Energy, Excitement, New York

New York City can be compared to having the whole world in one area. It has layers of different communities, countless neighborhoods, and well over 100 languages spoken by its inhabitants. With a population of over 8 million – not counting the metropolitan area – what else could one expect?
Many visitors in New York want to hit the big sights right away: take in the frenetic activity of Times Square, see a musical on Broadway, check out the venerable Brooklyn Bridge. Central Park, an 843-acre oasis of calm in the middle of the city, comes complete with a zoo and a carousel. Cultural mavens will love New York’s rich art and music scene, which includes major attractions like the Metropolitan Opera, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museums of Art and Modern Art, and far too many more. History buffs will enjoy learning about this city’s long and varied story at the Museum of the City of New York. For people who like a bit of old-time atmosphere with their fun, consider Coney Island. It’s billed as both a playground for adults and kids and an actual neighborhood. There are free summertime music shows, an old-fashioned amusement park, and – of course – those famous hot dogs.

International flights into New York City use either JFK International Airport (JFK) or nearby Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In fact, savvy tourists sometimes choose to stay in Newark, New Jersey. It’s literally just across the river from New York City, and hotel bargains can be found.Within the city, things can get expensive, particularly in the most tourist-centered areas.

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Finally, a word about safety. Like any other large city, crime can be a problem in New York, but common sense and travelling in a group will help you enjoy the energy of this vast metropolis.