There are a lot of survival guides to New York out there but if you have never been to New York or are planning a trip. Here is MY guide. Go out And experience it for yourselves.

New York City. The Big Apple. The City that never sleeps. I fell in love with this place the moment I saw the skyline. A lot will dazzle your senses if you have never been before and will still knock you out every time you go back. And you will go back. Here are some tips to help you if you are there for a short trip.

The New York Taxi
You cannot miss these things as there are literally THOUSANDS!! As soon as you get out of the airport...get in one. DON¹T get a Gypsy cab. You are in New York and it is part and parcel of the experience.
WARNING: New York cabbies are usually fun but you do get the odd one or two That are brash. You must tell them your Exact destination, including the cross street. So " Chelsea Star Hotel" wont wash with them. "Chelsea Star, on West 30th street and Eighth Avenue they will understand.
Taxi cabs are required to take you to your destination inside the metropolitan area.

Taxi Fares
Cabs are cash only and it's a good idea to have small bills because the cabbies can't usually break anything higher than $20. While cabs are relatively expensive for a single person, they can actually be a bargain with 3 or more riders. The rates for taxicabs are as follows:

Initial fare.............$2.00
Each 1/5 mile (4 blocks).$0.30
Each 1 minute idle.......$0.20
Night surcharge..........$0.50 (after 8pm until 6am)
Additional riders........FREE

Taxi and Limousine Commission
To file a complaint or report lost property, call the TLC at the following
number: (212) 692-8294.

NYC Subway System
This is my preferred way of getting around the city as it is cheaper than a cab and will get you to your destination quicker and safer. DON¹T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!
The New York City subway system is one of the most efficient people transports in the entire world.! The subway is a much better place than was predicted back in the financially troubled days of the city.

Fares
The primary method of fare payment is the Metrocard. All subway stations and busses are now Metrocard capable. Tokens are also available, and cost $1.50 each.

Metrocards can be bought on a pay-per-ride basis ($2.00 per ride) or an unlimited ride basis. With pay-per-ride, you get 11 rides for the price of ten and you can add more money to your card if need be. With unlimited ride Metrocards, you can get a 30 day card for $63, a 7 day card for $17, or a 1 day Fun Pass for only $4. http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/manbus.pdf

QUICK GUIDE TO THE AREAS OF MANHATTAN-
The best way I can tell you to experience this beautiful city is to just go and have fun. Don¹t be a total tourist and have a map in front of you all the time. Wake up in the morning and decide what you want to do for the day eg " lets get breakfast first, then head down to Times Square, then get the Downtowwn Train from Penn Station to Soho, have lunch there, head back to our hotel, and go to the Upper West side for Dinner. You will find that whilst you have that way of thought you will deviate from your initial plan and see so many things that you will want to do the next day.
Have a quick look at the map to see where everything is...

Theater District
Utter Cranial overload!! When you get down here it is like "WOW" in in New York.
Times Square, referred to as the "Crossroads of the World," is a non-stop adventure! In addition to all the theaters, restaurants, moviehouses, and shopping boutiques and megastores, people -both native and visting- crowd the streets at all hours of the day. You will feel utterly safe around here As there are cops on every corner.

Soho
Top place to be in New York. You will feel accomplished once you have been Down here. Whether you are looking for that "omigod, where did you find that outfit" or " Bloody hell,mate. That's Cheap. This is the second place to go after Times Square when you get off the plane.
Soho, named for the area South of Houston Street, was formerly a largely commercial area. Desire for larger, cheaper, less run-of-the-mill spaces turned this neighborhood into renovated loft-style apartment buildings and trendy bistros.

Chelsea
Large Gay population in this part of town and the first place I stayed when
I got here. This neighborhood combines old-world immigrant dwellings with
state-of-the-art townhouse renovations. Brand-name specialty stores, unique
bookstores, and one-of-a-kind boutiques line the streets.

Chinatown
For all your bargain shopping with everything from top of the line trainers
to your fake Fendi Bag. If you are claustrophobic - stay away.
It is very busy on the Chinatown street. It is quite likely to hear no
English, only Mandarin and Cantonese . Delicious Chinese food at affordable
prices is not-to-be-missed. Ask a native New Yorker for their favorite spot!

East Village

My favourite part of town for sociallising. If hanging out , chilling with
your friends Is your "bag,baby". You will love the East Village
Located between Houston and 14th Streets, between the East River and
Broadway, the East Village has long been known as New York's hip,
neighborhood. Coffee shops, Funky Bars, eclectic restaurants that won't
break your budget and performing spaces fill the area.

El Barrio

This area spans from 96th Street to 142nd Street, between the East and
Harlem Rivers and 5th Avenue. Largely diversified, this neighborhood
showcases its many cultures through art exhibitions, dance shows, and drama
performances.

