To get an overall impression of Manhattan we took a boat cruise. Departing near mid town on the Hudson and looping around the bottom of the island, via the Statue of Liberty, up the East River as far as the United Nations - and back again.
The guide on the boat was really interesting and informative - pointing out the sights and giving us quirky facts or history tid bits.
Here are some pics from the boat:
Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn Bridge
Pepsi sign (Pepsi have left New York, but they left behind the sign. Colgate have also left New York, but they left behind the Colgate clock, which is on the New Jersey side of the Hudson. Both are hertiage listed)
The United Nations (Chrysler and Empire State buildings in the background)
Chrysler Building
Empire State Building
Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges (use BMW to remember the order of bridges at the bottom of Manhattan. 1 = Brooklyn, 2 = Manhattan, 3 = Williamsburg)
Downtown Manhattan