New York

As the largest city in the United States, New York City is the main center of world trade and finance; a center for educational excellence; an international hub of advertising, publishing, entertainment and fashion; and a creative outlet for the arts.

The 150 world-class museums in the city house some of the most innovative collections in the country and include The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. Some of the most famous productions in history have been staged in the city's theaters including Lincoln Center, America's first performing arts center, and Carnegie Hall, which draws performers from around the world.

With 18,000 restaurants and 10,000 shops, residents and visitors alike are never at a loss for activity. Numerous parks and gardens, including Central Park and The New York Botanical Garden, home to the nation's largest Victorian glasshouse, provide abundant natural beauty in this major metropolitan area.