A major global base of international politics, business, entertainment and pretty much everything else, New York City has it all. If you have a passion for anything, this city is for you. New York City is also the cultural capital of the United States (and quite possibly the world). It’s overflowing with museums, galleries, colourful events and a cosmopolitan buzz.

Located in the state of New York, New York City has a population of 8.1 million, the city has five main areas: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Apart from the Statue of Liberty, New York City has much to offer. Other un- missable tourist sights include the Empire State Building, Times Square,and Central Park. Also worth a visit is the Rockefeller Center, in midtown Manhattan. This center is known for its big Christmas tree, ice skating in winter, Today Show concerts, Radio City Music Hall and seemingly endless shopping and dining opportunities.

The United Nations Headquarters, also in Midtown Manhattan, offers one- hour tours. The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to Staten Island.

New York City, particularly Harlem, is well known as the world’s jazz capital. Many famous Jazz musicians started here, and it’s a mecca for all young up-and-coming musicians. Jazz tours are available from the Village to Harlem every night of the week.

No matter your taste in music, New York has something to offer. Virtually every band that steps foot in the United States plays some dates in or around New York City and the City's rock clubs have a history of discovering and showcasing new acts. Night clubs and dance clubs also pepper the city.

Is there anything you can't do?

New York’s Broadway is also arguably the hub of the theatre world. Broadway theater tickets often range from $35 - $40 and orchestra seats cost around $80 or $100. It’s also a great city in which to generally appreciate art, architecture, photography, natural history, and technology all across the city more generally. New York City is possibly the best city in the world for museums. The Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have a phenomenal number of art works from modern to classic.

One of the best ways to see New York dazzle is on a New York Night Tour. Amidst bright lights and the blanket of night, watch the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Bridge,and Brooklyn all come alive!

As for food, whether you’re pining for a simple H & H bagel or fine dining at Le Cirque, delicious food can be enjoyed at any price at New York City. With over 18,000 restaurants of all types and prices, you’re bound to find something!

Central Park (above) offers a welcome escape from the urban landscape. Have lunch on its green pastures and then head over to the Central Park Wildlife Center. For even more wildlife action, take a look at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and the Prospect Park Wildlife Center.

Attention shoppers!

Shopping is a must. Fifth Avenue (right) is for luxury shopping, visit Macy's (the nation's largest department store) and the surrounding area of Herald Square, but don't forget Saks.

The Apple store on Fifth Ave is open 24 hours, 7 days and 365 days a year for the truly technical (this is serious computing we're talking about). The entrance is a glass cube with a staircase leading to the underground shop (reminiscent of the Louvre glass pyramid in Paris). Even if you're a PC person, you know you'll love it, where else can you get your ipod fixed at 4am?

The bohemian area of Greenwich Village has hundreds of independent music and bookstores to browse, while the East Village has many purveyors of rare and hard-to-find items. Check out the big farmer’s market at Union Square.

By Leah Bradicich

Do it at your own leisure, find a car to rival the cabs! Check out our New York car rental prices.