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For most of us, the word vacation conjures up images of lounging on a Caribbean beach or touring the picturesque terrain of some European country. An urban center (like New York City) bustling with people, traffic and skyscrapers might not immediately come to mind. However, large cities often offer tourists an incredible variety of sites and activities. The City, as New York City is often referred to, is home to world-renowned museums and restaurants, exciting attractions, an array of entertainment and unbeatable shopping. If you are anything like the 29 million American travelers that visit "the Big Apple" annually, your next vacation spot just may be New York City.
As a travel destination, New York has something to offer almost every visitor. Though tourism has dropped since September 11, 2001, there are still lots of reasons to visit what many consider the greatest city in the world.
In this article, we will explore the basics of what every visitor needs to know before planning a trip to New York City. You will learn about getting to and around the city, the neighborhoods, some main (and lesser known) attractions and some pretty useful secrets.
City Overview
New York City (NYC) is located on the Eastern Atlantic coast of the United States. It rests at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city is often referred to as a "city of islands." Greater NYC is made up of five distinct areas called boroughs. These boroughs include Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. The boroughs are separated from each other by various bodies of water and are connected by subways, bridges and tunnels.
In terms of the geography of NYC, it is best to imagine the Greater New York area as a main center island (Manhattan) surrounded by outer islands (the other boroughs):
* Queens is located just east of Manhattan. * Brooklyn is situated to the southeast of Manhattan. * Staten Island is located southwest of Manhattan. * The Bronx is located north of Manhattan.
Only Manhattan and Staten Island are on their own land masses. The Bronx is the only borough that is attached to the New York State mainland.
When people refer to New York City, they are usually talking about Manhattan. Most of NYC's main attractions are located in this borough and the majority of visitors spend most of their vacation here. For this reason, let's examine the organization of the island of Manhattan.
Manhattan is located between the Hudson River on the west side and the East River on the east side. The island is 22.7 square miles (58.8 square kilometers), 13.4 miles (21.6 kilometers) long and 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) wide (at its widest point). Manhattan can be roughly divided into four quadrants: the East Side, the West Side, Uptown and Downtown. The best way to understand how the geography of Manhattan is organized is in terms of the city's street layout.
Whether walking or using public transportation, New York is a pretty simple city to navigate. This is because the city, for the most part, is a grid of intersecting avenues and streets. A street map of Manhattan looks very much like a sheet of graph paper.
The avenues run North and South, beginning with 1st Avenue on the East Side and spanning westward all the way to 12th Avenue. Streets run East and West, beginning with 1st street downtown and going as far as 220th Street at the northern tip of uptown Manhattan. Locations north of 14th Street are generally considered Uptown and anything lying below 14th Street is considered Downtown. The East Side is separated from the West Side by Central Park (from 59th Street to 110th Street) and by Broadway, the street below 59th Street. We'll examine these areas in more detail in the Neighborhoods section.
It's important to remember that the distance between avenues is generally much larger than the distance between streets (roughly 3 times as long). So, walking east to west from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue, for example, will be roughly 3 times farther than walking south to north from 1st Street to 3rd Street.
When in New York, it is common to hear people shout out addresses that sound like a list of numbers. For example, let's say you want to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's located at 82nd Street and 5th Avenue. If you were to hop in a taxi, you could simply say, "82nd and 5th" and the driver would know exactly where to go. That's because when New Yorkers give addresses, they most often just say the street number and then the avenue number. Do not reverse the order of the numbers, though. The first number is where your destination is located and the second number is the nearest cross-street. When getting addresses in New York, it is always helpful to ask for the nearest cross-street.
A Short History of the Big Apple
No discussion about New York would be complete without asking why New York is referred to as "the Big Apple." Like many things about New York, you'll probably get a different answer depending on who you ask. According to the Museum of the City of New York, it is believed that in the 1920s, a sportswriter overheard stable hands in New Orleans refer to New York City's racetracks as "the Big Apple." The phrase was most widely used by jazz musicians during the 1930's and 40's. They adopted the term to refer to New York City, and especially Harlem, as the jazz capital of the world.
The Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazano may have been the first European to explore the New York region in 1524. More than 80 years later, Englishman Henry Hudson sailed up the river that now bears his name. But it was Dutch settlements that truly started the city. In 1624, the town of New Amsterdam was established on lower Manhattan. Two years later, according to local legend, Dutchman Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from the local Native Americans for 60 guilders (about $24) worth of goods.
