New York City, or the “Big Apple” as people who aren’t from here but claim to understand us call it is a cultural capital known for its melting pot of culture, diversity, and iconic hot spots.

With streets that never sleep in Manhattan and the neighborhoods bursting with life in Brooklyn, NYC truly is a unique mosaic of history, art, food and entertainment. From the 1st time visitor to filling in the blank and never seen it all, this city is ever changing.

Why Go To New York City

The Big Apple is also cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, and constantly changing – and all of this is true all at the same time.

Enveloped by life all across New York, its landmarks and skyscrapers jutting from the landscape form a vibrant backdrop to centuries of culture spread throughout its neighborhoods and boroughs.

Head to indie boutiques, iconic bakeries, and trendy coffee shops in the East Village or Brooklyn with this group of trendsetters.

Shop in the boutiques that adorn Fifth Avenue, visit world-class art collections at MoMA or the Met, see a Broadway show to remember and eat at a chic, fancy restaurant.

NYC The Big Apple is the most populous city in the U.S., a bustling metropolis that stands at the epicenter of art, fashion, and food. However, you can’t be afraid to absorb the greatness in this city, despite how rushed things may seem for other pedestrians.

Get a local to guide you through it. Pass through the concrete canyon and you’ll come upon Taxis howling down busy boulevards, million-miles-a-minute pedestrians moseying to megagalleries and trendy cocktail bars; Times Square’s neon never goes off.

But the lights and intersections of New York City beckon you to seize each moment and experience every niche, or create your own Manhattan madrigal.

You could spend years soaking up hours in the city that never sleeps, but one final piece of advice before you jet – take a moment to pause and observe — What you see here today will be transformed into bigger and better tomorrow.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit New York is anytime. Each season in Gotham offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun, and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations.

Deep winter – January and February – is cold, but that also means cheaper hotel rates. Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park, and dining outside.

Summer is hot, but hey, so are lots of places, and at least this is New York. No matter when you decide to visit New York City, consider travel protection – such as a travel insurance policy or a cancel for any reason plan – in the event you encounter weather issues or trip delays.

How to Save Money in New York City

Say no to cabs: A cab here, a cab there … pretty soon, you’ll find that cabs have eaten up all your spending cash. Yes, they’re convenient but cost-efficient they are not. Learn the subway system instead, or try Uber or Lyft.

Say yes to street vendors: Eat some cheap meals on the street at vendors, especially the ones with “Vendy Awards” posted, and you can put the money you would’ve spent on an expensive lunch toward your MoMA admission.

Say maybe to the TKTS booth: If you’re willing to spend an hour of your New York City vacation waiting in the half-price ticket booth in Times Square, you could save some serious money on a Broadway show.

Culture and Customs

The city is a mix of all different colors, people from everywhere under the sun currently call NY home. Consequently, it is a city with the receiving end of thousands of immigrants and refugees from all parts of the globe; hence a reasonable level of diversity and multicultural heritage are visible on this land.

Tourists should respect the culture by behaving appropriately in public and religious places. Also, this is New York we are talking about, people are always on the run and easily get tired to you can expect busy streets with a few crowded places.

What to Eat

It is a stepping stone for many of us trying to digest (pun intended) the big apple in all its international cuisine glory. From classic New York-style pizza to bagels, and gourmet dining experiences, there’s something for every taste bud.

Be sure to try some of the city’s classics such as cheesecake, hot dogs (one of my favorites), pastrami on rye sandwiches and street food standbys like pretzels.

Safety Tips

Though New York City is usually safe for visitors, it is important that you always beware of your surroundings and take steps to have a safe and fun trip.

Always secure your belongings in public areas, and be careful of the people around you, especially at night and avoid walking alone late at night in a neighborhood unknown to you. Capitalize on trustworthy modes of transportation and steer clear of overly pushy panhandlers or street sellers alike.

As you can see, New York City is a melting pot of culture and experiences waiting to be discovered by adventure-seeking travelers.

Boasting iconic sights, diverse neighborhoods, and accommodations spanning every budget and requirement imaginable, the Big Apple seduces millions of travelers year after year into its chaotic jumble of wild nightlife, local food joints, superhero-worshipping districts, world-beating museums, colossal skyscrapers and everything else in between.

In Central Park, the world-class art collections and divine cuisine throughout wandering exploration promise an adventure to never forget in New York City.