Things to do in Lawrence

The flashing neon signs and oversized billboards of Times Square are larger and louder than life, rather like New York itself. Overflowing with noise and activity, it is the very soul of the city that never sleeps.

For an afternoon away from the swarming streets of New York City, why not follow the example of the locals and make a bee-line for the expansive lawns of Central Park. Designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the park opened in 1857 and has been a treasured gem in the heart of the urban sprawl ever since.

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.

Gifted to the United States of America by the people of France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty marked the friendship between the two countries and memorialised over a hundred years of American independence. It has stood in New York Harbor ever since, the first thing new immigrants fleeing famine and persecution would see as they arrived in search of a new life in the land of the free.

Just one glance at the imposing neo-classical façade of Grand Central Terminal evokes the spirit of adventure and romance. A priceless Tiffany clock made from opulent stained glass sits above the entrance, crowned by the classical figures of Mercury, Hercules and Minerva. When it was built, this was the largest sculptural group in the world – an apt frontispiece for such a grand building.

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.

New York City’s central business district is located on the southern tip of Manhattan, and is home to the state’s major government and financial institutions. Many of the world’s biggest business decisions are made in the district, and many of the most influential global companies are based in the area south of Chambers Street. Among these are the New York Stock Exchange, on the world-renowned Wall Street. There are a number of important cultural landmarks in the area, including the former site of the World Trade Center, and Lower Manhattan is a popular destination for visitors wanting to discover the history of the area, see the impressive array of architecture or pay their respects to those lost during the September 11 attacks.