealers and crime. While the adjoining Theater District survived, its respectable playhouses shared the streets with porn cinemas, strip clubs and adult bookstores. That all changed with tough-talking mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who, in the 1990s, forced out the skin flicks, boosted police numbers and lured a wave of 'respectable' retail chains, restaurants and attractions.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years. Visitors may even feel a sense of familiarity upon entering.

With nearly 53 million items, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States (and third largest in the world), behind only the Library of Congress. It is an independently managed, nonprofit corporation operating with both private and public financing. The library has branches in the boroughs of Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island, and affiliations with academic and professional libraries in the metropolitan area of New York State. The City of New York's other two boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, are served by the Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library, respectively. The branch libraries are open to the general public and consist of research libraries and circulating libraries.