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"Give me such shows—give me the streets of Manhattan!" — Walt Whitman
Here are some surprising facts about the New York City!
- First U.S. Capital: the New York City was the U.S. capital from 1789 to 1790
- Times Square’s History: Named after The New York Times in 1904, it was previously Longacre Square.
- Statue of Liberty’s Location: Technically in New Jersey waters, but under the New York City jurisdiction.
- Pizza Love: New Yorkers eat 23 pounds of pizza per year on average.
- Massive Subway System: The New York City’s subway has 472 stations, the largest globally.
- First U.S. Pizzeria: Lombardi’s, opened in 1905, is America’s first pizzeria.
Experience NYC’s culture, explore its landmarks, and plan your perfect trip today!
However, flight paths can vary depending on the weather and air traffic, so there’s no absolute guarantee. But overall, the left side tends to offer the best chance to enjoy that spectacular view! 😍
A few pictures from The New York City:
- The Neon Wonderland - Times Square
Location: One Vanderbilt Avenue, near Grand Central Terminal Height: 1,401 feet (427 meters) Observation Deck: Opened in 2021, this immersive experience includes various viewing platforms and stunning views of the skyline. It takes you to the 91 floor in just 10 seconds! The most recommended viewing spot to watch the views on Manhattan.
3. The best way to see different neighbourhoods in New York - Contrast tour. This excursion offers a unique perspective than traditional New York tours. Learn about the distinct cultures in Haarlem, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens.
4. The best place to buy souvenirs - Brooklyn Bridge and nearby Chinatown
6. Following the trail of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York filming locations. Hotel Plaza [link with CJ-booking.com] - The Plaza Hotel, where mentioned iconic scenes from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York were filmed, is one of the most famous hotels in the city. Located on Fifth Avenue, visitors can explore its elegant lobby and even dine in its renowned restaurants, though access to the private hotel areas is restricted to guests.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, is located on Fifth Avenue as well. Known for its striking stained glass windows and grandiose spires, it’s a serene escape in the heart of Manhattan.
FAO Schwarz - [link with CJ?] - Just a short walk away is FAO Schwarz, one of the most iconic toy stores in New York. Famous for its grand piano and extensive selection of toys, it's a must-visit for families and anyone in search of unique gifts.
7. The Statue of Liberty - Free Staten Island offers a fantastic and free way to see the Statue of Liberty from a distance: the Staten Island Ferry. This iconic ferry service runs between Manhattan and Staten Island, providing stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor along the way. The ferry operates regularly and is free for all passengers, making it a popular choice for both tourists and locals. Once you arrive on Staten Island, you can enjoy the scenic waterfront and explore attractions such as the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Staten Island Museum. For more information about the Staten Island Ferry, you can visit the official website of the NYC Ferry service
8. Transportation around NYC
The OMNY card is New York City's new contactless payment system for subway and bus rides. You can use your contactless credit card, smartphone, or smart device to pay for fares easily. A single ride costs $2.90, and there's no need for a MetroCard anymore, as OMNY has fully replaced it.An excellent feature of OMNY is its weekly fare cap: once you’ve spent $34 on subway and local bus rides, any additional trips within that seven-day period are free, just like the benefits of a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard. This makes it easier to save on multiple trips in one week. For reduced-fare customers, the cap is set at $17. It’s worth noting that this system tracks your payments automatically, so you don’t need to register for a specific card or app.
9 . Where to eat:
New York City offers a wealth of affordable dining options, including street food, casual eateries, and budget-friendly restaurants. Here are some great places to eat cheap in NYC:Street Food:
- Halal Guys – Famous for their chicken and gyro platters served with rice, salad, and their signature white sauce, found at their food cart on 53rd and 6th Avenue.
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Los Tacos No. 1 – Located in Chelsea Market, this spot offers delicious tacos starting at around $3 each, with authentic flavors.
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Gray's Papaya – Known for their cheap and tasty hot dogs, this iconic spot offers two dogs and a drink for around $6.
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Mamouns Falafel – A beloved spot in Greenwich Village, serving authentic falafel sandwiches for about $5.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants: Joe’s Pizza – A classic NYC pizza, where you can grab a slice for around $3.50. The best NYC pizza - queuing around 30 min.
- Xi'an Famous Foods – Offers spicy hand-pulled noodles and burgers starting at $10, with various locations around the city.
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Chickpea – A fast-casual eatery specializing in affordable Mediterranean bowls and wraps, with many options under $10.
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Katz's Delicatessen – While not the cheapest option, you can enjoy a classic pastrami sandwich for around $24, which is filling enough to share.
Cafés and Bakeries:
- Ess-a-Bagel – Grab a fresh bagel with cream cheese for around $5; they have various locations across the city.
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The Donut Project – Unique and delicious donuts starting at $4 each, perfect for a sweet snack on the go.
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Balthazar Bakery – Affordable pastries and sandwiches in SoHo, with many options under $10.
