About New York |
Fifth Avenue |
Q. How big is New York?
New York City is 309 square miles.
Q. How many people inhabit it?
After the last census it was revealed that New York City has 8 million residents.
Q. What are the language and currency?
Pretty much every language is spoken in New York, but the most widely spoken language is English. The currency is the US dollar.
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Things to See |
Central Park |
Q. Where can you find New York's finest architecture?
All it's most instantly recognisable buildings, namely its skyscrapers, are in Midtown Manhattan. Sadly, two of its best known buildings are no more, but not far from where they used to stand tall is the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk over it for a bird's eye view of Manhattan's illustrious skyline.
Q. On average, how much does it cost to get into New York's top museums?
If you want to go googlie-eyed in the Guggenheim or be mesmerised by the Met, you'll need a spare $12-$15 in your back pocket as that's what it costs to get in to most museums in New York.
Q. What really shouldn't be missed?
All the free things. Not only because they're free but because they're all unmissable. This includes a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, a trip on the Staten Island ferry, an afternoon in Central Park, and the chance of putting your face on the big screen in Times Square.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
Manhattan isn't all skyscrapers. Down in the village you'll that many buildings are surprisingly low-rise.
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Going Out |
Times Square at night |
Q. Is it expensive to go out in New York?
Yes and no. On any given night of the week you can pay anything between $3 and $8 for a beer (pint or bottle). Then you have to add another dollar or two to that for tip. Ask any New Yorker where the cheapest part of town is and they'll tell you the East Village.
Q. Where are most of the bars found?
The village is where it's at, east and west. This is the part of the city in between 14th Street and Houston Street. The west part of the village is Greenwich Village and the East Village is just the East Village. Over in the east, Ludlow Street and Staunton Street are dotted with bars while in the west Bleecker Street, and those which branch off it are the busiest.
Q. Do I need to carry my ID with me when going out?
Absolutely. Some doormen will ID you regardless of how old you look. Always carry some form of ID with you, preferably your driving license.
Q. Is there anything to do that doesn't involve alcohol?
There's no better place on the planet to go to the theatre than New York. At any one time all the world's best known musicals are showing on Broadway. Tickets can be pricy though. If you get your tickets on the same day of performance from the TKTS booth in Times Square you can get them at discount rates. Otherwise there are cinemas all over Manhattan. Then there is always basketball and baseball to see.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
Remember to tip with every beer. This means $1 per beer which should increase with the size of the round. So if you're getting three or four beers tip $2 or $3.
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Eating Out |
One of NYC's omnipresent hot-dog stands |
Q. Is it expensive to eat out in New York?
Just like going out, eating out in the Big Apple can be either very cheap or very expensive. You'll have no problems stuffing yourself for less than $10. Mains cost anything between $8 and $20. 'Subs' from New York's celebrated delis cost around $6. When funds are running very low you can always count on a hotdog from one of the numerous stands for no more than $2.
Q. Where is the best selection of restaurants in the city?
Unsurprisingly, Chinatown and Little Italy have many restaurants, while there are some really cool places to eat in Greenwich Village. You should be able to feed yourself on $10. When you are really broke you can always rely on the hot dog stands. Seventh Avenue is lined with delis.
Q. Are international cuisines well-represented?
As New York is home to so many nationalities, every type of cuisine is represented.
Q. What times do restaurants close?
Restaurants will generally take their last orders around 10pm or 11pm, but there are pizza joints open through the night.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
You can't smoke in New York's restaurants so make sure not to light up after your meal.
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Transport |
Times Square subway station |
Q. How many different modes of public transport are there in New York?
Four - bus, subway, ferry and taxi. The subway is great for going up and down Manhattan but not across it. That's when buses come in handy. New York's omnipresent yellow taxis start at $2.50 for the initial fare and increase steadily from that. They never cost too much. To save a few dollars get yourself on to the avenue where you are going and then hail down a cab there.
Q. Is there one ticket which covers both buses and subways?
Metro cards are valid on both buses and subways. If you plan on staying in New York for anything longer than 3 or 4 days buy a weekly train ticket for $20.
Q. Will I need to use public transport at all?
You most certainly will. New York is huge. Many places of interest are within walking distance of each other such as Times Square and Central Park. But as different points or interest are scattered all over the city you'll definitely have to use some mode of public transport.
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