The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and for a long time held the record of being the tallest building in the world, with a height of over quarter of a mile. The Observatory, which is located 320 metres above street level, offers stunning panoramic views of the Big Apple.

The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, was a gift of friendship from France to the United States, and is widely thought of as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The island can be reached by ferry, and the trip also usually takes in the neighbouring Ellis Island.

Times Square, in the heart of the Broadway theatre district, is sometimes referred to as being the crossroads of the world. Here you can find the ABC studios, the MTV building, Toys R Us, and the most overwhelming display of electric lighting and advertising anywhere in the world.

The United Nations Building is the world headquarters of the UN, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York. Guided tours are available from nine thirty to four forty five seven days a week, except in January and February, when they are only available on weekdays.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum has one of the biggest collections of lifelike wax figures in the world, including models of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt,Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson and Madonna. It is open all year round from ten in the morning until 8pm Monday to Thursday, and until ten in the evening Friday to Sunday.

The Intrepid Air and Sea Museum is a giant museum situated inside one of the most successful military ships in the history of the United States Navy. You can find it on the banks of the Hudson River in Manhattan, and it hosts a whole range of exciting and educational exhibits and events.

New Yorks Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous shopping malls in the world, with an ice rink, the NBC television studios, hundreds of shops and restaurants, several entertainment venues, and a legendary yuletide display that includes an enormous Christmas tree and a cornucopia of festive decorations and lights.

If you like sports, you should be sure to take a guided tour of Madison Square Garden, where some of the most famous sportsmen of all time have etched their names in the history books. It is also a popular entertainment arena, with regular concerts by famous performers. Guided tours are available that take you backstage into the hidden world of the glitterati.

This guide to tourist attractions in New York was written by HILDEGARD SULLIVANT . For cheap flights to New York, visit the Flight Centre website http://www.flightcentre.co.uk/info/special/_new_york/flights-to-new-york.