New York holiday
The city that never sleeps is the perfect place to spend a few days of shopping and sightseeing.
Spread over five boroughs, New York City is the capital of New York State and offers several different holiday experiences for the keen traveller.
From the bright lights of Manhattan to the exotic cuisine of Queens to the hip hop history of the Bronx, a New York holiday is an experience unlike any other.
Traditions and Culture in New York
With a varied history true of any metropolis, New York has been the largest city in the US since around 1790.
European settlement came in the 1600s with the arrival of Dutch colonists - who named the city New Amsterdam. It wasn't until the British took command in the mid 1700s that the Big Apple became known as New York.
Interestingly, with the British rule came an increase in trade and greater importance placed on university. The famed Columbia University on Broadway was established during this period by King George II and continues to be regarded as one of the world's best universities.
Art is a major part of New York's past – and present – with famous residents including Andy Warhol, WH Auden and John Lennon.
Each of the five boroughs has its own unique feel – largely due to different demographics in each area. This makes for an interesting mix of cultures and cuisines.
From the Harlem Renaissance to the birth of hip hop through to the Ramones and Blondie – New York also has its own tradition of breeding innovative musicians.
Recommended in New York
A trip to the Empire State Building is a must, the views from the top floor are breathtaking and only add to the quintessential New York holiday experience.
Other must-dos include a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, or across to Staten Island, as well as a stroll in Central Park and a ride or two on the Subway.
Sports fans are well advised to take in a New York Nicks basketball at Madison Square Gardens game or a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium.
Shopping is another highly recommended activity for a break in New York. With a favourable exchange rate and stores such as Bloomingdales and Saks to explore, the Big Apple is retail heaven.
Off the beaten track, bars in the trendy Downtown area of Greenwich and the Lower East Side are on every corner. Most bars stay open late, as do the majority of restaurants and diners. Don't be surprised to find yourself eating bacon and pancakes with maple syrup after a night on the tiles.
Weather in New York
New York is very much a city of four seasons. The winters are cold and bring plenty of snow, the summers are hot and humid, while in the autumn trees are golden and winds are brisk. Spring is a pleasant time, especially for a trip to Central Park.
Destination checklist for New York
The official language in New York is English, though visitors can hear anything from Spanish to Cantonese spoken in some areas.
Britons can experience a positive exchange rate, as the US dollar is official tender in New York, meaning cheap hotels can come at a less expensive rate.
The city operates on Eastern Time, which is five hours behind GMT, and the international dialling code is +1.
