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New York City: The city that never sleeps
The world’s most talked about city, New York is a place it’s impossible not to love. Its cultural currency comes from its huge diversity, with over 200 languages spoken and millions from across the globe flocking to see its sensational sights. Manhattan teems day and night, its museums chock full of the finest art and design the world has to offer.
Brooklyn’s burgeoning reputation as the planet’s cultural capital makes it an essential stop-off for music lovers, beer drinkers and food fanatics. Throw in endless cityscapes and beautiful squares and parks for escaping the bustle, and you have the quintessential modern-day metropolis.
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Top 10 sights in New York City

Empire State Building
NY 10118 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/73 63 100
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Opening times:
Daily 0800 – 0200
The city’s second tallest building (now that the new World Trade Center is complete) offers huge views of the Five Boroughs and beyond. Be sure to book tickets online first.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
NY 10004 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/36 33 200
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Opening times:
Daily 0900 – 1530 (Statue of Liberty)
0900 – 1600 (Ellis Island)
Take both of these classic sights in on one single boat trip. Ellis Island is steeped in history, the place where America’s immigrants arrived until 1954, while the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for NYC first-timers.
Rockefeller Center
NY 10111 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/69 82 000
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Opening times:
Daily 0800 – 0000
Head to the Top of the Rock for views over Central Park and a chance to take skyline snaps with the Empire State Building as the star.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
NY 10119 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/70 89 400
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Opening times:
Mon-Thurs and Sat/Sun 1030 – 1730
Fri 1030 – 2000
Arguably the greatest modern art gallery in the world, MOMA is home to works by Matisse, Van Gogh and Munch among countless others. Rolling exhibitions never disappoint.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
NY 10128 New York
USA
Tel. +1-212/53 57 710
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Opening times:
Mon-Thurs and Sun 1000 – 1730
Fri-Sat 1000 – 2100
This vast Central Park institution is so big you’ll struggle to see it all in one day. Ancient artefacts rub shoulders with Old Masters and superb modern-day photography.
Central Park
The park is New York’s green lung, a landscaped oasis offering respite from busy streets. Spend a day exploring the lakes and ponds and the John Lennon memorial in ‘Strawberry Fields’.
Brooklyn Museum
NY 11238 New York
USA
Tel: +1-718/63 85 000
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Opening times:
Wed and Fri – Sun 1000 – 1800
Thurs 1100 – 2200
This vast place is a great alternative to the Met. Check out classic American artworks and collections from ancient civilisations.
Guggenheim Museum
NY 10128 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/42 33 500
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Opening times:
Sun – Wed and Fri 1000 – 1745
Sat 1000 – 1945
Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful Guggenheim is a piece of art in its own right. Marvel at the spiral design and drink in the peerless collection of paintings and sculpture.
The High Line
NY 10011 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/50 06 035
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Opening times:
Daily 0700 – 1900 (December to March)
Daily 0700 – 2200 (April and May; October and November)
Daily 0700 – 2300 (June to September)
New York’s newest park is also its coolest. A reclaimed raised subway line, it cuts through the Meatpacking District and is unlike any other green space in the city.
9/11 Memorial Museum
NY 10006 New York
USA
Tel: +1-212/31 28 800
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Opening times:
Daily 0900 – 2000
Located on the site of the Twin Towers, this powerful memorial reflects on the devastating events of 9/11 and how the city has recovered in the years since.
Flight and accommodation
Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorities.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Martin Luther King Day: 18 January 2021
President’s Day: 15 February 2021
Memorial Day: 31 May 2021
Independence Day: 4 and 5 July 2021
Labor Day: 6 September 2021
Columbus Day: 11 October 2021
Veterans Day: 11 November 2021
Thanksgiving Day: 25 November 2021
Christmas: 25 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Manhattan’s airy cocktail bars
The very fact that New York is such an exciting, dynamic and thrilling place is precisely why you sometimes need to get away from the honking and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. In the rooftop bars of Manhattan, high above the street canyons, there is a different, calmer soundscape shaped by the clicking of cocktail shakers, happy hour conversations and cool DJ music that’s perfectly in tune with the Manhattan skyline.