Few people realize that New York was briefly the U.S. capital from 1789 to 1790 and was the capital of New York State until 1797. By 1790, it was the largest U.S. city. In 1825, the opening of the Erie Canal, which linked New York with the Great Lakes, led to continued expansion.
A charter was adopted in 1898 incorporating all five boroughs into Greater New York. New York has always been and remains a city of immigrants. Patterns of immigration are integral to the city's history and landscape. Immigration, mainly from Europe, swelled the city's population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After World War II, many African-Americans from the South, Puerto Ricans, and Latin Americans migrated to the city as well. Because of the variety of immigrant groups, both historically and currently, New York is often referred to as a true "melting pot."
Fun Facts # Why are taxicabs yellow? John Hertz, who founded the Yellow Cab Company in 1907, chose yellow because he had read a study conducted by the University of Chicago that indicated it was the easiest color to spot. # The Statue of Liberty is 101 feet tall from base to torch, 305 feet tall from pedestal foundation to torch. She has a 35-foot waist and an 8-foot index finger. She weighs 450,000 pounds. # Macy's, the world's largest store, covers 2.1 million square feet of space and stocks over 500,000 different items. # The nation's largest public Halloween parade is the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. It is also New York's only nighttime parade. # New York City has 578 miles of waterfront. # The Bronx is the only New York borough connected to the mainland. # There are more than 66,000 hotel rooms in New York City. # More than 280,000 NYC jobs are supported by visitor spending.
Getting to New York City
There are several important things to think about when traveling to New York. If you're thinking about driving into the city, consider this:
* Tolls for turnpikes, bridges and tunnels are the highest in the nation. * Traffic, especially on weekdays, can be extremely heavy. * Finding a parking space is a rarity and parking can cost five times what it costs anywhere else.
Trains and buses can be good alternatives to driving into New York. Amtrak trains arrive in New York's Penn Station (32nd Street and 7th Avenue) from all over the country. All major bus lines, including Greyhound , also serve the New York area. Buses usually arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street and 8th Avenue).
If you are like most travelers to New York, you will probably make your way through one of the area's three airports. La Guardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Airport all serve the area. La Guardia is the closest airport to the city -- only 8 miles east of Manhattan in Queens. Most United States domestic flights enter and exit through this airport. International flights often go through John F. Kennedy Airport (also known as JFK), which is about 15 miles east of the city. Newark Airport is located in New Jersey, but is no farther from Manhattan (about 15 miles) than JFK. Transportation into Manhattan once you arrive at any of the airports is pretty simple, but can be time consuming depending on traffic. Assume it will take from thirty minutes up to an hour and a half to get from the airport into Manhattan.
From the airports, there are several transportation options. You will find taxi stands located at all the airports. Taxis charge a flat rate to drop visitors at any destination in Manhattan, but taxes and tolls are additional. The rates usually run between $30 and $40. Expect to pay a little more from Newark. Public transportation is also available as well as many shuttle services. The best bet is to visit the Ground Transportation Desk, located in all airports, to arrange private travel into Manhattan or get directions for public transportation.
Getting Around New York
Due to the numerous logistical problems with navigating the city by car -- aggressive drivers, traffic, too few parking spaces, overpriced parking lots -- public transportation is the best way to get around the city.
The absolute best way to get around New York, and the one you will probably be using most, is walking. Remember, the city is only 13 miles long. On a day with good weather, walking is a great option. The excitement of New York on foot is that you never know what interesting things you will see as you head from one destination to another. If you're on a schedule, keep in mind that distances are not as close as they might seem and take into account the extra time it takes to stop at every street crosswalk. Getting from the easternmost side of Manhattan to the westernmost side can take quite a while.
If you're looking to save some time, this is where one of the three excellent New York public transportation systems comes in handy. They are all run by the city's Metropolitan Transportation Authority. According to NYC & Company, the city's official visitor's bureau, the 714-mile New York City subway system has 468 stations serving 24 routes - more than any other system in the world. It operates 24 hours a day, is safe, and is used daily by more than 3.5 million people. In fact, it is well-known in the city that Mayor Michael Bloomberg rides the subway every day.
There are some important things you should know about the underground subway system:
* Subways will get you just about anywhere you want to go in Manhattan or the outer boroughs. Subways are named by either letters (for example - the F, A or C train) or numbers (like the 6 train). For rider convenience, individual subway lines are each a different color.
