Overview

The city that never sleeps is the most populous state in the country and a powerhouse of influence in matters of global finance, art, fashion and entertainment. The city is located on New York Harbor – one of the largest harbors in the world – and consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and Manhattan. New York is home to Wall Street, the financial capital of the world, and Chinatown, home to the largest Chinese population in the western hemisphere. The city is also an educational center as its home to Columbia University, New York University and Rockefeller University, some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Nearly 50 million visitors descend upon the city to enjoy its various attractions annually.

What to Do

With so many attractions in the Big Apple, it can be hard to know where to start. The key to a New York City itinerary is to travel like a New Yorker – on foot. Take in the sights at Central Park, explore the tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village or walk the cobblestone roads of the Meatpacking District. Go window shopping through the iconic streets of Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, or check out vintage boutiques on the Lower East Side. View original Warhol’s in person at MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, or spend an afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Catch a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty or view the city from the top of the Empire State Building. If you’ve never been, spend a day at the ever-evolving Times Square and stay into the evening to watch the iconic neon lights illuminate the streets. Catch a show on Broadway or a concert at Carnegie Hall, and save some energy for New York City’s pulsing nightlife.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in the Big Apple range from dorm-style hostels to five-star luxury hotels. Avoid the touristy Times Square area and find a hotel in other parts of Manhattan. The Ritz Carlton across from Central Park is one of the best luxury bets, while Chelsea and SoHo offer hip boutique hotels.

Getting There

Located in southeastern New York State, the larger city area is serviced by three airports: La Guardia Airport, JFK Airport and, in New Jersey, Newark Airport.