230 Fifth
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/725 43 00
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The Empire State Building towers (almost) close enough to touch above the 230 Fifth, in the evening bathing its huge terrace in warm, colorful light. It’s the perfect place to sip a refreshing NYC Mule with pineapple and lime juice. Don’t be put off by the line in the lobby – it usually moves forward quickly. If you prefer to savor the scenery without the nighttime party atmosphere, come on the weekend, when brunch is served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the palm-fringed rooftop.
Press Lounge
New York, NY 10036
Tel.: +1-212/757 22 24
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The long, narrow emerald pool is a good reason in itself to make your way to the somewhat remote 11th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen district. A further attraction is the invariably high level of glamor to be spotted on the roof terrace of the Ink48 Hotel: Relaxing beside the pool with a cocktail, you can watch the stylish New York after-work crowd or simply enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the Midtown skyline and the Hudson River.
Gallow Green
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/564 16 62
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An enchanted garden right in the middle of New York? Sure thing! There’s the rooftop bar of the McKittrick Hotel, for example, a hideaway rampant with dense greenery. Behind the wooden tables, pink blossoms trail skyward, as though reaching for the strings of lights overhead, beyond which the lights of Westside shimmer. The atmosphere at the Gallow Green is hopelessly romantic and a tad wicked – which could have something to do with the burlesque evenings that also take place at the McKittrick. The hotel is best known for its show “Sleep no more”, based on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. Advance booking recommended.
La Piscine
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/216 00 00
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At the Hôtel Americano, a dip in the pool high above the rooftops of Chelsea does not come cheap for non-guests: The access pass costs 40 dollars but is valid for the whole day. Better to just head straight to the bar in the evening. The barkeepers here will mix you the perfect the gin margarita or refreshing cucumber Martini against the perfect postcard backdrop provided by the illuminated Empire State Building – and that comes entirely for free.
SixtyFive & Rosé Bar
New York, NY 10112
Tel.: +1-212/632 50 00
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The Rainbow Room is a New York nightlife legend with its Art Deco style, a breath of chandelier luxury and its wide expanse of skyline. New York’s high society has been dancing and partying here on the famous rotating dance floor since the place opened in 1934. During renovations in 2014, the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center received an outside terrace, which now provides two open-air venues: Bar SixtyFive is smarter and more expensive, while the Rosé Bar is the more laid-back alternative. What they have in common are their spectacular views of Manhattan.
Le Bain
New York, NY 10014
Tel.: +1-212/645 76 00
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First a tip: Come for Happy Hour in the week! On the weekend, the line outside the door stretches right round the block, and the later the hour, the grumpier the doormen. The atmosphere before sunset, on the other hand, is unpretentious and relaxed. Guests chill on the huge poufs and garden chairs set out on the artificial grass and enjoy the views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. After 10 p.m., the DJ turns up the music, and then the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel becomes more crowded, louder and also more eccentric.
Pod 39
New York, NY 10016
Tel.: +1-212/865 57 00
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Midtown East may not be the ideal location for a cool New York bar, but the Pod 39 is an exception here. Locals and tourists mingle on the roof of this boutique hotel, a mere ten-minute walk from the United Nations, with which the charming, if at first sight seemingly chaotic decor of the rooftop bar fits well: Greek pillars, Italian terracotta elements and brightly colored Mexican cushions. On Friday nights a DJ spins the discs, but the sound level is never too high; guests can still talk comfortably.
Roof at Park South
125 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel.: +1-212/204 52 22
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Which way do you look first? In the north, the silver Chrysler Building gleams followed by a twinkling sea of city lights – Nomad’s Park South Hotel couldn’t be more strategically placed! On top of this, it stocks a wide selection of local beers, an elaborate cocktail menu and an anything but everyday pub menu features stunning items like the Wagyu cheeseburger, parmesan truffle fries, and fiery, marinated prawn skewers.
