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Introduction to NYC

There must be a reason why Big Apple a.k.a. the City of New York is the city where the headquarters of the United States is located; why it is one of the most populated cities in the US; why over 9.7 million tourists and visitors from across the world choose to land here every year.

Located on the banks of River Hudson, the city is also home to one of the largest natural harbors of the world. The imposing Statue of Liberty, which dominates the New York skyline has come to be recognized as a symbol of the US and is a global icon of democracy. Home to the Columbia University, the Rockefeller University, and the New York University, the city attracts a large number of foreign students and immigrants. The Chinatown in Manhattan is the largest Chinese settlement in the western world. Referred to as the City That Never Sleeps, New York has come to become a significant center of art, fashion, commerce, finance, media, technology, and entertainment. In 1898, the five boroughs, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, united to make the City of New York one of the most densely populated cities of the United States. The New York Stock Exchange is the largest in the world in terms of the market capitalization.

Facts about NYC

Country	United States of America
Area	468 sq miles
Population	8,175,133
Districts	5 boroughs and 59 community districts
Average Summer Temperature	73°F
Average Winter Temperature	45°F
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Dialing Code	Country 1 City 212
Major Airports	John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK); Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Geographic Coordinates	40°71′ N, 74°00′ W
Time Zone	North American Eastern Time Zone
Official Website	www.nyc.gov

 

By the River Hudson

The City of New York traces its origins to the colonization of the Dutch Republic in about 1624. They set up a trading outpost in the region. By 1626 the Dutch named the region New Amsterdam. The British took control of the region in about 1664. The Duke of York received a grant of the region from King Charles II in 1676. The city and surrounding region was then renamed New York. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies to declare freedom from colonial rule and form the US. New York remained the capital of the United States between 1785 and 1790 and since has remained one of the largest and most influential cities of the country.  

When to visit New York City vacation

Anytime of the Year. The flow of tourists is steady round the year. What you may need to decide, though, is which facet of this city’s many splendors you wish to see. If Broadway hits are what you think you may enjoy most January-February is the best time to be in New York. Summer is the time when the city hosts many food and cultural festivals and opens up to a number of performing arts and shows. Early winter is best for budget travelers but over Christmas the city is at its best and perhaps the most expensive too. New Year’s Eve at Times Square is an experience one should not miss.  

Getting to NYC & Getting Around

The JFK International Airport in Queens ferries over 43 million international passengers – the largest in New York. Newark Liberty International Airport, about 16 miles from Midtown serves about 36 million passengers, both international and domestic. The LaGuardia flies 26 million passengers, mostly domestic. Apart from flying in, train services and boats are the best way to reach New York City. Amtrak and Metroliner Express services connect Pennsylvania Station with Washington DC. The New York City Subway, flagged off in 1904, is now the largest and busiest rapid transit network of the world. Indeed to bind together a city as large as New York and to facilitate commutation is no mean feat. The bus fleet is also one of the largest in the country. Before you worry too much, New York taxis have a reputation to live up to – speed and safety combined. What is bound to surprise you is the number of people who either cycle or walk to work.  

What’s in NYC?

For someone new drawing up an itinerary to the attraction of the City of New York can be quite intimidating. When in New York go ahead and be random. Follow your heart and you are likely to find yourself enjoying the charm of the city. The Statue of Liberty needs no introduction. France’s gift to the US for the independence centennial celebrations is only a short boat ride from Manhattan. With the pedestal, the statue reaches up about 305 feet. Make sure you climb all 354 steps and get to the top for a spectacular view. Next, head to the ‘Crossroads of the World’ – indeed, we are referring to Times Square. The Travel & Leisure Magazine thinks that the Times Square is the most-visited tourist attraction of the world. Named after Times Building, headquarters of The New York Times, this intersection in Midtown Manhattan draws about 36 million visitors annually. Currently the 15^th tallest building of the world, but perhaps the most famous commercial tower is the Empire State Building, at 350 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. Named among the Seven Wonders of The Modern World, the building stands about 1,454 feet tall.  Central Park, at the heart of Manhattan, a National Historic Landmark, is next. This 843 acre park has some great boating, rock-climbing and entertainment options. Be warned, though, you may not want to leave and spend all day here. Click some pictures of The Dakota, not far from here. Another National Historic Center in Midtown, Manhattan is the, Rockefeller Center. ‘A City in the City’, the center is now a complex of 19 buildings. Do get atop the GE building to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. Right across is the Cathedral of St Patrick, a beautiful Neo-Gothic structure which is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. A massive renovation drive to support this 35 year old church has been announced this year. Do not miss the main financial district in Lower Manhattan, the Wall Street. The New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest is located on Wall Street. Feel the pulsating excitement of being in the world’s financial hub. Where does the average Manhattan art-lover go to study over 2 million artifacts from different historic eras? The Met or the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-visit. Also in Turtle Bay, Manhattan is the United Nations Headquarters, the center of international politics and eco-social development. Do visit the 16.3 acre Lincoln Center for Performing Arts at the Lincoln Square in Manhattan. In 1962, the Philharmonic Hall, the center’s first venue opened in September. The Metropolitan Opera House and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts are part of the center which has hosted many historic performances. Art lovers never feel out of place at the MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, Midtown Manhattan. Apart from housing one of the most astounding collection of modern art, the modern art library here is one of the most exhaustive, the world over. The American Museum of Natural History has a collection of over 32 million display pieces – all about the natural history of the earth. With over 46 exhibition halls, the museum has its own research facility and a library. Another museum sure to delight you is the Museum of the City of New York, facing Central Park. This is where you head when you want to know all about the history, the growth, and evolution of the state and about its cultural legacy. The New York City Hall in Lower Manhattan is also one on the National Register of Historic Places. This is still the office of the Mayor of New York, though most other agencies of the office are now in the nearby Manhattan Municipal Building. The Washington Square Park is another park in the city which is well worth a visit. At 9.75 acres of lush greenery, a cultural activity and entertainment center it is little wonder that the part is the favorite hangout for the city’s artists some of whom also work from here. Bryant Park is a beautiful 9.6 acre park managed by the non-profit organization, Bryant Park Corporation. The New York Public Library forms the eastern boundary of the park which has its main entrance on the Sixth Avenue. A great place to spend time with kids and for walks. The world’s sixth most visited tourist attraction is a train station. The Grand Central Terminal attracts about 21 million visitors annually says the Travel and Leisure Magazine. Do shop at the market here, and remember to click pictures of the Greek sculptures by the clock outside. In Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the biggest attractions. The oldest suspension bridge in the country, the bridge spans over 1,595 feet to connect Brooklyn and Manhattan across the East River. The bridge was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972, besides being designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Brooklyn’s second largest attraction is the one right next to the Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Museum. This museum is New York City’s second largest museum and is outdone only by the MET. It is now home to over 1.5 million art pieces and paintings. Do not miss the roller coaster rides of Coney Island and the regular shows hosted here. Enjoy the beach, the Aquarium and if possible catch the Cyclones playing. Children and young adults in particular are certain to enjoy a trip to McCarren Park in Greenpoint. Good for strolls and has a renovated pool. Do visit the Prospect Park Zoo in Prospect Park. The park has a number of sports and entertainment options.  

