The soaring city of steel and glass is a world city, up there with London and Sydney. Its five boroughs contain a world of entertainment, shopping, dining and cultural options. Its brashness, brilliance and bustle enthralls; no wonder 46 million visitors arrive on cheap flights to New York each year.
The landmarks - the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway are legendary, but there are more. Each borough - The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island - has its own histories, ethnicities and traditions, all waiting to be explored.
From the street food - hot dogs, grilled kebabs, knishes, Middle Eastern wraps, pretzels, and roasted chestnuts - to high-end dining, New York is a gourmet paradise. The food of each community that has made its way to New York can be found here. It's like eating your way around the world in one city.
The shopping is legendary too, from top-of-the-line Fifth Avenue, home to Tiffany & Co, Cartier and Chanel, to the more price-conscious Lower East Side. You may need to pack an extra bag for your flights home.
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Peak Season:Fall (October-December) marks the start of the cultural season. Ballet, theatre, and opera are in full swing. Finding cheap flights to New York during these months might be tricky, but the atmosphere is electric.
Shoulder Season:April to September is shoulder season. Temperatures are decent and there are several free outdoor entertainment opportunities.
Low Season:The weeks following Christmas and New Years and up to March (excluding Valentine's Day in February) are low season.
New York La Guardia (LGA) (website: www.panynj.gov)Distance: 12km east of New York CityDrive time: 20-30 mins.New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK) (website: www.panynj.gov)Distance: 19km south east of New York CityDrive time: 20-30 mins.New York Newark Liberty International (EWR) (website: www.panynj.gov)Distance: 26km south west of New York CityDrive time: 40-60 mins.La Guardia is the closest airport in and is the favourite of most domestic business flyers. On a good day it only takes half an hour to get into town by yellow cab. JFK: The good news is that cab journeys into the centre of town are now a fixed fee, so you don't need to panic about being taken for a ride. Tip: Ask the driver to go across the Brooklyn Bridge for the full NY experience.
Once you've disembarked your cheap flights to New York, getting around is a breeze. It is a walkable city with a sensible grid pattern and walking is one of the best ways of seeing the different neighbourhoods.
There is an impressive transit system and renting a car is not as necessary as it would be in other destinations. As you'd expect, all the major national companies, and a few local ones, offer rentals.
The subways are fast and cheap and run 24 hours a day. The cost is $2 per ride, no matter how far or how many times you transfer (don’t pass through the turnstile gate; if you do, another fare must be paid).
MTA New York City Transit runs almost 5,000 air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible buses throughout the City's five boroughs. Fares are $2 or $5 for express bus service.
The iconic yellow taxis can be hailed on the street or at taxi stands outside the major hotels and rail/bus stations. Fares start at $2.50 for the first 1/3 mile. Private car and limousine services are readily available. Budget about $60–$70/hour for a luxury sedan or $80–$100/hour for a stretch limousine.
Helicopter is an even splashier way of seeing the city. Several tours of the city are available and cost from $110 or so.
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (website: www.kennedyairport.com) The airport is located 24km southeast of central Manhattan.
New York La Guardia Airport (LGA) (website: www.panynj.gov) The airport is located 13km east of central Manhattan, in the borough of Queens.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (website: www.panynj.gov) The airport is located 3km south of Newark, 16 miles (26km) southwest of New York.
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David Stravitz and Christopher Gray New York between the wars.
Truman CapoteHolly Golightly enjoys a glamorous existence. She is trying to find her place in the world when she meets an unemployed writer and slowly her secrets are revealed.
Brett Easton EllisPatrick Bateman, a Wall Street yuppie, worries about the size of his business cards, what clothes to wear and which to restaurants to eat in – but by night he is a serial killer.
Candace BushnellThe book that inspired the television series. New York is more than just a backdrop. It is, along with Miranda, Carrie, Charlotte and Samantha, the fifth character.
Jonathan Safran FoerA young boy searches the boroughs of New York looking for resolution after his father is killed in 9/11.
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