Originally New York comprised of a series of villages built by the Lenape Native Americans. Since then, New York has played host to people from all over the world, making it one of planet earth's most diverse cities. The Dutch were the first Europeans to arrive and established the city of New Amsterdam in Lower Manhattan in the early 17th century.
After a war, the Dutch city of New Amsterdam became the British city of New York and the primary trading center for the thirteen colonies. Immigrants started arriving to New York from all over Europe, and later the world. Eventually, these colonists would gain independence and New York would join the United States.
Although equality was promised to all, all didn't mean everyone. It is a common myth that slavery didn't exist in northern states. Enslaved Africans built the city from the ground up, and continued to be enslaved even after slavery was made illegal in New York because many owners were unwilling to give up what they considered to be their property. New York would remain at the forefront of the long battle African Americans had and still have against racism in America.
In the 19th century, New York would become an important innovator in technology with many new inventions in transportation technology including the earliest automobiles being tested in New York. Today, New York has both the largest and lowest performing transportation system in North America.
During the 20th century, New York would manufacture much of the weapons needed to win the World Wars. After the war, even more immigrants poured into the state looking for jobs in industries that range from banking to mining. Today, New York is the second-largest city in North America after Mexico City, and the 11th largest city in the world, ahead of Karachi, Pakistan and behind Osaka, Japan.
Destinations
Manhattan
The center of NYC, Manhattan is home to the city's top attractions including Broadway, Central Park, The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Freedom Tower. Also known for its cuisine, Manhattan offers meals from every side of the planet. Museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, and the Guggenheim are also a must-visit.
Brooklyn
Being New York's hip borough, everything in Brooklyn gives off those cinematic New York vibes, and offers attractions like Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Downtown Brooklyn, and most famous of all, the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Hamptons
Welcome to the Hamptons where rich New Yorkers go to relax in multi-million mansions by the beach. The Hamptons are located two hours away (by car) from the city.
The Catskills
A beautiful mountain range, upstate, the Catskills offer everything for the hiker/outdoors/camper traveler type.
Niagara Falls
Welcome to the second-largest waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls has been attracting tourists for as long as Manhattan.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are some of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. They are located in the far north of New York State and are a popular weekend destination.
Holidays and Festivals
New York Film Festival
"The New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema, featuring top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent" - Film Linc
New York Fashion Week
"New York Fashion Week, held in February and September of each year, is a semi-annual series of events (generally lasting 7–9 days) when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press, and the general public. ... NYFW is based on a much older series of events called 'Press Week', founded in 1943" - Wikipedia
Thanksgiving Day Parade
"The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, turns at Columbus Circle onto Central Park South, veers south onto 6th Avenue and marches from 59th Street to 34th Street, and ends in front of Macy's Herald Square (34th Street and 7th Avenue). To ensure a good viewing location, get there early" - New York City Government
Independence Day Parade
"If you want to take part in a parade with the atmosphere of a small town, head to Travis on Staten Island. The nostalgic marching bands and colorful floats start their procession at 12:30 p.m. from P.S. 26 and Showplace Entertainment Center (141 East Service Road)" - Rove Me
Transportation
New York is accessible by two main airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia International Airport. You can travel to Manhattan from both airports by yellow cab which will be more expensive than a regular Uber. Make sure to download the Uber app before traveling to New York.
For a cheaper link between Manhattan and the city's airports, you can use public transportation. When traveling from JFK, you can hop on an Air Train (not to be confused with the A Train) travel to Jamaica Station and then transfer to the E Train which will take you to Midtown and Lower Manhattan. From LaGuardia Airport you can take a bus to the nearest subway station in Astoria and transfer to the N, Q, W or 7 subway lines.
If arriving from the city's third airport, Newark, you can either take taxi or the Express Bus.
If you're going to be moving a lot around the city, you should buy a Metrocard but there are many different types so make sure to NOT overpay and find the right option for you.
The city's upstate regions are mostly accessible by Metro North and Amtrak as well as Greyhound buses, but this will depend on your destination. When traveling on a Greyhound, make sure to sit in the front or the middle of the bus because many buses have broken engines and gasoline pours into the back of the bus, making it difficult to breathe.
Still have questions? You can watch this explainer video for more information.