Activities to do in NYC

New York City is a heady place of exciting activities. Central Park itself could bewilder you with its sports and entertainment. We suggest you take a picnic and decide to join in impromptu. Ice skating, rock climbing, watching jugglers and entertainers, or hiring a bike – sky’s the limit. Young children are sure to have a fun time at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center. The Virtual World Tour offered by the center is well-loved. Do not miss shopping at Fifth Avenue. It is an experience you are unlikely to forget. With the brands, the glitz and the colors, Fifth Avenue may well be the Champs Elysées of the US. And Broadway musicals are forever favorites. Catch the West Side Story or Les Miserables or A Chorus Line if it is playing. It would be wise, though, to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Visit Ground Zero and light a candle at the WTC Memorial. And if you are visiting after September 11 this year it is likely you shall find the museum open too. Shopping at Macy’s – yes, we had to mention this. It is not everyday that you visit the world’s largest departmental store. The impressive 10 level building makes shopping almost a sacred rite. Expect to spend all day especially if you are shopping around Christmas time. If you love international food and like trying different cuisines, New York City is your Mecca. Also do make your way through the South Street Seaport area and hit some of the best restaurants and nightclubs around this region. And while you’re there explore SoHo and discover a hidden world. Do schedule in a visit to the Bronx Zoo and spend a great day in the company of some wild animals from all parts of the planet. Do ensure you don’t set free another talking cobra, though  

Wine and Dine in New York City

Pubs

Place	Address	Contact
Brooklyn Ice House	318 Van Brunt St (between Pioneer St & King St) Brooklyn, NY 11231	718-222-1865
St. Nick’s Pub	773 St Nicholas Ave (between 148th St & 149th St) New York, NY 10031	(212) 283-9728
The Quays Pub	45-02 30th Ave Astoria, NY 11103	(718) 204-8435
4th Avenue Pub	76 4th Ave (between Bergen St & St Marks Pl) Brooklyn, NY 11217	(718) 643-2273
Irish Rover	3718 28th Ave Astoria, NY 11103	(718) 278-9372

  Restaurants

Cuisine	Place	Address	Contact
American	21 Club	21 West 52nd Street (52 St/5 Av) New York, NY 10019	212-582-7200
American	200 Fifth	200 Fifth Ave between Sackett and Union Sts Brooklyn, NY 11217	718-638-2925
American	A Voce – Columbus	Time Warner Center New York, NY 10019	212-823-9770
American	Adour Alain Ducasse at the St. Regis, New York	2 East 55th Street (5th Ave/Madison) New York, NY 10022	212-753-4500
American	540 Park Restaurant	Loews Regency Hotel (61/Park) New York, NY 10065	212-339-4050
Japanese	Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar	8814 Fourth Avenue (Bay Ridge–88 St/4 Av) Brooklyn, NY 11209	718-238-9880
Italian	44 SW Ristorante & Bar	621 Ninth Avenue (44 St/9 Av) New York, NY 10036	212-315-4582
French and Italian	August	359 Bleecker St (betw. Charles & W. 10th Sts.) New York, NY 10017	212-929-8727

 

Accommodation options in NYC

Luxury Hotels Hotel Plaza Athenee New York, 37 E 64^th St New York, NY plaza-athenee.com 212-734-9100; 800-447-8800   Jumeirah Essex House, 160 Central Park South New York, NY jumeirahessexhouse.com (+)971 4 364 7555; 1 877 854 8051   Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Ave New York, NY loewshotels.com/regency 212-759-4100   Economy Hotels Adria Hotel & Conference Center, 221-17 Northern Boulevard Bayside, NY 11361 adriahotelny.com 718-631-5900   Chelsea Savoy Hotel, 204 W 23^rd  St (23 St/7 Av) Manhattan, NY 10011 chelseasavoy.com 212-929-9353   B & B The Harlem Flophouse, 242 W 123^rd StManhattan, NY 10027 harlemflophouse.com 347-632-1960   Franklin Hotel, 164 East 87^th Street (87 St/3 Av) New York, NY 10128 franklinhotel.com 212-369-1000 Last Updated on: November 25, 2013