Most tourists focus on Manhattan, where the iconic attractions are located. The remaining four boroughs are primarily residential (the Bronx to the north, Queens to the east, Brooklyn to the southeast and Staten Island to the southwest), although it's worthwhile exploring them all - particularly Brooklyn.

Mostly flat and easily navigated, Manhattan itself is great for walking, with the excellent subway system handy for longer hops between attractions. The city is packed with things to do and places to see - each street and neighbourhood offers its own varied sights and flavours. Top attractions, like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, are world renowned, but there are enough less heralded places to fill weeks of sightseeing.

Manhattan has many distinct neighbourhoods that are worth exploring, from the ritzy shopping and residential districts uptown, to the financial district of downtown, taking in the villages in between.

Soho (which got its name because it is south of Houston Street, pronounced HOW-stun) is famous for its shopping. Greenwich Village traditionally contains a literary and gay community and has the quaint bookstores and cafes to go with it. The young-and-hip East Village retains its edginess, which is reflected in its quirky shops, record stores, nightclubs and drinking spots.

Historical Lower East Side, once an immigrant neighbourhood, is now filled with boutiques and vintage shops, nightclubs and restaurants. Chelsea, the centre of the city's gallery scene, is another gay-friendly neighbourhood.

Away from the city, Long Island and a number of city beaches provide an escape on hot and humid summer days.

NYC & Company - Convention and Visitors Bureau
810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets
Tel: (212) 484 1222.
Website: www.nycvisit.com or www.nyc.com  
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat-Sun 0830-1700.

Visitor Information Kiosks
NYC Heritage Tourism Center
Southern tip of City Hall Park on the Broadway sidewalk at Park Row
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat-Sun and holidays 1000-1700.

Chinatown
At the junction where Canal, Walker, and Baxter Streets meet
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800.

The City Pass (tel: (208) 787 4300 or 1 888 330 5008; website: www.citypass.com) offers a combined ticket to selected New York attractions, including the American Museum of Natural History, the Empire State Building Observatory, Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and either Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises or the Statue of Liberty plus Ellis Island. The pass is valid for nine days and is available for purchase at any of the attractions or online.