A Handy Guide to NYC's Finest Attractions

New York City is home to some of the most renowned tourist attractions in the world. Its cuisine, dynamic neighborhoods, and pace of living are second to none. Each year, millions of tourists snap pictures at everything from its towering skyscrapers to the friendly waiters at the SOHO and Tribeca bars. If you're planning on a trip to New York City, be sure to visit the following attractions. All in all, it's a careful list not necessarily in order of importance or popularity.

Empire State Building - no building in New York City provides a helicopters eye view of the city as good as she does. With amazing views of the city at night from 1453 feet up, you are guaranteed to be impressed. Up to 20,000 people visit the Empire State building every day and many appreciate up to 80 mile views from the top of the Empire State building and its world renowned color changing lights for special days.

Address: 350 5^th Ave
Admission: Adult: $18, Ages 12-17: $16, Children: $12
Hours: 8 am to Midnight

Statue of Liberty - this world renowned monument is a testament to peace, as evident by it being a gift from France to the United States. Its promenade and observatory allows visitors to catch spectacular views of the NYC skyline, with a lot to do in Liberty State Park - a grassy refuge with plenty of picnic and recreational areas. Ferries to the island leave from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with the island shutting off at 6 pm. Tickets cost $11.50 for adults and $4.50 for children. You can also purchase tickets at statuereservations.com

Rockefeller Center - Rockefeller Center is one of the most dynamic sections of NYC. Along a 6 block stretch (3 streets across and 3 down) between 47^th and 50^th streets houses some of the most influential buildings of the city, including the media giant NBA Studios, the Today Show, The Conan O'Brien Show, and Saturday Night Live. Rockefeller Center is best known for its Christmas Tree lighting celebration during the holidays and the Radio City Music Hall, which is home to the Rockettes and other fine performances.

Open 365 days a year, no charge. To get there, you can take the F train to 47-50 St. Rockefeller Center, the 6 Train to 51^st St., and the 1 or the 9 to 50^th St. and walk from there.

Staten Island Ferry - the 'Ferry', as NYC locals call it, is a boat ride unsurpassed. Running every half hour to Staten Island and vice versa, you can capture amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, the lower Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and Governor's Island.

Free admission
Address: Whitehall and Water St. in Manhattan

1 Bay St. in Staten Island
Getting there: 1 or 9 Train to South Ferry, M15 bus to South Ferry, J or Z train to Broad Street and walk south once out of the station

Times Square

Formerly, Times Square had a reputation for drugs and prostitutes. For close to 10 years, it has been a model neighborhood in one of the safest cities in the nation. Due to ex-mayor Giuliani's clean up campaign, the site has turned into a bustling beauty, boasting the Good Morning America studios, the largest Toys R Us in America, Conde Nast, MTV Headquarters, Viacom, and Virgin Records. Light shows and advertisements brighten up the sky at night. While taking in the sights, you could enjoy all of the fast food places, tourist shops, cafes, and music stores it has to offer. One warning: some items are very expensive, a testament to its label as a tourist trap.

On 42^nd St and 7^th Ave., there is the Times Square Information Centre which is located in a theatre. Here, you can find free maps, tickets, and more information along with tour guide services. Tours are open every Friday at noon, and the information center is open daily from 8 to 8.

For a taste of New York, you can't get any better than Times Square.