TRAVEL TIPS
NEW YORK
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW New York City is unique. No other in the Unites
Manhattan, however, is just one of the
States even comes close to it in terms of
city’s five districts. The other four ones
population, diversity of culture, entertainment,
are the Bronx to the north, Queens to the
business and commerce.
east, Brooklyn to the southeast, and Staten Island to the southwest. These districts are
This fast-moving city is often called “the city
primarily residential, but they all have their
that never sleeps.” In fact, at midnight, Times
own attractions and distinct character and are
Square, one of the city’s major intersections,
worth exploring, especially Brooklyn.
seems more alive than many other cities in the middle of the day.
As New York City is located on the North Eastern coast of the US, it experiences humid
The “Big Apple”, as the city is often called, is
continental climate, with cold winters and hot,
filled with a diverse mixture of inhabitants
moist summers.
including immigrants from over 170 countries, speaking over 130 languages, all of whom call
New York winters, December to March, tend to
New York their home. Some of the city’s many
be unpredictable. Temperatures can be near or
neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown, Little
below freezing for at least part of the day. There
Italy, and Spanish Harlem reflect the rich ethnic
is also the possibility of snowstorms, freezing
heritages of their residents’ original homelands.
rain and bitter cold winds, especially in January and February. After a snowfall the city looks
The epicentre of New York life is the island of
gorgeous, the streets and sidewalks soon turn
Manhattan. The Dutch were the first to inhabit
into a slushy mess. Anyone visiting the city in at
this island during the 1620s. They named the
this time of the year is highly recommended to
city “New Amsterdam”. In 1664, the British
pack waterproof coats and footwear.
took over and renamed it New York. Since then, the city rapidly developed becoming the
During the spring (March to June) and autumn
US’s economic and cultural capital.
(September to December), temperatures are
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
mild and pleasant hovering around 21ºC (70ºF).
when the city can often be hit by amazing
Days are bright and sunny and humidity not
thunderstorms, but these tend to pass quickly.
too high. If you plan to be in New York in the spring or autumn, bring light summer clothing plus a sweater to avoid freezing in the city’s many air conditioned department stores, museums, and art galleries. Summers in New York can be hot and muggy. Most years between mid-July and mid-August, temperatures can go up to as high as 100°F (38°C) with 90% humidity. This is also
If you want to avoid extreme temperatures, the best times to visit New York are from April to June or from September to November, when the temperatures are mild. April is often considered the best time to visit because the flowers are in full bloom and New Yorkers are celebrating the onset of warmer temperatures. Another great time to visit the city is in October when the leaves changing colour and there is just the hint of crispness.
One of the great things about New York City,
With a great variety of events and attractions
however, is that there is plenty to do both
occurring 365 days a year, the best time to
indoors and out to make your visit memorable
visit New York depends also on what each
whether you visit in the winter, spring, summer
visitor is interested in.
or autumn. There are concerts and sporting events or concerts going on all year round. To take in New York’s cultural attractions and museums you also don’t need to worry about when the best time is.
TRANSPORT
Theater fans often regard the winter months
Public transportation makes getting around New
as the best time to visit New York. In January
York City easy, fast and affordable. New York
and February, they can often get last minute
City has a transportation system which includes
tickets for Broadway shows as attendance
one of the largest subway systems in the
is at its lowest at this time of the year. And
world; the world’s first mechanically ventilated
if you don’t mind the heat, free outdoor
vehicular tunnel, and an aerial tramway.
concerts in Central Park might entice you to visit the city in the summer.
The New York City Subway, which operates 24 hours a day, is fast, air conditioned, cheap
Those interested in dining out in New York
and much safer than it used to be, although
might find it easiest to reserve the best tables
it is still best avoided late after midnight. The
at the restaurants of their choice in July and
vast network of 24 routes, identified by letters
August, when the city’s residents escape the
or by numbers, serves over 400 stations
city on weekends.
throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn
However, if you plan to do a lot of walking in New York as you take in the sights, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Christmas and New Year are also great times to be in New York. From early December through the start of the New Year, the city is a non-stop party. Celebrations of the season abound in festive holiday windows and events such as the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Perhaps the best known event in New York is the annual New Year’s Eve ball dropping event in Times Square. This event is attended by thousands of people worldwide.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
and Queens. On average, subway trains run every two to five minutes during rush hour, every 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak times, and every 20 minutes from midnight to 5 a.m. To use the subway you need to buy a MetroCard, available at subway station kiosks and newsagents. Buses are slower than the subway, but they are more practical if you want to go to areas of Manhattan that are not located close to Subway lines (especially far East and West areas of Manhattan). They are also a convenient option for travelling Crosstown (from Manhattan’s East Side to West Side), and they offer the added advantage of being able to see various areas of Manhattan while you ride. Buses operate 24 hours daily and bus stops are located on street corners approximately every two or three blocks. Fare is $2 and can be paid with a MetroCard or exact change. Bills and pennies are not accepted. A free transfer to another bus or the subway within two hours is available if you pay with a MetroCard. If you buy the ticket on board the bus, you will get a transfer that cannot be used on the subway without paying an additional charge.
NEW YORK CITY TAXIS A trip to New York is not complete without a ride in one of New York’s famous yellow cabs. Cabs are hailed on the curb, preferably at intersections. A cab’s availability is indicated by the lights on the top of the car. When the light on the top of the cab is lit, the cab is empty and available. When no lights are lit, the cab is occupied by passengers. Drivers are required to take passengers to any destination within the five boroughs. Passengers should provide
drivers with the street address and with the nearest cross streets of their destination. A 10-15% tip is expected.
FERRY The ferry that takes passengers between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan is a favourite within visitors of New York as it provides excellent views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hop-on/hop-off buses operated by CitySights NY and Gray Line are a convenient way to get around while getting pictureperfect glimpses of Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and countless other New York landmarks and
ATTRACTIONS
neighbourhoods.
SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
In Moscow, capital of Russia, the tourists have
Appeals to both visitors and locals seeking
the opportunity to take advantage of the trip
a brief cruise getaway within the City limits.
looking at several points of view. Political
Itineraries can last anywhere from 75 minutes
and cultural attractions are mixed in a true
to three hours and, like the Staten Island
knowledge of history inside one of the biggest
Ferry, provide views of the skyline and the
cities of the European continent.
Statue of Liberty.
NYC DUCKS
As in any great city, it is always good to be attentive to your belongings during the travel.
Amphibious vehicles take guests both
Be at ease if you are stopped by policemen only
through the bustle of Times Square and onto
because you are taking a photo of a communist
the Hudson River in a single ride. Ducks
symbol (or any postcard of the city) and if you
passengers even travel through time during
are asked to show your passport. You must
a multimedia simulation of Henry Hudson’s
carry it always, or a copy. Being completely
transatlantic voyage to what would later
in order, including the register of the visa, you
become New York City.
probably will be excused immediately. Among some suggestions such as touristic places, cathedrals and churches, theaters, galleries and museums, we point out places where the visit is almost compulsory for the visitors.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
KREMLIN The Kremlin of Moscow is a fortress situated in the center of the city being the headquarters of the Russian government. Occupies around 30 hectares and it has several monuments inside. The Kremlin wall contains 20 towers, of which the most important is the Tower of the Savior. Continuing clockwise, the towers of the Senate are next, Saint Nicolas, Corner Arsenal, Peter’s Arsenal, Trinity, Commander, Armoury, Borovitskaya, Water, Annunciation, Secret, two towers without name, Beklemishev, Saint Constantine and Saint Helen, Alarm and finally the Tower of the Tsar. In front of the Trinity Tower, outside the Kremlin, is the Tower Kutafya.
RED SQUARE The Red Square is well known by the military Soviet parades during the era of the Soviet Union. The square separates the Royal citadel known as Kremlin, to the historical district of Kitay-gorod. As wide avenues of Moscow leave from the square in several directions, being extended in highways going out of the city, the Red Square can be considered as the central square of Moscow and of the whole Russia. The name of Red Square does not drift from the color of the bricks in its outline, not even the association of the red color to the communism. In fact, the name appeared because the word in Russian can mean both “red” and “pretty”.
SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL Belonging to the Orthodox Russian Church, the cathedral had its construction ordered by the Tsar Ivan, the Terrible. Saint Basil’s is in the south-east extreme of the Red Square, just in front of the Spasskaya Tower of Kremlin.
TRETYAKOV GALLERY The State-owned Tretyakov Gallery is a Russian museum devoted to the preservation and spread of Russian national art of. It is located in Moscow, in the proximities of the Kremlin. Its works are exclusively from Russian artists who have had a small contact with art, and is one of the most important in the world as such. At present the Tretyakov Gallery has more than 130 thousand items that goes from the 11th century up to nowadays.