Flight and accommodation
Getting around
Public Transport
New York’s extensive subway system is the largest in the world and is run by the city under the auspices of the MTA (mta.info), which also takes care of the excellent bus system. Tickets can be purchased from stations and news agents, with rechargeable MetroCards the best bet for getting around. The subway runs 24 hours a day, although services become sparse in the small hours.
Taxis
New York’s famous yellow cabs are always available on Manhattan’s main streets. Don’t be timid and stay on the sidewalk when hailing one. Chances are a bold local will be in the road taking your ride. Tipping is essential.
Flight and accommodation
Harlem’s gems
Nearly every street in Central Harlem has some impressive architecture, but the district’s true gems are to be found on Astor Row and Strivers Row. Dating from the 19th century, these buildings, like the entire neighborhood, had been falling into disrepair since the 1930s when in 1981, a protection order was placed on the entire block and every single building became a listed historical monument. Little by little, the buildings were then lovingly restored, including the wooden verandas on Astor Row and the wrought-iron gates to the back yards of the townhouses on Strivers Row. Some even still have their old sign reading “Private Road – Walk Your Horses”
between 5th Ave and Malcolm X Boulevard
and Strivers Row, West 138th/139th Street
between Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard
Flight and accommodation
Excursion Tipps: Time to get away!
New York is the most fantastic city in the world, as we all know! But sometimes you have to get out of the city, so why not try these six out-of-town destinations native New Yorkers head for when they want to turn their back on Manhattan.
Lufthansa tip
Lufthansa flies several times daily from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich to New York lufthansa.com. Use the mileage calculator in the Miles & More app now and find out how many award and status miles have been credited to you for your flight. Download now on miles-and-more.com/app.
Dia:Beacon – for art lovers
NY 12580 New York
USA
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The 80-minute trip out here is an adventure in itself, with the train following the banks of the Hudson River all the way to the sleepy town of Beacon. Visitors can take in one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary sculptures on the U.S. east coast here; it is housed on some 30,000 square meters of space in an old factory building. If you don’t relish waiting in line outside the MoMa, the Dia:Beacon museum could be a relaxing alternative for you.
Tip: Take a seat on the left (direction of travel) on the train, so you don’t have to constantly crane your neck for a view the scenery.
How to get there: 3 Beekman St, Beacon
Direct connection from Grand Central Station on the Metro-North.
Travel time: roughly 80 minutes.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn – for fresh-air fanatics
NY 11225 New York
USA
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A good way to escape Manhattan’s busy streets for a while, is to go and lie down on the grass in Central Park. But if you are already in the mood for a day trip, you might travel a little further, namely as far as Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Like its somewhat bigger brother, it was created by a landscape architect. With its lake, old-fashioned carousel, a wood, an oriental former teahouse and a concert stage, it is one of New York’s favorite getaways.
How to get there: Can be reached by train on one of the lines Q, S or B – as far as Prospect Park Station, or by taking line 2 or 3 as far as Station Grand Army Plaza.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 40 minutes.
Montauk, Long Island – for sun worshippers
NY 11954 New York
USA
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Also known as “The End,” Montauk is the most easterly point on Long Island. That’s why what it has to offer is something almost unheard of in New York: real peace! The likes of Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel also came in search of tranquility to this town of 4000 souls, which stands out more for its natural attributes than its magnificent villas. Pristine beaches, a number of parks with extensive trails and also the oldest lighthouse in the state await visitors in Montauk.
How to get there: From Penn Station, take the Long Island Rail Road.
Travel time: around three hours, 15 minutes.
