The city that never sleeps is an appropriate name for New York City, which is one of the most iconic and influential cities in the world. Anyone around the world can instantly recognize the iconic skyline, but the city is also the world’s hub for history, cultural diversity, and many hidden cultural gems. The city had a humble beginning as a Dutch settlement but has since grown into a global hub for commerce, arts, and entertainment. The city consists of a mosaic of cultures, making it a city with cultures and experiences for everyone. To make the most out of a visit to this city, a city pass can be worth considering gaining exclusive access to many of the top attractions of the city. You then might be wondering “which is the best pass?“, but doing your research about the various passes, and knowing what you want to visit and see while in the city, will be the best way for you to pick the right pass for your time in New York City.
The early days of New York City
The city dates back to 1624 when Dutch settlers established a fur trading post named ‘New Amsterdam’, located on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. The spot became the prime spot for trade and commerce, as the location was strategic near the mouth of the Hudson River. In 1664, the British captured the settlement from the Dutch. During this process, the settlement was renamed ‘New York’ in honor of the Duke of York, later known as King James II of England.
The city grew rapidly throughout the 18th and 19th centuries due to immigration, industry, and trade. During the American Revolution, the city had a crucial role, and it later became the first capital of the United States in 1789, which was the location for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States.
The later days of New York City
In the 19th and early 20th centuries the city’s population boomed, especially as waves of immigrants from Europe arrived in search for a better life. In 1892, Ellis Island opened and became the gateway to America for millions of immigrants. These new arrivals ended up settling in ethnic neighborhoods, which developed into the famous neighborhoods of Little Italy, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side.
New York City became the global center for finance, commerce, and culture during the 20th century. With the construction of skyscrapers, the city manifested its ambition and modernity. Furthermore, Wall Street became the heart of the global financial system, and Broadway became the world’s most famous theater district. The city has also been the home for various social and political movements, including labor strikes and civil rights protests.
Some of the most noteworthy landmarks and attractions in the city
New York City consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each neighborhood has its own characters and attractions, with Manhattan being the main tourist spot for new visitors.
Manhattan
In Manhattan, you can find many famous landmarks, including Central Park, which is a green oasis in the middle of the urban landscape, where you can respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life. You can also explore Times Square with its dazzling neon lights and massive digital billboards, which has become the city’s entertainment hub. It is also worth visiting the 9/11 memorial, commemorating the lives of the people who died during the attack.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886, and is now proudly located in New York Harbor, being a symbol of freedom and democracy. You can take the ferry to Liberty Island and see the statue up close. You can also visit other iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller, or you can visit some of the many museums in the city, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern AArt, or the American Museum of Natural History.
Brooklyn
In this borough, you can take a stroll on the famous Brooklyn Bridge, where you will have stunning views of Manhattan. You can also visit the Brooklyn Museum which has an impressive art collection. The DUMBO neighborhood, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a trendy area with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Queens
Being home to the U.S. Open Tennis Championship and the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, this borough is the place to go visit for sports enthusiasts. You can explore the iconic Unisphere, which is a giant globe structure which was built for the 1964 World’s Fair. In Queens, you will also find a diverse food scene, offering authentic cuisines from every corner of the world.
The Bronx
For sports fans, the Bronx is worth a visit for the Yankee Stadium where the New York Yankees baseball team is located. You can also visit the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo, which are some of the largest green spaces in the city. There is also a strong hip-hop culture in the Bronx, which is the borough there the genre has its roots.
Staten Island
Being the quiet of the five boroughs, Staten Island is a scenic escape from the city. By taking the Staten Island Ferry, you can have beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Furthermore, you can visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, which is a hidden gem filled with gardens and art exhibitions.