CHRIST SAVIOR CATHEDRAL The Christ Savior Cathedral is the biggest Orthodox Church of Russia. It is a landmark in the city, not only for its great beauty, but also Particularly, it is not a very big construction and
for its history that begun in the 19th century
it consists of 9 small chapels. The front of the
when, after the victory of the Russian army
church, in a garden, there is a bronze statue,
against Napoleon, the then Russian emperor
raised in honor of Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma
Alexander decided to build a cathedral in honor
Minin, that voluntarily joined the army who
of his dead soldiers.
fought against the Polish invaders. The initial concept was to build a group of chapels, each
BOLSHOI THEATRE
one devoted to each one of the saints of the
The Bolshoi Theater is a theater and a company
day when the Tsar gained a battle. The legend
of opera situated in Moscow. The name Bolshoi
says that the Tsar Ivan left the architect Postnik
in Russian means “big�. It is recognized like
Yakovlev blind, to avoid him to build a more
one of the best companies of ballet and opera
magnificent construction for someone else.
of the world. The company was established in
NOVODEVICHY CONVENT
1776 by the prince Peter Urussov and Michael Maddox. After three years presenting in a
It is the second architectural set in importance
private enclosure, it acquired the Petrovsky
in Moscow after the Kremlin. Surrounded by 11
Theater. In 1805, a fire destroyed the building
meters high walls, in its interior there are many
that was hosting the theater. The only school
churches. The most important is Our Lady
of the Bolshoi Theatre out of Russia, the Ballet
of Smolensky. The convent was established
Bolshoi, is in Joinville, in Brazil.
in 1524 year that Vasilii III celebrated the reconquest of Smolensk. During the 16th and
MUSEU PUSHKIN
17th centuries was a convent for women from
The State-owned Museum Pushkin of Fine Arts
the Royal family.
is the biggest museum in Moscow devoted to the European art, and one of the biggest in the
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
world of this kind. It includes Greek, Egyptian
many major attractions with very easy access
and Roman collections of art, of sculptures
to the public transportation network.
and western painting that goes from the 19th century to the 20th century. Its collection is
If you are planning to stay in New York for
absolutely replete of magnificent preciousness.
more than a week, renting an apartment
The distinction goes, naturally, for the
makes great sense as it gives you the chance
insurmountable set of works from modern
to live like a native New Yorker during your
European painters.
stay in the big apple. More and more travellers are choosing this option.
WHERE TO STAY
DINING OUT
Whether money for you is no object or you are travelling on a tight budget, New York offers a
Few cities can match the diversity of
multitude of choices for hotel accommodations.
Manhattan’s restaurants. Reflecting the city’s mixture of nationalities, foods range from the
There are hundreds of hotels in and around
most sophisticated of French and continental
New York City. They are available in many price
cuisine to sushi, dim sum, hot dogs and donuts.
ranges, but nearly all are more expensive than
Caribbean, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean,
comparable accommodations in other parts of
Greek, and Indian are all are well represented
the USA. The average price of a moderately
too, and there seems to be an Italian
priced hotel in Manhattan is over $200 per
restaurant on every street.
night. Budget priced hotels cost at least $100 per night. It is hard to find anything for less.
Meals in most of the better restaurants consist of three courses: the appetizer (starter),
Most of the hotels in New York City are located
an entree (the main course) and a dessert.
in the Midtown section of Manhattan Island.
American portions are huge, and an appetizer
This is the area that extends across the island
is often big enough for a light main course.
from approximately 34th Street and north to
Almost all New York restaurants serve you
the beginning of Central Park at 59th Street.
bread and butter just after you are seated, at
It includes the Times Square Theater District,
no extra charge.
Rockefeller Center, the posh Fifth Avenue Shopping District and the United Nations
There are restaurants in New York to suit every
Headquarters on the East River. Most tourists
budget. At inexpensive coffee shops, diners
and business travellers choose to stay in
and fast-food chains, you will pay between
Midtown because it is centrally located, near
$10 and $15 for a descent meal. There are also
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
hundreds of good restaurants where you can
NEW YORK-STYLE PIZZA
eat well in attractive surroundings for around
When you visit New York City you won’t want
$25 per person.
to miss out on a chance to sample some of New York City’s amazing pizzas. Trick or thin
For dinner at a trendy restaurant with a star
crusted, true New York pizzas are baked in a
chef, you may pay upward of $80 to $100 per
coal-fired oven.