Woodbury Common – for shopaholics
NY 10917 New York
USA
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Anyone shop in New York will stowing their new treasures in the case they came with difficult. So if you do make the trip to Woodbury Common, definitely consider purchasing another piece of luggage. This outlet mall is located some 60 miles outside New York and was built in the style of a small village. Its stores sell 220 different brands, from Chloé und Dior to Jimmy Choo, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tod’s – and at bargain prices of up to 65 percent below the usual retail price.
How to get there: 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917.
From the Port Authority Bus Terminal, take a Gray Line bus to the outlet center.
Travel time: roughly 50 minutes.
Coney Island – for pleasure seekers
NY 11224 New York
USA
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The southernmost tip of Brooklyn is where you will find Coney Island– the peninsula with the famous amusement park. After suffering a lengthy period of decline, the park was extensively modernized in 2010. Now the Scream Zone with The Tickler and other such thrilling roller coasters is one of the most nerve-racking attractions. If a trip down memory lane sounds more your style, then the Cyclone is probably more your thing; it’s a wooden roller coaster dating from 1927, in which you hurtle toward the ground at a rather more leisurely pace.
How to get there: 1000 Surf Ave, NY 11224
Take the subway, line Q or F, to West 8th Street Station, or line D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue Station on Coney Island.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 45 minutes.
Hudson – for browsers
NY 12534 New York
USA
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Whaling was once the livelihood of the small town of Hudson. Today, the old district is the center of the antiques trade, which occupies most of the more than 50 stores on Warren Street. At the Hudson Supermarket, you can browse for lamps and furniture, and rummage through mountains of books and then enjoy a refreshing, locally brewed craft beer at Spotty Dogs Books & Ale – or simply enjoy roaming the streets of this charming place.
How to get there: Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
Amtrak runs a train service from Penn Station in New York to Hudson.
Travel time: two hours.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in New York City
No one should come to New York and eat badly. The city’s diversity means every kind of cuisine is catered for.
No matter what neighbourhood you find yourself in, there’s always a decent joint where you can chow down.
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
NY 11201 New York
USA
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Price: Luxurious
Brooklyn’s only three-Michelin-star joint. Feast on the 20-course tasting menu while watching the chefs at work.
St Anselm
NY 11211 New York
USA
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Price: Moderate
You’ll need to queue, but the succulent steak will definitely be worth the wait.
Locanda Verde
NY 10013 New York
USA
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Price: Moderate
This hot Tribeca spot serves some of the best Italian food in the city. Reservations are a must.
Penelope
NY 10016 New York
USA
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Price: Budget
A Midtown brunch classic, this place fills up fast. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious.
Fanelli Café
NY 10012 New York
USA
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Price: Budget
A renowned corner joint in SoHo serving great salads and sandwiches.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in New York City
Finding a cheap hotel room in New York is tougher than winning the lottery.
The city has plenty of superb top-end options though, with a growing number of decent, cheaper alternatives.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
NY 10007 New York
USA
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Category: Luxurious
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in the city’s Tribeca district fulfills the luxurious promise of the name: spa, pool and round-the-clock room service provided by the hotel’s own gourmet restaurant CUT.
The Standard High Line
NY 10014 New York
USA
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Category: Luxurious
The New York outpost of LA’s Standard hotel is an opulent palace, with huge views across the Hudson River and Downtown.
W New York – Times Square
NY 10036 New York
USA
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Category: Moderate
This outpost of the Starwood chain is situated right at the heart of the city. Not only does the lobby on the seventh floor boast a hip, ultramodern feel, but the rest of the hotel maintains the same level of style and chic. And thanks to sound-excluding double glazing, guests can enjoy the view over Times Square in peace.
Union Hotel Brooklyn
NY 11217 New York
USA
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Category: Moderate
Based in southern Brooklyn, this sharp hotel has excellent subway access for Manhattan sightseeing.
Econo Lodge
NY 10036 New York
USA
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Category: Budget
Traveling on a shoestring but still wishing to spend the night in New York City? Then this could be the hotel for you. The rooms are on the small side, but fit for purpose and satisfactory. The Lodge’s outstanding attraction is its central location.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in New York City
The city that never sleeps has got it all for the night owl. Cool cocktail joints, dive bars and super clubs are
everywhere, just waiting to be explored. However you like to party, you can do it in NYC.
