There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in New York each year.
The main ones are listed below.
A federal holiday in the United States, celebrating the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. In recent years, it has increasingly been seen as a day of service, when Americans are encouraged to volunteer to help others less fortunate than themselves. Watch the huge parade on Fifth Avenue, with military marches, cheerleaders, firemen, policemen and school kids parading to the rhythm of jazz tunes.
January/February: Chinese New Year (celebrated nationwide in major cities)To ring in the Chinese New Year, dazzling dragon troupes wend their way through the streets of Manhattan's Chinatown. Perfect for families, this event draws nearly half a million spectators every year!
July 4: Independence Day (national holiday)A federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Celebrated with parades, barbecues and picnics. At nightfall, a magnificent fireworks display lights up the Manhattan skyline.
Second Monday in October: Columbus Day (national holiday)Commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World (October 12, 1492). Many cultural events are organized to mark this anniversary each year, including performances, exhibitions and a huge parade.
October 31: Halloween (celebrated nationwide)Halloween is celebrated each year by Americans of all ages. In the late afternoon and early evening hours, children don costumes and go door-to-door in their neighbourhoods to ask for treats, typically candy. In New York, one of most popular events takes place at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Harlem: a screening of a classic horror film from the silent era.
Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving (national holiday)Originally a Christian religious observance, for many years Thanksgiving has been a secular holiday in the United States, celebrated by Americans of all faiths. Families come together to prepare and enjoy a large feast at home. The meal typically includes roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce as well as various side dishes and ends with an assortment of pies (pumpkin, pecan, apple).
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3/27 | 4/39 | 93/3.7 | Not the best period to go |
| February | -2/28 | 6/43 | 78/3.1 | Not the best period to go |
| March | 2/36 | 10/50 | 111/4.4 | Not the best period to go |
| April | 7/45 | 17/63 | 114/4.5 | Good period to go
|
| May | 12/54 | 22/72 | 106/4.2 | Good period to go
|
| June | 18/64 | 27/81 | 112/4.4 | Good period to go
|
| July | 20/68 | 29/84 | 117/4.6 | Good period to go
|
| August | 20/68 | 29/84 | 113/4.4 | Good period to go
|
| September | 16/61 | 24/75 | 109/4.4 | Good period to go
|
| October | 10/50 | 18/64 | 112/4.4 | Not the best period to go |
| November | 5/41 | 13/45 | 102/4.0 | Not the best period to go |
| December | 0/32 | 7/45 | 102/4.0 | Not the best period to go |
Whether on foot, by bus or subway, or by taxi, it is easy to find your way in Manhattan: the avenues run north and south, while streets run east and west. Fifth Avenue separates the East Side from the West Side. During rush hours, it is often faster to walk short distances rather than using public transport.
New York City's subway system is safe and inexpensive. Its network covers the entire metropolitan area. Reaching Manhattan from the other boroughs is very straightforward and there are numerous connections between lines. Subways run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A single ride costs USD 3, or USD 2.75, when purchased with a reloadable MetroCard, the standard way of charging rides on the system, (which you can buy for a USD 1.00 fee). A 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard is also available for USD 33.
Like the subways, New York City buses operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with lines running on all north-south avenues and many of the crosstown streets. The fare for a single ride is the same as that for the subways (USD 2.75), with automatic free transfers between buses or between bus and subway.
The famous yellow cabs serve all five boroughs of New York City and a portion of New Jersey. The initial charge is USD 2.50, plus 50 cents per 1/5 mile. Passengers are expected to give the driver a tip amounting to about 20 percent of the fare.
Trying to visit New York City by car is a very bad idea. It is almost impossible to find parking. Near landmarks and tourist attractions, parking garages are excessively expensive, with attendants often bumping cars together to maximize the number of cars the garage can hold.
The Eastern Island Ferry provides free, around-the-clock service between the South Ferry Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island. It offers one of the most beautiful views over Manhattan.
Upon your arrival in New York, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Official NYC Information CentersThese centres offer visitors discounted attraction passes, guides, maps and brochures covering all there is to see and do in the five boroughs as well as assistance and recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals and cultural events.
Discover America, a public-private marketing entity, works closely with the travel industry to promote tourism in communities around the country. Its website offers excellent information on all US travel destinations, including New York City.
The currency used in the United States of America is the Dollar (USD).
AUD 1 = USD 0,79
USD 1 = AUD 1,27
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. New York City counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to the United States.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
There are no specific food safety risks.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in New York City.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens or nationals of various countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, whether for tourism or business.
For further information, see the Visitor Visa page on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State:
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in New York, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Tipping
In New York as in the rest of the United States, a service charge is not included in the bill and tips form a major portion of income for waiting staff. Prices on restaurant menus are indicated before taxes and tips. You are therefore expected to leave a tip (generally between 15 and 20 percent of the bill). Tipping less than 15 percent (or leaving no tip at all) means that you are very dissatisfied with the service.
