27 Jul Places to Visit and Fun Facts About New York | Eton Institute

Denisse G. from our Americas team passionately shares her thoughts about being a New Yorker.

New York City has a charisma that attracts people like moths to a lamp. The Big Apple is exciting; it’s fun and fast-paced. Bask in the greenery of NYC’s best parks, or just be a thrifty culture vulture.

The culture of New York City is reflected in its ethnic diversity. NYC boasts art, culture, music, and restaurants with some of the world’s best chefs. NYC offers a selection of foods, at all price points. You can easily spend $300 on a French meal or $2 for a slice of pizza that is mind blowing.  The best part of New York City is the overwhelming interaction of cultures that allows you to visit the world in one day!

China Town

China Town is located in downtown Manhattan. Chinatown boasts all sorts of ethnic delights from authentic Chinese restaurants to peddlers selling ancient Chinese herbs. A range of stores populate the area, from Asian-inspired clothing and jewelry to martial arts equipment.  You can visit Chatham Square, and take a moment to appreciate the Chinese Soldiers who gave their lives in World War II, or visit the largest Buddhist Temple and the great Golden Buddha statue.

Koreatown

Thanks to its central location, Koreatown is a massive tourist attraction.  Koreatown has bilingual signs for tourists and locals. Koreatown is famously known for it’s densely packed restaurants, bars and luxurious spas. On the Koreatown strip you will be able to find and enjoy Korean barbecue chicken, sugary pastries and of course Karaoke!

Spanish Harlem

Spanish Harlem is one of the predominantly Latino communities in New York City, also known as East Harlem.  Engage in the Latin American and Caribbean art culture by visiting “El Museo Del Barrio”, a museum dedicated to Latin culture. As with any cultural melting pot, Spanish Harlem is a food lover’s paradise, from a range of sangrias to hearty pub-style fare, including and Cuban sandwiches. Enjoy a night to savor, relish local sounds and dance to the Latin rhythms of salsa and merengue.

Little Italy

Little Italy is located in Lower Manhattan. The area has long been home to New York’s Italian population. Explore the history of the nineteenth and early century architecture. Stop by at some of the housing shops that sell fine Italian foods, meats and clothing.  But what Little Italy is best known for is… the authentic Italian cuisine it has to offer! Pass along Mulberry Street and explore the dozen Italian restaurants and bakeries. Don’t forget to participate in the Festival of San Gennaro, a religious feast that has plenty of Italian-style entertainment and scrumptious foods.

Harlem

Harlem is located at about 125^th street. Its been the home of African-Americans and of people of African descent. Harlem is best known for its music, soul food and hundreds of historical churches. Explore the area’s cultural legacy Studio Museum in Harlem, a wealth of African-American culture. Come through Harlem on the A train and explore Harlem’s breathtaking parks and the Apollo Theater, where many musicians, actors and comedians have launched their careers.

New York City is known to be a little to pricy, possibly smelly at times, and if it starts raining, you can’t get a cab and umbrellas at the bodega will suddenly cost $15. But with the amazing diversity and great opportunities to interact amongst each other, New Yorkers wouldn’t have it any other way!

FUN FACTS ABOUT NEW YORK:

Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, Union Square Park and Bryant Park used to be cemeteries.

The city of New York will pay for a one-way plane ticket for any homeless person if they have a guaranteed place to stay.

New York City has more people than 39 of the 50 states in the U.S. It also has the largest Chinese population of any city outside of Asia.

New York’s Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.

The city was originally called New Amsterdam.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, and opened in New York Harbor in 1886.

Learn to speak English as you tour around the Big Apple. Check out our courses here.