The buzzing metropolitan that is New York City traces its roots back to 5,000 Lenape Native Americans that occupied the region before European arrival in 1524. Initially a Dutch fur trading settlement, it came under British rule in 1667 before becoming one of the first members of the United States after the Revolutionary War. From the first presidential inauguration to the 1863 Draft Riots to the September 11, 2001 attacks, New York City has been and continues to be the site of countless significant events in the nation's history.
Today, the city alone is home to over eight million residents. A true testament to America's "melting pot" culture, its population is remarkably diverse, thanks to the city's role as an entry point for immigrants throughout history. About 36 percent of its residents are foreign-born. From Dominican to Chinese, Mexican to Russian, no one country dominates the nationalities represented in New York.
Exploring this rich cultural mosaic is as easy as stepping right outside the door. Roughly 170 languages are spoken in the city, which is built primarily on the three islands of Manhattan, Staten Island and Long Island. Though each of its five boroughs the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island boasts a story and culture of its own, many are home to dense ethnic and national enclaves. Explore Manhattan's Chinatown.
New York Chinatown's specialty food shops or the Museum of Chinese in the Americas. Sample authentic Italian fare in New York's Little Italy in Manhattan or throughout Staten Island, which boasts a higher percentage of Italian Americans than any other U.S. county. Or, head to Brooklyn to experience one of the most vibrant Jewish communities outside of Israel.
The cityscape of New York City is as diverse as its residents. From the Art Deco Chrysler Building to the Gothic Revival Woolworth Building, the city is a mélange of architectural styles. Plus, with 50 skyscrapers reaching over 650 feet, it boasts more such structures than any other U.S. city.
Guests need not worry of getting stuck within an urban maze of steel and concrete, however. In fact the city has over 28,000 acres of parks and 14 miles of public beaches, meaning plenty of room for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. No visit to New York City would be complete without a stop in Central Park.
Central Park, where guests can ride the antique carousel, take a gondola ride in the lake, or, in the winter, enjoy outdoor skating at the Wollman Rink. Also popular, the New York Botanical Garden is the largest such garden in any city in the United States. Enjoy the sweet fragrances of orchids, tulips and daffodils at its immaculate garden displays, or wander the 50-acre Forest area , where some trees date back 200 years.
New York City's breathtaking scenery is matched by what awaits guests indoors at its endless attractions. Enjoy a show or concert at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, home to 12 arts organizations, or explore over two million pieces of art, from Egyptian to European, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Empire State Building, the tallest structure in the city, remains a visitor must-see, while the Brooklyn Children's Museum's kid-friendly exhibits have been delighting families for over 100 years. From concert halls to baseball stadiums, museums to night clubs, New York City's attractions are just like its people: a diverse mix that's ready and willing to welcome its guests with open arms.
