New York City: The Five Boroughs

With over 20 million people living in its metropolitan area, New York City - Opens a dialog has the largest city population in the United States, and it is the preeminent definition of the phrase “Melting Pot.” Every one of New York City’s 5 boroughs is distinctive and retains a local culture that is unmatched by any other city in the US. From the Island of Manhattan to The Bronx, to Brooklyn and Queens, you can be certain that a visit to NYC will be fun, educational, and enlightening.

Manhattan

The hub for all of NYC’s popularity is Manhattan. Situated on nearly 34 square miles, this island of dreams is a thriving metropolis that is home to many things the global community holds dear. Most travelers make a point to visit Midtown due to its myriad of popular landmarks and attractions including: Times Square, the Broadway Theatre District, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. While visiting Midtown you should also visit the United Nations Secretariat Building which is a beacon for international diplomacy. Guided tours are available where visitors can gain a greater understanding about the history and process of where the world comes together to discuss global matters of interest. While you’re in Manhattan, you also should visit the expansive 843-acre Central Park on the Upper West and Upper East sides of the island; The Financial District in Lower Manhattan (which includes Wall Street, Greenwich Village and Little Italy); Vibrant Chelsea on the East Side and historic Harlem in Upper Manhattan. And when it comes to food throughout Manhattan, the world is literally yours to choose from! Everything from Italian, to Indian, to Arabic, to French, to Chinese and virtually any cuisine imaginable can be found throughout Manhattan. If you are looking to stay close to the action in Times Square, take a look at Sheraton New York Times Square. - Opens a dialog

Staten Island

While Staten Island is a fairly more sedate borough of NYC, it is one that is can’t miss by any person visiting who enjoys nature. Many locals consider Staten Island “The Borough of Parks” given the abundant number of parks and green spaces which can be experienced throughout a day trip visit, particularly in historic Randall Manor. Throughout Summer, South Beach and Midland Beach are ideal for sunbathing, and you can delight yourself in the delicious gastronomic offerings in Thomkinsville which is growing in popularity with its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Queens

While Queens is the place where most visitors will arrive to embark on their NYC journeys (via JFK and LaGuardia Airports), it should be noted that it is a place where the local culture is very vibrant, along with its unique art scene. In particular, public art pieces from the 1964 World’s Fair can still be found here, including the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park (you’ve seen this structure in a vast array of films and on TV). Art parks, museums (including MoMA PS1), and botanical gardens abound throughout Queens, as well as Rockaway Beach.