New York, commonly called the Empire State, lies in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern region of the United States. The area was first settled by Dutch and French nationals in the early 17th century and has served as the welcoming arms to arriving immigrants ever since. The climate is mild and humid, although snow almost always flanks the land during the winter season, creating a picturesque backdrop for the state’s premiere attractions.

No city is as vibrant and dynamic as New York City, the largest and busiest of all American cities. The area comprises of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhatten, Queens and Staten Island. With its over 8.2 million residents within 830 km2 , New York is one of the largest urban areas in the world.

There’s never a shortage of things to do, places to go, and interesting people to meet. Chief among New York City’s attractions is the Statue of Liberty, which greeted millions of immigrants as they sailed the seas to America in the late 19th and early 20th century. The copper statue, a symbol of liberty and escape from oppression was given to the United States by the French is 1886. From any point in the city one can see the Empire State Building, one of the world’s tallest building. This skyscraper is 102-stories high and has been named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Architecturally, the city offers a wide range of styles from early gothic revival skyscrapers such as the Woolworth Building, to the Art Deco design of the Chrysler building with its tapered top and steel spire.

For those interested in financial wheeling and dealing, the place to be is Wall Street, which can be found in lower Manhatten. A global financial center since World War II, it is also home to the New York Stock Exchange.

The city has been the birthplace of many American cultural movements, from literature and visual arts to music such as hip hop. New York has over 2,000 arts and cultural organizations and more than 500 art galleries of all sizes – the most popular one being Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim. Over 170 languages are spoken in the city and over 36 percent of its population is foreign born. With its myriad of cultures, and “mini-cities” like China- and Japantown, New York City is touted as one of the largest melting pots in the region.

Another big attraction for residents and visitors alike is Times Square, which lies in the heart of New York City’s Manhattan district and its bright neon signs (officially called “spectaculars”) and glamorous shopping centers, which draw millions of visitors each year. The area is home to the U.S.’s largest televised morning broadcast shows, including Good Morning America, and a number of multiplex movie theaters. The quarter is also the famed home of New York City’s New Year’s Eve celebration. On this night hundreds of thousands of people congregate to watch as the Waterford crystal ball is lowered, marking the beginning of a new year. The famous Central park is also located in Manhattan. This botanical attraction draws twenty-five million visitors annually and its appearance in many movies and television shows has made it among the most famous city parks in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park contains some 21 playgrounds, two ice-skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary, several lakes, and extensive walking tracks. It is an ideal spot for nature watching and joyous relaxation.

New York City is famous for its world’s premiere Broadway shows. The development of electric lighting led to elaborate theatre productions and in the 1880’s New York theatres on Broadway and along 42nd Street began showcasing a new stage form that came to be known as the Broadway musical. The use of songs in narrative found its home here, and today, the city’s 39 largest theatres with more than 500 seats is collectively known as Broadway, so named because of the major thoroughfare that crosses the Times Square theatre district. Catching a show at the Broadway Theatre is certain to be the highlight of any trip to New York.

The state of New York, and particularly New York City, is an ideal holiday vacation spot. It has an abundance of sights to see, shopping venues, and a beauty and character all its own. Whether you are looking to take in the nightlife, shop the day away, or see the sights of America’s great Northeast, New York is guaranteed to fit the bill. For more information, please visit http://www.nycvisit.com or email Fred Dixon on fdixon@N0SPAM.nycvisit.com

Quick Facts: Capital: Albany Largest City: New York City Language: English Size: 141,089 km2 (ranked 27th in USA) Weather: Summer (June – Sept) mean temperatures average 27 - 32° C Winter (Oct – Feb) mean temperatures range from 18 - 4ºC Major Airports: John F. Kennedy International, La Guardia Flight Duration: approx. 18 hours (ex Jhb) Time Difference: Six hours in Winter (daylight saving hours), seven hours in Summer Visa Required? Yes. Please contact the U.S. Visa Information Service on 011 275 6300 to schedule an appointment