New York City
Overview of New York City
The problem with visiting New York is knowing where to begin. But even if you don’t immediately rush off to view the world-famous sights and landmarks of this most dynamic of cities, sometimes just being there is enough.The wonder of New York is in the energy and diversity that emanates from its densely packed, multicultural population. It vibrates with colliding cultures and languages, as highlife and lowlife rub together to produce a unique atmosphere, 24-hours a day.
Whether lolling on a bench in leafy Central Park, watching the world go by from a French bistro in Soho, or gazing up at Lady Liberty from the deck of the Staten Island Ferry, most visitors will feel they’ve done it all before. This is because New York is so familiar to anyone who has ever seen a movie or watched television. There is something special, however, in actually seeing the familiar landmarks and experiencing the pulse of The City That Never Sleeps.
Five boroughs make up New York City: Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. But many visitors never leave Manhattan, with loads of things to do and see packed into this small area relative to the other boroughs. This includes the 24-hour pasta restaurants of Little Italy, and the bustling sidewalks of Chinatown, the jazz clubs of Greenwich Village, and the theatres of Broadway. Of course, iconic sights include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
New York has been described as the best three-day city in the world, and that’s about right. After a frenzy of museums, galleries, bars, and clubs, many visitors are ready for a break. Fortunately, there’s a lot of choice in excursions. Outdoor attractions include the National Parks of upstate New York, to the beaches of Long Island, or simply the leafy oasis of Central Park. Whatever you’re after, New York is ready and waiting to bewitch, enchant, and bewilder.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to New York City
Climate for New York City
New York City has a humid subtropical climate, with cold winters and hot, moist summers. The city’s coastal location ensures that winters (December to February) are not as cold as inland cities on the same latitude, and daytime temperatures generally stay above freezing point but average lows drop to 27F (-3C). Snow is common in winter, but the amount varies, and winter rain is common. Spring in New York is pleasantly warm, and the weather heats up to high temperatures of around 77F (25C) by mid-May. Summers (June to August) are generally swelteringly hot and humid, with average highs hitting 84F (29C). The best time to travel to New York is in autumn, when temperatures are mild, days are sunny and humidity not too high.
7 day forecast for New York, New York, United States
| Wednesday Dec. 18, 2024 | Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 | Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 52°F Lo: 38°F  Afternoon clouds | Hi: 45°F Lo: 34°F  Cloudy | Hi: 40°F Lo: 32°F Overcast | Hi: 36°F Lo: 25°F  Decreasing cloudiness | Hi: 31°F Lo: 22°F Afternoon clouds | Hi: 32°F Lo: 18°F Afternoon clouds | Hi: 38°F Lo: 29°F Overcast |
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone’s position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which ‘the boss’ is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture ‘time is money’, and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It’s best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn’t tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Getting around in New York City, New York
New York’s public transport system is relatively good and cheap, and it includes buses and the subway. There are also the iconic and ever-present yellow cabs, although they are more expensive. Visitors should avoid unlicensed cabs, sometimes called gypsy or pirate cabs. Lyft and Uber are available.
Visitors can use a combination of these or just get around on foot. Walking is often the best way to see the city. During rush hours, when buses and taxis are caught in gridlock and the subway is overcrowded, stretching the legs can be the quickest option.
Usually, the most efficient way to get around is the 24-hour underground system, especially as most of Manhattan’s sights are near subway stations. Like other massive cities, however, this can be extremely confusing at first.
The bus system is simpler but slower, a good option for shorter distances or for travelling across town. Driving in New York is not recommended as traffic is heavy, drivers rude and aggressive, and parking both rare and exorbitant.
Events in New York City, New York
Chinese New Year
Sunday January 22, 2023 (22 January 2023)
Where: Starting at Mott and Hester Street
A must-see on the opening day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the city’s Chinatown is the biggest in the United States. Performances dance in the streets in colourful costumes, preceding a great parade of dragon floats. With over 200 restaurants, celebrations are sure to be huge and business buzzing. There are interesting tidbits to note such as eating a whole fish to represent togetherness and abundance, and not chopping one’s noodles as they represent long life. Colours are important at New Year too, with the luckiest being red, orange, yellow, gold, and pink. Black and white are unlucky.
