Travel guide for NEW YORK

Information

Climate

I was in New York last May for five days. The temperature was around 19 oC with heavy rain for one day.

Location

New York is one of the biggest cities in the world and capital of the relative state. It’s located in the north-east coast of the country.

Money Issues

The official currency is dollar. Who doesn’t know it? I am coming from Europe (Italy) where euro is the official currency, so I needed to find exchange offices. I suggest you exchange a small amount of money for your most basic needs and use your credit card for the rest. It’s safer and easier. My card was a Visa but I also saw many signs at shops for MasterCard. Remember also that there are many ATMs all over the city if you need cash.

History

New York was the first capital of the USA. After World War II the city became the headquarters of the UN. In 2001 the city was under attack by Al Quida.

How to get there

I used the plane which landed to the International Airport of J.F Kennedy. Keep in mind that taxis are expensive (40 to 50 $).

Trasportation

Use the extended metro network and the bus lines. You can find free maps inside the metro stations and the buses. Note that there is a ticket of 7 dollars that allows you to use as many times you want these two means of transportation until the 3 a.m.

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in NEW YORK

I found an economic hotel in the centre of the Tribeca area (next to Soho). Its name is Cosmopolitan hotel. It’s very clean and close to bus and subway stations.

Children

I think that two good options are the zoo and the museum of natural history. There you will find many interesting and rare exhibits. I enjoyed it and note that I saw many parents with their children there.

Amusement

You can find many bars and clubs for all tastes. I was able to visit only two, the Ibiza Superclub for dance music and the Copacabana for Latin style.

Activities

Culture

During my stay I was able to watch the Food Festival which takes place in the 9th Avenue in the mid of May. It’s a great chance for you to try tastes from all over the world! I also heard that the celebration on the 4th July is spectacular!!!

Sport Events

I wanted to watch a match of the New York Knicks from the NBA championship but there wasn’t any game in the city that period of time…Bad luck! If you also love NBA then I suggest you look the NBA program and buy a ticket before you come to New York.

Leisure

I saw many people jogging in the Central Park. I rent a bike and I explored this huge park. Do it!

Shopping

If you want to spend money, New York is the perfect place! You can find fashion clothes in Soho and along the Madison Avenue. If you are looking for multistores then you can find them in the 6th and the 5th avenue.

Monuments

Galleries

I didn’t have the time to visit any of the numerous galleries that there are in this city. However, I saw many paintings in the Metropolitan Museum of the Art, among them one of my favourite painters, Van Gogh. If you are more interesting in galleries, I was informed that a famous gallery for modern artists, but somehow expensive, is the Gagosian gallery.

Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of the Art is one of the biggest and most important museums I have ever visited. Here you can find exhibits from cultures all over the world! Note that you are going to need plenty of time. I suggest you not to miss the European paintings and the Egyptian art. If you feel tired you can rest in the two cafes inside the museum. Another option is the museum of the Natural History. Don’t forget to visit the dinosaurs!!!

Modern museums

Visit the museum of Modern Art. The building is recently renovated. There you can admire a few paints of Picasso!

Historical monuments

Who doesn’t know the Statue of Liberty? It was donated from the French people to Americans. A ferry boat brings you there from Manhattan or New Jersey. Note that the torch was recently replaced by a new one with a golden flame. Don’t forget also to visit the statue of Abraham Lincoln near the 16th street. You have seen its figure in many American films.

Modern monuments

The Empire State Building is the tallest building in New York after the terrorist attack against the Twin Towers in 2001. Go to the 86th (if I remember well) to admire the wonderful view of the city. Prefer the sunset and the dusk.

Other sights

If you like Space (like I do), then you should visit the Hayden planetarium. Here you can see the Big Bang, a flash back of universe’s history, learn the latest news around space etc. Believe me, a unique experience!!!!

Romance

I visited New York with my girlfriend and if you are looking for a romantic place I recommend the top of the Empire State Building during the sunset. The view of the sun while it sets through the skyscrapers is unique.

Not to miss

Don’t forget to visit The Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Times Square. If you need relaxation and more clean air, visit the Central Park.

Be Cautious

Be careful when you go shopping of signs like ‘lost’ our ‘lease’ or ‘going out of business’. I visited one of these stores and I was disappointed of the high prices. I believe it’s only a trick of the shops to attract more tourists. New York is a safe city however, you must always be careful for pickpockets, especially in crowded places and when you are crossing big streets. Avoid also walking through the big green parks of the city at night. If you are asking me, I didn’t feel safe enough to give it a go…

Best routes

First of all you must visit Manhattan. Admire the big skyscrapers in combination with the old buildings! Walk down the famous Wall Street!! Moreover, you can program a visit to the Times Square. Prefer it during the night. Admire the famous Broadway’s theatres. Here is also the Madam’s Tisseau museum. Another option is China Town and the Little Italy. These places were established by the first relevant immigrants. There you can find traditional markets, restaurants and Italian cafes. Enjoy an authentic espresso! Don’t omit also to visit the Soho area. This area is full with galleries and shops with fashion clothes. I noticed the Peter Blum and the Deitch Projects galleries. If you like photography, there are also galleries with photo subjects. Another interesting thing about Soho is that it is full of old buildings! If you are going to use the subway, a good starting point for your visit is the Bleecker Street.

Green Issues

I saw heavy traffic in the avenues which means a lot of noise and air pollution. The good thing is the big green parks that you can easily find.

Value 4 money

Get a 7 dollars MetroCard and you can use the subway and the buses as many times as you like until the 3 a.m. If you are looking for cheap clothes of famous designers like Armani or Gucci, then don’t omit to visit the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. It takes you almost one hour to get there and the ticket is 35 dollars. Believe me it’s worth the money! Ask for the bus starting point.

Wish it had

Just two things, more pedestrian zones and fewer cars.

Impressions

I believe that New York is the CITY of the world! Fantastic atmosphere, glamour places and many sights for you to visit. Go to New York and you will feel that you have discovered the whole world!!