New York

New York is the most populous city and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion & entertainment. It is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City to differentiate it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.

Located on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, the city consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The city is home to over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. The area is home to large ethic groups such as Jewish-Americans, Italian-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Chinese and Russians. Thirty-six percent of the city's population is foreign born, which only the cities of Los Angeles and Miami have a higher percentage.

Much like its diverse population, the city is also home to a diverse cityscape. The boroughs of Staten Island and Bronx are home to most of the city's suburbs, while immense glass and steel giants rise to dizzying heights in Manhattan. Queens is home to many beautifully preserved brownstones. And Brooklyn is quickly converting its industrial warehouses into artist lofts and creating New York's new cultural epicenter.

In the extensive landscape is some of New York's top architectural sights. The iconic Empire State Building is currently the tallest building in the city after the World Trade Center attacks. The Art Deco shell of the Chrysler Building make it a must see, the modern all-glass Trump Tower dominating Fifth Avenue has a post-modern style, all worth your sight, while the Flatiron Building is one of the city's oldest high-rises fit into an odd-shaped lot.

New York is and forever will be a media, business and financial center. Walking through the Financial District or Midtown and see all the well-known companies who call the city home. Great shopping can also be found in the city, from the faux purses at Elizabeth Street to the upscale shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenue.

Gawk at luxury yachts at the New York National Boat Show, or stroll down the green Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick's Day. While at the Tunes of Glory Parade on National Tartan Day, you can see pipers and drummers marching down Sixth Avenue, at 4th of July celebrations tall ships sail on Hudson River.

The East Village and are favorite music destinations. Join music lovers at well known venues for some cool music or dance your night away at one of the frat spots. No visit to New York is complete without taking in a show in the popular Theatre District, so stop by at the half-priced TKTS center on Broadway for discounted tickets.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is recognized the country's leading museum. Find gems that date back to medieval times apart from other European collections. Some of New York's formal French gardens are fascinating and very well preserved. Health buffs will love the popular Central Park where apart from people watching and other activities, they can go horseback riding and enjoy ice or in-line skating. But in the end, the best way to soak up the city, particularly Manhattan, is by walking. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho and TriBeCa are best viewed on foot. But if needed the subway or bus is an efficient way to get around quickly. If there is money to spare, there is always the classic yellow New York taxi.

HOTSPOTS

Empire State Building: You can check out the view of New York City from atop the Empire State Building. Avoid waiting in the ticket line for the Empire State Building by buying your tickets online in advance.

Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.

Grand Central Terminal: Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, is known for its Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio city Music Hall and numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum: The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors afascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.

Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to StatenIsland, used by commuters and tourists wanting a view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

American Museum of Natural History: Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.

Central Park: Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic art museum that is well worth a visit.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the MoMA is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, the Museum of Modern Art's diverse collection has something for everyone.