WELCOME
Central Park SummerStage
Saturday June 04, 2022 to Tuesday August 23, 2022 (4 June — 23 August 2022)
Where: Central Park
Summer Stage is one of New York’s greatest institutions, as Central Park fills up every summer with music, theatre, opera and dance. There’s a different performance every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and usually Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and entry is mostly free. Famous performers and musicians sometimes grace the stage in Central Park and the atmosphere at the concerts is one of the great joys of a New York summer. Visitors should bring a picnic if they don’t want to pay for overpriced beer and food, and should get in early for a good spot. Travellers should visit the official website for a list of events.
http://www.summerstage.org
New York City Marathon
Sunday November 06, 2022 (6 Nov 2022)
Where: Finish in Central Park
As the world’s largest marathon, only London ranks alongside New York in terms of running prestige. The New York City Marathon hosts more than 35,000 runners from around the world, with a route passing through all five of New York City’s five boroughs before finishing in Central Park. Spectators line the way, famous celebrities take part and there’s usually some athletes in fancy dress, all creating a festive atmosphere. As so many people are keen to run, the general participants are usually selected in a lucky draw.
http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday November 24, 2022 (24 November 2022)
Where:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is one of the Big Apple’s most dynamic and colourful events, taking Thanksgiving celebrations one step further. The parade features marching bands, clowns and the Floats and Falloons, by far the day’s biggest attraction. Towering over crowds, they are a Macy’s hybrid of cold air balloons and floats. Famous characters include Angelina Ballerina, the Statue of Liberty, and Santa Claus. Starting on 77th Street, it proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, then down Broadway to Macy’s at 34th Street, and finally finishing on Seventh Avenue. Good places to watch include Times Square and Columbus Circle.
social.macys.com/parade2010/#/home
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday July 04, 2020 (4 July annually)
Where: The spectacle will take place from barges positioned in New York City’s East River
Independence Day is celebrated throughout the States, but nowhere more than in New York City. Although many locals leave to spend the holiday on Long Island or in Upstate New York, thousands of others stay behind to watch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. This is probably the biggest and best firework extravaganza in the country, culminating in a massive party. More than 10,000 fireworks explode from barges along the west side of Manhattan, synchronised and choreographed to music. It starts at sunset and the best place to watch is from the banks of the East River.
http://www.ny.com/holiday/july4
TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Monday May 01, 2023 (TBC 2023)
Where: Battery Park to Staten Island
The Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour is the biggest cycling event in the USA, seeing 30,000 cyclists pedalling through the five boroughs of New York City on 42 miles (68km) of traffic-free avenues, highways and bridges. The route travels through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island, encompassing the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The day ends with a festival at Fort Wadsworth, featuring live music, food and exhibitions. Spectators make a festival out of the event and line the route to cheer the cyclists on.
http://www.bikenewyork.org
Gay Pride Week and March
Sunday June 26, 2022 (26 June 2022)
Where: The march which follows a route along 5th Avenue, right onto 8th Street, on to Greenwich Avenue and along Christopher Street in Greenwich Village.
Rainbow flags flutter in Greenwich Village and crowds of people dress up in outrageous costumes during New York’s Lesbian and Gay Pride Week, with numerous events arranged to commemorate the Stonewall Riot and to show support for the LGBT community of the city. Highlights of the week’s festivities include a massive rally, the dance on the pier and the culminating march. Some huge sponsors get involved in Pride Week and people travel from all over the world to participate. New York City has a vibrant gay community and many locals come out in support of the community during the many events.
http://www.nycpride.org
Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Saturday December 31, 2022 (31 December)
Where: Times Square
Times Square boasts one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world and the biggest party in New York. The famous lowering of the New Year’s Eve Ball signifies the 60-second countdown to midnight and the tradition has become a worldwide symbol of welcoming in the New Year, viewed by millions across the globe. The festivities include the raising and lowering of the ball, music, an hourly big screen video countdown and a spectacular burst of fireworks. Revellers are showered with colourful confetti and are given celebratory hats, pom-poms and balloons to welcome in the New Year.
