by Kimberley Heit

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

In densely packed New York City, there's a neighborhood to suit every taste. Stray a few blocks up or down and you can experience variations in wealth, contrasts between the old and new, and multicultural diversity. The following is a brief visitor overview of Downtown, Midtown, Upper East Side, Upper West side, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

DOWNTOWN OR LOWER MANHATTAN:

Downtown is commonly refereed to as the birthplace of the American nation because it was the nation's first capital. It is home to the financial capital of the world; with Wall Street and the Federal Reserve Bank located here. Here you will be in the thick of the skyscraper paradise frequently portrayed in movie scenes. However, also be on the lookout for old landmarks.

Highlights in this area include:

-The tribute World Trade Center site

-Federal Hall Memorial- where George Washington took his oath as America's First president.

-St Paul's Chapel built in 1766

-Battery Park- a park land beside the Hudson River which is the gateway to Ellis Island, Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty. Experience good views from dry land or take a ferry out to these sites from here.

-Chinatown-Mahayana Buddhist temple, Museum of Chinese in the Americas and lots of Chinese cuisine.

-East Village-Kiehl's flagship beauty store, lots of bars, clubs and lounges.

-Meatpacking district-the most fashionable neighborhood in New York with boutiques like; Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenberg and Christian Louboutin.

-Dean & DeLuca-temptations from the cities best bakery's under the one roof.

-West village-the Magnolia Bakery famous for their cupcakes.

MIDTOWN:

Midtown runs from river to river and is home to many icons that visitors flock to see. Highlights include:

-Madison Square Garden

-Grand Central Terminal

-Rockefeller center

-Trump Tower

-Bryant Park

-Times Square

-The iconic Hard Rock Cafe with its huge guitar shape

-Chelsea-the Chelsea Flea Market and Union square Markets offer antiques through to farmers stalls.

-Theater district-Carnegie Hall's supreme concert hall, Museum of Modern Art.

-NBC studios-get into the audience of shows like Saturday Night Live, The Late Show and The Today show.

UPPER EAST SIDE

Home to some of New York's wealthiest residents, this region is well known for its luxury shopping, museums and grand brownstones.

Highlights:

-Central Park off Fifth Avenue-visit the conservatory garden, go ice-skating, hire a row boat or simple take a stroll.

-Luxury shopping including; Barney's New York, Christian Louboutin,

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