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Your Guide to the World

New York, NY

New York City (NYC) is the most populous city in the U.S., a global hub for finance, culture, and media. Known as "The Big Apple," it comprises five boroughs and is home to over 8.4 million people from around the world.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Historical Names and Nicknames

New York City is known by many names, both official and unofficial .

Date of Foundation and Age

New York City's European settlement dates to the early 17th century.

Geographic Position and Coordinates

City Type and Economic Specialization

New York City is a diversified global hub.

Population and Demographics

"Visiting Card" of the City (In Brief)

New York City is the world's vibrant, 24/7 metropolis, a melting pot of cultures that serves as the global nerve center for finance, media, and art. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the diverse neighborhoods of Queens and Brooklyn, visitors come to experience iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, explore world-class museums, and immerse themselves in an unparalleled urban energy .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Ocean)

New York City is defined by its waterways.

Beaches and Coastlines

New York City boasts over 14 miles of public beaches along its 578-mile coastline .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

New York City has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , according to the Köppen classification, transitioning into a humid continental climate further inland. It is characterized by hot, often humid summers and cold, wet winters. The city experiences four distinct seasons.

Average Temperatures and Precipitation

Data based on the 1981-2010 climate normals from Central Park .

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant times to visit New York City are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) . During these months, temperatures are mild, and the city experiences lower humidity, making it ideal for walking and outdoor activities. Spring brings blooming trees in Central Park, while fall offers crisp air and colorful foliage.

Landmarks

Empire State Building

Central Park

Brooklyn Bridge

Statue of Liberty

Transport

Main Airports

New York City is served by three major airports .

Public Transportation System

Major Railway Stations

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

New York-Style Pizza (New York Slice)

No culinary journey through New York City is complete without a slice of its signature pizza. This iconic food is characterized by its large, thin, hand-tossed crust that is crisp yet foldable, making it the ultimate fast food . The story of New York-style pizza began in the early 20th century with Italian immigrants. Gennaro Lombardi is widely credited with opening the first pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi's, in 1905, using a coal-fired oven that imparted a unique smoky flavor to the crust . A classic plain cheese slice, with its simple tomato sauce and generous layer of low-moisture mozzarella, is the best way to appreciate this staple. For a quintessential slice, head to Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, a favorite since 1975, or try the coal-fired pies at the historic Lombardi's in Little Italy .

Pastrami Sandwich

The pastrami sandwich is a quintessential New York deli delight that captures the city's Jewish culinary heritage. It consists of thinly sliced, smoked, and spiced pastrami piled high on rye bread, typically served with mustard and a pickle on the side . Pastrami was brought to the United States by Romanian Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century, who adapted their recipe to use beef brisket and began smoking the meat . The definitive place to try one is Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side, an iconic establishment since 1888. Famous for its hand-carved pastrami and the legendary "I'll have what she's having" scene from When Harry Met Sally, a visit to Katz's is as much about the experience as it is about the sandwich .

Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese

A New York breakfast staple, the bagel with lox and cream cheese is a simple yet perfect combination of textures and flavors. The ideal New York bagel is defined by its chewy interior and slightly crispy exterior, a result of being boiled before baking . Brought to the city by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century, the bagel has evolved into a culinary icon, with the New York-invented "everything" bagel becoming a local favorite . For an authentic experience, visit Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side, a legendary appetizing store that has been serving hand-rolled bagels with lox (cured salmon) and creamy cream cheese since 1914 .

Bodega Sandwich (BEC)

Ask any New Yorker where to get a great sandwich, and they'll likely point you to their local bodega. These small neighborhood stores, numbering around 13,000 across the city, are the heart of local communities and serve surprisingly expansive menus . The most iconic is the breakfast BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese), a simple, satisfying, and affordable sandwich that fuels the city each morning. While you can't go wrong at any corner store, places like Sunny & Annie's Deli in the East Village are famous for their creative takes and quirky sandwich names .

New York Hot Dogs

The hot dog is one of New York's oldest street foods, dating back to the 1860s with the arrival of German immigrants . Today, it remains a quintessential snack, sold everywhere from corner carts to stadiums. For the ultimate hot dog experience, head to Coney Island in Brooklyn to sample a famous Nathan's Famous hot dog and stroll along the boardwalk. This iconic spot has been a destination for over a century and even holds a renowned annual hot dog eating contest .

Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("The Met")

As one of the world's premier art institutions, "The Met" is an encyclopedic museum whose vast collection spans 5,000 years of global culture . Located on the Upper East Side, its holdings are nothing short of breathtaking. Visitors can explore everything from Renaissance paintings and Greek and Roman statues to an entire Egyptian temple, the Temple of Dendur, and a wealth of ancient artifacts . With such a comprehensive collection, it is a destination that could take days to fully explore.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

A veteran of New York's creative scene since 1929, MoMA is the city's premier destination for modern and contemporary art . Its evolving collection contains nearly 200,000 works, housing some of the most famous pieces on the planet . The undeniable highlight is Vincent van Gogh's mesmerizing "The Starry Night". Alongside this masterpiece, visitors can view Andy Warhol's iconic "Gold Marilyn Monroe" and his famous "Campbell's Soup Cans", which together form a classic slice of Americana .

