LOCAL ESSENTIALS

LOCAL CULTURE

ASK A NEW YORKER

Contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are friendly and helpful. We may seem abrupt at times as the city is incredibly fast-paced, but please feel free to approach the locals for assistance. Don't mistake urgency for anxiety.

EATING OUT

As a rule, New Yorkers rarely eat at home. As a consequence, many trendy and famous restaurants are often booked a month in advance. Last minute trip? Although you may not get into your top pick, there are thousands of New York hot spots that are not as main stream which means, reservations are not an issue.

GETTING AROUND

New York City Taxis cannot be reserved in advance. They must be hailed. Always use yellow taxis unless reserved in advance. New York CIty also has a very efficient metro system that can take you anywhere and everywhere.

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP

New York is a tipping city. It is customary to tip all service providers. Not tipping indicates you received poor service.

WHAT TO WEAR

New York weather, like the city itself, can be extreme and temperamental. It's not uncommon to be sweltering one day and need a coat and sweater the next. Always check the forecast before travelling to the city.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Cool Harlem

The affluent used to have summer homes in Harlem because it was cooler than being in the heart of the city. Harlem boasts several beautiful buildings, not the least of which is a genuine Georgian Mansion.

Staten Island Ferry

It costs the City of New York more money to charge a fee for the Staten Island Ferry, than to offer it for free.

The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection, which hosts a stunning array of Renaissance art and Old Masters, is actually a preserved 'Guilded Age' 5th Avenue mansion.

The Vanderbilts

InterContinental NY Barclay resides on the location of the old Vanderbilt Mansion. The 'special' entrances to the Grand Central trains were actually the Vanderbilts' private train platforms.