Union Pool
NY 11211 New York
USA
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If it’s a super hip night out you’re after, look no further. Nestled under the BQE, this is a hipster paradise.
Bowery Ballroom
NY 10002 New York
USA
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This lush little venue is the finest place in NYC to catch live music. Gigs start late, so try the cool downstairs bar first.
Marquee
NY 10001 New York
USA
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This Chelsea institution is renowned for its great hip hop nights.
Cielo
NY 10014 New York
USA
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This is one of the hottest clubs in the Meatpacking District. It has an excellent sound system that’s put to great use by mostly techno/house DJs. This place is always packed, not just on the weekend.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Chinese New Year
This is one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in the country, and always draws big crowds. There are several celebrations in New York, with firecrackers, parades and dragon-clad dance troupes. This always falls in either January or February, though the date changes every year.
Tribeca Film Festival
This film festival was founded as part of a post-9/11 effort to attract visitors to return to lower Manhattan. It has become New York’s premiere film festival. In addition to film screenings, there are talks, panels and a street fair.
Bryant Park Movie Nights
From June to August, this grassy Midtown park screens outdoor films on Monday nights. Picnics abound, and the film choices are usually well-known classics rather than new releases. Films start around sunset, and the lawn opens at 5pm; go early to get a spot.
Summerstage
A fantastic free performing arts festival that takes place in Central Park each year. It was founded in 1986 and features a wide range of top-name performers across genres – including music, dance, theatre and spoken word. Many events are free. Other NYC parks also host similar events throughout the summer.
Mermaid Parade
The city’s most informal and most lively parade has a nautical theme, and features women and men alike dressed in glittering and riotous costumes and covered in ample body paint. The city’s classic theme parks provide the perfect backdrop to this celebration of the weird and wonderful.
NYC PrideFest
The annual LGBTQIA+ PrideFest is a street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality.
Fourth of July
Most towns and cities host their own Fourth of July celebrations, but certainly the best known of these is in New York City and is hosted by Macy’s. Get a spot early in the day as west side Manhattan streets fill up with spectators eager to see the impressive fireworks show over the Hudson River.
New York City Marathon
One of the world’s most popular marathons, the New York City Marathon has been held since 1970 and attracts 45,000 runners every year. The race route runs through all five of New York City’s boroughs.
New Year's Eve
A million people come to New York each year with the express purpose of ringing in the new year by watching the ball drop in Times Square. If you dare to brave the cold and the crowds, you can celebrate the more than century-old tradition, too.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in New York City
Key Areas
New York has got shopping covered from every angle. Fifth Avenue’s broad sweep is home to global brands and luxury goods, while further downtown Broadway is awash with major high-street names. SoHo is full of fancy boutiques, while across the East River, Williamsburg and Greenpoint are great for music, books and vintage clothing.
Markets
Foodies should check out Union Square’s Greenmarket (closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) as well as the excellent Chelsea Market. Perfect for delicious on-the-go nibbles. Great for unique tees, alternative antiques and hipster spotting, the Brooklyn Flea is held in three locations across the borough; Fort Greene on Saturdays, on the waterfront in Williamsburg on Sundays and Park Slope all weekend.
Shopping Centres
Manhattan Mall, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Limelight Shops offer good ‘under one roof’ options for shopaholics. However, NYC is more about classic department stores than modern-day malls. Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s all deliver.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
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Climate and best time to visit New York City
NYC is never quiet, tourists flocking to its wide avenues all year long. But the best times to see the city at its finest are in spring and autumn. From April to June, New York shakes off the annual big freeze and blooms, the sun bringing all life out onto its busy streets. In autumn, Central Park is awash with colour and the cool temperatures make rushing around Gotham more bearable. Summers can be excruciatingly hot, soaring temperatures combining with city concrete to make it feel like a true urban jungle. And if you don’t like it cold, it’s best to avoid town in January and February too.
