New York City is a vibrant fashion, cultural and financial hub of the world. Travelers from around the world come here to experience the vigor bursting with excitement of this city called New York City or NYC. Home to popular locations from history to modern day marvels like Times Square, UN Headquarters, Madison Square, Statue of Liberty and many more. New York City is situated on one of the largest harbor with five distinct sections or boroughs- Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.
History of New York
Lenape were the first native to New York who started hunting, fishing and farming in the area between the Hudson and Delaware river. Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to settle in NYC at the beginning of the 16th century. 30 families were sent by Dutch West India Company to live and work on “Nutten Island” known as New Amsterdam. The city was seized by the Britishers in 1664 and renamed it to New York City. New York City served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790. NYC played the key role in the cotton economy in the 19th century and became the trading capital of the nation. As a result people of Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx and Queens voted to consolidate it with Manhattan to create Greater New York. NYC suffered terrorist attack on symbolic power of USA World Trade Center situated in the heart of NYC on September11, 2011. Despite the deadliest attack, city remains to be the cultural capital of the USA because of it's diversity..
Important Locations in New York City
New York City, also referred as the center of Universe is full of energy, culture and ambition. It has some of the world's
famous attractions and the City's four boroughs Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx.
Times Square -Famous for cultural, culinary and visual experience, it is also known for cinemas, Broadway theaters and electronic billboards. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
Statue of Liberty - The statue was given by the French government as a gift when America celebrated its 100th anniversary of Independence and since, then it has been symbol of freedom to people who emigrated; it is a major point of attraction among travelers.
Central Park - Located in the center of Manhattan,the huge park is 341 hectare large (843 acres) and is famous worldwide for it's scenic beauty.
United Nations Headquarters - Spanning in18 acres is the beautiful UN headquarters, though located in NYC it is declared as an international territory. One hour guided tour is worth the time which includes a quick overview of all the departments. Don't forget to bring passport needed for tour.
Wall Street - It is also known as the center of New York's financial district and is a symbol of wealth in America. New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Customs House and Castle Clinton National Monument and many more astounding buildings famous for their unique architecture are situated in close proximity.
Madison Square - World’s most famous arena Madison Square is surrounded by historic landmarks from the Gilded Age including the iconic Metlife Tower and famous Flatiron Building.
Empire State Building - Known as the landmark of New York, the Empire State Building has featured in many films and has been also dubbed as 'the Eighth Wonder of World'.
New York Public Library - Built in the early twentieth century, it is one of the famous attractions in Manhattan. It is famous not just for books but for its amazing architecture. It is as much a museum as a functioning library.
For all the famous locations of New York City click here.
New York City People and Culture
NYC is built by high rollers, tycoons and quite literally by immigrants. New York has a very diverse population and New Yorkers have brought their traditions with them from all over the globe. Places like
Little India, Little Italy, Chinatown still have ethnic culture,
Chelsea and Greenwich Village is famous for lesbian and gay life.
It is a city that never sleeps. There is
Wall Street,
the Statue of Liberty,
Central Park,
thousands of restaurants, and hundreds of theaters. Students from all over the world attracted by some of the best research facility centers in NYC- Columbia University in Morningside Height, New York University in Greenwich Village, the New School near Union Square, and Fordham University in the Bronx. People here are warm and friendly and typically shake hands rather than kiss or embrace when meeting for the first time. English is the official language and Spanish is the second most-prevalent language.
Time Zone and Phones Codes of New York
New York is in the Eastern Time Zone. Eastern Daylight Time is abbreviated as
EDT and Eastern Standard Time is abbreviated as
EST.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour
Time zone abbreviation: EDT
Phone Codes of NYC
212 - New York City, Manhattan only
718 - New York City except Manhattan
917 - New York City
917 - All Bouroughs
348\7, 718, 929 - Outer Bouroughs
212, 646 - Manhattan
Best time to visit New York City
The
best time to visit New York City is anytime as New York does not have a clear “peak season”. During fall, performing-arts and theaters are in demand. Summer has Lincoln Center and alfresco entertainment, winter has Time Square New Year eve and Rockefeller Center. NYC offers something for every season; prices are similar throughout the year but just a pretty much higher during Christmas and New Year. Below are the key events for every season:
December-February
Westminster Kennel Club Show (February)
Chinese New Year (February)
Times Square New Years Eve (December)
March-May
Burt's Bees Earth Day (April)
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (May)
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival (May)
Easter Parade (April)
St. Patrick's Day Parade (March)
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus (March)
June-August
Metropolitan Opera in the Parks (June–July)
Shakespeare in the Park (June)
New York International Fringe Festival (August)
Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors (August)
July Fourth (July)
Belmont Stakes (June)
Lesbian & Gay Pride March (June)
September-NovemberHaunted Halloween Carnival (Brooklyn–October)
Lighting at Rockefeller Center (November)
New York Film Festival (September)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (November)
ING New York City Marathon (November)
