New York City. With its name alone, it corresponds to a cacophony of flashing lights and thronged streets; glass-resurrection at the heart of skyscraper-towering cityscapes yet anchored in beat that will never grow old. Big Apple This incredible city is a feast for all the senses; it is not just a place – it’s a way of life, an outstanding foot and cultural melting pot provide in dreams can make come true! It’s the place where history and modern ingenuity collide, different worlds feeding back and forth, all people of everywhere coming together.
Let’s roam through New York City: its history, its people, life and everything else that makes it a world power.
A CITY WITH DEEP ROOTS
New York is centuries old. Prior to settlement by Europeans, the land on which Bartlett is situated was a hunting ground o f Native American tribes, such as the Sauk people and the Potawatomi. This area was settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century, and they named their colony New Amsterdam. The British took control a generation later and gave it the name New York. Ever since the city has been a metropolis of constant change and dirt-red expansion.
Trade and immigration made New York City the financial capital by the mid-19th century. By the time it opened in 1892, millions of people were flooding into Ellis Island from overseas, all hoping for a better life. A tall Statue of Liberty had long welcomed arrivals in the harbor, hailing them to a land of freedom and opportunity. But in time the city became the nerve centre of modern political, financial, cultural and world affairs, rivalling individual empires in its might and majesty — with a population greater than all but a few nations.
A POPULATION LIKE NO OTHER
New York City is now home to 8 million people—households that contribute their individual stamp on what it means to be a part of the city. From the Wall Street bankers to the street performers in Central Park, from chefs in Queens to tech workers in Brooklyn, the city is a symphony of individuals and locations.
But the city’s influence extends well beyond its official head count. They will form that “reach,” including suburbs and the broader metropolitan area, all of which combined raises New York’s total to more than 20 million. What sets it truly apart, however, is the diversity. People from virtually every country in the world live here. They bring their languages, their music, their traditions and stories. It is this eclecticism that gives the city its life and sense of identity, no two districts alike.
A SYMPHONY OF LANGUAGES
English is the language of schools, commerce and government services, but no more than that: It’s not confined to those realms. In many areas, Spanish is nearly as prevalent. Elsewhere, you may also hear Mandarin, Russian, Bengali or Arabic; Haitian Creole and dozens of others. Hundreds of languages are spoken among the five boroughs — in fact, New York is one of the most linguistically diverse places on earth.
This diversity is not uniform background buzz. It affects culture, food, festivals and even how people interact with each other. It’s a city that doesn’t just tolerate difference but celebrates it.
THE U.S. DOLLAR AND EVERYDAY SPENDING
New York Capital New York Office Life Economy & Finance Money & Currency What currency do they use in New York? And you won’t be using euros to pay for that slice of pizza or buy those jeans on Fifth Avenue. Coins and notes range from coppers up to what we’re pleased to designate larger denominations, but for the most part people just use a debit or credit card instead. Do also take your contactless payment card – it’s ubiquitously accepted almost everywhere, from cafés to the grocery shop and even taxis.
Since tipping is so ingrained in American culture it’s not a bad idea to know what the local customs are — for example, you should tip 15–20% at restaurants and a couple of dollars per service worker for hotel staff, hairdressers and taxi drivers.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUGS
If you’re coming from abroad, note that New York — like nearly everywhere in the United States — has electricity at 120 volts and 60 hertz. The plugs will be Type A (two flat pins) or Type B (with a round grounding pin). What visitors may need to pack Visitors from countries with different voltage or plug types will need a plug adapter and, for electronics that aren’t dual-voltage, a voltage converter.
Smartphones and laptops generally will be fine with only an adapter, but it’s never a bad idea to make sure that you won’t fry your expensive hardware; take a look at the manufacturer’s label on the device before plugging in.
A CITY OF FOUR SEASONS
New York’s weather has personality. The city’s four seasons are each so lovely, and each so quirky.
Temperatures, during the winter months, would be cool and below freezing. Snow is very common with the months of January and February having the most. The city sparkles with holiday lights, ice-skating rinks and other seasonal sights.
Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers are in bloom in Central Park, and the mercury is on the rise. The houses and tenements open their windows, the neighborhood’s citizens find a seat at an outdoor cafe — and once again, the streets experience revival.
