New York Apartment Types

One of the most famous cities in the world, the economic and cultural heart of America and home to some of the most iconic sights on the planet, New York attracts millions of business people, tourists and globe trotters alike.

History

The New York region was inhabited by around 5,000 Lenape Native Americans when it was discovered in 1524 by the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano who named the area Nouvelle Angouleme (New Angouleme). Dutch settlement followed with the establishment of a fur trading settlement Nieuw Amsterdam (New Amsterdam) in 1614 before the British conquered the city in 1664 and renamed it New York after the English Duke of York and Albany. Under British rule the city grew as an important trading port and after the American Revolutionary War the city was made the national capital. In 1789, The Constitution of the United States was ratified, the first President was inaugurated, the first US Bill of Rights was passed and the first Congress and Supreme Court were assembled at Federal Hall on Wall Street and by 1790 New York City had surpassed Philadelphia as the largest city in the US. During the 19th century the city was transformed through immigration, development and the consolidation of Brooklyn, Queens and other parts into the city. The opening of the New York Subway in 1904 helped connect the newly expanded city together and the first half of the 20th century saw the city become a world centre for communication, industry and commerce. The construction of skyscrapers, mass increase in population, periods of economic boom and the opening of the UN headquarters saw the city saw New York emerge as the world’s leading city. New York City today is a leading global city with a powerful influence in worldwide finance, commerce, culture, fashion and entertainment.

Getting In & Getting Around

There are three major airports that serve New York – John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. JFK is the busiest of New York’s airports serving a range of worldwide destinations. Located in Queens, some 24km (15 miles) from central Manhattan, the airport is connected via subway, commuter rail and coach links. Newark Airport is popular for international flights where as La Guardia Airport serves mainly domestic flights. New York is home to two of the busiest rail terminals in the US – Grand Central Station and Pennsylvania Station (Penn Station). Penn Station is a major hub on the east-coast with regular links to Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia as well as Montreal in Canada. Long distance buses arrive and depart mainly from Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal linking New York City with a variety of destinations in the US including Washington DC, New Orleans, Chicago and Orlando. The city itself offers a whole host of transport options including the Subway, bus, ferry and the famous New York yellow cabs.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

New York is one of the greatest cultural centres in the world and boasts a overwhelming number of iconic sights and attractions. Manhattan is the cultural heart of New York City, home to major sights such as the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Central Park and all the major museums and galleries including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Manhattan is also the place where you can shop till you drop. With Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Barney’s and Saks Fifth Avenue you will be truly spoilt for choice. Time Square is a definite must see on any trip to New York. Marvel at the countless video screens and bright neon lights before heading to Broadway to catch a show. No trip to New York would be complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island ferry offers a great view of the lady herself and the famous New York skyline.  The other boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each offer some fascinating sights and attractions that are well worth a look.

Eating Out

Boasting some 20,000 restaurants, there really isn’t much that you can’t find in New York. From hot dog stands and by-the-slice pizza joints to the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the US, there is something to suit every taste and budget. From Japanese, Chinese and Korean to Moroccan, Russian and Greek, cuisine from all corners of the globe can be found in New York along with famous local specialities such as cheesecake, bagels and deli sandwiches.

Outside The City

There are a number of great destinations to be found just outside of New York City. Long Island, home to beautiful white sandy beaches and the exclusive seaside resorts of The Hamptons, is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Coney Island, with its long stretch of beach and historical amusement parks, is just 45 minutes away on the subway from Manhattan, and is a popular destination with both New Yorkers and tourists alike.  For a complete change of scenery, head out to the Palisades – easily reached from Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge. Situated on the western bank of the Hudson River, the Palisades are steep cliffs ranging between 300-500ft with numerous impressive viewpoints, trails and campsites located along them.

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