New York —

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Gritty, glamorous, multi-ethnic, extravagant and totally unique, New York City, or the Big
Apple, is a one-of-a-kind destination. It’s a city of contrasts, with its breathtaking skyline
and canyon-like streets, Central Park, ethnic enclaves and arty districts. The palpable
sense of energy and urgency in the air reminds visitors of the meteoric rise of the USA
from its humble beginnings just a few centuries ago.

Exploring New York and its myriad of attractions, museums, landmarks, districts, cultural
sights and entertainment is an exciting and overwhelming prospect. Manhattan Island is
the happening place for everything from iconic sightseeing stops to nightlife, with the
Empire State Building, Times Square, Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, Greenwich
Village, Staten and Ellis islands, the Statue of Liberty and the fabulous Metropolitan
Museum all on the list of must-sees.

With the exception of some of the world’s must luxurious hotels, accommodation in New
York is surprisingly affordable, and the choice is huge. Foodies will find everything from
the world’s most exclusive restaurants to endless ethnic eateries, diners, delis, street
food and fast food, and the "city that never sleeps'" bars and clubs are packed with
locals and visitors year-round. The residents are truly one of a kind with an ethnic mix
and unique New York ethos spicing up every encounter.

New York is the perfect starting point for day trips to the Long Island beaches, the
Hamptons, the wine country, and for visits to New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia and even
magnificent Niagara Falls to the north. Shopaholics on a bargain-hunting spree should
head to Orange County’s Woodbury Commons, a massive factory outlet with over 200
stores. The alternative districts like Brooklyn's hippy Williamsburg are great for a day’s
exploration. There’s so much to see and do in the Big Apple that many visitors return
year after year.

Travel in and around New York is economical and a dream, with the subway covering all
central districts and suburbs, extensive overland rail services to points of interest outside
the city, New York’s famous yellow cabs, and a comprehensive bus network. Taxis can
be hailed on the street, although you might end up in a fight to get one. Metrocards are
needed for the subway system and can be obtained from vending machines at the
station, newsstands and grocery stores, and can be used on buses, as well.

Highlights

 The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for their symbolism and history
of immigration
 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s greatest
museums
 Brooklyn Bridge for its fantastic views of the skyline
 The World Trade Center memorial site
  Central Park for its oasis of greenery and people-watching
 The Empire State Building for its 360-degree vistas
 Broadway Theater District and Times Square, the heart of the city
 SoHo for its street artist shows and bohemian atmosphere

With its comparatively short history, New York’s rise to the pinnacle of alpha-world cities
is almost entirely due to the energy, innovation and commitment of its people and
leaders over the last four centuries. New Yorkers are fortunate to live in one of the most
cultural cities in the world, and are immensely proud of it.

History
The first European settlers were Dutch fur merchants who established trading colonies in
the early 17th century. Their main town, New Amsterdam, was founded on the site of
present-day New York City. During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, English forces
captured the town, renaming it New York in 1664, and by the 18th century its harbor was
prominent as a major colonial trading port.

The city was an important strategic player in the Revolutionary War, with the New York
based Sons of Liberty a major influence is the drive for independence. A fleet of British
ships containing 30,000 sailors and soldiers arrived off Staten Island in 1776, but were
finally repelled at the crucial Battle of Saratoga in 1777. In 1785, New York was declared
the new nation’s capital until 1790 when George Washington was inaugurated the first
president of the USA.

By the early 19th century, the city became a transportation hub for its new steamboat
line, and a turnpike network set up in 1810 made it the main stop for pioneer wagons
heading to Michigan and Buffalo. The opening of the great Erie Canal in 1825 linked the
Atlantic Ocean-based city with the Great Lakes, cementing its prominence and
encouraging even more settlers. In 1831, New York welcomed America’s first railroad
service.

A highly successful city by the time of the Civil War, New York saw hundreds of
thousands of its young men fighting against slavery during the conflict. In the decades
that followed, the city cemented its position in the banking and financial sectors and
industry and immigration boomed. By the Great Depression in 1929, New York was
recognized as a world leader.

WWII saw the end of the city’s last great industrial era, with the economic focus shifting
to service industries post-war. The suburbs developed fast, aided by the car culture and
affordable new housing. During the last several decades, New York has gained its place
as a world hub for cultural entertainment and popular musical styles and is one of the
greatest cities on earth.

Culture
New York’s incredibly multi-ethnic population defines the city’s culture as one of the
most ecclectic anywhere. The city’s theater, dance, literature, music, art and cuisine are
all reflections of the mix of traditions brought in by millions of immigrants. At the turn of
the last millennium, 36 percent of New York’s population was foreign born, although no
single ethnicity dominates and most are honored by official holidays denoting important
milestones in their heritage.

Indian, Russian, Irish, Italian, Asian and Latin American districts exist, and the famous
New York City parades celebrate the vast diversity. Respect that there will be lines, don't
intentionally steal someone’s cab, avoid mentioning 9/11, and respect personal space
and you'll fit right in.

Weather
The hallmarks of New York’s weather are steaming hot, humid summers and frigid,
snowy winters. Officially the climate is classified as sub-tropical with offshore winds
mitigating the Atlantic Ocean’s effect and the Appalachian Mountains partially shielding
the city, keeping it warmer than other inland cities of the same latitude.

January is the coldest month in New York, with temperatures averaging 32°F with
occasional lows of 10°F. Spring and fall are variable, usually mild with random cold or
hot spikes. Summer is an unfriendly season in the city, exacerbated by the urban heat
island phenomenon, and extremely humid.

July daytime averages sit around 78°F, with summer temperatures soaring over 100°F
an average of 17 days a year. Almost every building is air-conditioned, with the contrast
between humidity and cool causing some visitors to experience flu-like symptoms. Rain
is found evenly throughout the four seasons, with a total of 50 inches annually, with
hurricanes and tropical storms occasionally hitting the city and outer areas (Remember
Sandy?). In the last few years, snowy winters have become more common.

Best Time to Visit New York