New York City Overview

New York City, the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps! Home to treasures like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Broadway and Rockefeller Center, New York has something for anyone, no matter where they come from.

Districts

New York City, arguably the world's most vibrant and sprawling metropolis, occupies five boroughs, each with its own distinct identity. After all, before the historic 1898 consolidation, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island were each independent municipalities. Manhattan, home to the most recognizable sites, dominates popular perception of New York City.

Entertainment

New York offers a dizzying array of entertainment options. So much so that the enormous number of choices often overwhelms even the most jaded New Yorker. After all, walking down Fifth Avenue or St. Marks Place (two streets as different as they can be) entertains New Yorkers far more than most Hollywood movies. Many days, visitors may choose between a pricey Broadway extravaganza or one of the city's many free parades. Adventurous theatergoers eschew Broadway for off- and off-off-Broadway while those seeking to express themselves haunt the city's many nightclubs. Meanwhile, divas and drag queens prove nightly that cabaret is not a thing of the past.

Sinatra was wise when he sang, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere...." The world's best performers know that without success in the Big Apple, they aren't really successful. Thus, big stars perform at Madison Square Garden and belt out tunes at Radio City Music Hall. From the latest diva at the Metropolitan Opera House to Irving Plaza's hottest band, the best of the best make it all look easy.

All the while, art museums and galleries mount shows, street performers entertain in the parks, Gus the Polar Bear swims the backstroke at the zoo and rollerbladers enjoy the sunshine while basking in the city's spectacle.

Visitors and residents alike choose their entertainment based on budget. Happily, the city bursts with options whether one is a prince or a pauper.

Dining and Drinking

In all its diversity, New York City social life revolves around dining out. Whether a powerbroker pays hundreds for a meal or a slacker scrapes together some money for a pie at a pizza joint, each experiences the city’s unique culinary fusion. Add lively conversation with friends and you’ve found the real New York City. With so many ethnic influences, so many talented chefs making a name for themselves, so many hotspots, so many hidden gems, so many delis, so many diners—New York offers something for everyone’s palate.

Diners enjoy gastronomic delights across the five boroughs, but the following districts are particularly noteworthy: Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Gramercy and Union Square, West Village, East Village, Soho, Tribeca, Little Italy, and Chinatown. New York City’s selection of amazing places to feast and imbibe is ever growing, ever changing and always exciting.

Where To Stay

Where to stay in New York City depends largely on what brings you there. Whether it is a Broadway show, a gallery opening or a business meeting, hotels and guest houses offer deluxe to budget accommodations throughout the city. New hotels are springing up throughout Manhattan, and even in downtown Brooklyn. Townhouses converted into Bed & Breakfasts are also a growing option.

Did You Know?

The nickname the Big Apple came from sportswriter John Fitzgerald eavesdropping on stable hands in New Orleans terming to NYC's racetracks as "the Big Apple." The Bronx is the only borough attached to the mainland, the department store Macy's is the world's largest store, and Babe Ruth slammed his first home run in the first game ever played at Yankee Stadium.

Orientation/Geography

Gritty, determined, rough around the edges and resilient are all adjectives that come to mind when dealing with New York City or the New Yorkers who populate it. Although the recent history of 9/11 has marred the city economically, it is slowly rebounding with tourists and remains one of the great cities and cultural centers on the globe.


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