New York
New York City comprises 5 boroughs where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of it all is Manhattan, a densely populated borough, which is among the world’s most commercial, financial and cultural areas.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: American Dollar
- Country Code: US
- Travel Visa: ESTA required (Click here for more info)
- Population: 8,398,748
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 311.
Hospitals in New York City
Lenox Hill Hospital (212) 434-2000
Presbyterian Hospital +1 212-746-4684
Mount Sinai Hospital 1-800-MD-SINAI
Tourist Offices
NYC Information Center (Times Square)
NYC Information Center (Macy’s Herald)
China National Tourist Office
370 Lexington Ave
+1 212-760-8218
Travelling Around
New York City is connected to the world by 3 major airports. Public transport is the cheapest, most efficient transport throughout the city with 27 subway lines leading to 472 stations and 5,725 busses getting you anywhere you need to go. Port Authority is the central transport hub in Manhattan.
Train Stations
NYC Safety
What are the common scams in NYC?
Fake Rap Artist
You may encounter individuals posing to be a rap artist in Times Square and other popular tourist areas. They will try to give you a “free” CD. They will insist you take it and if you do they will insist it needs their autograph. The CD is free, but they will bully you into money for the signature. Put your hands in your pocket if you see these people, so they cannot force the CD into your hand.
Street Characters
People dressing up as popular film or cartoon characters in locations such as Times Square will often travellers to pose with them for photos, with the expectation of a tip afterwards. When they do receive the tip they want, some have been known to get confrontational and demand more. If you do feel threatened by a confrontation with one of these individuals, contact the police.
Phoney Tickets For Free Attractions
Remember to do your research on any attractions that you plan on visiting ahead of time, so that you don’t overpay for a free ticket. Those who are approached by individuals trying to “sell” Staten Island Ferry tickets should decline and walk away immediately.
How do I keep up with the news?
Is NYC safe at night?
During the daytime, almost all areas of Manhattan are safe to walk in – even Harlem and Alphabet City. However, it is advised that if not initiated within these neighbourhoods, you should avoid them after dark. Make sure you plan your route, so that you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar area.
Try and stay in populated areas like Times Square, which is well-lit all through the night.
Subway trains run 24 hours of the day. When using the subway trains at nighttime, try and avoid empty carriages and pre-plan your route back to your accommodation. If you decide to have a short nap on the ride, make sure you keep your belongings safe by looping a limb through one of the bag straps, which will alert you if anyone tries to grab or open the bag.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Local Traditions
Every culture has its customs and traditions, they have been handed down the generations and are always held in high regards by the local residents.
Annual Ceremonies
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
NYC Events
NYC Pride March
It is one of the largest annual Pride marches in the world, which tens of thousands of participants and millions of sidewalk spectators each June. The event celebrates the LGBTQ+ communities within the city.
Times Square Ball Drop
Celebrate the arrival of a new year with one of the world’s biggest New Years Eve events. Enjoy a unique celebration that the whole world is watching – but get there early, as the spots near the front are usually taken as early as 3pm!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Every year, crowds gather around the iconic Christmas Tree under the Rockefeller for the switching on of the lights. You can read more about the event here.
NYC Highlights
What are the highlight attractions?
Here’s a list of the top New York City attractions. Click on the attraction for more information.
NYC cheap eats?
Joe’s Pizza on 7 Carmine Street is a classic New York slice pizza joint – nothing glossy. Joe Pozzuoli opened the family run restaurant in 1975 and still owns and operates at 75 years of age.
Smorgasburg is at Williamsburg’s East River Park (Kent Ave and North 7th Street) on Saturdays and at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill on Sundays. The event features nearly 100 vendors selling seriously delicious and graciously cheap snacks, with amazing views of the Empire State Building and surrounding city skyline across the East River.
Keep an eye out for pop-up food festivals throughout the year! Facebook events is a great way to keep up to date.
Where can I escape the hustle and bustle?
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn. A short subway ride from Manhattan, the gardens will give you a sense of peace when walking amongst the incredible nature.
The 840 acre park will give you a break from the chaos of New York’s streets and allow you the opportunity to get lost in nature for a little while. You can visit Central Park Zoo, take a paddle boat out on one of the many lakes or simple watch the world go by from the comfort of a bench.
The park was designed in the 1860’s by the same designers of Central Park. This urban park is a great retreat for a family picnic, a casual walk in the park or a game of football with your mates. Keep a lookout for any upcoming events in the park throughout the year.