Manhattan New York is the core of the Big Apple – and this is meant in a positive way (not that it is the part of the city that should be discarded after enjoying the rest!).

This borough of New York City is in fact the juiciest and most flavorful part of New York, so the comparison to an apple core is completely unfounded. Manhattan has much more to offer than just the Manhattan skyline that it is so famously known for, and a week’s vacation here will only give you a small bite of life among the skyscrapers.

Manhattan is the metropolitan centerpiece of pretty much everything. Arts, entertainment, commerce, and culture all look to Manhattan New York as the central hub. Manhattan shopping is a major attraction to tourists visiting the island, in addition to viewing performances of opera, ballet, and, of course, Broadway productions.

Home to dozens of distinct neighborhoods, several universities, and world renowned museums, Manhattan is a place to explore attentively – you don’t want to miss a thing. Make sure you hit the high points: Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Staten Island Ferry to view the Statue of Liberty. But don’t stop there: dare to uncover some treasure that is far off the tourist-beaten paths.

The island’s early history is almost hard to believe due to the city that we see there today. Legend has it that Peter Minuit, an early Dutch settler, purchased the island in 1626 from local natives for trade goods equivalent to roughly 24 U.S. dollars. Today, this sum might buy a decent lunch for a hungry tourist amid a day of Manhattan shopping!

Speaking of Manhattan shopping, let’s examine a few places shopping enthusiasts flock to, and a few others that fly below the radar. To window shop (or to run up your platinum card), check out the stores on Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Every designer and luxury brand worth splurging on showcases its items on these world-famous streets.

But you don’t have to be from Manhattan Beach (an extremely rich part of Southern California) to be able to afford Manhattan shopping! Head downtown (south) to the neighborhoods of SoHo and Nolita for less pricey shopping at non-chain stores that offer unique items. Head over to Bleecker Street in the West Village, or the Meat Packing District (don’t worry – it’s just a name) for loads of interesting bargains. You’ll find that a day of Manhattan shopping in these areas will leave you ready to collapse in the lawn of a nice Manhattan park.

If the weather permits, while you are in the neighborhood, do your collapsing in Hudson River Park in the West Village. Though it is lesser known than Central Park, it is perfect for lingering near the water with friends in the late afternoon, almost as though it is your own private Manhattan beach resort. As the sun disappears beyond the Hudson River, hail a cab and hit your hotel room to get ready for the nightlife that pulses below the surface of the sparkling Manhattan skyline.

Choose between Little Italy or Chinatown for authentic ethnic restaurants, or put your ear to the ground to learn the hottest new dining secret Manhattan has to offer (it changes weekly). As sunset becomes dusk, head to 34^th street, for this is the best time to visit the Empire State Building for a stunning 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline, just beginning to light up. After that, the possibilities are endless. A comedy club, the opera, a musical, or just a tour of the hotspots all make a suitable end to a Manhattan New York day.

Nothing defines excitement quite like New York Times Square. Named after the one-time headquarters of The New York Times, Times Square offers a vast array of dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife.

Times Square New York has everything; visitors will be hard-pressed not to find something to pass the time in this exciting section of Manhattan. Once known as Longacre Square, the area’s name was changed in 1904 New York Times Square after the publisher of The New York Times moved the paper’s operations there and persuaded New York City’s mayor to rename it Times Square.

Although the Times moved out of the tower located on 42nd street, the name stuck. The former Times headquarters building is now known as One Times Square, and is the site of the ball drop celebrated on New Year’s Eve. New York Times Square underwent a dramatic revitalization in the 1990s; many disreputable shops were closed down, crime was reduced, and more tourist-friendly attractions were opened. The area is now one of the city’s safest, most exciting and enjoyable attractions.

As the only neighborhood in Manhattan where establishments are required to display bright signs, Times Square is known for its gaudy television-style and animated neon signs. This is best experienced after sunset when visitors can enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The club scene has something for everyone; whether you enjoy cozy neighborhood bars or the hottest dance clubs, you’re sure to find it in Times Square.

Times Square Theater and other performance venues are another popular nighttime attraction. The multitude of large-scale theaters found near Times Square, collectively known as Broadway, and of which Times Square Theater is a part, are considered the pinnacle of American theater. Times Square Theater tickets are available both in advance and day-of. Don’t discount some of the lesser known theaters, referred to as off-Broadway, or even off-off-Broadway, because many acclaimed and entertaining plays or musicals are performed there. There are also a variety of venues which offer live music, stand-up comedy, and Hollywood films.

There’s a wide array of dining options to be found in Times Square New York, with foods from every part of the world. From street vendors to five-star restaurants and everything in between, there’s an option for every palette and budget.

During the day, you can shop for almost anything imaginable. Times Square boasts some of the most impressive and elaborate stores you’ll ever find. Although the lines are long it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Numerous Times Square hotels are available. The majority of Times Square hotels are first class so prices tend to be high, however reasonable hotel rates are to be had with a little sleuthing. The proximity to so many attractions within walking distance makes staying in a Times Square hotel well worth the expense.

Times Square is located in Manhattan, centered on 42nd Street and Broadway. For a dose of big-city excitement, put New York Times Square on your list of must-see New York City attractions.