Financial District

Home to the New York Stock Exchange, this neighborhood is the "Capital
Capital" of the world. The southernmost part of Manhattan features glorious
architecture, bustling business types, and a host of restaurants suitable
for power lunches or top-notch business dinners.

Greenwich Village
If you are an Artist, Musician or general free thinker, you will catch such
a vibe from this area . Cobblestoned streets, tiny green parks, and intimate
bistros coupled with exotic late-night restaurants, raucous bars,
independent record and poster shops, and many music venues create a
neighborhood full of rebelliousness and charm.

Special Note for the Guys-

If you are stuck for somewhere to watch the Football in New York check out
NEVADA SMITHS , 74 3rd Avenue between 11th and 12th streets
http://www.grahamecurtis.com/nevadasmiths/main.html
Or Patrick Kavanagh's 497 3rd Ave and 33rd street
http://kavanaghs.citysearch.com/?cslink=profile_info_website_cust
Your Welcome.

Harlem

Harlem has re-established itself as a quaint living place for families and
powerful New Yorkers. Historical landmarks, like the restored Apollo
Theatre, where you can see the likes of Chris Rock, James Brown and such
perform. African-American Soul Food is the flavour around these parts and
BOY IS IT GOOD!!

Little Italy
For those who enjoy there food and you will be spoilt for choice . No trip
to NYC should be without a stroll down Mulberry Street, between Spring and
Canal Streets. Upscale restaurants, , sidewalk cafes, cozy nooks, private
back gardens, romance, cappuccino, and cuisine that you wont get outside
Italia itself.

Lower East Side
If you want to go back home with those garments and trinkets that you know
your friends will envy. This is the area that attracts the young hipsters
with its funky boutiques, trendy restaurants, and an all-night vibe.
Bordered by Houston Street, the Bowery, and the East River, the Lower East
Is my favourite place for taking my friends on those unique shopping trips
and the generous delis in the area still serve a mad portion of pastrami
on rye.

Midtown East
Think Sex and the City.
Exclusive clothing stores on Fifth Avenue and well-known landmarks have
turned this area into a highly desire residential neighborhood. Younger
crowds have brought in a great nightlife, with a string of bars and
restaurants on Third Avenue.

Midtown West

This neighborhood includes the Garment District, Clinton, and Hell's
Kitchen. In order to supply well-known clothing manufacturers, specialty
wholesale stores will sell only buttons or just zippers. Notable landmarks
and celebrated restaurants can easily be found.

Morningside

University students and young families have taken over this area, known for
its gorgeous Gothic architecture. Packed coffee shops and cozy bookshops
complete this picture of a college town in the middle of New York City.

Tribeca

This area, named for the TRIangle BElow CAnal which is formed by Canal
Street, Broadway, and West Street, is nouveaux chic. Formerly known for
warehouses and industrial spaces, this neighborhood has transformed into
prime real estate with expansive, open-space, high-ceilinged apartments and
some of the finest cuisine in New York.

Upper East Side
If you have the money....why not!
High-society defines this posh neighborhood. Private school students,
complete in plaid skirts and polo shirts, can be found crowding the streets
in classy cliques. Expensive art galleries, pricey family-owned restaurants,
and gourmet food shops complete the snobbish, but fun, setting.

[Upper West Side] Upper West Side
Cant think of any plans for dinner? This is the area to be. There are so
many restaurants around here you will be dizzy- but not hungry.
Less pretentious than the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side mixes
restored brownstones with modern high-rise apartment complexes. European
bistros with diners eating outside and brand-name megastores make this a
great part of town to stay in. Very close to Central Park West, Natural
History Museum and Planetarium.

QUICK Guide :
This quick guide should help you know where things are and how to get there.
Start shouting at the cab driver

LOWER MANHATTAN

Battery Park - end of Broadway or end of West St.
Staten Island Ferry - Battery Park at the end of Broadway.
Statue of Liberty - ferry from Battery Park.
World Trade Center - Vesey and Broadway.
South Street Seaport - South Street and the east river.
Fulton Fish Market - Seaport area, Fulton st. 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Brooklyn Bridge - Centre St. (City Hall Park).
City Hall Park - Broadway and Barclay.
Tribeca (I.e. tri angle be low ca nal) - Hudson St. (lower 8th Ave.) and N.
More St.

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FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Wall Street - Wall St. And Broadway
Stock Exchange - Wall St.
Fraunces Tavern (resturant & museum) - Pearl St.