* In March 2003, a subway fare increase from $1.50 to $2 was approved. For your $2 fare, you can travel to any subway stop, regardless of location. Just make sure that when you switch trains, you don't go back through the turnstile because you'll have to pay another fare.
* Subway entrances are most often located on street corners and are denoted by a large green ball and a descending staircase. In most stations, you will find a booth where you can get a free subway map or ask for directions. All subway stations have a large map on the wall at the bottom of the stairs. You will also find a Metrocard machine. Metrocards are like debit cards for the subway. You can use the machine to put a monetary amount on your card or purchase an unlimited ride card (offered by the week or by the month). Try not to lose your card, because if you do, there is no way to replace the money on the card. Metrocards are accepted on all subways and buses.
* The main thing to remember when using the subway system is to make sure you get on the correct train. Uptown trains head north, downtown and Brooklyn-bound trains head south. Express trains, as opposed to local trains, do not make all the normal stops on the line. Local trains make every stop. New Yorkers and tourists alike have hopped on the wrong train and ended up in an unknown area. If this happens, simply hop the next train back the way you arrived. To avoid these problems, when in doubt, always take a local train.
The final two systems of public transportation are buses and taxis. Buses tend to be very slow because of New York traffic, but they can give you great views of the city streets. Buses run north and south as well as east and west. Just like the subway, the bus system has its own map and routes. Most free subway maps also include a bus map.
Taxis are usually quicker to navigate the city streets than buses. But be prepared to pay for that convenience. Taxis are expensive. A trip from the Upper West Side, for example, to the Lower East Side can cost upwards of $12, not including the driver's tip. There is an automatic $2 charge on all cab rides and all taxi drivers expect some sort of gratuity.
Hailing a Taxi
The main mistake that NYC tourists make is attempting to hail taxis that are already taken or off-duty. If the taxi sign (numbers on top) is lighted, the taxi is available. If the taxi's light is not on, it is occupied or off-duty. To hail a taxi, simply raise and extend your arm out when you see a vacant taxi approaching. For everyone's safety, take yellow cabs since they are regulated by the city and always enter and exit taxis on the curb side of the street.
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
In addition to the general areas of Uptown, Midtown and Downtown, New York City is a city of neighborhoods. Each area has its own distinctive history, appearance and atmosphere. A certain attitude or style is sometimes ascribed to residents. For example, you may overhear someone being described as "very Wall Street" or you may hear someone refer to themselves as an "East Villager." Residents of New York neighborhoods are often proud and protective of their respective areas.
Here is a list of just some of Manhattan's diverse neighborhoods:
* Financial District/Battery Park City - This area, in lower Manhattan, is the oldest part of New York. It was home to the first Dutch settlements in the city. Visit the New York Stock Exchange and you'll see that the entrepreneurial spirit of this area is still evident. South Street Seaport is a maritime museum, shopping mall and pier on the southeast side of this area. Nearby, you'll find the Fulton Street Fish Market, where restaurants still buy their fish and produce. To the west, you can stroll around Battery Park, with its views of the Statue of Liberty. You can also visit the viewing platform at Ground Zero to witness the devastation of the World Trade Center. This area is also home to City Hall as well as many other municipal buildings that make for an impressive collection of architecture.
* Chinatown/Little Italy - New York would simply not be New York without these two ethnic areas. Located on the northern edge of the Financial District, Chinatown offers visitors an interesting collection of sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Here you can celebrate the Chinese New Year (February) or visit the Museum of the Chinese in the Americas or do what most people do, eat. Chinatown is lined with restaurants and dim sum (dumplings) houses. According to the New York Times, there are an estimated 300 restaurants here. If you are in the mood for eating, you may also want to visit Little Italy to enjoy a bowl of pasta, pizza, an espresso or homemade gelato (Italian ice cream). Located just north of Chinatown, Italians began moving into this area in the 1850s. Celebrate the feast of San Gennaro (near Labor Day) or simply take a stroll along Mulberry street.
* Soho/Tribeca - In the western portion of Manhattan heading uptown from the Financial District, lie the streets of Tribeca. Tribeca is named for its geography -- it's located in the triangle below Canal (street). Not long ago, this area was solely industrial, but now it's brimming with trendy restaurants, shops and nightclubs. East of Tribeca is Soho. This area, one of the most popular in Manhattan, is also named for its geography. Soho stands for "south of Houston (street)." According to the New York Times, art and commerce exist more fiercely here than anywhere else in Manhattan. The streets are lined with expensive shops and art galleries. This area gets very busy on weekends, especially when the weather is warm.
