- The Lenape and Mohawk Indians were the initial inhabitants of the New York City area before Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano arrived in 1524, but Dutch settlers were the first in the wave of European expansion. They christened the region as "New Amsterdam" in 1625, and then it became "New York" in 1664 after the English captured control. The five boroughs took shape more distinctively in 1898, and following the Great Depression and World War II, New York City became the nation's greatest economic and cultural hub.
- The types of New York City attractions are endless, which is why the area attracts such a diverse group of visitors every year. Families have plenty of options that include the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, F.A.O. Schwarz near Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Children's Museum in Crown Heights and the Bronx Zoo. Outdoor lovers flock to Central Park, Madison Square Park, and Bryant Park in Manhattan, as well as the massive farmers' market in the Grand Army Plaza of Prospect Park. Foodies have an abundance of choices with Little Italy in downtown Manhattan (which is also adjacent to Chinatown), Koreatown by Penn Station, Curry Hill in midtown and Fairway Market in Red Hook.
- New York City's most popular attractions include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and Grand Central station. Brooklyn, specifically, is famous for the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island and the Brooklyn Museum. Queens is beloved for the Museum of the Moving Image, the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, and the Mets' Shea Stadium. Other than the zoo, the Bronx is known for the legendary Yankee Stadium, the New York Botanical Garden, City Island, and Edgar Allen Poe's cottage.
- Wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes. New York is a city where pedestrians rule, and before you know it you'll have walked 3 miles. It's also a good idea to get a daily or weekly subway pass to save money on transportation. The subway and buses take you just about everywhere, so it's a far more economical option. And certain museums have special days when there is no admission fee, so make sure to visit the websites of the ones you plan to visit before you plan your trip.
- While New York City is a much safer place than it was 20 years ago, there are still certain parts that can be dangerous--especially for someone unfamiliar with the area. Research where you are going as well as how you plan to get there. The subways don't run as frequently in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx as they do in Manhattan, and cabs can be harder to come by, so plan accordingly when exploring off of the main tourist trails.
