If New York is the Big Apple, then Fifth Avenue is definitely its core. Running right through Manhattan from Greenwich Village up to 142nd Street, Fifth Avenue takes in many of the iconic must-see spots when sightseeing New York. Dubbed "The most expensive street in the world", Fifth Avenue is lined with some of the costliest retail real estate on Earth. It's not all about the shopping, but if you do happen to be in search of a little retail therapy make sure you take a fat wallet because the price tags match the rental per square foot. A leisurely stroll down (or up) Fifth Avenue will take you past some of the best sights New York has to offer, so set aside a morning, an afternoon, or a whole day, put on your comfortable shoes and set off down the Avenue. You may not do it from start to finish, but wherever you decide to tackle, there will be something great to experience.

Central Park

This is often where most people start their sightseeing. New York is justifiably proud of its famous green space and the Park, as it is known colloquially, is on just about everyone's list. Fifth Avenue runs along the eastern side of the park and marks the boundary of the Upper East Side. Of course, Central Park is a destination in its own right and you could spend an entire day wandering through it; but if you're on a mission to cover as much of Fifth Avenue as possible while sightseeing New York, you may just want to take a quick detour and return at a later date. The Upper East Side is one of New York's most affluent residential areas so you will be kept busy admiring some of the most expensive real estate in the United States.

Don't Rain on their Parade

Being a central landmark of New York, Fifth Avenue is the route for many celebratory and commemorative parades. If you time your stroll up the avenue in March, you'll bear witness to one of the most spectacular - the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade. The parade has been going since 1762, and it is an astounding and atmospheric sight to see as the many different Irish clans march proudly up Fifth Avenue. For the many Irish visitors who come to the city, sightseeing New York's St Patrick's Day Parade will be the ultimate highlight of their holiday.

Empire State Building

New York's iconic Empire State Building could be a welcome stop-off on your stroll up Fifth Avenue. Located at 34th Street this is the ultimate location for sightseeing New York. Rising to a vertigo-inducing 102 stories, the view from the top extends across the city in all directions for over fifty miles. The Empire State is a good place to relax and have a picturesque lunch break before heading back down to the bustling Fifth Avenue to tackle a spot of shopping.

Shop, Shop, Shop

If, like many others, your holiday sightseeing New York is planned to take advantage of the fantastic shopping opportunities the city offers, then Fifth Avenue is the place to 'shop til you drop'. The absolute crme de la crme of shopping heaven, the stretch of the avenue between 34th and 59th streets has earned the moniker of 'the premier shopping district in the world'.
Small, exclusive boutiques sit side by side with international luxury brands, and a dizzying array of fashion and shoe shops will satisfy even the most discerning label lover.

Well it's lunch time and you haven't got very far on your stroll down Fifth Avenue, so now comes the agonising decision; continue your walk, or continue shopping. We'll leave that up to you!

Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours and excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city Sightseeing New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to www.Shorex.com.