New York Travel Guide

General

Seldom in world history has a city become so defined by a date. September 11 was an epoch forming event that still dominates New York life and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The ramifications and aftershocks of the terrorist destruction of New York’s two tallest buildings – themselves symbols of the city’s confidence and success – permeate all levels of life and feature in the majority of conversations, whatever the situation. September 11, however, has done little to dent the appeal and vitality of the city. New Yorkers have rallied in a show of defiance that is reflected in everything, from the Stars and Stripes that hang from seemingly every building, to the bumper stickers that patriotically adorn so many cars.

New York has always been a city of the world and its multinational, multicultural inhabitants – who speak over 80 languages – continue to infuse its concrete canyons with a buzz that is every bit as energising and electrifying as that depicted in countless films and TV programmes. With over 18,000 eclectic restaurants, 150 world-class museums and more than 10,000 stores brimming with brand names and bargains from across the globe, New York really does have something for everyone. Away from the mayhem of the 24-hour urban jungle, New York also boasts the bucolic oasis of Central Park, the breezy Hudson River and the perfect escape valve of Long Island. However, the epicentre of New York life always has been and still very much is the island of Manhattan, which is surrounded by four other distinct city boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island – all of which boast their own charms.

New York’s location at the confluence of the Hudson River, Long Island and the Atlantic Ocean reflects the city’s importance as a port and as the disembarkation point for millions of immigrants to the USA. The first European settlement on Manhattan was by the Dutch, in the 1620s, who named the city New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British took over and renamed it New York. The settlement rapidly flourished, expanding from south to north along the island. Mass immigration saw the emergence of distinct ethnic quarters, with the island of Manhattan rapidly developing into a unique cultural melting pot housing an entire world within its 58 sq km (22.7 sq miles). In recent years, the city has undergone something of a renaissance, under the guidance of mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who has eased the city’s once chronic crime problems. With new mayor Michael Bloomberg at the helm, New York today is determined to overcome America’s worst ever terrorist attack and continue the almost interrupted progress and growth of one of the world’s truly great cities..

New York is an excellent place to visit at any time of year, although it is particularly pleasant during the spring and fall, when temperatures hover around 70ºF. New York winters tend to be unpredictable, sometimes wild, sometimes severe and stormy, while summers are hot and muggy, often lasting until September.

Sightseeing Overview

Most tourists end up spending the majority of their trip on Manhattan and this is where most of the recognisable attractions are located. The remaining four boroughs are primarily residential – the Bronx to the north, Queens to the east, Brooklyn to the southeast and Staten Island to the southwest – although there is a sprinkling of worthwhile attractions located in them all, which will reward the adventurous visitor. Almost completely flat and, for the most part, arranged on an easily navigable grid system, Manhattan itself is very easy to walk around, with the excellent subway system handy for the longer hops between attractions. The city is packed with things to do and places to see – each street and neighbourhood offers its own varied sights and flavours. The top attractions, like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, are renowned throughout the world but there are enough less heralded places to visit to fill weeks of sightseeing.

Manhattan has several distinct areas that are worth wandering around, from the ritzy shopping and residential districts uptown, to the financial district of downtown, taking in the villages in between. SoHo is famous for its art galleries, shopping and café/bar culture. Greenwich Village traditionally contains a literary community and has the cafés to go with it. Rejuvenated East Village retains its Bohemian atmosphere, which is reflected in its quirky shops and drinking spots. Chelsea is also up-and-coming, with warehouse conversions mingling with more cutting-edge art galleries. Away from the city, Long Island and a number of city beaches provide an escape on hot and humid summer days.

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