| |
Guide to New York, USA (New York)
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for New York
|
New York
There is a certain magic about New York City. The subject of countless songs, films and musicals, the Big Apple has become a legend in its own right. Its of the most appealing, captivating, and alluring cities in the world - the iconic Statue of Liberty, the verdant expanse of Central Park, the bustling multi-cultural atmosphere. Just to be a part of it is an experience in itself.
How To Get There
There are three main airports serving New York City: Newark, La Guardia and JFK. Newark and La Guardia are domestic airports while JFK serves the majority of international flights. JFK was voted one of the worst airports in the country for the numerous glitches and delays it suffers. Nevertheless, it serves its purpose, and once you get out of the door youll be in a bus or taxi on your way to the Big Apple.
Travelling Around
Travel through the city is done two ways: walking, or riding the subways. Taxis are great for night travel but fares are steep, and tips are expected. The subway system is an efficient mode of transport, and fares are cheap if you get a weekly or monthly unlimited pass.
When To Go
New Yorks weather is a mixed bag. Its normal to get rain, snow and sun all in one day. Visit during summer and the pavement will be scorching, with gusts of air running through the canyons between buildings. At the opposite end of the year, winter days can be snowy and slushy. Book your flight for spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant. New York is always busy, but experiences an extra bump in commerce during spring.
What To See
We could talk for days about the attractions of New York still not cover them all, so heres our pick of the best.
New York is big on cultural venues, especially museums, and one of its most famous is the American Museum of Natural History. This megalith of a building is home to over 30 million artefacts, ranging from teeth and ancient pottery to enormous displays of dinosaur bones. Some of the exhibits are hands-on, encouraging youngsters to explore their surroundings and get a feel for history. The Hall of Ocean Life is one of the museums biggest draws with its blue whale centrepiece. Check out the Star of India sapphire in the Hall of Minerals and Gems.
One of New York Citys most recognisable buildings is the the Empire State Building. A hundred stories and 1472 feet up is an observation deck with fantastic views of Manhattan spreading below. Dont be scared if you feel the building sway when its windy - the construction method allows for this movement!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located on Museum Mile along with many other cultural venues. It is said to be New Yorks most popular tourist site, and the entrance fee is a bargain for the amount you can see.
The Museum of Modern Art is home to priceless pieces like Van Goghs Starry Night which is displayed in isolation. The entrance fee here is also quite reasonable.
Take the ferry over to Ellis Island for a taste of New York Citys past. See where the immigrants landed, then hop over to Liberty Island where the iconic Statue of Liberty watches over the bay.
Despite New Yorks rapid recovery from the World Trade Centre attacks on September 11th, the city has seen quite a bit of change especially where security is concerned. Dont be surprised if there are extensive checks at the main attractions.
Hotspot
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, take some time out in Central Park. This huge rectangle of green in the middle of Manhattan covers a larger area than Monaco. Its the most visited city park in the USA with around twenty-five million visitors per year, and is definitely one of the most famous in the world.
It might look like a natural slice of rural wilderness, but the parl is actually completely landscaped. It was designed by architects Frederick Law Olmsted Calvert Vaux, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963.
Its not just a regular park either. Within its 843 acres are several lakes and ponds, walking tracks, skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary, an amphiteahtre, sports area, playgrounds, bird watching hotspots And not forgetting the Central Park Zoo, natural woodlands and Central Park Conservatory Garden.
Not so much a park as a city all of its own! Night Life
Like all big cities, New York has a huge range of nightlife possibilities. Whether you want a quiet drink in a quirky East Village bar, a piece of Rat Pack-style atmosphere at a jazz bar, Carrie Bradshaw-style Cosmo in the trendy Meatpacking District theres all of this and more.
New York City is the hub of the jazz world so fans will be spoilt for choice. Likewise lovers of rock music New York rock clubs are well-known for showcasing new acts, as well as giving stage space to established groups.
New York is known as the city that never sleeps, so you wont be far from a buzzing bar or restaurant, whatever time you go out.
fast facts
New York City has 722 miles of subway track The first daily Yiddish newspaper appeared in New York City in 1885 New York City was the capital of the USA from 1789 to 1790 Longstanding (but now disproved) legend has it that the Dutch bought Manhattan from the Native Americans for $24 worth of beads Broadway is one of the longest streets in the world at 150 miles (241 km). Its official name is Highway 9
Quick History
When explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered the region in 1524, it was inhabited by about 5,000 Lenape Native Americans Verrazzano named the area New Angoulme. Later settlement of southern Manhattan by Dutch fur traders saw the name changed to New Amsterdam in 1614. Dutch colonial Director-General Peter Minuit bought Manhattan from the Lenape in 1626. It was in 1664 that the city got its modern name. The English called it New York after the Duke of York when they conquered it. Under British rule, the city grew as a trading poet. Columbia University was founded in 1754 under charter by King George II, and New York was the site of several important battles in the Revolutionary War. It was the capital of the USA until 1790, and a seat of government for many years. George Washington was inaugurated first President of the United States at Federal Hall on Wall Street. During the 19th century, immigration and development caused the city to boom. The modern New York was formed in 1898 when the city of Brooklyn was amalgamated along with other boroughs. The subway opened in 1904 to connect all parts of the city. Through the first half of the 20th century, New York City became a world center for industry, commerce, and communication, and is now a major world metropolis. The World Trade Centre attacks of 2001 had a resounding impact, but the city bounced back with true Big Apple spirit.
Money
There are around two US dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found here.
|
|
|
