New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with an estimated population of 8.5 million people. It is located on the Atlantic coast in the northeastern part of the country. It is a global hub for finance, business, and entertainment, with many world-famous museums, restaurants, and theaters.
A short history of New York City
New York City has a long and rich history dating back to the early 16th century. It was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, who called the area “Mannahatta.”
In 1624, the Dutch West India Company established the first European settlement on the southern tip of Manhattan, which they named New Amsterdam. The Dutch quickly became the dominant force in the area, trading with the Native Americans and establishing a successful fur trade.
In 1664, the English conquered New Amsterdam and renamed it New York, after the Duke of York. The city continued to grow and prosper, becoming a major hub for trade and commerce. In the 19th century, New York City experienced rapid industrialization and immigration, leading to a population explosion and the development of the city’s iconic skyline.
Picture by Noel / Pixabay
Throughout its history, New York City has been a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with a diverse population representing many different nationalities and backgrounds. Today, it is a global center of finance, media, and the arts, and is considered one of the most important cities in the world.
The city is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each has its own unique character. The city is also home to many famous events and festivals, such as the New York City Marathon, the New York Fashion week and the New York Film Festival.
Booking.comSightseeing in New York City
There are endless possibilities for sightseeing in New York City. Be sure it will exhaust you if you are trying to see them all during only a couple of days. Make sure these few must-see attractions make it on your list:
Iconic buildings
The Empire State Building – take in breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. It is one of the many skyscrapers you can take in views of the cities. For sure it’s one of the most iconic.
The Rockefeller Center – go ice skating in the winter, or visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the city.
The Statue of Liberty – if you want to get really close, take a ferry to Liberty Island to explore this landmark. Depending on the current security levels in the city you can as well walk up to the head of the statue and enjoy the view of Downtown Manhattan. A cost-saving alternative is to take the free ferry to Staten Island. You will have similar close up views of the statue with less queues.
Picture by Margit Wallner / Pixabay
Walking around New York City
Central Park – don’t forget to take a stroll through this famous park, take a rest on the rocks, walk around Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir or go ice skating in the winter. Amazing views of the skyline are included.
Explore the Times Square which is world famous for its bright lights, the stores and performances, the Time Square Ball on new year’s eve and much more.
The High Line is a public park built on an elevated section of a discontinued New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line. It runs on the west side of Manhattan from the Meatpacking District to 34th Street and features stunning views of the city.
Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – or at least half of it or go on a bike tour for a unique perspective.
Memorials and Museums
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum – pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks. Adjacent to the Memorial is the One World Trade Center which is the highest building of the United States.
Then there is the world famous Guggenheim Museum – you can admire modern and contemporary art in this iconic museum. It is breathtaking already from the outside.
One of the world’s most famous museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art awaits you with artworks from ancient Egypt to modern times.
Picture by Christian Konopatzki / Pixabay
How to get to New York
As an international metropolis New York City of course can be reached via several ways. You can fly into one of the three major airports in the city: JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty. From there take a train, the Metro or a cab.
If you are on the East Coast already, you can take Amtrak or other train services to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Or you arrive by bus or rental car – when you use the latter, make sure you obey the strict – and for outsiders sometimes weird parking rules. Last not least you can take a ferry from New Jersey or other nearby locations to New York City.
