Midtown

The home of those icons of the New York skyline - the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and the Rockefeller Center. Take a trip to the top of either the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center for a bird's eye view of the city, and, with the help of the coin-operated telescopes, a chance to spy on the roof gardens of Manhattan's penthouse dwellers. The sheer density of midtown skyscrapers is an amazing sight, and on a clear day it's possible to see far out over the water, south to the Statue of Liberty, west to New Jersey and east over the East River bridges to Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.

Back on the ground and a walk past the historic theaters of Broadway leads to Times Square, where the bright lights and the city hustle are truly astounding.

Walking across town, pause to do some window shopping on Fifth Avenue. Its midtown section is where the swankiest stores sell luxury goods to the wealthy. Among the designer brands you'll find the world famous jeweler Tiffany & Co. Whether you shop or not, the fifth avenue window displays, especially around Christmas, are magnificent.

Grand Central Terminal is more than just a railway station connecting New York to the suburbs. Though it streams with crowds of commuters, the station's main concourse is an elegant, glamorous place of shining marble and gilding - the ceiling decorated with the constellations of the zodiac, beautiful even though they were painted back to front. With shops, bars and restaurants filling its tunnels, it's not surprising Grand Central is a destination in itself.

Nearby, the headquarters of the United Nations officially stands on international territory. Try naming all the flags flying out the front, or admire the sculptures in the grounds. You can also take a guided tour inside the building, and see for yourself the Security Council Chamber and General Assembly, where world leaders meet.

Central Park is an oasis in the heart of the city. Stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street, the 843 acres of green space are the lungs of New York. Its lawns, forests and gardens are an essential getaway from city life, and traveling its miles of paths for walking, cycling and even horse riding, is a great way to unwind. You can rent a rowboat on the lake, or follow one of the guided tours which focus on wildlife, public art, or places of interest to children. It's like taking a holiday from your holiday in New York.