This is where the term “melting pot of nations” applies most closely, but on closer inspection you will find that this merging is more of a separation and isolation in ethnic groups. The colorful mix of peoples in New York City is a prerequisite and guarantee for the unique cultural life. For centuries, the city was the gateway to the United States for immigrants. Blacks, Latin Americans, Chinese, Italians, Irish, Poles and Greeks make up strong population groups, some even with their own neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy.
The city at the mouth of the Hudson River includes Manhattan, Staten Island, part of Long Island, parts of the mainland, and some islands in the harbor and Long Island Sound. The expanded metropolitan area also extends to parts of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Almost only New York City with its 5 boroughs Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond / Staten Island and the Bronx is of touristic importance.
Manhattan is the undisputed number one for tourists, whether they come from the USA or from other parts of the world. Anyone who is only in the “Big Apple” for a short time should prepare for a long walk in order to see as much as possible. Up and down the entire Broadway once and the visitor has a first, very good impression of what this metropolis is all about.
The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Times Square – what some people think is the epitome of New York may not matter to the next visitor. This is exactly where the fascination of the city lies. It has to offer everyone the ultimate in exactly what interests them most. If you study the history of European emigration, you will not get past Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty. Anyone who warms up to the Western economic system will get very hot at the sight of the Nasdaq treadmills in Times Square and the stock exchange building on Wall Street. If show business is the secret passion, then there is no increase for the musical theater on Broadway.
Politically interested people are drawn to the United Nations building, shopaholics stagger ecstatically through 5th Avenue and architecture enthusiasts are amazed at what has been created at “Ground Zero”. New York, New York!
If you want to fly cheaply from Europe, you have two airports to choose from. In addition to New York’s JFK Airport (JFK stands for John F. Kennedy), Newark in New Jersey can also be approached. The transfer takes only slightly longer compared to the sometimes considerably cheaper tariffs. Newark can be the first choice, especially for departures. The flights to Europe almost always leave in the late evening. On a clear day, you can say goodbye to New York with a fascinating view of the skyline.
Soho is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York. This part of town has galleries and beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants that often set international trends. The cupcakes, for example, began their triumphal march through the entire western world from here. And currently it is the New York bagels that are sloshing across the Atlantic into European snack bars. In fact, the city itself is also extremely open to outside influences, from other cultures. This is evident not only in the gastronomic scene, but also in art. One of those addresses that no New York visitor should miss is “Momo” – the Museum of Modern Art. Not only are the exhibits world-class here, but also the way they are presented (not to mention the museum shop, which could be ruinous with weak natures).
By the way: The use of cell phones in cinemas, theaters, concert halls or other public performances is prohibited in New York City and is punishable by a fine of $ 50. It does not matter whether the person concerned is called or telephoned on their own. Important information for a visit to New York City has been compiled in English on the following website: ” Plan Your Trip to New York City in 10 Steps “.
Neighborhoods of New York
Manhattan:
Approximately 1.5 million people live in Manhattan. Sights include Broadway and the Empire State Building. Wall Street is also in Manhattan. Other boroughs are: Greenwich Village, East Village, Little Italy, Harlem, Chinatown, Soho & Tribeca, Chelsea, Union Square and Civic Center.
Bronx:
The approximately 1.4 million residents of the Bronx are predominantly immigrants. The structurally weak district has an above-average unemployment rate.
Brooklyn:
With a population of over 2.5 million, Brooklyn has the largest population of any borough of New York. In recent years, Brooklyn has been discovered mainly by artists and creative people.
Queens:
Queen is the largest area in New York. Around 2.2 million people live there in the brick and half-timbered blocks that are so typical of Queens. Two of New York’s airports (John F. Kennedy and La Guardia) are in the 2.2 million-strong district.
Staten Island:
Compared to the others, Staten Island is a very green part of the city. Many villas, parks and green spaces exist there. The more wealthy families settle here. 450,000 have now jumped on the bandwagon of the rich.
Climate and Weather
The city has only two temperature ranges: the summers are muggy, the winters bitterly cold. The climate in New York is considered extreme. The cold in winter is pleasantly dry, so walks in Central Park or ice skating in Rockefeller Center are still fun. The hot and humid summers, on the other hand, require physical fitness. Spring and autumn only give very short guest performances. Autumn can bring pleasantly mild temperatures and clear skies. The air conditioning systems in buildings are a particular source of danger in all seasons. The best travel times are the months May to mid-June and September to the end of October.
