"New York, The Big Apple..." New York City by dejavu2gb

New York City Travel Guide: 15,524 reviews and 30,894 photos

Lower Manhattan Skyline. - New York City

How it all began

I never thought I would be lost for words, especially when it comes to writing about New York, but I am not going to admit defeat.
There is just sooo much to say about this great city, its difficult to know where to start.
Anyway... lets give it a shot...I will start with some history, and then move on to the good stuff....

The area known as New York had been previously occupied by Native Americans for many many years, before Giovanni Da Verrazano, a Florentine hired by the French to explore the northeastern coas, arrived in 1524.
He is believed to be the first European to visit New York Bay.
As it appears the land mass that makes up New York City was home to several tribes.
The local Munsee Indians had several names for the region, including, Manahatouh 'place of gathering bow wood', Manahactanienk 'place of general inebriation'& and Menatay 'the island'.
The name Manhattan - and Manhattoesm, the name of another local tribe can be traced to any one of these words.

Little more hisory...

New York Skyline as seen from Brooklyn Bridge

By 1625, the Dutch settlers had established a fur trade with the natives and were augmented by a group that established a post they eventually called New Amsterdam, the seat of a much larger colony called New Netherland.

Under the British Rule, New Amsterdam was renamed New York, in honor of the Duke of York, Brother of King Charles II. Though colonists began cultivating farms in New Jersey and on Long Island, the port town remained geographically tiny - the area that today runs from Wall St south to the tip of Manhattan.

The People and Population

New York started booming in the early 19th century. The population swelled from about 65,000 in 1800 to over 250,000 two decades later. This growth forced a city government into begin.
Today approximately half of all New York state residents live in the New York City area, with the majority of those beloging to major ethnic groups. About 28% of the city's 7,400,000 residents are foreign born.
The latest census count incicates that 52% of New Yorkers are Caucasian, 29% are Black, Asians 7% and 24% Hispanic. New York City is also home to the largest Chinese population in the US, with approximately 180,000 residents living in Chinatown alone. This makes New York a very interesting mix of people from all cultures and backgrounds, very cosmopolitan indeed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Bundles of things to see and do. It feels like you are walking around a HUGE movie set. A incredible cosmopolitan metropolis, Truly an amazing place.
Cons:I did find it to be quite an expensive city in certain aspects, but as its a major city its quite understandable. My personal opinion was that that the subway is not as good as in countries such as London, Paris and Hong Kong.
In a nutshell:Go experience it!

Last visit to New York City: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Jan 13, 2007
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Reviews (35)

Great Deli Restaurants (4)

This is not actually a restaurant tip, but I just thouht that I had to add it in my pages. I was visiting my friend who... more travel advice

You will see this down the road from the pub. - New York City

Have a drink by a landmark Nightlife (5)

I was on my way to Brooklyn Bridge when I walked past his charming little pub, Radio Mexico. Its located mere minutes... more travel advice

Some Tapas and good atmosphere - New York City

Some Tapas and good atmosphere Restaurants (4)

Oliva is a Basque/Provincial restaurant in Manhattan offering original Basque/Spanish Cuisine. The restaurant has a... more travel advice

Home of the original New York Style Pizza... - New York City

Home of the original New York Style... Restaurants (4)

This pizzaria opened in 1897 and is one of the oldest eateries in New York. My friend took me there for supper one... more travel advice

Things to Do (16)
See All Statue of Liberty
Favorites (2)
See All Good Photo Opportunities.
Transportation (2)
See All Yellow Cabs

Comments (16)

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lovekat May 28, 2007 at 9:30 AM

Re: Brooklyn Bridge - I think you'll find that the first suspension bridge EVER built was actually around 300BC
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shutterlust Dec 29, 2006 at 4:24 PM

your tips are very well-written and, from personal experience at a number of your recommendations, highly accurate and thorough. and I must agree with you about our subway, but hey! only in new york... :-)
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irishgalmtl Nov 9, 2006 at 6:42 AM

Hiya Gareth, Than was one great tip thank you so much..Donna :)
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deeper_blue Jul 14, 2006 at 1:35 PM

great page, long live NYC
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Homanded Jun 8, 2006 at 11:18 AM

Good tips and great photography on your NY pages!
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Travmad May 9, 2006 at 12:36 PM

I see you liked the pizza! Nice tips thanks.
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icunme Mar 19, 2006 at 3:24 PM

Great photos and tips -- hey, you're making me miss da City. Will return often. Ciao, Carol
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sugarpuff Feb 8, 2006 at 4:59 PM

Well from one newbie to another on the new york site, well done..i liked your tips..im just about finished with mine..cant take anymore..the hours ive spent..oh my godness!
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globetrott Jan 31, 2006 at 8:39 AM

excellent infos and lovely pics bringing back great memories !
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Coombsie Jan 31, 2006 at 7:35 AM

Excellent New York pages! It sounds like you had a blast. I'll definately look for that Mexican Place next to the Brooklyn Bridge.