Why does everyone love New York?
In reality, New York is one grand attraction in itself. Despite the USA being a relatively young country, the number of astonishing sites, monuments, and buildings here is so vast it can make your head spin. Just stepping out of the house can lead to an encounter with something incredibly fascinating — from famous skyscrapers to bridges featured in American movies. The attractions of New York are a topic one could discuss endlessly. This is New York, baby!
New York is a dream city for half the world and the unofficial second capital of the USA. It's home to the most recognizable skyscrapers, the yellowest taxis, the priciest apartments, and the most diverse population, among many other 'mosts.' Our company is delighted to organize any personalized tour for you in New York. You'll discover all its most mysterious secrets, see its most unusual places, and feel the atmosphere, spirit, and rhythm of this mighty city. And everything you need to know about New York is in our guide!
Main attractions
The Amazing History of New York
New York is like a sky on earth for dreamers and adventurers, and its story began quite humbly as a small Dutch colony at the southern tip of Manhattan.
Little Holland
Surprising, isn't it? You would hardly call modern New York by this name, but that's how it all started. In 1625, the Dutch settled in the southern part of what is now Manhattan. They named the place New Amsterdam, though it was infinitely far from the real Amsterdam in many ways. This small patch of land, cleared of Native Americans, served merely as a trading zone: the Dutch traded mirrors and daggers with the natives for fur, which they then sold back home.
Later on, the enterprising Dutch bought the whole of Manhattan from the Native Americans for a bag of beads, a few dull knives, blankets, and a couple of boxes of rum. For comparison, not even hundreds of billions of dollars would suffice to purchase Manhattan today.
Forty years later, the English arrived in New Amsterdam and effortlessly took over the trading post from their European neighbors. They reached an agreement among themselves, but the English demanded a name change for the territory, as it would be otherwise incomprehensible back in the metropolis. Thus, the area transformed into New Yor
What about now?
By 1898, the borders of New York finally settled. Today, it consists of five main parts, known as Boroughs: Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Even though it's not the official capital of the USA, it's certainly the financial one. On Wall Street, the fate of millions of companies is decided daily. Visiting the districts of this magnificent city is possible by booking a tour with us.
In the early 20th century, the world's educational, commercial, and industrial centers were established here, and by the 1930s, the city had acquired its unique look: a huge anthill with the world's first skyscrapers. It was then that the city experienced its first major shock: during the Great Depression, newspapers wrote that "a rain of people jumping from the roof of the Empire State Building turned into a downpour." After World War II, New York also became a center of political life — it was here that the UN headquarters was built. The economic boom of the 80s and 90s, the dot-com era, September 11th… This city seems to have seen absolutely everything. But it has never stopped moving.
It took about 400 years for New York to become a true capital of the world. Now, about 8.5 million people live in New York, making it one of the largest migration centers. The white population here has long ceased to be the majority.
Features of New York
New York is a city full of surprises and astonishing discoveries at every turn.
Urban Infrastructure
Navigating New York may seem daunting at first glance. The city is mostly laid out in a rectangular grid, particularly evident in Manhattan: avenues (akin to boulevards) run north to south along the island, intersected by streets running east to west. Manhattan's main artery, Fifth Avenue, bisects it into east and west sides and also sets the numbering for buildings on the streets. Buildings closest to Fifth Avenue have the number 1 on either the east or west streets.
New York is the only U.S. city where the majority of the local population uses public transportation more than personal vehicles. New Yorkers have access to subways, taxis, buses, cable cars, airplanes, ferries, and trains. However, tourists might face some challenges due to the language barrier, which is where a Russian-speaking guide can be of assistance.
Due to high population density and exorbitant real estate prices, buildings here tend to grow upwards, with interiors divided into tiny rooms. The size of a well-off New Yorker's apartment rarely exceeds that of a modest Moscow one-bedroom. However, no expense was spared when it comes to park areas - they are truly unparalleled, reflecting the city's British heritage.