Climate & best time to visit the United States of America
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
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Jan | 22 °C | -21 °C | 3 °C | -3 °C | 62 % | 87 mm | 8 | 5.2 h |
Feb | 23 °C | -26 °C | 4 °C | -2 °C | 60 % | 83 mm | 7 | 5.8 h |
Mar | 30 °C | -16 °C | 10 °C | 1 °C | 59 % | 104 mm | 8 | 6.9 h |
Apr | 35 °C | -11 °C | 16 °C | 6 °C | 55 % | 107 mm | 8 | 7.5 h |
May | 37 °C | 0 °C | 22 °C | 12 °C | 63 % | 112 mm | 9 | 8.3 h |
Jun | 38 °C | 6 °C | 26 °C | 17 °C | 65 % | 93 mm | 9 | 8.6 h |
Jul | 41 °C | 11 °C | 29 °C | 20 °C | 64 % | 111 mm | 8 | 8.7 h |
Aug | 40 °C | 10 °C | 28 °C | 19 °C | 66 % | 102 mm | 8 | 8.7 h |
Sep | 38 °C | 3 °C | 24 °C | 15 °C | 68 % | 99 mm | 7 | 7.3 h |
Oct | 34 °C | -2 °C | 18 °C | 9 °C | 66 % | 90 mm | 6 | 6.8 h |
Nov | 28 °C | -15 °C | 12 °C | 5 °C | 65 % | 114 mm | 8 | 5.0 h |
Dec | 22 °C | -25 °C | 5 °C | 0 °C | 64 % | 99 mm | 8 | 4.5 h |
year | 41 °C | -26 °C | 16 °C | 8 °C | 63 % | 1201 mm | 94 | 6.9 h |
Flight and accommodation
Typical for New York are the differences, that’s all
Practically anything is possible in this city – any day, any time. Sophie Auster, musician and daughter of the famous authors Auster and Hustvedt, lets us in on the secrets of her hometown.
It’s a sunny morning on West Broadway. Sophie Auster sits on a bench, a latte to go in her hand, her dark eyes hidden behind sunglasses. That way, you don’t see the dark rings under her eyes that she may well have inherited from her father, the author Paul Auster. But maybe they are just a souvenir from her last short trip to Madrid just a couple of days ago. Jet lag? Sophie shakes her head: “There was no time for that. I gave a private concert, went to a party, and before I knew it I was back on the plane and heading for home.”
Home, that’s an apartment in TriBeCa, the eternally cool Triangle Below Canal Street. Sophie lives in a modern building of glass and steel, a neat seven stories high, between scruffy auto repair shops and cool eateries. Robert de Niro’s luxury hotel, The Greenwich, is just a couple of blocks away, its gym is very popular with New York’s upper class. There are glasses standing around in Sophie’s kitchen, discarded socks on the floor in her bedroom, and next to the sofa, four guitars stand propped against the wall. The Gretsch 1967 is her absolute favorite.
Sophie Auster is a musician. Like most young artistes, she grabs every opportunity to promote her career. She loves being up on a stage and regularly performs at New York clubs. Somehow, though, her clear, powerful tones and haunting music seem out of place with her girlish looks.
Is it true you’ve had that voice since you were a teenager?
“I’ve been taking singing lessons since I was eight years old. I was 16 when the New York duo One Ring Zero asked my father for some lyrics, and the two of them were constantly hanging around our place. One day I said: ‘You know what? I sing!’ Then I actually got to sing a song on their next album. That sparked the idea for me to make another recording with musical adaptations of poems. We found a tiny sound studio in Brooklyn, and worked there really intensively during my school vacations and on weekends. That’s how my first album came about.”
And that got you hooked on recording?
