New York City can boast an artistic representation second to no other city on earth and its renowned centers for the arts have become tourist attractions in their own right. Along with London's West End, Broadway is a prime district for theatre. There are around 250 legitimate theaters in New York, not to mention the countless ad hoc venues.
Music lovers are also catered for with immense diversity and choice. Not only does the city poses the world's oldest symphony orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, but it is a principal stopping point for the world's greatest ensembles and soloists. In addition, New York City is a mecca for the opera with, among others, the magnetic Metropolitan Opera (at the Lincoln Center). Visiting balletomanes will find their passion indulged by two influential powerhouse companies, the New York City ballet and the American Ballet Theater. It is also incredibly unlikely that any touring pop or rock act will not stop at one of New York's many concert venues. Several hundred celebrations and festivals are held annually in New York.
Barely a day goes past without a special-event taking place somewhere in the city. Events are as diverse as the rest of New York and range from a marathon reading of Moby Dick to race days at Saratoga Springs. There are over 6000 places of worship here with Catholicism the most widely practised religion. Buddhist temples, mosques and kingdom halls form a large part of the city landscape.
 Eclectic mixes of peoples bring an exciting fusion of culture that extends into every aspect of society. New York is a multi-cultural city embracing international flavors both metaphorically and literally. The cuisine available here is second to none. No other city offers such diversity and it's possible to find any dish from any corner of the globe. The choice is tremendous, the service the friendliest on the planet and the standard of cooking superb. The only complaint from diners might be that there is just far too much choice and far too much food on the plates for one sitting. Eating out is inexpensive, wonderfully social and highly recommended in all its varying New York forms.
 Service charges are not included on restaurant bills throughout New York. A standard gratuity of between 10 and 20 percent tends to be the norm. For other service personnel such as doormen, valets and baggage handlers, a tip of one US dollar per service is recommended. Taxi drivers are a legendary part of New York and should be tipped according to the service received. As a guide, adding 10 percent onto the fare is acceptable.