And Urban Quirks
- Since the early 90s, it has been legal in New York to go topless, regardless of gender or age. This change is thanks to feminists who literally and figuratively turned up the heat — activists still occasionally burn bras in public squares.
- Also, for nearly a decade, New York has seen a decline in crime rates. The police have no clear explanation for this, but nevertheless, this large metropolis with a huge immigrant population has become one of the safest areas in the U.S. There are rumors that the criminal underworld simply considers operating in New York to be "uncool": one doesn't need to be tough to find a hefty wallet in New York. There's no room for criminal romanticism.
- In New York, there is a law prohibiting honking in the city, except in cases necessary to prevent accidents. The city is known for its heavy traffic and consequently, high noise levels. The sound of car horns contributes significantly to this noise, especially in densely populated and tourist areas. Fines for violating this law can reach up to 350 dollars.
Main attractions of New York
Skyscrapers
One thing this city is truly rich in is its skyscrapers. But among them, there are three without which New York just wouldn't be New York.
- Empire State Building
One of the first giants, a symbol of an economy rising from the Great Depression, and a favorite of King Kong. A truly iconic place for all of America. 381 meters of sheer power of money and intellect! - Chrysler Building
The most beautiful skyscraper in New York. Honestly, it is! A masterpiece of Art Deco with a steel crown. For 50 years, it has topped the list of New Yorkers' favorite buildings and is among the world's most stylish skyscrapers. This encounter is one you'll definitely not forget. - Flatiron Building
The triangular, iron-shaped skyscraper in Chicago style has been baffling tourists for decades. From certain angles, the building seems absolutely flat! It also has a special relationship with the wind — there are legends about how it blows around the Flatiron. But it's better to feel it once than to hear about it a hundred times.
Museums
A concentration of beauty, knowledge, and experiences.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the best museums of history and arts in the world. Its unique collection and monstrous installations will impress even the most sophisticated visitors. - The Museum of Natural History
Seen "Night at the Museum"? Live it for real! The Museum of Natural History can keep both children and adults occupied for days. And yes, there are way more than just one giant dinosaur. - The Guggenheim Museum
Its cosmic exterior is striking, and the interior is utterly breathtaking. If it captures you too strongly, a real golden toilet and other masterpieces of contemporary art are at your service.
Parks
The first settlers of New York were the English and the Dutch. Both nations love and know how to create beauty out of everything that grows.
- Central Park
A legend known to all: even if you've never been to New York, you've surely heard of Central Park. But it's hard to imagine the true scale, grandeur, and beauty of this place. The green heart of New York. It's also a corner of true democracy and a symbol of people uniting to create something beautiful. - High Line Park
The most unusual and romantic park in the city is undoubtedly the High Line. Located on old railway tracks – rusty iron and concrete are now drowned in lush grass, scented with wildflowers, and framed by stunning architecture. - Battery Park
Almost at the water's edge, on the south of Manhattan lies Battery Park — tranquil, dignified, and majestic in its own way. Thickly planted with trees, it separates the business part of New York from the coastline. And from there, you can see the next beauty.
Streets
You don't always have to specifically look for attractions — sometimes they're right under your feet.
- Fifth Avenue
The central street of Manhattan. It's where the numbering of buildings starts, a multitude of urban legends originate, and millions of people are thrilled. Here it is – luxury and success the American way! - Broadway
The longest and most creative street in the city. Just the theaters here make up a whole district! Want to feel the spirit of New York? Then this is the place to be. - Times Square
This square never sleeps! To jostle in these crowds, look at the illumination from advertising screens, and learn the history of this place – is a sacred duty of every tourist.
And that's not all! Read about each of these and many other attractions on our website. We regularly talk about the most interesting aspects and show America from all sides.
If you don't yet own a single item with the inscription "I love New York," it means you simply haven't been on a tour in New York! American Butler is here to rectify this terrible oversight — feel free to contact us at any time of day or night.
Ready to see the best of New York?
Ready to see the best of New York?