http://www.timessquarenyc.org
US Open Tennis Tournament
Monday August 29, 2022 to Sunday September 11, 2022 (29 Aug — 11 Sep 2022)
Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows
The top names and seeds in international tennis vie for victory in the final Grand Slam event of the season in New York each year. First played back in 1881 in the State of Rhode Island as a men’s singles event only, the tournament occurs annually at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. It wasn’t until 1968 that the US Open took the shape and structure it has today. Those wanting tickets for big games are advised to book as far in advance as possible.
http://www.usopen.org
New York Fashion Week
Saturday September 10, 2022 to Monday September 12, 2022 (9 — 12 Sep 2022)
Where: The Museum of the City of New York
Fashionistas, gorgeous models and Hollywood socialites attend the New York Fashion Week to check out the latest on the catwalk for next year’s Spring Collection. Sadly, it’s almost impossible for the general public to gain access to the event. Even so, budding fashionmongers flock to New York at this time to enjoy the many associated events and spend some time celebrity-spotting and strutting their designer threads.
Nightlife in New York City, New York
The nightlife in New York City encompasses jazz bars, nightclubs, lounges, comedy clubs, and live shows, with something happening around every corner. The Village, Broadway, Bowery, and Madison Square Garden are just a few destinations for evening entertainment in New York.
As a hub of the jazz world, New York is home to venues such as 55 Bar and Arthur’s Tavern. Jazz tours from Greenwich Village to Harlem are a fun option for enthusiasts, with a stop at the legendary Apollo Theatre a great attraction to tick off the bucketlist.
As the launching pad of big name comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, New York also has many comedy shows, with some of the best happening at the New York Comedy Club.
Of course, there are always famous Broadway shows in New York. Visitors should try the Palace or Eugene O’Neill theatres for the latest productions. Broadway shows are expensive, hence the popularity of the three TKTS discount ticket booths, the most popular of which is in Times Square.
They open every day at 11am, but the queues form well before this. Travellers can pick up last-minute tickets for half of the regular price, depending on what’s available. There’s seldom a queue at 5pm, with last minute prices dropping even further.
Nightclubs come and go quickly in New York City, as the fickle population becomes enamoured with the newest venues and trends. But visitors can always rest assured that whatever they want, the City of Dreams will have plenty of it.
Live music venues covering hip hop, rock, indie, and almost any other genre imaginable abound, and well-established venues offer events such as poetry readings. At any given time, internationally acclaimed DJs are usually heating up dancefloors in the New York darkness.
World-class performing arts venues are a dime a dozen in a city that boasts Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Centre, and Carnegie Hall, and visitors can take their pick of ballet, opera, symphony orchestras, and chamber music.
Shopping in New York City, New York
The amount and calibre of stores in the city will blow visitors away. Offering some of the best and most expensive shopping in the world, 5th Avenue is synonymous with classy high-end department stores such as Bergdorf’s and Saks. Madison Avenue is known as the trendy road, boasting 15 blocks of celebrity designer shops such as Chanel, Jimmy Choo, and Prada. Soho is one of New York’s poshest outdoor malls, with cobblestone streets and loft-like spaces creating a pretty and unique shopping experience.
As cosmopolitan as New York may be, visitors on a tighter budget can still find plenty of bargains at the city’s flea markets, which offer some top quality goods with stores touting designer knockoffs, antiques, jewellery, curios, thrift wear, home furnishings, and cosmetics. Chinatown is a budget shopper’s paradise with cheap knockoffs on offer, and haggling common practice.
Whether shopping in upscale Madison Avenue or the bargain-friendly Lower East Side, New York has something to offer everyone. Souvenirs can often be tacky, including miniature Statues of Liberty, I (heart) NY gear, New York Yankees merchandise, and Broadway posters.
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Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
