As the city with the most miles of film dedicated to it in the world the many sights of New York are well known to most of us. There isn't the space here to discuss all of them so instead a review of some of the most well known is called for. These are the places everyone knows so to see them in person is quite a thrill.
The Statue of Liberty The ultimate icon of New York and the United States. Those coming into New York harbour, be they American citizens, visitors or immigrants would see this before anything else and it represented for many the American Dream. Take a moment to gaze up at this majestic figure and feel the energy and inspiration that filled every visitor to the city upon seeing it for the very first time. An experience not to be missed.
Times Square If the Statue of Liberty is the ultimate American icon then Times Square takes that title for New York, without a doubt. The sheer volume of people here takes the breath away, as does the variety and scale of the shops. Of course the fantastic array of advertising is the most well known image, and one that has been seen in so many films. It is also a draw for those seeking attention, of any description. Andy Warhol said we all get 15 minutes of fame - well some people come here to find it.
Brooklyn Bridge Linking Manhattan with Brooklyn, crossing the East River, this is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the USA, having opened in 1883. As with all the major sites in New York it gained worldwide recognition through film and television, it's age helping in it's publicity as it seems to have always been there. Probably the best way to see the bridge is as a passenger in a Yellow Taxi, riding the route as so many people before.
Central Park An oasis in the heart of Manhattan is the best way to describe this 2.5 mile by 0.5 mile rectangular park. With pleasant lakes, cycle paths, landscaped grassy areas and even a wildlife sanctuary and a couple of skating rinks there is much more to Central Park than people first imagine. It is also a much safer place than it once was, where families and children can happily spend many hours enjoying all that the park has to offer.
The Empire State Building At 102 storeys high, the Empire State Building was the world's tallest building until 1972, holding that title since its opening in 1931. The building stands as a monument to the time, when New York was growing at a tremendous rate and the economy was strong, its Art Deco style being seen in many other New York buildings. There is a public viewing point at the top which is a must visit to take in an overview of the city, as well as gaining a little appreciation of how Fay Wray felt when King Kong carried her to the top of the building in the original 1933 film.