New York - Other

Overview
New York is the largest city in the United States, the entire city is separated into five districts aka “The Five Boroughs”: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. This city is also known as the “Capital of the World” due to it’s worldwide renowned media, financial, entertainment and fashion circles.

Climate
Swelteringly hot and humid at the height of the summer and freezing cold in the depths of the winter; there is no doubt that the best time to visit New York is in the Spring or Autumn.

Currency
U.S. Dollar

Language
English is the official language, but Italian, Spanish and Greek are also very spread across New York.

Conversion socket / phone signals
Voltage in the United States, so also in New York is 110-120 Volts at 60 Hz. Some countries have the same Voltage, but most of the world’s countries have 220-260 Volts at 50 Hz. It is recommended to check whether your appliances work with these Voltages. Many appliances, however, are compatible with the different Voltage. If your appliances are not compatible you can buy a voltage converter. The USA also has different sockets. In case you need an appliance in New York then you will need a socket converter as well. New York has a very good cell phone network. Getting a signal here will not be a problem.

Customs / traditions
New York is the world's economic center and the largest financial center, it has more than 2,800 companies in the New York Stock Exchange. Of the world's five hundred top enterprises 43 have offices in New York, Manhattan and the Central Business District has the largest concentration of skyscrapers in the world. Here is a symbol of luxury. Different cultures from around the world come together here. There are also some taboos in New York need to pay attention, such as Friday 13 and taking photos/videos on the New York subway and the tunnel.

Local residents
New York is a melting pot of culture which is also reflected by its population; the city has more than eight million people from all ethnic groups. In addition to Caucasians, there are a lot of Jews, Afro-Americans and Chinese; it is the most concentrated areas of American Minorities. Because it is a big city, there is a fast pace of life, most people are busy with their own affairs, others are relatively harsh, somewhat arrogant.

Religion
New York has freedom of religion. All religions have their followers in New York. Most predominant is Christianity (40% Catholic and 30% Protestant). New York's famous churches attract many tourists whether for religious reasons or simply to view the beautiful architecture. These churches are worth a visit. Other religions represented are Judaism (8.4%), Muslim (3.5%), Buddhists (1%) and others (4.1%). 13% of the population claim to have no religious affiliations.

Airport / Car Rental
New York has three airports: John F. Kennedy Airport, La Guardia Airport and Newark Airport. The most important international airport is John F. Kennedy Airport, it’s about 15 miles from Manhattan. A taxi costs about 25 dollars. It is advisable not to rent a car in New York, because New York's traffic fines are very high, and there are high parking fees; although it is crowded, the overall traffic situation is still good.

Public transport
The New York subway is developed, and can reach almost every corner of New York City, the fare is $2.25, you cannot eat in the subway nor is it accepted to walk between compartments. The bus is also very convenient, a total of 244 buses run each day and night to fill the gaps in areas not reached by subway.

Taxi / infrastructure
The New York taxi starts off with a $2 charge and then costs 30 cents for every quarter mile. Traffic jams or other circumstances have additional costs, while waiting. A taxi at night can be more expensive. In addition to basic fees, you also need to pay 10-15% of the driver tip.
In short, the New York public transport system is developed, even in the absence of private cars you can easily reach the places to go.

Festivals
Chinese New Year at the end of early February, this Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in Chinatown, there are many celebrations, during which there are fireworks and a grand parade.

Gay, bisexual and trans-gender people's congress march in June
There are many special events and gatherings held in June. On the last Saturday, people carry out a parade along the Fifth Avenue; it lasts almost 5 hours, very spectacular.

Christmas, Dec. 25, is the best time to visit New York. Before and after Christmas, New York City and the country will dress up in a Christmassy atmosphere, the most famous New Yorker attraction is the big Christmas tree in the Rockefeller Center.

Gourmet
New Yorks diet variety has the characteristics of various ethnic groups, the chefs here continue to create magical food. This attracts diners from around the world. As fast-paced as New York life is, most New Yorkers choose eating out. Fast food plays a major role in New York; it has a history of over 100 years in the USA. There are hamburger and hot dog stand all around the streets of New York. If you want to eat a great meal you best book ahead of time because most of the restaurants are booked out every day and are of short supply.

Lifestyle
New York is a city on the go. 9/11 was a massive blow but the city simply picked itself up and dusted itself down and got on with making money. It is one of America’s income-earning powerhouses and as much as the banking sector was responsible for the sub-prime loans debacle the same sector is responsible for stimulating America’s global growth. In the 1970s, New York went bust as a city but, today, the streets may not be paved with gold but they are paved with numerous opportunities for visitors to have the very best vacation.

Sights
Statue of Liberty
Broadway
Metropolitan Museum
Times Square
Empire State Building
Rockefeller Center