Hong Kong

It lingers at the back of your mind from the moment you enter Hong Kong, but never was the contrast between the two Hong Kong’s starker than that 5-minute Star Ferries ride I took. As the boat bob its way across Victoria harbor on the route between the historic Tsim Sha Tsui and central districts, you catch glimpses of maddening rush and stunning high-rises’ that mark Hong Kong’s growth, interspersed with old world tranquility and languid pace that has been here for centuries.
The incense-filled Taoist temples and the quiet, green spaces with their graceful tai-chi practitioners melt into the chic bars and breakneck ‘shop-till-you-drop’ lifestyles. There are skyscrapers everywhere, but it’s the traditional bamboo scaffolding and a healthy dose of Feng Shui that goes into making each. As impulse decisions go, Hong Kong is as good as it gets. No visas required for Indians, excellent fares on Dragon air, and great season ending discounts at one of Kowloon’s best located hotels meant that planning and starting the vacation took just five days. And while there’s a lot you can do there, I found that a four-to-five day trip struck just the right balance to get a deep enough whiff of the place without breaking the bank or the accrued leave at work!
If you’re arriving in HK and the hotel hasn’t arranged for a pickup (most do, though), take the Airport Express to get to the central district or Kowloon, depending on where you’re staying, and then a taxi for the last mile. Once you’ve dumped your bags and are ready to go, head over to the closest MTR station-they’re within walking distance of most places. The MTR is the most convenient way to travel around Hong Kong and make sure you pick up a MTR map of Hong Kong-super handy, and you never get lost! The easiest place to start is at Central MTR station. As you emerge from the station, the awe-inspiring spectacle of the finest skyscrapers the city has to offer just hits on so many sensory levels. Look out for the Norman Foster designed $5.2-billion HSBC building, a colossus made of steel and glass, and hurry along past the neck-brace-inducing high-rises to reach the Peak Tram Station. It’d be best if you reach by five in the evening-queues for the tram are long! The tram, a funicular-the world steepest, in fact-is the best way up to HK’s highest hill, Victoria Peak. Ignore the mall and head straight for the viewing terrace for a jaw dropping view of the forest of skyscrapers and beyond that, the harbor and a glorious view of kowloon’s eight mountains. If one image could capture all that Hong Kong is, this is it.
If you’re still in the mood to party after the Peak, head over to Lan Kwai Fong, a hillsifde section around Central’s D’Aguilar Street which has many good bistros and bars. If local food tickles your fancy, head over to Good Luck house, where ‘Elvis’ Chaminda and his mates couple good conversation with great food. Open still the wee hours, clubs like Stormis and Fong underground are a must-do for Hong Kong’s finest crowds. And when you’re finally headed home, have your picture taken underneath the Lan Kwai Fong street sign! Now, like any other big city, malls dominate the retail landscape of Hong Kong but the real shopping and gluttony happens in Kowloon’s street markets, where clothes, electronics, and knickknacks compete for space with food carts selling some delectable Peking Duck or the local dimsums. Ladies’ Market in Mongkok and Temple Street Night Market boast of hundreds of stalls selling tops, T-shirts and fake goods, including handbags, DVDs, Football Jerseys. Foot massage parlors spring out from every house, and the less shady they are, the more expensive they get. If electronics is your mojo buy safe from Fortress stores all over Hong Kong-no sales tax, duty-free and open till 9.30pm.
But there is another side of Hong Kong, heavily spiritual, that should not be given a miss. Slot a day out for visiting the Giant Buddha, the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. Get to the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, and pay your respects. Step away from the crowds and walk your way over to the Wisdom Path, a serene spot overlooking the great Lantau Peak. Here, large wooden pillar, placed in the form of a figure of eight to symbolize infinity, display the Heart Sutra, a centuries-old prayer revered by Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoists. This spot is a polar opposite to the busiest, commercial parts of HK. After the rejuvenation at Lantau, a day out at the amusement park is the perfect way to end the vacation on a high, and while Disneyland beckons, most locals prefer the marine-theme park called Ocean Park.
From breeding endangered species like the Giant Panda, to crazy rides and dolphin shows, Ocean Park is a day well spent. For me the high point of the day was the silent mile-long cable car journey from one end of the 170-acre hilly campus to the other which affords great views of the South China Sea. If you’re back by 8.15pm, stop by the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade in Kowloon’s for the nightly Symphony of Lights show, the world’s largest permanent sun et lumière that incorporates lights, lasers, fireworks and 44 waterfront building on both Hong Kong and Kowloon. There’s just so much to do in Hong Kong. It’s a city with a heady recipe of Chinese roots and a generous spray of British colonisms topped off with a classic cosmopolitan cherry. Have swigs, wont you?
Getting there:Jet airways, Cathay Pacific and Air India operate direct flights between Delhi and Hong Kong.Kingfisher Airlines operates from Mumbai and Hong Kong.
Exchange Rate:1 HKD=6.18 INR