New York – Five of the Best Places to Visit

Explore City's Favourite Areas – Harlem, Greenwich Village and More

Jun 26, 2009

New York is one of the world's leading destinations for tourists. There's something for everyone. Check out the diversity of the city by visiting the areas listed below.

This great city is not called "the city that never sleeps" for nothing. This is no place for a relaxing holiday; if peace is what you want, forget New York (try a camping trip in the forest instead).

New York – Harlem

For many years Harlem had a bad reputation but thanks to a crackdown on crime, and also because investment has been pouring into the area, all that has changed. This is the place that Bill Clinton chose for his office when he could have had a place anywhere in Manhattan. There are guided tours around Harlem but the best way is to explore on foot. Visit the St. Nicholas Historic District on139th Street where some of the best examples of early Harlem architecture can be seen. The famous Gospel churches are another draw, with their wonderful Gospel choirs on Sundays. Everyone welcome.

The Village, as it is known to New Yorkers, is touristy but still remains one of the city’s most sought-after addresses. It is quiet and residential as well as enjoying a vibrant street life that seems to go on without halt. Washington Square is popular with street performers, chess players, roller skaters and tourists. Christopher Street is the main artery and the heart of the city’s Gay Liberation Movement. It’s a great place to shop: stylish, colorful and lively, with loads of good cafes - a great place to sit and observe the scene.

SoHo takes its name from its location – South of Houston Street. Its beautiful cast iron facades and art galleries are what bring people here. It is one of New York’s most attractive areas, with the largest concentration of cast-iron buildings in the world. The SoHo Cast-Iron Historic district was created in order to preserve the exquisite facades. West Broadway is the main artery, lined with art galleries and expensive shops. The stretch of Broadway between Houston and Canal streets contains some of the most attractive examples of cast-iron.

Many consider the Brooklyn Bridge to be one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. The raised wooden boardwalk is for pedestrians and cyclists only and the walk across is a real treat for New Yorkers and visitors alike. A short walk from the bridge brings you to Brooklyn Heights which, in 1965, became New York’s first designated Historic District. It’s a neighborhood of tree-shaded streets with names like Cranberry and Orange, lined with perfectly preserved houses representing the many styles of 19th-century American architecture. The promenade is a great place to sit and gaze at one of the best views of the New York skyline. Brooklyn Heights is a small piece of gracious old New York.

Most people visiting New York take the ferry trip across the harbor, past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, to Staten Island and back. Here on Staten Island is a little jewel of a place called Snug Harbor. An old-fashioned trolley bus will take you there, it’s just a short ride. The little community of Sailor’s Snug Harbor was built in 1833 as a haven for old sailors. A row of five magnificent Greek Revival temples were built to cater to the accommodation and other needs of the sailors. Eventually, they had to move to more modern quarters and today the buildings house various art organisations. There are regular exhibitions throughout the year and the beautiful grounds are a delight to stroll in. A refreshing place to visit on a hot New York day

TIP: Buying a New York Metro Card gives unlimited travel on all subway lines and daily bus services. Cards can be bought at most subway stations and at many newsstands.

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