New York City is one of the most famous cities in the USA, and worldwide. The city, founded by the Dutch in 1615 as New Amsterdam, changed its name to New York in 1664 when it passed to the United Kingdom. New York is a global hub in various fields such as trade, fashion, music, entertainment, and art, with the famous Times Square among its landmarks. The Statue of Liberty, one of the world's most important iconic sculptures, is also located here. The city has neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy showcase the multicultural environment of New York. Additionally, the headquarters of the United Nations is in New York. The city is composed of 5 main boroughs: Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. At night, the city lights up, creating a captivating spectacle.
New York City has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers (29-32 degrees Celsius) and occasional heat waves (32-38 degrees Celsius). Autumn transitions with temperatures cooling from an average of 21 degrees Celsius in September to 7 degrees Celsius in November, showcasing vibrant fall foliage. Winters are cold and snowy, averaging 1-3 degrees Celsius with heavy snowfalls. Spring gradually warms from 4 degrees Celsius in March to 21 degrees Celsius in May, bringing blooming flowers and trees. The best time to visit depends on preferences: spring and autumn for warm weather, winter for the holiday spirit, and summer for budget travelers.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) stands as the largest among them, nestled in Queens, New York. A pivotal hub for international travel, JFK serves as a primary entry point to the United States for numerous foreign visitors. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), the second largest in the city, also resides in Queens. While primarily a domestic airport, LaGuardia connects to select international destinations. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), situated in Newark, New Jersey, just across the state line, is a significant hub for both domestic and international flights.
From JFK, the AirTrain JFK links to Jamaica Station, offering transfers to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the subway, with travel times of approximately 30-45 minutes. LaGuardia offers the AirTrain LGA, connecting to the 74th Street-Jackson Heights subway station, providing access to the E, M, or 7 subway lines for a 30-45 minute journey to Midtown Manhattan. Travelers from Newark can utilize the AirTrain Newark, connecting to Newark Airport Station, and facilitating transfers to the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Northeast Corridor Line or the PATH train, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, taxis or rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available from each airport to Midtown Manhattan, offering flexibility in travel time and cost.
Contrary to popular belief that New York is the homeland of fast food, the city boasts a rich culinary culture. In places like Royal Seafood, Lotus Blue, and Yi Lan Halal in Chinatown, you can find a variety of flavors ranging from Chinese pastries to sushi. Explore the taste of biryani rice and spicy dishes at Indian restaurants like Darbar, Panna 2, and Vatan. Indulge in selections from Mediterranean cuisine at Italian restaurants like Pepolino and Mailano. To experience the influence of the British, visit the Shakespeare restaurant, famous for beer and pub-style dishes.
Before venturing into the bustling streets of New York, take a nature walk in Central Park, explore the zoo, ride a bike, and relax on the grass. Don't leave without seeing the Statue of Liberty; you can find ferries to Liberty Island from 09.30 to 18.00. In Times Square, the world's most famous street, you can witness numerous colorful activities every day. However, if you have the opportunity, try to secure a spot in the square on the first day of the year to see the New Year's Eve ball drop from 100 meters.
Discover a range of vibrant venues in New York City that promise unique experiences. House of Yes, a multi-room space, offers live music, DJ sets, and theatrical performances for those seeking something fresh and unexpected. Le Bain, a rooftop bar and lounge, provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Good Room, renowned for its diverse music selection spanning hip-hop, electronic, and Latin, invites enthusiasts to dance the night away. Lavo NYC, an upscale club, caters to celebrities and VIPs, boasting a glamorous atmosphere and renowned bottle service. Meanwhile, Avant Gardner, an outdoor venue in Brooklyn, hosts electronic music events, making it an ideal spot to catch a headlining DJ or discover emerging artists. Explore these hotspots to immerse yourself in the dynamic nightlife of the city that never sleeps.
Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue are renowned for designer fashion, while SoHo and the East Village offer chic boutiques and vintage stores. In electronics, the Apple Store, Microsoft Store, and Best Buy provide official havens for tech products. B&H Photo specializes in discounted cameras, J&R Music World caters to music enthusiasts, and for books, The Strand Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, and the New York Public Library are notable. Souvenirs can be found at CityStore, Big Apple Souvenirs & Gifts, and Memories of New York, each offering a unique selection.
January: Three Kings Day Parade
January: Winter Jazzfest
February: NYC Broadway Week
February: New York City Ballet Winter Repertory Season
February: NYC Restaurant Week
March: New York Fashion Week (Fall/Winter)
March: Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
March: NYC Off-Broadway Week
June: New York International Auto Show
June: Bronx Week
July: Summer for the City
July: NYCxDESIGN
July: SummerStage
July: Shakespeare in the Park
July: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
July: Tribeca Film Festival
August: The Whitney Biennial
August: Harlem Week
August: Mostly Mozart Festival
August: New York Philharmonic's Summer Concerts
September: New York Film Festival
September: US Open Tennis Championships
September: TASTE Talks
September: NYC Un-Gala
September: Fashion Week (Spring/Summer)
September: The Great New York Beer Festival
September: Central Park Conservancy's Apple Festival
October: New York City Marathon
October: The New Yorker Festival
October: New York Comedy Festival
October: Halloween Parade
October: The New York Times Book Festival
November: New York City Wine & Food Festival
November: Thanksgiving Day Parade
December: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
December: New Year's Eve Ball Drop
1 January: New Year's Day
24 January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
17 February: Presidents' Day
26 May: Memorial Day
4 July: Independence Day
27 November: Thanksgiving Day
25 December: Christmas Day
31 December: New Year's Eve
New York is one of the most populous cities, so there is usually traffic on the main roads; using the subway will save you time. While security measures are highly enforced, consider opting for non-subway routes after 22.00. It's a great city for walking, and with numerous places to explore, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes.
Renowned for its extensive public transportation system, New York City is a hub for diverse commuting options. The iconic 24/7 subway, complemented by over 350 bus routes, serves as the primary mode of transport. Commuter rail lines connect the city to suburbs with express trains. The NYC Ferry system provides a scenic water route, while yellow cabs and ridesharing services offer quick alternatives. A growing network of bike lanes and Citi Bike's sharing program make cycling accessible, and the city's walkable neighborhoods encourage exploration on foot, allowing residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and appreciate architectural details.