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| City Guide - New York - City Overview | ||
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City Overview Dynamic, crazy and mesmerising, New York City is the ultimate in urban cool. Considered by many to be the most exciting city on the planet, the gregarious metropolis that is New York exudes a unique brand of magic and a bold confidence - here everything is possible and anything can happen. No other American city even comes close to it in terms of population, diversity of culture, entertainment, business and commerce. It is a living organism, pulsating with the energy of over seven million inhabitants. Even the streets and buildings, in all their variety, seem to be alive and the sheer pace of life can be both inspiring and overpowering in equal measure proving something of a culture shock even for visitors from the West. Yet within a day's drive, visitors can find fine beaches and seascapes, quiet, forested mountains, quaint, small towns, and plenty of historical sightseeing. Located in the southeastern corner of New York State, New York City comprises five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Its location at the confluence of the Hudson River, Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean reflects the city's importance as a port, and as the disembarkation point for millions of immigrants to the USA. The first European settlement on Manhattan was by the Dutch in the 1620s, who named the city New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British took over and renamed it New York, and the settlement rapidly flourished expanding from south to north along the island. With great foresight, 340 hectares (840 acres) were set aside to create Central Park, which opened in 1876 and ten years later New York's most famous landmark, the Statue of Liberty, was erected on Ellis Island - a proud and triumphant symbol of freedom marking the gateway to the New World. The Ellis Island Immigration Station officially opened its doors to the world on 1 January 1892, and, in 1898, the five boroughs were incorporated into a single entity, known as Greater New York. However, mass immigration saw the emergence of distinct ethnic quarters with the island of Manhattan rapidly developing into a unique cultural melting pot, housing an entire world within its 58 sq km (22.7 square miles). For many Manhattan is New York. Wedged in the canyons created by the skyscrapers a diverse population has carved out its corner, such as the bustling sidewalks of Chinatown, the Greek tavernas of Astoria, the Old World Russian restaurants and clubs of Brighton Beach, the Italian communities of Little Italy and Arthur Avenue, and the sari shops and vindaloos of Little India in Jackson Heights. In fact, the city's billing for the twenty-first century -- 'New York City ... Come Visit the World' - couldn't be more apt. New York is an excellent place to visit at any time of year although it is particularly pleasant during the spring and fall when temperatures hover around 70ºF. New York winters tend to be unpredictable, sometimes wild, sometimes severe and stormy and summers are hot and muggy often lasting until September |
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