(Relaxnews) - There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. Relaxnews has compiled a playlist of music that is
quintessential to each of these iconic destinations.

The first thing you see if you're in a car approaching Manhattan from the south is the financial district. Hundreds of skyscrapers form the city's landscape. Make sure you take in the New York Stock Exchange, a symbol of today's financial system.

Other must-sees are SoHo, the bohemian yet bourgeois residential and shopping district; the Flatiron building, a feature of so many movies and posters, and Chelsea and the newly transformed Highline.

Arriving on Broadway in Times Square, you'll be impressed by the neon lights. Keep an eye out for Grand Central Station, built in 1913, and the stately buildings along Fifth Avenue. Central Park's 1.3 sq miles (3.4 sq km) of greenery lie in the center of this concrete jungle and are home to the Metropolitan Museum.

The historic borough of Harlem is home to the famous Cotton Club, where Duke Ellington used to play. If you head towards Queens, make a stop at Shea Stadium. On your way to Brooklyn pass through Coney Island and have a ride on the iconic Cyclone attraction. In Brooklyn visit the hipster district of Williamsburg and industrial Dumbo. 

New York's vibrant and varied musical scene has spanned everything from rap to No Wave, while its iconic buildings and legendary neighborhoods have inspired thousands of artists around the world to create tales about success, failure, love, loss, highs and lows in the city that never sleeps.

01.   Jay-Z, Alicia Keys - "Empire State Of Mind"  (2009)
This classic love song to New York praises the American dream, its failures, and the vibrant NYC.

02.   Ramones - "(Yeah Yeah) She's The One" (1978)
New York rockers the Ramones bring a classic NYC sound to this punk love letter.

03.   The Notorious B.I.G - "Juicy"  (1994)
Legendary rapper the Notorious B.I.G. proves that anyone can make it in this tale of success against all odds.

04.   PJ Harvey - "You Said Something"  (2000)
English songstress PJ Harvey waxes lyrical about romance, friendship and memorable moments in Brooklyn.

05.   Pixies - "Where Is My Mind"  (1988)
The classic indie disco track from Boston's Pixies captures the hectic, crazy and often detached feel of NYC.

06.   Sonic Youth - "100 Percent"  (1992)
New York's Sonic Youth turned out "100 Percent" in 1992, its pioneering noise rock/no wave sound perfectly capturing the lo-fi, DIY feel that took underground American music by storm.

07.   Interpol - "Slow Hands"  (2004)
Wrapped up in the post punk revival movement, New York's Interpol take on unrequited love in this 2004 track off their sophomore album - Antics.

08.   Simon and Garfunkel - "Only Living Boy In New York"  (1970)
"I've got nothing to do today but smile" sing Simon and Garfunkel in this perfectly crafted tale of solitary contemplation in the big city.    

09.   Lou Reed - "Romeo Had Juliette"  (1989)
Legendary Velvet Underground frontman and solo artist Lou Reed updates the Romeo and Juliet romance in this tale of New York's sordid, sexy, and downright dirty side.

10.   LCD Soundsystem - "New York I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down"  (2007)
LCD Soundsystem captures the love between a struggling New York citizen and the indifferent brick, stone and glass that surround him in this tribute to the city.

Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/hPyJZ
(no sign in required).