New York: A city of magic

NEW YORK (CNN) -- It may be one of the most overused clichés around, but the twinkling lights of New York City's skyline are sure to move even the most hardened visitors. The magical feeling in the air combined with some of the world's finest architecture, culture, eating, drinking and shopping, makes it difficult to imagine a more exciting place to visit.

Whether it's a long weekend, a business trip or a first-timer's jaunt, it really shouldn't take much convincing that New York is worth more than a glance.

While there's no wrong time to visit New York, autumn presents its own charms. Cheaper flights, a weak dollar (the pound hasn't been so strong since the early 1980s and the Euro has never been stronger), sunny days and milder temperatures -- Europe may already be turning on its heat while New York remains hot -- are just a few reasons to visit.

The cinematic backdrop and the frenetic pace may be the first impression of New York, but give the city a little time and it will reveal many different faces.

It's all at once sophisticated and chaotic, entertaining and beguiling, grungy and luxurious, full of attitude; and it has energy bursting at every avenue and street corner.

Borough breakdown
New York City consists of the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The island of Manhattan is undisputedly the pulse of the city, and most island dwellers consider its division an Uptown/Downtown one.

Downtowners, or those living below 14th Street, think of themselves as the artsy crowd, while those living Uptown next to Central Park have the reputation of being slightly more sophisticated.

During the work week, Midtown is the central axis of the city, bringing together the liberal Downtowners with their well-heeled Uptown counterparts. Broadway cuts through the whole of Manhattan, and there is a distinct east-west divide, often crisscrossing through neighbourhoods with distinct personalities.

Find your feet downtown

Lower Manhattan
Dutch settlers first arrived here in 1624, and this tip of Manhattan has breathtaking views towards the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the surrounding boroughs.

Some of the federal and financial institutions are here, including the New York Stock Exchange, and the tragic events of 9/11 mean it has also become a destination for both mourners and tourists. Enjoy Battery Park and the green space along the Hudson River Park for roller-blading, cycling, jogging and more.

Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown and Little Italy have almost merged into one.

Colorful Chinatown has some of the best dim sum, as well as shops full of tat and counterfeit handbags of all sorts. The tinselled streets and espresso bars of Little Italy flow out of Chinatown, trying to keep their authenticity.

Nolita (north of Little Italy), the artsy extension of Little Italy, has Elizabeth and Mott Streets at its heart, where bars, intimate restaurants and cafés and eclectic boutiques are plentiful.

SoHo and Tribeca
Artists and bohemians once dominated the cobbled streets of SoHo and Tribeca, but now it's more likely to be movie stars, moguls and well-to-do artists you spot here.

SoHo (South of Houston, pronounced How-stun) is a strollers delight. Look up at the cast-iron buildings from the turn of the 19th century. They form a glamorous backdrop to the narrow, touristy streets, lined with art galleries and shops.

Tribeca (Triangle below Canal) lies immediately west of Broadway and is full of loft conversions, high-end galleries and chic New York restaurants.

Lower East Side and the East Village
The Lower East Side still keeps its edgy vibe, despite the former tenement days of Irish, Italian, Jewish and now Puerto Rican immigrants. The neighbourhood is now full of trendy restaurants and bars, Moby's own tea shop and plenty of boutiques.

The East Village to the north, though still home for many artists, has seen a rapid gentrification of its brownstone streets.

Greenwich Village and Chelsea
The West Village feels like going to a small town with its intimate streets and historical brownstones. Go south to the area around New York University and plenty of cafés where beatnik culture came to life still exist.

On the Village's north border is the Meatpacking District where a combination of a working meat market by day turns into trendy bars, restaurants, clubs and all-night diners.

Chelsea to the north hosts some fine brownstone houses mixed in with the largest selection of New York's art galleries far to the west.

Union Square, Flatiron District and Gramercy Park
Union Square hosts a fine farmer's market a few days a week, and enough activity around the square to entertain all types. Just north of the square, the Flatiron District is home to creative and media types and connects with plenty of shops along Fifth Avenue.

Further east sits stately Gramercy Park. Modelled after London squares, only those fortunate to have a key are permitted.

Take downtown in stride. Whether it's a day or more, there's a neighbourhood for all tastes. E-mail to a friend