person. A cheaper way of enjoying a good meal at these top restaurants is to choose their fixed-
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
price meals. In New York, these are known as
It’s a tender steak usually served with creamed
prix-fixe meals. Lunch is also less expensive
spinach, fries or hash-browns.
than dinner in these restaurants. Visitors who wish to dine in that special restaurant would be advised to make reservations as early as two months in advance. Reservations can be made online at some restaurants. Other options for quick, tasty, meals are the less expensive Chinese, Thai, and Mexican restaurants, and some Jewish delis. Prixfixe lunch buffets are very popular in Indian restaurants and are very reasonably priced. Italian pizzerias and French bistros, as well as the small eateries that serve fish and chips, hamburgers, or sandwiches and desserts also offer good value. Service is not usually included in the restaurant bill, but a New York City sales tax of is. When leaving a tip, most people just double the sales tax. A few special dishes are closely associated with New York and you should try some of them when you visit the city.
MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER A delicious tomato based broth with potatoes, onions, oyster craker crumbs and clams.
NEW YORK CITY BAGEL It’s world renowned. Fresh bagels are shaped by hand, and the dough is cooked briefly in boiling water before being baked, resulting in a unique firm and chewy texture.
NEW YORK DELI SANDWICHES A typical Manhattan deli serves huge corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. But be warned: top deli sandwiches can be expensive. Delis also serve great dill pickles, matzo ball soup, herrings, blintzes, and bagels served with cream cheese and smoked salmon. When it comes to street food, there is also a wide variety of options Sabrett hot dogs and over-size soft pretzels are classic New York choices. Other great New York food cart specialties are falafel, soup, barbecue, and Texas chilli. In winter, vendors all over the city offer hot roasted chestnuts.
SHOPPING
famous Apple Store. And for the kids, there’s FAO Schwartz, the world’s largest toy store.
Whether it’s upscale shopping or bargain-
Time square: always has something going
hunting that brings you to New York, the city
on and every major store to serve visitors’
has it all! The principal shopping areas are
interests. Dozens of street vendors, crowd
Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue, 57th Street,
the Avenues, and down 42nd Street, selling
Times Square, Lower East Side, and East Village.
a variety of foodstuffs like kebobs or knishes and offering everything from cell-phone
Madison Avenue: between 57th Street and
accessories to kitschy Americana.
85th Street, is identified as “the fashionable road”. In this area is where most of the best
The Upper East Side: isn’t just about high-end
known fashion designers, jewellers and upper
boutiques. Thrift shops and cool bookstores all
class hair salons are located.
have a place above 59th Street.
Fifth Avenue: offers enough over-the-top
Chinatown: Shops sell everything from Asian-
shopping opportunities to satisfy everyone’s
inspired clothing and jewellery to martial arts
taste. Women will love browsing and buying at
equipment to unique foods you can take home
stores like Bergdorf-Goodman, Louis Vuitton,
and prepare on your own.
Prada, Emanuel Ungaro, Gucci, Ferragamo, and Versace. Men can check out Bergdorf Men, Brooks Brothers, the NBA Store as well as the
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS NEW YORK
CURRENCY
sometimes referred to as a fifty-cent piece),
The unit of currency used in United States is
and $1 (dollar officially, but frequently referred
the U. S. dollar which is normally abbreviated
to as a dollar coin). And you have the $1, $2,
as the dollar sign, $, or as USD or US$ to
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100 dollars bills.
distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies and from others that use the dollar symbol. The U.S. dollar is divided into 100 cents. If you’ve brought foreign currency to spend on your trip to New York City, you’ll need to find an appropriate place to exchange it for US dollars. Exchanging your foreign cash or Traveller’s Checks for American cash can easily be done at Currency Exchange Offices and many of New York City’s larger banks. In normal circulation today, there are coins of the denominations 1¢ ([one] cent, also referred to as a penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter dollar officially, or simply quarter in common usage), 50¢ (half dollar officially,
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
1 911
COUNTRY CODE POLICE, AMBULANCE AND FIRE SERVICE
CITY CODE
The two main area codes in Manhattan are 212 and 646. The rest of New York City uses the area codes 347, 718 and 917.
FREE INFORMATION SERVICE
311 if you are calling from any one of New York’s five boroughs. (212) NEWYORK (212-639-9675) if you are calling from elsewhere.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Call 212-484-1222 to speak to a Visitor Information Counsellor Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.