* Greenwich Village - Spanning from east to west between Houston Street, on the south, and 14th Street, on the north is New York's famous Greenwich Village. Historically, this area has been the city's cultural center -- home to many writers and artists. The Village, as it is known, is divided into two areas, the East Village and the West Village. The West Village's narrow cobblestone streets are lined with historic townhouses as well as restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. It is also home to Washington Square Park, established in 1827. This park has the honor of being the inspiration for Henry James' novel, Washington Square. This area can be a little confusing -- the streets have names as opposed to numbers -- so, you may want to take along a map. Across Broadway, you will enter the East Village. The area has offbeat stores and many say that it is the city's home for radicalism. Don't be surprised if you see more than one piercing or tattoo in this area. Take a stroll down 6th Street (between First and Second Avenues) for some authentic Indian food. Walk down St. Marks Place (8th Street) to experience the bohemian nature of the neighborhood. Though the area may now be home to more executives than artists, it still has a quaint charm that embodies the feel of New York's history.
* Midtown Manhattan - This area, the center of which is 34th Street, is home to most of New York's famous attractions. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, Times Square, the Broadway theater district, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick's Cathedral are all located here. If you like shopping, visit either Macy's or Bloomingdales, two very large department stores. With taxis honking and pedestrians packing the sidewalks, you can really feel the hustle and bustle of city life in Midtown Manhattan.
* Upper East Side - This neighborhood, the wealthiest in Manhattan, lies to the east of Central Park, a very large expanse of greenery in the center of the city. The area is home to exclusive stores and gourmet restaurants, but if you love art, this is the place to be. The area houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the Frick Collection. Here you can also take a stroll down opulent Park Avenue or window-shop the exclusive stores of Madison Avenue.
* Upper West Side - Across Central Park to the west, you will find the beautiful architecture of the Upper West Side. This neighborhood is flanked between two parks, Riverside Park to the west and Central Park to the east. It is also home to the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Rose Center for Earth and Space and Columbia University.
* Additional Neighborhoods - New Yorkers are notorious for promoting the next exciting new area. Of course, these trendy spots aren't really new, they simply get renamed or experience a wave of popularity. At the moment, Harlem is experiencing quite a renaissance. Neighborhoods like Noho (north of Soho) and Nolita (north of Little Italy) have gained popularity as well as Chelsea (between West 14th Street and West 28th Street), which has been trendy for some time.
Remember, this is only a sampling of New York's diverse neighborhoods. We haven't even begun to explore the neighborhoods of the surrounding boroughs. When planning a trip to New York, keep in mind what attractions you would like to see and what kinds of restaurants and shopping you enjoy. This will make choosing neighborhoods to visit a lot easier.
Attractions
In addition to touring New York's various neighborhoods, you may want to plan your trip according to the city's many attractions. If you've been to New York before and have seen the popular tourist destinations, you should consider some of the smaller attractions. But first, let's take you through the highlights of a typical visit to the Big Apple.
Main Attractions
Here is a small sampling of some of the main attractions NYC is best known for:
Statue of Liberty - Few New York sites are as awe-inspiring as this one. A century ago, Lady Liberty held up her torch to welcome immigrants to America. Today, you can climb 354-steps to look out from her crown to see both the New York and New Jersey coasts.
Times Square - New Yorkers call this intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street the "Crossroads of the World." It is the most recognized intersection on earth -- millions of people see it on television every New Year's Eve. Some people say it's the best place in New York to people-watch. At night, the illuminated signs in Times Square make an amazing light show.
Empire State Building - Built in 1931, this skyscraper was the tallest in the world for half a century. You'll get a great view of the city from the art deco tower's observation deck.
Central Park - Who would have thought that a city filled with people, traffic and skyscrapers, could offer visitors such an incredible natural oasis? The park is full of rolling meadows, trees, water bodies and stone bridges. The best part? It's all free. Sunbathe on Sheep's Meadow, stroll through the Shakespeare Garden, play softball on the Great Lawn or climb up to Summit Rock, the highest point in the park. For a fee, you can visit the park's zoo, rent a boat or take a carriage ride through the park.