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim is a masterpiece of architecture in its own right, and reason enough to visit the Upper East Side . Designed in 1943 by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, the building's twirling white rotunda and spiraling interior ramp are inspired by natural forms like a nautilus shell. Inside, the museum's permanent collection has grown to some 8,000 pieces, ranging from bronze sculptures by French Impressionist Edgar Degas to avant-garde conceptual works .

Whitney Museum of American Art

Dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century American art, the Whitney Museum is housed in a dramatically asymmetrical building in the Meatpacking District, designed by architect Renzo Piano . The museum holds over 25,000 works and is built around the personal collection of its founder, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. It boasts the largest collection of works by realist painter Edward Hopper in the world. The Whitney is also famous for showcasing living artists through its signature exhibition, the Whitney Biennial .

9/11 Memorial and Museum

This poignant museum and memorial in Lower Manhattan reflects on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and honors its victims. The museum houses a series of affecting artifacts, from personal items of survivors to larger remnants like a crumbling staircase salvaged from the World Trade Center site and a wrecked fire truck . Outside, the solemn National September 11 Memorial features two massive pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with cascading water and panels inscribed with the names of the fallen .

Sport and Sports Legends

Famous Stadiums and Arenas

New York City is one of the best sports markets in the world, boasting an impressive collection of iconic venues . In the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is the historic home of the New York Yankees, a beautiful throwback venue known for its old-school charm and Monument Park . In Queens, Citi Field hosts the New York Mets . Midtown Manhattan is home to the legendary Madison Square Garden, the world-famous arena where the New York Knicks (NBA) and New York Rangers (NHL) play . In Brooklyn, the state-of-the-art Barclays Center is home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the New York Liberty (WNBA) .

Professional Sports Teams

The city has an unparalleled concentration of professional teams, often with two in each major league . This creates a vibrant and passionate sports culture with historic rivalries.

Famous Athletes

New York's teams have been home to some of the most legendary figures in sports history.

Major Sporting Events

New York hosts a variety of major sporting events throughout the year. The US Open Tennis Championships, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, is held annually in Queens. The TCS New York City Marathon, one of the world's largest and most prestigious marathons, winds through all five boroughs. For baseball fans, the Subway Series refers to the interleague games between the Yankees and the Mets, a highlight of the summer season .

Sports Museums

The Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan is a must-see for sports fans and history buffs alike. It provides a wonderful and insightful look into the life of the man who broke baseball's color barrier and his immense impact on American history .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Major Research Universities

New York City is home to several world-class research universities. Columbia University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1754, is one of the most prestigious in the world, consistently ranking near the top in global university standings . New York University (NYU) is another giant, with a global reputation, particularly strong in the arts, business, and law. The CUNY Graduate Center cemented its position in the highest rank of U.S. research universities by achieving the prestigious Carnegie R1 classification, making it the only public institution in New York City to hold this designation for its high level of research activity . It is home to over 30 doctoral programs and more than 1,700 faculty members .

Specialized Institutes and Academies

The city also has world-renowned specialized institutions. The Juilliard School, located at Lincoln Center, is a legendary conservatory for music, dance, and drama, having trained generations of world-class performers . The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) at NYU is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to applying data science and technology to solve complex urban problems, using New York City itself as its primary laboratory .

Historic and Notable Campuses

Many of these university campuses are landmarks in their own right. Columbia University's main campus in Morningside Heights is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The campuses also offer students and visitors access to world-class cultural institutions, libraries, and events, with many performances and lectures open to the public .

Healthcare Institutions

New York City is a global hub for top-tier medical care, home to numerous world-famous hospitals and research institutions.

Major Medical Centers

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, affiliated with Columbia and Cornell universities, is one of the nation's most comprehensive academic medical centers, consistently ranking among the best in the country across multiple specialties. NYU Langone Health is another prestigious academic medical center, renowned for its clinical care and research, with a flagship campus on the East Side of Manhattan. Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system whose Icahn School of Medicine is a leader in medical education and research. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest private cancer center, dedicated exclusively to patient care and groundbreaking research in oncology.

Specialized Hospitals

The city also has renowned specialized hospitals. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is widely regarded as the world's leading hospital for orthopedics and rheumatology. The Rockefeller University is a world-famous biomedical research university, which has been associated with numerous Nobel Prizes and scientific breakthroughs. While primarily a research institution, its presence underscores the city's depth in medical science.

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