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HEADING UPTOWN

Chinatown - Mott St. and Canal St.
Little Italy - Mulberry and Grand St.
Orchard St. - Orchard St. and Delancey.
SOHO (i.e. So uth of Ho uston St. ) -Prince St. and Broadway.
Greenwich Village - Christopher St. and 7th Ave.
East Village - St. Marks Place (E 8th St.) and 3rd Ave.
Little India - East 6th st. and 2nd ave.
Bleaker St. - Bleeker St. and Hudson St. (crosses entire village, west to
east).
West Village - Christopher St. west of Houston St.
Chelsea - 8th Ave. and 23rd St.
Chelsea Piers (indoor sports complex) - West Side Highway and 23rd St.

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MIDTOWN

Jacob Javits Center - 32nd St. and 11th Ave.
Circle Line (boat tours) - 42nd St. and West Side Highway.
U.S.S. Intrepid (aircraft carrier museum) - 46th St. and West Side Highway.
Penn Station (trains, Madison Square Garden) - 32nd St. and 7th Ave.
Madison Square Garden - 32nd St. and 7th Ave.
NYC Post Office (main) - 31st. St. and 8th Ave.
Empire State Building - 34th and 5th Ave.
Time Square - 42nd St. Broadway.
Theater District - Times Square area.
Carnegie Hall - 7th ave. and 57th st
Little Korea - 32nd st. and Broadway.
Little Brazil -45th st. and 6th ave.
Diamond District - 47th st. and 5th ave.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel - 53rd st. and Park ave.
Public Library (main) - 42nd and 5th av.
Grand Central Terminal - 42nd St. and Park Ave.
Rockefller Center - 49th St. and 6th Ave.
Radio City Music Hall - 49th St. and 6th Ave.
Port Authority Bus Terminal - 42nd and 8th Ave.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - 50th St. and 5th Ave.
Museum of Modern Art - 53rd St. between 5th and 6th Ave.
Trump Tower - 56th St. and 5th Ave.
Bloomingdales - 59th and Lexington Ave.
Macy's - 34th St. between 6th and 7th Ave.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPPER EAST SIDE

Central Park - 59th St. and 5th , 6th Ave., 7th Ave., 8th Ave (8th becomes
Central Park west at 59th St.).
Plaza Hotel - 59th St. and 5th Ave.
Madison Avenue Shops (elite and expensive) - above 59th St. and Madison Ave.
Frick Gallery - 70th St. and 5th Ave.
Metropolitan Museum of Art - 82nd St. and 5th Ave.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPPER WEST SIDE

Lincoln Center - 65th St. and Columbus Ave (Upper 9th Ave).
Amsterdam Avenue Shops, eats and drinks - above 72nd St. and Amsterdam
(upper 10th Ave).
Columbus Avenue Shops, eats and drinks - above 65th St. and Columbus Ave.
Museum of Natural History - 77th and Columbus Ave.
Cathedral of St., John the Divine - 110th St. and Amsterdam.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

HARLEM

125th St.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine - 190th St. and Fort Washington.
Cloisters (museum) - 190th St. and Fort Washington.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISLAND HOPPING

Triboro Bridge - 125th St. and 2nd Ave (toll) - Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens
(Long Island).
Queensboro Bridge - 59th St. and 2nd Ave -Manhattan and Queens.
QUEENS/midtown tunnel - 36th and 2nd Ave (toll) - Manhattan and Queens.
Williamsburg Bridge - Delancy and Clinton St. - Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Manhattan Bridge - Canal St. and Bowery St. (lower 3rd Ave ) - Manhattan and
Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Bridge - Centre St. @ City Hall Park - Manhattan and Brooklyn
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel - West St. below Rector St. (toll) - Manhattan and
Brooklyn.
Staten Islan Ferry - end of Broadway (end of Battery park) (free) -
Manhattan and Staten Island.
Ellis island - Statue of Liberty Ferry.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY

Holland Tunnel - Canal St. and Hudson St. (several approaches - (toll).
Lincoln Tunnel - 39th St. and 9th Ave (several approaches) - (toll).
George Washington Bridge - West Side Highway at Cross Bronx Expressway.

NYC Safety and Survival Guide

Whether you are living in New York or just visiting, street smarts will
definitely help you feel more at home.

* Finding a Bathroom: First things first. If you have to go to the
bathroom, try a Barnes & Nobles, or a Starbuck's Coffee. Both usually have
reasonably clean bathrooms, but your mileage may vary. At Starbuck's you'll
need to ask for a key, maybe even buy something.

* Avoid empty subway cars, ride with many people or in the conductor's
car (usually the middle car of the train).

* Never display large amounts of cash out in the open.

* Don't keep your wallet in the back pocket of your pants or in a
backpack. Moving the wallet to the front pocket of your pants will reduce
your chance of being pick-pocketed.

* Be aware of your wallet or purse in commotions Pick pockets often use
helpers to create a disturbance nearby.

* Telephone information from a payphone is free. Simply dial 555-1212 on
any pay phone and ask for the number of the business or person you are
looking for. You don't need to put in any change.