New York is back on its feet after the destruction of the World Trade Center and continues to rival the rest of the world by offering, as it always has, stunning grandeur and outstanding cultural riches. The starting point for America's "melting pot", the city's sparkling diversity is reflected in the enormity of things to see and do here. If this is your first trip to New York, face the facts: It will be impossible to take in the entire city. Because New York is almost unfathomably big and constantly changing, you could live your whole life here and still make fascinating daily discoveries--we New Yorkers do.

This section is designed to give you an overview of what's available in this multifaceted place so you can narrow your choices to an itinerary that's digestible for the amount of time you'll be here--be it a day, a week, or something in between. So don't try to tame New York--you can't. Decide on a few must-see attractions, and then let the city take you on its own ride. Inevitably, as you make your way around the city, you'll be blown off course by unplanned diversions that are just as much fun as what you meant to see. After all, the true New York is in the details. As you dash from sight to sight, take time to admire a lovely cornice on a prewar building, linger over a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe, or just idle away a few minutes on a bench watching New Yorkers parade through their daily lives. New York City – a city that never sleeps!

Whether it's the treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the excitement of a Knicks home game or the smooth and smoky vibe of a downtown jazz club, New York is still the city that has it all. Spring sees the beautiful Cherry Blossom festival in Brooklyn's Botanic Gardens, the Whitney Biennial shows the best of new American art and the Blessing of the Bicycles ceremony is held at the Cathedral of St John the Divine to ensure safe pedaling for the rest of the year.