Where is New York located?
New York is located on the east coast of the United States, on the Atlantic Ocean and at the mouth of the Hudson River. The average duration of a direct flight from London is about 7 hours. It is worth remembering that on arrival we need to put our clocks back 5 hours, so we may experience jet lag in the first few days.
New York is home to over 8 million people, making it the largest city in the United States. The fact that it is the centre of the world can be seen from the fact that more than 800 languages can be heard on the streets.
It is currently made up of five boroughs, the most famous of which is Manhattan, home to such iconic skyscrapers as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. In addition to the famous skyline, you will also find the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway, Fifth Avenue and many museums (including the MET and the Museum of Natural History).
What are the main tourist attractions in New York?
If you are visiting New York for the first time, we have put together a guide to the city’s top attractions, complete with practical information. Find out what’s on offer in the capital of the world.
Buy tickets for attractions in New York
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic symbol of New York City. Located on Liberty Island, it has attracted crowds of tourists over the years. For those who want to see it up close, there are many organised tours available. An alternative and free option is to take the Staten Island Ferry, which offers a view of the statue from a distance and saves several dollars.
Central Park
New York’s oasis of greenery, famous from countless films, will impress almost anyone who visits for a moment. Central Park was built more than 150 years ago and employed 20,000 workers during its 15 year construction. It offers a range of entertainment from restaurants to bars, ice skating rinks and the famous zoo. Opera concerts are held on the Bethesda Terrace and the Delacorte Theatre stages outdoor plays. The park can be explored on horseback, in a carriage or by boat, which can be hired from the Boathouse. If you visit in the winter, you will find New York’s famous ice rink, Wollman Rink, which is transformed into the noisy Victorian Gardens entertainment centre during the summer season.
Also close to the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the oldest and largest museum in the United States.
Fifth avenue
Fifth Avenue’s reputation as the world’s most expensive street is largely due to Rockefeller Center, one of the world’s largest business and entertainment complexes. Fifth Avenue is slightly less crowded than Times Square. It is particularly impressive in winter, when the atmosphere is enhanced by a skating rink filled with people and a giant Christmas tree. One of the most expensive streets in the world, it is home to annual parades, including the Polish Pulaski Parade and the Irish St Patrick’s Day Parade. Here you can admire the legendary Empire State Building or visit the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
If you’re a basketball fan, don’t miss a visit to the impressive NBA Store, which not only sells merchandise, but also displays some of the most interesting memorabilia and trophies from the world of professional basketball.
Times Square
More than 300,000 people visit Times Square every day, making it the most popular place in New York. Charlie Chaplin and Al Capone once lived here. Today it is the poster capital of the world. It can easily compete with Las Vegas in terms of entertainment potential. There is no other street in the world with such a concentration of large-scale advertising. The place attracts an incredible dose of entertainment, fun and colour – but be prepared for the crowds.
Walking around Times Square, you can meet the Naked Cowboy, a guitar-playing performer who earns US$1,000 a day and wears only a hat, shoes and briefs. Don’t miss the candy kingdoms of M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World, or the New Year’s Eve concert, which is broadcast to nearly a billion viewers around the world.
The Broadway Musical
Broadway, a mecca for musical productions, remains the premier centre for the performing arts in the English-speaking world. Some musicals have been running continuously for more than 30 years. Classics of the genre include Chicago and Phantom of the Opera. The children’s repertoire is also noteworthy. Seeing The Lion King or Aladdin live is fun for children and adults alike. Some of the world’s most popular actors can be found on the theatre stage.
Coney Island, New York’s entertainment centre
The peninsula of Coney Island, part of the New York borough of Brooklyn, is famous for its entertainment. Known as the capital of American pop culture, it offers a wide range of entertainment.
The world’s most trueschool amusement park
A visit to the peninsula is a great opportunity to have fun at Luna Park Coney Island. This is a typical American amusement park with some of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation. When you’re here, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the set of an American family film made famous by the country’s cinematography in the 1990s. The main attractions here are the delicious hot dogs and burgers from the legendary Nathan’s Famous fast-food restaurant and the giant Ferris wheel.
