Travel to New York

Travel to New York

Also affectionately known as the Big Apple, New York is a lively and bustling metropolis. New York is the archetype of a modern city and no matter what you do or where you go, an in your face, exhilarating experience awaits you.

Transportation to New York

The city is served by three airports, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty. All three provide convenient transport options to New York City. Amtrak trains stop at Penn Station and offer regular links to other significant destinations. Greyhound buses also serve the city from across the nation. New York is home to an extensive subway system as well as over 200 bus routes. Commuter ferries are another option. The notorious yellow cabs can make for an interesting, albeit expensive, ride.

What to see

It can be difficult to know where to start. The Statue of Liberty is the most enduring icon of New York with its 354-step climb, and offers spectacular views. The 102- storey original skyscraper Empire State Building boasts an observation floor on the top. In the centre of Manhattan is New Yorks most famous refuge, Central Park. But even in this oasis, joggers, skaters, musicians and tourists interrupt the peace. Times Square is another New York icon with its yearly Christmas tree and New Year countdown. The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum and American Museum of Natural History are all cultural must sees.

Daytrips

Coney Island takes around an hour to reach using the subway from Manhattan.
Highlights include a large aquarium, boardwalk, side shows, a long beach, flea market stalls, amusement parks, fairground rides and an exciting, wooden roller coaster. Belmont Park, easily accessible by the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station in Manhattan, offers horse racing - Wednesdays through Sundays.

Activities and leisure

Baseball and American Football are popular spectator sports, with regular games held at the Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium and the Giants Stadium. Ice skating is popular in winter at the Rockefeller Center and the New York Marathon is one of the premier long distance events in the world.

Safety issues

New York is generally a safe destination for travellers, but care should be taken in some places known to be unsafe even for residents. Central Park can pose dangers, and you should avoid any deserted or dark areas in this huge city oasis.