Metropolitan Museum of Art - If you see only one museum in New York City, the Met, as it is known, should be the one. The museum houses over two million works of art ranging from Egyptian to Medieval to 20th Century. Make sure to plan ahead and get a free map of the museum inside -- this makes it easier to navigate the Met's meandering galleries.
United Nations - You can't miss the 188 nations' flags flying high above First Avenue in front of the headquarters of this international organization. Tours take you through the Security Council and General Assembly Halls.
New York Stock Exchange - Like many tourists, here you can see where tons of money is made and lost. From a visitor's area, you can observe the world's busiest trading floor, check stock prices on the ticker and hear the famous closing bell.
Grand Central Terminal - Sometimes mistakenly called Grand Central Station, this is no simple train terminal. Grand Central Terminal is used by more than 150,000 commuters each day. Refurbished in the 1990s, the terminal is a must-see attraction offering a variety of restaurants, shopping, and ample opportunity for people-watching.
New York Botanical Garden - Located in the borough of Brooklyn, the garden is home to more than 12,000 kinds of plants from around the world.
Bronx Zoo- Though outside Manhattan, it's worth the trip to see this -- the largest urban zoo in the United States. The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 7,000 species of animals in exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Jungle World.
Museum of Natural History - Come to this museum to see the famous dinosaur halls, the most technologically advanced planetarium in the world and the world's largest model of the Blue Whale.
In addition to the featured NYC attractions listed above, there are a number of other exciting and interesting places worth visiting.
Not-So-Main Attractions
Although these attractions may not be as popular as the main tourist sites, you should consider adding some of them to your itinerary.
Federal Reserve Bank - Located in the Financial District, check out the $100 billion worth of gold in this bank's underground vaults.
New York Public Library - The great lions that sit on the grounds of this building invite visitors to gawk at this incredibly massive structure. The inside of the building is no less impressive. Behind the library you'll find Bryant Park. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy watching films outdoors in the park.
New York Transit Museum - Although located in Brooklyn, don't discount this museum. Most of the exhibits are interactive and there is a gift shop with subway-inspired paraphernalia.
Trinity Church - Though St. Patrick's Cathedral is more popular, Trinity Church's spires are equally impressive. In the 17th century graveyard, you can see the grave of Alexander Hamilton, the first United States treasurer.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum - If military history excites you, don't miss this attraction. Here you can tour the Intrepid, a Navy aircraft carrier that was used in both World War II and the Vietnam War.
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How New York Works by Allison Klein
Introduction to How New York Works City Overview A Short History of the Big Apple Travel Time Won't You Be My Neighbor? Attractions Lots More Information Shop or Compare Prices
Attractions In addition to touring New York's various neighborhoods, you may want to plan your trip according to the city's many attractions. If you've been to New York before and have seen the popular tourist destinations, you should consider some of the smaller attractions. But first, let's take you through the highlights of a typical visit to the Big Apple.
Statue of Liberty
Main Attractions Here is a small sampling of some of the main attractions NYC is best known for:
Statue of Liberty - Few New York sites are as awe-inspiring as this one. A century ago, Lady Liberty held up her torch to welcome immigrants to America. Today, you can climb 354-steps to look out from her crown to see both the New York and New Jersey coasts.
Times Square - New Yorkers call this intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street the "Crossroads of the World." It is the most recognized intersection on earth -- millions of people see it on television every New Year's Eve. Some people say it's the best place in New York to people-watch. At night, the illuminated signs in Times Square make an amazing light show.
Empire State Building - Built in 1931, this skyscraper was the tallest in the world for half a century. You'll get a great view of the city from the art deco tower's observation deck.
Central Park - Who would have thought that a city filled with people, traffic and skyscrapers, could offer visitors such an incredible natural oasis? The park is full of rolling meadows, trees, water bodies and stone bridges. The best part? It's all free. Sunbathe on Sheep's Meadow, stroll through the Shakespeare Garden, play softball on the Great Lawn or climb up to Summit Rock, the highest point in the park. For a fee, you can visit the park's zoo, rent a boat or take a carriage ride through the park.
Metropolitan Museum of Art - If you see only one museum in New York City, the Met, as it is known, should be the one. The museum houses over two million works of art ranging from Egyptian to Medieval to 20th Century. Make sure to plan ahead and get a free map of the museum inside -- this makes it easier to navigate the Met's meandering galleries.
