New York

The first European settlement was located in the southern part of the island of Manhattan. The authorities of the Netherlands bought out these lands from the native citizens for the sum that is worth 1000 dollars today. In 1652, the colony got autonomy and became a city.

The Englishmen came to these lands after the Dutch. The revolution that had lasted from 1775 to 1783 became a starting point for the fight for independence. The Englishmen had been holding their grounds during the whole period of military actions. However, George Washington managed to defend the city in 1783.

New York became the first capital of the USA in 1785. George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. A new round of American history began. The migration of people from Ireland and New England played a considerable role in the life of the country. Later on, the United States became a home for many nationalities.

Starting in 1898, New York began to obtain its modern features. Such districts as the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, and others adjoined the city.

During World War II, the “Big Apple” became a leader among other American cities. The headquarters of the United Nations was opened here, and the active process of erecting skyscrapers started.

New York becomes a center of the world art market. The modern art was developing here rapidly. In 1969, the police raid of the Stonewall gay club in Christopher Street was announced. This triggered the fight for the gays’ rights.

The white families had been leaving New York from the 1970s to the beginning of the 1990s. It was caused by a high unemployment rate, crisis, and a growing crime rate. The city received almost no taxes and practically turned into a bankrupt. Piles of garbage, prostitutes, the drug traffic in the parts - that’s how New York looked back then. At the same time, a cultural revolution happened. Punk rock and disco were born. 

Rudy Giuliani, a Republican and a former attorney, became the mayor of New York in 1994. As he came, the city underwent beneficial changes: radical crime prevention started, the industrial districts were reconstructed, nightclubs were closed. By the end of the 1990s, during the rapid development of the Internet, a network of startups had appeared. It boosted the overall growth of the city. 

The date of September 11, 2001, became known all over the planet. Two airplanes were highjacked and crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. As a result, 2606 people died. Ten years after the tragedy, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum was opened. 

When New York recovered from the chaos, the economy started to grow as well as the prices for real estate. An actual building boom began! New parks were constructed. The city turned into one of the gastronomic capitals on the planet. 

In 2018, 65 million tourists visited New York. So far, it’s an absolute record.

From April to September, the weather in the megapolis is as comfortable as it could be. You won’t suffer from the unbearable heat, and it’s a pure delight to enjoy long walks around the city’s districts. There are plenty of various free street attractions available in this period: USA tennis tournament, marathons, Fashion Week, performances in Central Park. January and February are the coldest and windiest months. However, rates for accommodation options and flights are the cheapest.

• Watch the sunset with a view of Manhattan. The best way to see New York is to observe if from the height. Fortunately, you don’t have to hire a roof guide. The city offers a diversity of rooftop bars with panoramic views of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building.
• Take a picture at Times Square in front of the legendary billboards.
• Attend Bushwick neighborhood. This is a street-museum in the open air. It seems that you can examine the graffiti on the walls forever! Despite its Brutalism, the block is replete with cute cafes and coffee-shops.
• Take a helicopter tour. There is a diversity of companies in the city that offer day and night flights. But there is one type of trip that you won’t be able to forget. How about flying over Manhattan without doors? No Door Helicopter Tour in New York is a much-in-demand tourist attraction. You should book the seats in advance.
• Check out Brighton Beach. The picturesque neighborhood with Russian residents is spread along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. After a walking tour, you can relax on the beach with a marvelous view or even enjoy a swim.
• Drop by American thrift stores. Brooklyn Flea-Fort Greene, Artists and Fleas, Bushwick Flea​ , and other places are not just markets in the open air. These are actual museums where you can find an excellent souvenir for yourself and friends.
• Walk to Dumbo and see the main attraction, the Manhattan Bridge. This neighborhood reminds of decorations for filming detective movies: gloomy buildings, dark lanes. But don’t worry! Within touching distance, you can already see Downtown, Upper East Side, and the Williamsburg Bridge.
• Lay on the lawn in Central Park. It’s a real crime to visit New York and not to attend the main worldwide known Central Park. It offers boat tours, a zoo, epic views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Get acquainted with the gastronomic side of New York. Food is another way to explore new destinations. Local citizens love hot dogs, burgers, bagels, gyros, falafel, stake, and guacamole. By the way, pizza in New York has a specific saltish taste and thick edges.
• See the Statue of Liberty. If your budget and time are limited, use the local ferry that departures from South Ferry port and goes to Staten Island. You will have 30 minutes to enjoy the splendid views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. A pleasant advantage is that the ride on a ferry is absolutely free.