If it is your first time to New York or even if you are a seasoned visitor, chances are you have not heard of the "Top of the Rock". This hidden gem refers to the observation deck located on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza) which offers truly amazing views of the city.

The observation deck consists of 3 levels and is made up of fully transparent glass which means that you get an unobstructed, 360 degree, bird's eye view of New York in all its splendor. So what can you see from up there? New York attractions such as Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River and the Chrysler Building are all visible from this great vantage point.

The "Top of the Rock" observation deck itself is pretty impressive and the art deco design and special glass and crystal panels (on the 1st level) add to the effect of truly being on top of the world. Of course it is the spectacular views that steal the limelight. You also have a difficult decision to make on what time to visit since this attraction is opened from 8 AM to midnight (last elevator leaves at around 11 PM) and seeing New York at night is a totally different experience altogether. What ever time you decide to go, don't forget your camera!

The entrance to the "Top of the Rock" is at West 50th Street and tickets are sold on a reserved ticket system which basically means you can choose the time you want to visit. A visit to the "Top of the Rock" is something worth doing at least once and makes you realize that New York is truly, a very Big Apple!

New York, with its countless department stores, malls, fashion boutiques and toy shops enticing you with their wares is a veritable shopper's haven.

The Uptown area is known for its designer shops and is a good place to start whilst Midtown Manhattan is where you can find many department stores and the Downtown area has several charming discount shops.

First, let's take a look at the department stores. Located opposite the Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue spans an entire block and is home to up-market designer labels of the likes of Chanel, Escada and Juicy Couture. Then there is the ever reliable Macy's which has something for everyone including well known brands such as Guess, Ralph Lauren and Esprit. Bloomingdale's and the Century 21 department stores are also worth a visit.

If you are into the latest fashion trends then stroll down Madison Avenue which is home to designer shops and flagship stores of the likes of Chanel and Prada. Designer wear from Fendi and Versace can be found on Fifth Avenue, while SoHo with its Chinatown area and chic fashion boutiques has a great shopping atmosphere.

Now, for some specifics on places to shop. The Swedish H&M stores offer affordable yet trendy clothing, Niketown has all things Nike, Apple Store SoHo gives you the chance to test the latest hi-tech gizmos, the Virgin Megastore caters to all your music needs and FAO Schwarz has toys galore.

You might want to keep in mind that there is an 8.25% sales tax on all purchases. Enjoy your shopping spree in this paradise of shopping and designer labels!

The New York Yankees baseball team is very much a part of New York history and culture and it is well worth visiting Yankee Stadium even if your allegiances lie elsewhere! The stadium itself is located in the Bronx (161st Street and River Avenue) and is commonly referred to as the "House that Ruth Built" which for the non baseball fans is in reference to the legendary Yankee player, Babe Ruth.

The best way to get a feel of Yankee Stadium and its proud history is by taking one of its tours which gives you great inside access that one would otherwise not get when attending a game. The Classic Tour lasts for an hour (prices are about USD 14 for an adult and USD 7 for children) and includes access to the playing field, dugout area, press box and Monument Park which honors such Yankee greats as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Reggie Jackson, Yogi Berra and Lefty Gomez. If you are a hardcore Yankee fan then definitely take the more comprehensive Champions Tours.

Advance tickets for the tours can be purchased online, from the Advance Ticket Windows at Yankee Stadium or from Ticketmaster (Tel: (212) 307-1212). The tours start at the Yankee Stadium Press Gate regardless of weather conditions.

Getting to Yankee Stadium is not a problem. The New York subway has a stop outside the stadium, while bus numbers BX 6, 13 and 55 have stops just a few blocks away. The 4, B (weekdays only) and D trains also stop close by.

Of course there is no better way to truly experience Yankee Stadium than by actually attending a Major League Baseball game and cheering the Yankees to what will hopefully be another World Series Title!

If you're visitng New York for the first time, here are a few travel tips for the first-timer which could prove useful on your journey.

Getting around
As with all cities, the best way to explore New York is by foot. With its imposing skyscrapers, mad rush of people and cacophony of sounds, New York can be intimidating at first, but can be enjoyed to the fullest once you get used to the hive of activity in this cosmopolitan city. Of course it does pay to be street smart and such precautions as keeping a watchful eye on your wallet goes without saying.

To get around New York, you can either make use of the city's subway system or hop on a bus. Apart from tokens, buses and subway stations also operate on a Metrocard system which is a cheaper way to get around if you plan to do a lot of traveling.

Cultural melting pot
One of the first things which will strike you is just how multicultural a place New York is and a great way to experience this cultural diversity is to visit small neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Chinatown and the Hispanic Lower East Side each with their own unique character.

What is worth seeing?
A good place to soak up the New York vibe is Times Square which is at the heart of the city, while the Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty should be on any first timer's travel itinerary. New York is also a shopper's paradise and places such as Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Madison Avenue should satisfy even the most demanding of shopaholics.

Finally, remember not to cram your schedule too much because part of the charm of New York is taking it slow and just immersing yourself in the city's magical atmosphere.

Who ever said, that nothing in this world is free got it wrong! New York City offers lots of fun family attractions and activities which are absolutely free of charge and gives one a true feel of the 'Big Apple'.

Here is a list of things I picked up from around, that you can do for free in New York City:

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