New York, the city that never sleeps, with over 8 million people Manhattan is the main island, but all the neighborhoods are worth a visit. With skyscrapers from the 20th century, its skyline is impressive. The architecture shines but so do its museums, art galleries, parks and green areas, the conversion of industrial districts, its people...
If you want to enjoy the tradition and learn about American history Washington and Philadelpia are two great options for a break.
Skyline Manhattan
Visa
If you want to travel as a tourist to the United States you must apply for an ESTA. It can be done online for about $14 on the official ESTA application page, you do not need an agency to apply for your visa to the United States.
Money
The official currency is the US dollar $.
Language
The main language is English, although it is possible to speak almost any language due to its great cultural diversity.
In Subway Station
Transportation
The subway is the best way to move around NYC, you avoid the traffic jams, but try to avoid the rush hour. If you fly to John F. Kennedy International Airport the subway is the cheapest option, use the MetroCard to save money as you can reload it and it will be useful to visit the city (it is also useful for the city bus).
Metro cards are personal, you can recharge them for time (1 week or 2 or 1 month) or for trips. It costs $2.50 per trip. If you don't take a card and you take a single trip, it's $2.75. The same goes for the Airtrain card that goes from JFK Airport to the subway line, it costs about $5 a trip.
Taxis in Manhattan are yellow, official green taxis can only pick up passengers in the Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Bronx districts, as well as the Upper Manhattan area (but not in downtown Manhattan).
Buses, for long distance trips work very well and are comfortable and very economical.
Ferry, if you want to visit Staten Island (free) or move from Manhattan to Brooklyn or Queens.
Apollo Theater
Accommodation
We are staying with a family member so we cannot recommend any accommodation in NY, however Williamsburg is a good area to stay if you have the chance as it is close to Manhattan by subway and not that expensive.
In Washington we stayed at DC Lofty and in Philadelphia Apple Hostels, the latter was very good.
Health
Before starting your trip contact the international health service, health care in the USA is quite expensive so it is convenient to take out travel insurance to cover medical services.
Security
Before you travel it is convenient to have a travel insurance, not only for health but also for civil responsibility.
Manhattan Island, Brooklyn and Queens are pretty safe areas. The Bronx is still an area where you have to take precautions.
In Washington the tourist areas are safe by day. In Philadelphia in general there is quite a lot of security.
Williamsburg
Gastronomy
Nueva York is a melting pot of cultures so you can enjoy everything from traditional American food to the most exotic. Be sure to try the pastrami sandwiches, the Shake Shack burgers and of course the typical hot dog in a street stall in the purest American style.
There are many organic food stores and restaurants, they are quite inexpensive and you can take them in or out, the quinoa and chickpea salads are delicious, although you can choose from dozens of ingredients. Although EEUU is fast food country, not everything has to be junk food.
The food in Chinatown is very authentic. The water is free, so any establishment has to give it to you. In Philadelphia, don't miss out on the famous cheese steak.
The bagels are very tasty and you have all kinds of them, stuffed, plain, sweet, salty. In general, the dishes are quite large so it is better to see the rations before to calculate them well, however, in many establishments they give you a container to take it with you. Sweets are very sweet, even yoghurts.
Tips
Are mandatory in Nueva York, in restaurants and taxis around 15%, in bars $1 per drink as well as on tours or guided visits. However, there are many museums and churches that can be visited by making a donation of $1 or more. Some examples: MET, Cathedral of ST John te Divine among others.
Tickets to the museums are recommended donations so the prices stipulated are not obligatory.
Grand Central
Society
Nueva York is a city full of life, and it is common to see street performances in the most unusual places. If you like jazz Marjorie Elliot offers a free concert in her home every Sunday in honor of her children.
Lonely Planet offers very interesting routes to visit each of the neighbourhoods with different themes.
There are not many public toilets, but the ones that are available are very clean, free and have toilet paper!
Connectivity
There is good internet connection and free wifi both in establishments and in transport.
Chrysler Building
- Log in to post comments
