New York City, USA
New York City is big, bold, and full of energy. Known as "The City That Never Sleeps," NYC is packed with famous landmarks, world-class museums, Broadway theaters, and endless food options. Whether you're taking in the view from the top of the Empire State Building, walking through Central Park, or grabbing a slice of pizza, NYC has something for everyone.
A Very Brief History
Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, NYC was settled by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam before becoming an English colony in 1664. Over the centuries, it grew into one of the most important cities in the world, welcoming millions of immigrants through Ellis Island and becoming a center of culture, finance, and entertainment.
Essential Languages
English is the primary language, but NYC is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.
Over 180 languages are spoken here, including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Italian.
Pro Tip: Don’t be surprised if you hear a dozen different accents in a single subway ride!
🍕 Taste of NYC
New York City’s food scene is as iconic as its skyline, with famous street food, international flavors, and classic NYC dishes at every corner.
🍕 New York Pizza – Thin, crispy, foldable, and best eaten with cheese grease dripping down your hand.
🥯 Bagels with Cream Cheese & Lox – NYC bagels are chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers.
🌭 Hot Dogs – Grab one from a street cart in Times Square for the full NYC experience! Add mustard, ketchup, or sauerkraut.
🥨 Pretzels – The classic warm, salty snack you’ll find at almost every street vendor.
🍰 New York Cheesecake – Dense, creamy, and rich, this legendary dessert is best enjoyed at a classic NYC diner.
Pro Tip: NYC’s best food isn’t just in restaurants—explore Chinatown for dumplings, Little Italy for cannoli, and Queens for some of the most diverse street food in the world!
Things to See and Do
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge for incredible skyline views.
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art—one of the largest museums in the world.
Explore Central Park—NYC’s 843-acre oasis.
See the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants arrived in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Catch a Broadway show in Times Square.
Fun Facts & Quirky Highlights
🚖 There are more taxis than you can count. NYC has over 13,000 yellow cabs roaming the streets!
🌍 It’s the most linguistically diverse city in the world. More than 800 languages are spoken across the five boroughs!
🏙️ NYC’s skyline changes constantly. There are over 6,000 high-rise buildings, and new ones pop up all the time.
🌭 Times Square was once called Longacre Square. It was renamed in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters there.
🚇 The subway runs 24/7. It’s one of the largest and oldest subway systems in the world and never stops running!
🎬 Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the world. It has appeared in over 500 movies!
Practical Tips
Use a MetroCard or OMNY for the Subway – The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Skip taxis—they're expensive and can get stuck in traffic!
Always Walk Like a New Yorker – Move fast, keep right on the sidewalks, and don’t stop suddenly in the middle of the street.
Look Both Ways Before Crossing – NYC traffic is unpredictable, and some streets don’t follow standard traffic signals!
Expect Crowds Everywhere – NYC is busy all day and night, so be patient in popular spots like Times Square and Grand Central.
Keep an Eye on Your Belongings – NYC is generally safe, but like any big city, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Making the Most of Your Stay
Start your morning with a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge – The best time to go is early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch an incredible sunrise over Manhattan.
Visit a rooftop observation deck – The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory all offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Grab a classic NYC bagel and coffee – Stop by a local deli or bagel shop and eat like a true New Yorker on the go.
Explore different neighborhoods – Each part of NYC has a distinct personality! Check out SoHo for shopping, Greenwich Village for history, and DUMBO for amazing city views.
End the day with a Broadway show or a nighttime skyline view – If you don’t catch a Broadway show, take a night stroll through Times Square, the High Line, or the waterfront at Brooklyn Heights Promenade.