The oldest aquarium in the USA
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States, founded in Manhattan in 1896 and located on Coney Island since the 1950s. Discover an underwater world that never sleeps. The aquarium is home to sharks, rays, sea otters, octopuses, jellyfish and many other fascinating marine creatures. There are also interactive shows with the famous seals and dolphins.
Enjoy a game of the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team
A visit to Coney Island is a unique opportunity to take part in the local community’s sports fiesta. The Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team is a favourite of the locals, who often cheer on their team at the city stadium. It’s worth going to a game on a Friday, as that’s when the post-game fireworks show takes place.
What is the best time to visit New York? What is the weather like?
When visiting New York, it is worth choosing the right time to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. When travelling to this city, the weather is an important consideration.
Below you will find information on what New York is like during the different months of the year:
Weather in January and February
The winter months are usually characterised by low temperatures, often below zero, and the possibility of snowfall. This is a time when the city is less crowded.
Weather in March and April
Spring brings a gradual warming, although March can still be chilly. April is the month when temperatures begin to rise and the city comes alive with various festivals and events.
Weather in May and June
Late spring and early summer is the ideal time to visit. Bank holiday in May and temperatures are moderate and the city is alive with cultural events and festivals.
Weather in July and August
These are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching 30°C. It can be a busy time for tourists, but also for outdoor activities.
Weather in September and October
Autumn is one of the best times to visit New York. The temperatures are pleasant and the city is aglow with the colours of autumn. There are also fewer tourists than during the summer season.
Weather in November and December
Late autumn and early winter bring cooler temperatures and preparations for the festive season. November is the time for parades and December is a magical time of decorated shop windows and festive decorations.
Where to eat in New York?
New York is also about world cuisine. You can find dishes from almost every country. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something for everyone. We have prepared some recommendations for you:
Katz’s Delicatessen, located on New York’s Lower East Side, Katz’s is an iconic Jewish deli known for its traditional pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and has been around since 1888! Known for its unique atmosphere, Katz’s is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, having been featured in many films, including When Harry Met Sally and Donnie Brasco.
Charlotte’s Special – This burger place offers burgers with lots of fried onions, pickles and American cheese. The menu also includes hot dogs and fries, perfect for a quick American-style snack. Address: 642 9th Ave, New York, NY.
Peter Luger Steak House – This is a legendary restaurant known for its delicious steaks. Founded in 1887, it is one of the three oldest steakhouses in New York. As well as steaks, the menu also includes burgers and classic American desserts. Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings – At this Chinese restaurant you will find delicious dumplings, soups with wontons and Sesame Chicken. This is the perfect place for fans of Asian flavours. It is located near 5th Avenue, Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
The Chinatown and Little Italy districts are also worth a visit, with many restaurants serving authentic Chinese and Italian cuisine. Both areas are rich in history and culture and offer a great dining experience.
Michelin-starred restaurants also offer an exquisite dining experience. Recommended options include Eleven Madison Park in Midtown South, which is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and has three Michelin stars. Another excellent option is Gabriel Kreuther in Midtown, which has two Michelin stars and offers refined cuisine with a New York accent. These restaurants not only offer excellent food, but also a unique, world-class dining experience.
How do you find accommodation in New York?
In New York, the most expensive accommodation is often found in the central and southern parts of Manhattan, where hotel prices start at $120-150 per night and apartments can be even more expensive. One of the most exclusive properties in the city is the Plaza Hotel, which most of us know from the film Kevin Alone in New York. If you are looking for such an experience, be prepared to pay at least $5,000 per night.
More affordable options are available north of Central Park and in Harlem. About 20-30% cheaper accommodation can be found in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and also in New Jersey, with easy access to Manhattan. It is important to choose locations close to subway stations to make getting around the city easier. Walking distances between subway stations are typically 15-20 minutes.