Manhattan is the most densely populated county in the United States and offers residents and tourists a number of things to see and do. The skyscrapers that have shaped the Manhattan skyline have been closely associated with the identity of New York City since the late 19th century. While they may no longer be the tallest buildings in the world, structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are still visually stunning landmarks. The Empire State Building in particular attracts a large number of tourists eager to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the building’s observation deck.
Another impressive structure is Madison Square Garden, or simply “the Garden” as it is commonly known, the world-famous stadium that is home to several of New York’s top sports teams, including the NBA’s New York Knicks and the New York Yankees. York Rangers of the NHL. Connecticut-based company World Wrestling Entertainment calls Madison Square Garden “home,” with the inaugural Wrestlemania event taking place in the arena, as well as the spectacular’s 10th and 20th anniversaries in 1994 and 2004 respectively. The 20,000-capacity arena has also hosted some of the biggest concerts in history, including several nights by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Who. Elton John has also performed at the arena on 60 separate occasions. The Garden is considered the mecca of sports and arena rock by fans from around the world.
Most of New York City’s media outlets are also based in Manhattan, with the offices of cable television networks and newspapers, including The New York Times, New York Post, NBC, FOX, and MTV. all based in the district. The largest financial newspaper in the United States, The Wall Street Journal, is also based here, as is the popular leading alternative weekly, The Village Voice.
All of the neighborhoods that make up the borough of Manhattan offer a wide variety of multicultural restaurants and shops. Both Soho and Fifth Avenue are world-renowned for their unique shopping opportunities, while Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and the East Village have long been associated with the “bohemian” subculture. The Upper West Side is often characterized as more intellectual and creative, in contrast to the old money and conservative values of the Upper East Side, which is considered one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States and boasts some of the best Manhattan hotels.
Travelers to Manhattan won’t fail to be impressed with the borough’s architecture, landmarks and melting pot of cultures, factors that help attract thousands of tourists to New York City each year.