Without a doubt, the most exciting city in America. I seriously don't know why NYC is compared to Los Angeles. There's a huge difference and LA isn't half the city NYC is.
Best, most exciting city in the whole wide world (I'm not american by the way) with some of the friendliest (really) people and the best food. Where else can you buy a giant pretzel? or nuts? or a huge pizza on the street? It's one of those places everyone should go to, at least once.