The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. So Nice, They Named It Twice. New York is the epicenter of art, culture, food, fashion, and finance in America. Here you will find something for everyone at every hour of the day. Be prepared to explore distinct neighborhoods, all types of food, incredible sights, and more. After all, it is one hell of a town!

Manhattan is a bustling 13.4 mile island comprised mostly of a neat and orderly grid, going numerically from high to low, north to south. Once you cross below 12th street, it loses the grid but don’t fear. Everywhere is extremely walkable and fairly compact - 20 blocks to a mile. If it’s a little further out, Lyft is certainly easy and cabs are even easier. How do you hail a cab you ask? Great question — it’s as easy as it looks in the movies! Do as the natives and simply step out onto the side of the road and put your arm out with your hand out flat when you see a cab coming your direction. If the cab is free, the light on the center of the cab roof will be lit. Once you get in, you tell the driver the address, cross streets, or destination (if it's really well known) and you’ll be on your way. All cabs accept both cards and cash — it is the law! The subway in NYC is usually the most time effective, and least expensive, way to get around. It costs $2.75 a ride or you can get a weekly unlimited metro card for $33. It’s safe and efficient and the fastest way to feel like a real New Yorker!

New York has 3 airports - LaGuardia, JFK, & Newark. Public transportation is certainly the cheapest and often most efficient way to Manhattan. However, if you have luggage or don’t want to deal with changing trains, the taxi lines are easy. A yellow taxi from EWR costs $70-90, JFK $70-85, and LGA $25-50. If you choose to take a taxi be sure to head to the Taxi area at your terminal. There are also marked pickup spots for ride share services (like Lyft or Uber) as well at each terminal. We recommend against utilizing the services of any unmarked cars offering you a ride as these cabs aren’t regulated and the price can be much more!

Settled by the Dutch in 1609 as New Amsterdam, NYC immediately became an integral part of America. The one time capital would establish the national banking system, trade routes, and more. In the centuries since, NYC has grown to give us Hip-Hop, the desegregation of baseball, and Ellis Island as the entry point for future Americans. New York’s history is scattered through every corner of the city if you know where to look for it.

New York is the cultural capital of America and somewhere everyone should see. NYC has lived many lives, changing from a seedy city to something so much more. In fact, it is one of the safest major metropolises in America. If you love food or fashion or museums or sports or music or nightlife, there is nowhere better to explore these things at their very best than New York City. Whether it be a meal from a street cart or a Michelin restaurant with a 3 year wait list, New York does it better.

New York experiences all four seasons distinctly. In the winter the averages are 27-45° with snowfall. Spring is beautiful with 45-72° averages. Summer is a humid season due to the concrete constantly reflecting the sun and an average of 65-85°. And Autumn in New York is perfect, the leaves change and the temperature ranges from 45-75°.

No one does a bagel better than New York - and we recommend an everything bagel with lox and scallion cream cheese. New Yorkers also do perfect pizza, whether a dollar slice or a square cut Sicilian piece, it’s delicious. Lastly, life has not been lived until you’ve had a proper New York Reuben sandwich.

New York souvenirs abound. Besides the iconic “I ❤️ New York” shirt, shopping will be easy. Whether art from a street vendor, a cookbook from an amazing restaurant, or a piece of jewelry or clothing from a signature designer, you’re in shopping heaven so you should have no problem bringing home gifts. Or skipping the gifts and buying more for you.

New York is America’s fashion capital and you see it everywhere you go. Whether it’s fancy suits in Midtown, designers on the Upper East Side, elevated street wear in SoHo — every fashion exists in New York. No matter what you wear, you’ll find your people and your tribe in New York.

New Yorkers aren’t rude, they’re just in a hurry. Most will happily help with directions should you ask. Also, New York is safe. Don’t be nervous, don’t be hesitant. Be smart and aware of your surroundings like in any big city, but genuinely, New York is a safe and a fun city to explore.