“No, that came later. Having an album of my own was fantastic, but I regarded it more as a nice gift for my grandmother. Then a friend from France came to visit. She liked my voice and arranged another recording for me, so when I was still in my first year at college, I already had an album produced in Europe. This attracted the attention of the press, and I started to receive invitations to sing at festivals and began touring in a small way. Gradually I began to realize that this could be my path in life.”
What kind of music do you make today?
“I’d say it was pop in the broadest sense. I’m a singer-songwriter; I compose my own music and write all the lyrics myself. When I was a teenager, I listened to a lot of jazz and Gerschwin. Maybe I just came into the world too late because my songs are much more on the 1970s/’80s wavelength. The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed – they are all musicians I feel an affinity with.”
Sophie’s flirtation with the past is not just a musical one. Her favorite dress is a ten-year-old, floor-length Oscar de la Renta creation in delicate shades of coral and pistachio. She picked it up at Ina in SoHo, a commission store, where models, fashion editors and wealthy New Yorkers pass on their barely worn designer clothes. The boutique’s founder, Ina Bernstein, was one of the first to realize that there was a market for such garments – clothes that were too good for second hand and too new for vintage.
That was 20 years ago and today there are six Ina stores in downtown Manhattan, where Sophie likes to look for flowing dresses and unusual accessories. But today, she decides 550 dollars for a funnel-shaped cap made of real leopard skin is still just a little bit too much for her.
What’s it like being the daughter of famous parents? Has your name opened doors for you?
“To be honest, I find that question irritating. I have a very close relationship with my parents; they are my best friends. But it bothers me when people constantly ask me about them. The music business is tough and sometimes I have no idea how to get ahead. But how could they open doors for me? My parents write books! If I wanted to publish a novel, they could probably give me a few tips. But I have no plans in that direction.”
So you wouldn’t say you got your creative talent from your parents?
“We are a creative family, for sure. Nevertheless, each of us does our own thing. I have to say that it was a big help, though, having parents who understood about creativity, and that helped me to develop mine. There was no one there telling me to train for a proper job. I was allowed to find out what I enjoyed doing and encouraged to follow that route.”
Your parents live in Brooklyn. Why did you move to Manhattan?
“I know everyone else does it the other way around, but I just happen to like swimming against the tide. Also, I wanted to try out something new. I didn’t know what living in the city was like. That was a couple of years ago and now I would like to go back to Brooklyn. My friends are there, my recording studio – and my favorite bars.”
The Smile is a small restaurant with a worn wooden floor, brick walls and a dark wooden ceiling. Every table is taken; it’s loud and very cozy. Sophie orders lemonade with basil and a salad with avocado and chicken breast – lots of organic or otherwise healthy ingredients. Her mother immediately orders the same: “If Sophie likes it, I will, too.” Siri Hustvedt is very tall, fine-boned and very blond. Her family is from Norway, but she was raised in Minnesota and came to New York in the late 1970s. “It’s really easy to become a New Yorker because outsiders feel right at home here in next to no time,” she says, adding that “Forty percent of all New Yorkers were born somewhere else, anyway. Isn’t that a nice statistic?” So you could even love the city because everyone here has an accent.
What appeals to Sophie particularly is the great diversity of people and lifestyles. The typical New Yorker, she says, just doesn’t exist. Typical for New York are the differences, that’s all. Everyone can live the way he or she likes – and anything is possible any time.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
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Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
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Health
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Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
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Flight and accommodation
My New York
Whenever I’m in New York City, I head for the Magnolia Bakery (magnoliabakery.com). One of the city’s four branches is located on Bleecker Street. It’s so unremarkable you would likely pass it by if it weren’t for the long line of people outside the shop that lets you know this is where they sell the most scrumptious cupcakes in the world. I have them wrap me some and then make my way to Times Square, where I buy a coffee at one of the many coffee shops and then sit down on the red steps to admire the gigantic advertising and musical billboards.

Jacqueline Geisler, flight attendant