Getting started: About New York
- You won’t be able to cram all that New York has to offer into just three days, so we’re presenting some of the city’s highlights.
- New York consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Many of the most well-known tourist destinations are in Manhattan.
- The observatories at the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center – both in Manhattan – offer splendid views of the city.
- New York is famous for its music scene – especially its jazz clubs.
- Turkish Airlines operates an average of four flights a day from İstanbul to New York. You can click here for New York flights.
When to visit New York
Anytime is a good time to visit New York, although it does get cold in winter. Summer is a particularly lively time however, with outdoor markets and activity-filled parks. On the other hand, New York can feel oppressively hot during the summer – the negative aspect of all those dramatic skyscrapers. The spring months sparkle and, of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas are terrific times to visit: the city is decorated in festive colors and the ice rinks are overflowing! The air temperature in New York is around 1 degree Celsius on average in January, and around 24 degrees Celsius in August.
Places to visit in New York
Museums in New York: Modern Tales
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Met, the largest art museum in the United States, is the third-most visited art museum in the world. Set in three separate venues and hosting more than two million works, The Met is a definite highlight of the city.
Guggenheim Museum
The construction of the Solomon Guggenheim Museum, an iconic structure in the city, was completed in 1959. The Guggenheim, distinguished by its curvy architecture, is known for its large collection of modern art as well as its temporary exhibitions.
Popular places to visit in New York
Central Park
This famous 840-acre park functions as the city’s lungs and welcomes more than 35 million visitors every year. You can sunbathe or play frisbee in the Park – an activity often depicted in Hollywood movies and television series. There are also walking paths, a concert stage, a theatre, and a zoo, as well as cafes, coffee vendors and picnic areas.
Fifth Avenue
Referred to as “the world’s most expensive street,” Fifth Avenue runs from Washington Square Park to the Harlem River. The flagship branch of the New York Public Library, with its iconic lion guards, is on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street.
Times Square
Times Square is more of an intersection than a square. Usually crowded with both people and brightly lit billboards, Times Square features all sorts of stores – and performances, street and otherwise. The New Year “Ball Dropping” at Times Square is attended by hundreds of thousands of people.
Soho
The Soho district is known for its lofts as well as its boutiques, designer shops and vintage stores. This lively upscale district is also home to great restaurants and fantastic people watching.
Chinatown
South of Soho, the bustling Chinatown district is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s also a great place to buy various food products, souvenirs and much more.
Little Italy
Little Italy is known for its Italian restaurants and shops, as well as the annual Feast of San Gennaro festival in September. Ferrara Bakery and Cafe is a well-known patisserie whose roots go back to 1892.
Statue of Liberty
You can visit Ellis and Liberty Islands to view the iconic Statue of Liberty – or just hop on the Staten Island ferry to see Liberty from the water!
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the second tallest structure in New York and the 45th tallest building in the world. The 102-floor Empire State Building, which has been featured in more than 250 movies and TV shows, is among the top places to visit in New York – and its observation terrace offers one of the best views of Manhattan.
Dining in New York
While New York’s five boroughs offer an incredibly diverse range of cuisine from all over the world, the United States is considered the home of fast-food culture. If you’re wondering what that means, check out our list below for some of New York’s most famous fast (or street) foods.
- Pizza (‘slice’)
- Bagels
- Hot dogs
- Knishes
- Donuts
- Coffee (from a street cart)
- Seasonal fruit (from a street vendor)
- Gyros
Practical information about New York
Getting around New York
New York has a robust public transportation system, including an extensive subway and bus network. The subway operates 24-hours. Visitors to New York can purchase a seven-day pass that allows access to the subways and the buses. There are also various ferries and taxis are usually available.
Official language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Socket type: A, B
Important Phones
Area Code: +1
John F. Kennedy Airport: +1 (718) 244-4444
Emergency Assistance: 911
Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in New York: +1 (212) 351-7200
