Here comes the glitz: Cartier, Gucci and Tiffany and Co . are among many gilt-edged storefronts that will jump out at you between 53th and 59th streets. If you're keen to do more than merely window-shop, Tiffany's, at no. 727, is worth a perusal, its soothing green marble and weathered wood interior best described by Truman Capote's fictional Holly Golightly: "It calms me down right away … nothing very bad could happen to you there."

Topping all of this off is F.A.O. Schwarz , a block north at no. 767, a colossal emporium of children's toys. Fight the kids off and there's some great stuff to play with - once again, the best (and biggest, including gas-powered cars, life-sized stuffed animals and Lego creations) that money can buy. Across 58th Street, Fifth Avenue broadens into Grand Army Plaza and the fringes of Central Park. Looming impressively on the plaza is, aptly enough, the copper-edged Plaza Hotel , recognizable from its many film appearances. Wander around to soak in the (slightly faded) gilt-and-brocade grandeur; the snazzy Oak Room bar, is worth a snoop too.

North on Fifth toward Central Park

• North on Fifth toward Central Park

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