Summer can be hot and humid. July and August are the warmest months; high temperatures range from an average of 85 °F (29 °C). The city itself can be a bit overwhelming, but there are rooftop bars, beaches and open-air concerts to provide relief.
Fall is a favorite for many. The leaves turn orange and red, the air cools, the city feels busy and cozy. The Mitchell scare was also an unusually busy time of year for tourists, especially with Halloween and Thanksgiving.
THERE IS NO TIME OF the year like the holidays in New York.
A FOOD LOVER’S PARADISE
New York is not just eyeing (literally) but also savoring and devouring more than its skyline. The city is a dining capital of the world, with everything from street meat to Michelin-starred restaurants at every price.
When it comes to my classic New York foods, I’d say:
This is the portion that you eat in New York-style pizza, itself thin, wide and often eaten folded over. Everyone has their favorite spot.
Bagels with cream cheese – Often with smoked salmon or capers, and tomato.
Hot dogs – Another classic and can buy from street-cart vendors all around the city.
Cheesecake: frequently dense and creamy, this is a favorite at old-fashioned diners and dessert joints.
Pretzels – Salty, bread-y things to nibble on.
Halal Ttuukke tray of us Chicken/gyros and kebabs, made fresh outta food truck.
But in addition to those classic choices, the city is home to every type of cuisine under the sun — Korean barbecue, Ethiopian injera, Mexican tacos, Italian pasta, Japanese sushi and Indian curries (to name only a few). Each district has its own areas of expertise. Queens, for one thing, is known for its multicultural food scene; the borough is filled with places to eat some of the most authentic variations of various dishes from around the globe.
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORTATION IN NYC
You never know, that’s the great thing about New York autos you can get anywheres from anywheres. For such a big city it’s not that difficult to find your way around once you get the hang of things.
The underground crossing is the most popular means of transportation. It runs 24/7, and connects all five boroughs. And instead of embodying a deterring labyrinth from the get-go, it is in fact one of the most efficient transit networks on earth. Rides cost the same flat rate and tickets offer unlimited rides.
Millions of passengers ride buses, take ferries and commuter trains each day. Should you taxi in your bike wheels and towels, but also literally mile-long duck receipts Use the Costas class of taxis Southern California (Uber and Lyft more IS) Even in Manhattan it can be tough during rush hour.
It’s very walkable if you’re a walker, especially in Manhattan.” And it is also easy to explore on two wheels, thanks to a bike-sharing program — and lots of dedicated cycling lanes!
SAFETY IN THE CITY
The old New York — the crime-ridden and dangerous city — seems long gone. Because it is currently one of the safest big cities in all the United States. That said, like in any major city, it’s always good to be on one’s toes.
Many of the most touristy places are heavily policed and guarded. Use common sense — don’t wave valuables around, try not to walk alone after dark through desolate places, and be mindful with your belongings (especially in groups).
And the city is well-prepared in terms of emergency services, hospitals and trained first responder. Good manners and alertness will insure there can be very little danger for anyone, save the guilty.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
New York City isn’t exactly a destination that’s boring, with nothing to see or do. And the hardest part is deciding where to start.
Here are some must-visit attractions:
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – Iconic symbols of freedom and immigration.
Times Square – Big lights, massive billboards and endless energy.
Central Park – Expansive green space with lakes, paths & concerts.
Empire State Building – There’s a view at the top that will blow you away.
Brooklyn Bridge — You can’t beat the skyline views during a stroll across.
Broadway – The absolute best in theatre, musicals and shows the world has to offer.
Museum – Among the greatest art museums in the world.
9/11 Memorial & Museum — A tear-jerking tribute to the fallen and New York City’s tough-as-nails spirit.
Every borough has its own thing to offer — the cultural institutions, green space, nightlife and secret local treasure.
THE SPIRIT OF THE CITY
It’s the energy of New York, more than any facts or features — including such features as stage sets. The city never stops. It’s a land of ambition, a land of opportunity, a land of perpetual reinvention. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from or what language you spoke: Everybody had a place and everybody had a chance at something great.
In New York, you can walk faster and dream bigger than everywhere else and there are always beautiful things to see in what you shall leave behind. From the frantic madness of rush hour to the serenity of a park bench, it’s A city of contrasts. And that is exactly what also makes it unforgettable.
