Savour the Flavour of the Big Apple

There are a number of cities around the world that could put an argument forward for being the world's most exciting, romantic and engaging. There are just as many that could claim they are the strongest and most iconic representatives of the character of their respective countries. London, Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, Rome, Dubai – all viable contenders. However, there is one giant among giants, one unmistakeable sprawl that is hard to imagine being beaten in a contest of the world's heavyweight cities, and that is New York.

America's famous metropolis these days comprises five boroughs whose names are almost as well-known as the city itself – Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.

The year 1898, when 40 municipalities, including the separate cities of New York and Brooklyn, were brought together to form Greater New York is one of the most significant points in American history. The consolidation of the different areas into five boroughs represented a union not only of locales but of the distinct cultures of native-born Americans and foreign immigrants.

New York, and the Ellis Island port in particular, has for hundreds of years stood out as a beacon to people arriving from foreign shores, a symbol of the United States and its promises of happiness, comfort and prosperity. This magnetic effect that New York had on foreigners played an instrumental part in the creation of America's modern cosmopolitan character, with more than half of the people now living in the country descended from immigrants who entered through the New York City harbour.

It did not take long for the city to begin to bind together after the 1898 charter was signed, with construction of the subway system commencing in 1904. It was the following decades that really began to give New York the appearance it is known for today, as an economic boom that peaked in the 1920s enabled the construction of magnificent skyscrapers the like of which had never been seen before, which jostled for space on the city streets and competed with each other in height and splendour. The most famous of all was the Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931 and stood as the world's tallest building for more than 40 years. Still one of the most recognisable and popular landmarks on Earth, there are few structures more evocative of the grandeur and ambition of New York than this magnificent skyscraper.

The 20th Century was a period of highs and lows for the Big Apple – the Great Depression of the 1930s was followed by the post-World War II economic boom. The high crime rates and racial tensions of the 1970s preceded the prosperity of the 1980s, which was followed by the low levels of crime and improved social cohesion of the 1990s. It is these varying influences that give New York its modern-day charisma and appeal – the city's undying ability to survive through crises is matched only by the fervour with which it celebrates life and savours success.

To visit New York is to experience a city that is at the vanguard of the modern world yet undeniably defined by its history and heritage. All one needs to do to be immersed in the self-contained universe of the city is to visit its iconic locations and landmarks. There are few better places to take in New York's incredible skyline than from the summit of the Empire State Building, while a walk in Central Park offers a chance to experience the unmistakeable atmosphere of the city.

Then there's the shopping of course – whether it's Macy's in Herald Square, Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdales, the mammoth retail outlets of New York City leave nothing to be desired. Those more interested in culture than consumerism should not despair, however, as the city's gigantic public library, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the world famous Broadway ensure that there is enough to keep everyone happy.

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Updated: Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:19:51

Related Links:
New York Tourist Board
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