United Nations - You can't miss the 188 nations' flags flying high above First Avenue in front of the headquarters of this international organization. Tours take you through the Security Council and General Assembly Halls.
New York Stock Exchange - Like many tourists, here you can see where tons of money is made and lost. From a visitor's area, you can observe the world's busiest trading floor, check stock prices on the ticker and hear the famous closing bell.
Grand Central Terminal - Sometimes mistakenly called Grand Central Station, this is no simple train terminal. Grand Central Terminal is used by more than 150,000 commuters each day. Refurbished in the 1990s, the terminal is a must-see attraction offering a variety of restaurants, shopping, and ample opportunity for people-watching.
New York Botanical Garden - Located in the borough of Brooklyn, the garden is home to more than 12,000 kinds of plants from around the world.
Bronx Zoo- Though outside Manhattan, it's worth the trip to see this -- the largest urban zoo in the United States. The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 7,000 species of animals in exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Jungle World.
Museum of Natural History - Come to this museum to see the famous dinosaur halls, the most technologically advanced planetarium in the world and the world's largest model of the Blue Whale.
In addition to the featured NYC attractions listed above, there are a number of other exciting and interesting places worth visiting.
Not-So-Main Attractions Although these attractions may not be as popular as the main tourist sites, you should consider adding some of them to your itinerary.
Federal Reserve Bank - Located in the Financial District, check out the $100 billion worth of gold in this bank's underground vaults.
New York Public Library - The great lions that sit on the grounds of this building invite visitors to gawk at this incredibly massive structure. The inside of the building is no less impressive. Behind the library you'll find Bryant Park. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy watching films outdoors in the park.
New York Transit Museum - Although located in Brooklyn, don't discount this museum. Most of the exhibits are interactive and there is a gift shop with subway-inspired paraphernalia.
Trinity Church - Though St. Patrick's Cathedral is more popular, Trinity Church's spires are equally impressive. In the 17th century graveyard, you can see the grave of Alexander Hamilton, the first United States treasurer.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum - If military history excites you, don't miss this attraction. Here you can tour the Intrepid, a Navy aircraft carrier that was used in both World War II and the Vietnam War.
Secrets of the City
Every city has its secrets and New York City is no different. Here are some secrets that every visitor should know:
Theater Development Fund/TKTS - If you want to see a Broadway show while you are in New York, you may be surprised at the high price of theater tickets. At 47th Street and Broadway in Times Square, you will notice a long line of people. They are waiting to buy theater tickets that are discounted up to 50 percent for same-day performances. Get here early, get in line and you can save a significant amount of money. Although there are many show choices, don't count on getting tickets for a particular show -- tickets depend on availability. If you are flexible with your choices, you can get a great deal. TKTS is open Monday through Saturday from 3pm to 8pm, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm for matinee performances and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. They only accept cash and traveler's checks.
Staten Island Ferry - There is no better deal in Manhattan than the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free, operates 24 hours a day and leaves every 30 minutes (15 minutes during rush hours) and every hour at night. Try a sunrise cruise for an incredible view of the harbor, the city and the Statue of Liberty. Visit this Web site for schedules and information.
Street Fairs - A real treat for New Yorkers in the summer months are the numerous street fairs that take place throughout the city. Street fairs offer a variety of vendors, food and entertainment. You can find a list of street fairs here.
Restaurant Week - If trying the amazing variety of food that New York restaurants offer is important to you, think about visiting the city during Restaurant Week. Especially for this event, many participating restaurants offer fixed price meals well below what it would normally cost to eat in these restaurants. You can find the dates and restaurants (make sure to make reservations early) at this Web site.
Walking Tours - It is common in New York to see tour buses loaded with sightseers. Though many tourists choose to see the city on wheels, a walking tour is a fun way to investigate a smaller area more intimately. Several walking tours are themed. If you're interested in history, architecture, literature, film (or a variety of other subjects), there's bound to be a walking tour for you. Visit this Web site to find a walking tour to match your interests.
As you can see, New York City has tons of exciting landmarks and locales rich in history and culture. Remember, when planning a trip to New York, take into account the attractions you would like to see, the neighborhoods you want to tour and how you'll be getting around the city.
-------------------- People are like pieces of a puzzle. We all fit together, but not all of us connect. Berichten: 6985 | Plaats: Zeist | Geregistreerd: Jul 2002
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