New York - Fifth Avenue

The Plaza Hotel was designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, known for the Dakota (Upper West Side) and the original Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Opened in 1907 at $12.5 million, it was called the world's best hotel, with 800 rooms, 500 baths and a two-storey ballroom. There were also 14-17 room apartments for rich families including the Vanderbilts. The interior is lush and extravagant, including 1,650 crystal chandeliers, Swiss organdy curtains, privately manufactured Irish linens, gold leaf Italian carvings and mirrored walls. Royalty and celebrities have stayed here, including the Beatles in 1964 who attracted hysterical crowds to the normally sedate hotel.

Tiffany's is the prestigious jeweler founded in 1837 and immortalized in Truman Capote's novella (and the subsequent film), Breakfast at Tiffany's. The company's flagship store is located on Fifth Avenue and is famous for its window displays.