New York City Culture & Customs

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. So it should come as no surprise that it's also one of the most diverse. The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, as well as its status as the country's trendsetter, making it difficult to define one specific "culture" of the Big Apple. As home to the most vibrant theater and fashions scenes in the country and a large contingent of schools and Wall Street on top of that, NYC also shelters a large gay community as well as many students, artists, fashionistas, writers, businessmen and so on. Stereotypically, this melting pot of New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.

New York City Travel Tips

The buzzing Big Apple allures people today just as it always has. See, not only is NYC the most populous city in the U.S. -- filled with everyone from bohemian artists to investment bankers -- it's also at the forefront of food, fashion, the arts and nightlife (it is, after all, the city that never sleeps). But perhaps you're turned off by images of clogged streets and cacophonous cabs, the chaotic (at best) Times Square and the claustrophobic feeling of walking amongst soaring skyscrapers. You might also object to the many "must-see" attractions -- the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and more.

Michigan Avenue Chicago Ill

Michigan Avenue hosts some of Chicago's most beloved monuments, the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and, of course, the "Magnificent Mile" -- a collection of hundreds of stores and restaurants. The city decorates this wonderful commercial stretch with twinkling lights, while the shops do their part to engineer creative holiday displays in their windows. We admit that strolling Michigan Avenue in Chi-Town's bitter cold conditions can be a challenge, but most shoppers don't mind retreating into department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to warm up.

America's Best Shopping Streets

Holiday shopping can be stressful, cutthroat and, at its worst, fruitless. Sometimes the journey to the perfect present starts with an hour-long line at the mall parking garage. Talk about frustrating: You can't take your foot off the brake, let alone step into a store. So, we decided to ditch our wheels and take to the streets on foot.

Spotting glamorous couture on waifish mannequins and gawking at this year's holiday window displays are just two of the allures to "on-the-ground" shopping. And these come free of charge. We think picking presents should be fun, so we've searched far and wide for America's best commercial boulevards. Here is what we've found. On these select avenues, stores are deemed historic sites, sidewalks become catwalks and shopping bags equal merit badges.

Rodeo Drive Los Angeles Calif

Southern California winters are nothing short of nirvana. Once you get past the fact that Christmas lights hang atop palm trees instead of pine ones, the snow-less holidays can be quite enjoyable. There's no better way in L.A. to prep for the gift-giving season then to motor your convertible down to Rodeo Drive for some designer duds. This strip of luxury stores is iconic, gorgeous and as pricey as ever. Nearly every big-name designer has an outpost: Chanel, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Prada, YSL … the list goes on. But can you put a price on living out your "Pretty Woman" fantasy? Yes you can, and the total comes to: astronomical credit card debt.