New York

General presentation

Global presentation

Nicknamed "The Big Apple", this iconic metropolis is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most influential in the world. It shines with its economic, cultural, and artistic dynamism, housing world-renowned institutions such as Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Wall Street. Its exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity makes it a cosmopolitan city where more than 200 languages coexist, creating a unique melting pot that fascinates visitors from around the globe.

Geographical situation

Strategically located on the east coast of the United States, the city stretches at the mouth of the Hudson River and opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Except for the Bronx, which is situated on the mainland, the other boroughs are islands linked by an impressive network of bridges and tunnels, which are remarkable works of art.

Atmosphere and character

Passion and energy reign supreme in this city that never sleeps, known for its hectic pace of life and incomparable cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city offers a mosaic of experiences, from the legendary Broadway shows to the soothing walks in Central Park, including the exploration of authentic ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy. As a nerve center of fashion, contemporary art, and global gastronomy, it continually attracts new visitors in search of discoveries.

Climate

A humid continental climate characterizes the region, with cold winters contrasting with warm and humid summers. Average temperatures range from -2°C in January to 30°C in July. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, reaching about 1,200 mm annually. The city can experience notable weather events, including winter snowstorms and sometimes spectacular summer thunderstorms.

Best season to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to discover the metropolis. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and generally mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and urban exploration. Summer can be particularly hot and humid, while winter, often harsh, presents risks of significant snowfall.

Access

The city is served by three major airports:

• John F. Kennedy (JFK): located in Queens, the main hub for international flights
• Newark Liberty (EWR): situated in New Jersey, also hosting many international and domestic connections
• LaGuardia (LGA): also in Queens, mainly dedicated to domestic flights

Rail access is via Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, while a network of long-distance buses serves the metropolis from various destinations on the east coast.

Internal transport

A remarkable public transport system facilitates movement:

• Subway: 24 lines operating 24/7, serving all boroughs
• Buses: an extensive network complementing the subway with local and express lines
• Taxis: the famous omnipresent "yellow cabs" that are easily accessible
• Ferries: crossing services between boroughs, notably the Staten Island Ferry
• Bikes: Citi Bike system of self-service bikes covering the city

Public transport remains the preferred means of locomotion, considering the density of car traffic and high parking costs.