New York, New York is the most populated city in the country, and one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. This once tiny colony is now widely described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, impacting all realms of society from technology, to politics, to fashion, and everything else in between! The city is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations, and with as many as 800 languages spoken in New York, it’s easy to see why the Big Apple is important for international diplomacy, as well.

Historical and international relevance aside, there is something to see and experience around every corner! From hailing a cab to sinking your teeth into a true New York slice, or from seeing majestic symbols of America like the Statue of Liberty to visiting the sets and scenes of your favorite sitcoms, the city has something for everyone. Once in New York, New York, you’ll understand why they call it, “The City So Nice, They Named it Twice!”

Geography

New York City is a major city on the eastern coast of the U.S., in southeastern New York State. It's situated at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Hudson River and is home to some 8 million people. New York City is 30 minutes from Jersey City, NJ, 30 minutes from Brooklyn, NY, and 1 hour from Bronx, NY. The major highways include I-78, I-87, I-95, and I-295, among others.

Neighborhoods

The Upper East Side is located on the east side of Manhattan and is a well-to-do neighborhood known for its wealthy residents, upscale restaurants, and designer stores along Madison Avenue. The neighborhood is home to a unique blend of exquisite high-rises and classic brownstones.
SoHo is a popular shopping destination in New York. The cobblestone streets feature a variety of upscale chain stores, high-end boutiques, and awe-inspiring art galleries. During the day, you can catch street vendors selling an assortment of goods from original artwork to jewelry.
Midtown East is where you can find notable skyscrapers such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Visitors often flock to popular landmarks like the UN Headquarters Building and the Grand Central Terminal Train Station.

Top Places to Visit

Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous locations in New York City. It’s the fifth-largest park in the city and spans more than 800 acres. You can take a stroll through its many areas, enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants, visit the zoo, and so much more. Central Park features countless sights to see including the Conservatory Garden, Alice in Wonderland, and Loeb Boathouse.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the top attractions to visit in New York City. The tower lights have a long-standing tradition of changing colors to recognize a variety of occasions throughout the year, including holidays and special occasions. This 102-story skyscraper gives you the opportunity to see the major highlights of the city from the top. Taking a journey to the top of the building is an experience that will complete your New York City vacation.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is famous for its yearly Christmas tree illumination. It's an iconic plaza that is filled with everything from a gigantic skating rink to eye-catching sculptures. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is where you can watch the "Today Show" crew broadcast live each morning. It also offers outstanding views of Manhattan.

Climate

New York City has summers that are warm, humid, and rainy, and winters that are snowy, cold, and windy. Throughout the year, the temperatures range from 28°F to 85°F. The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from June to September.