Best things to do in New York

Tarrytown

Known as the setting of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown and its surrounds are filled with history. It's the birthplace of the author, home to the impressive Rockefeller residence and sits across the river from Hyde Park, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt was born. The late President's home has a library containing hundreds of photos and artefacts, as well as his car and a letter from Einstein that led to the development of the atomic bomb. Two miles (3km) outside Hyde Park is the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, a spectacular Beaux Arts mansion.

The Statue of Liberty

The universal symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was the first thing seen by 12 million immigrants passing through Ellis Island Immigration Center. Sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on his mother, the French donated the statue to the US in 1875, and it was unveiled stateside in 1886. The reason was to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The ferry calls at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and tourists can visit the Ellis Island Museum documenting the experiences of the immigrants. On Liberty Island, advance bookings allow visitors to access the crown of the famous statue, but these tickets must be booked some six months in advance for peak summer season.

Website www.nps.gov/stli

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum, affectionately known as the Met, possesses one of the greatest and largest art collections in the world. Banners above the Met's Fifth Avenue entrance herald the current attractions at this cherished New York institution. There are always temporary exhibitions from around the world alongside the impressive permanent collection. Highlights are numerous, with American collectors having the foresight and cash to buy up a large number of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from Europe at the end of the 19th century. The art collection at the Met now contains more than two million works of art from across the planet, from ancient worlds through to modern times. Some notable works are present from such greats as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Cezanne, rivalling any art collection on earth.

Website www.metmuseum.org

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls straddle the United States and Canadian border, 340 miles (547km) northwest of New York City. They are one of the most popular natural attractions in the country, attracting more than 20 million tourists a year. The river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale, forming one of the largest waterfalls on earth. While best appreciated via a boat trip, there are a number of different tours available that will probably touch on the numerous daredevils who have braved its drop. Many have gone over in barrels, while a tightrope crossing in 1859 has inspired scores of tightrope walkers to do the same.

Website www.niagaraparks.com

Long Island

Long Island extends 100 miles (161km) east of New York City into the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular weekend destination for New Yorkers and tourists. The glorious white-sand beaches along the south shore are ideal for those seeking refuge from the sweltering city in the summer.

Jones Beach is a 6 mile (10km) stretch of coastline, where thousands of people converge to soak up the sun. Fire Island is the east coast's leading gay resort and is accessible via a short ferry ride. Cliffs crown the area's stately homes and luxurious mansions line the exclusive beaches of the north shore.

The Hamptons is a community in the far east of New York, its miles of pristine beaches attracting the rich and famous from all over the United States. The heart of its scene is East Hampton, which as some excellent shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

In Long Island's North Fork, around the town of Cutchogue, are the winelands of New York. Of the 13 vineyards, the best known is Pindar, which has tours and tastings every day. Nearby, the pretty, 17th-century town of Orient offers white clapboard houses and unspoilt beaches.

There are hundreds of museums, attractions, and sporting facilities scattered around Long Island to suit all tastes. Buses depart for Long Island regularly each day, although the quickest way to get there is via the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station. If driving, visitors should head east on the Long Island Expressway from Manhattan.

Hudson Valley and the Catskills

Just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is surprisingly rural and littered with charming towns, picturesque farms, and old mansions. Many New Yorkers head this way at the weekend, attracted by the slower pace of life and scenic drives.

Albany, the region's capital, was founded by Dutch fur trappers in the 17th century and made its money by controlling trade along the Erie Canal. There isn't a great deal to do or see in Albany when it comes to traditional cultural sightseeing, but sights include the New York State Museum and the Albany Institute of History and Art.

The beautiful Catskills Mountains, northwest of New York City, has long been a popular holiday spot and the choice of many a wealthy New Yorker for their summer home. The region is dotted with picturesque towns, reservoirs, forests, parks, historic buildings, and plenty of resorts.

Nicknamed the Borscht Belt, from the 1940s to the 1960s, the Catskills was highly popular with Jewish New Yorkers in particular, and some of the finest Jewish comedians sprang from the area, including Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, and Joan Rivers.

The region is also famous for hosting one of the world's best-known entertainment events, the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Over 500,000 free spirits gathered on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel to see some of the finest musicians of the era.

Today, the site is open to the public, as is a museum that houses archives and interesting information from the event. The Catskills also offer plenty of exciting outdoor activities, including hunting, fly-fishing, skiing, canoeing, hiking, camping, and even golf.

Finger Lakes

The 11 narrow Finger Lakes are popular getaways for boating and fishing, the surrounding rolling hills interspersed with waterfalls, gorges and parks perfect for Hikers, cyclists and skiers. Its name comes from Native Americans believing the Finger Lakes formed when one of their gods reached out to bless their region, leaving behind an imprint of their hand. Known also for its wine industry, most of the vineyards sit on the Cayuga Wine Trail, overlooking the Cayuga Lake. They offer tours, tastings and a variety of tourist accommodation from luxury lodges to campsites.

Buffalo

Buffalo sits on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, serving as a good base for visiting Niagara Falls and for exploring the Finger Lakes region. The city has some noteworthy Victorian architecture and good museums. Indeed, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) contains an impressive collection of works by American artists and hosts many great touring exhibitions, while the Buffalo Zoo is home to an exotic assortment of animals from all over the world. The nearby Letchworth State Park is popular with hikers and offers wonderful views over the Genesee River Gorge, promoted as the 'Grand Canyon of the East'.

Broadway

Going to the theatre is one of the most popular tourist events in New York and the shows on Broadway are world famous, boasting some of the best productions in the world that range from blockbuster musicals to intense and intimate dramas. There are ongoing shows that have been running for years, such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. Newer, edgier shows play off-Broadway, and may provide just as much entertainment at slightly lower prices. There's something to entertain people of all ages.

Website www.broadway.com

New York

Attractions

Tarrytown

The Statue of Liberty

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Niagara Falls

Long Island

Hudson Valley and the Catskills

Finger Lakes

Buffalo

Broadway

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Tarrytown

The Statue of Liberty

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Niagara Falls

Long Island

Hudson Valley and the Catskills

Finger Lakes

Buffalo

Broadway