New York City, alias the Big Apple, city of promise – and realized potential: where class and crass coincide and soaring skyscrapers are edged with dark alleyways. It stands for many things: art mecca for the nation, engine of America’s wealth, the country’s most populated metropolis and the nation’s first capital. The streets of New York City vibrate with life: trucks, cars, stretch limousines, honking horns, street vendors, police on horseback, dog walkers, in-line skaters, mime artists, briefcase-toting executives, and the fashionable-dressed to the nines. Newcomers are swept into the swirl of sounds, sights and sensations, struck by the nonchalance and unflagging fortitude with which New Yorkers handle their day. Visitor’s are embraced in the city’s contagious pulsation-and transported to an urban sphere that is unquestionably awesome. People from all over the globe are drawn to the city's world-renowned museums, theaters, celebrities, universities, sport teams, restaurants and financial institutions. In addition, New York boasts the largest representation of cosmopolitan cultures, races and ethnic entities in the world. The city can offer something to everyone.
New York's beauty can be both subtle and flamboyant. The city's cool sophistication is visible at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, the Plaza Hotel, and Gracie Mansion, as well as luxury apartment buildings such as the Dakota, and in its numerous art galleries and European-style cafes. Meanwhile, the unmatched glamour and decadence of the metropolis is found in the neon-lit Theater district, elite nightclubs, cabarets and trendy boutiques.
During the day, experience the cosmopolitan excitement of the city by taking a walk along Wall Street or Fifth Avenue. A visit to the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, South Street Seaport, Chinatown, and Little Italy are just some of the daytime excursions not to be missed. You will soon discover that New York has an endless number of worthy attractions to discover. While many cities become quiet at night, New York vibrates with energy all the time. Some say the city is even busier and livelier at night when its residents and tourists flood the streets in search of excitement and entertainment. For those pursuing nocturnal pleasures, the city provides every type of diversion you could imagine: theater, dance, film, opera, classical music, comedy and cabaret. Incomparable New York City - in all the world, there is no place like New York.
New Yorkers in the service industries (hotels, restaurants and transportation) have tips factored into their wages, tips are expected and greatly appreciated. You don’t have to go overboard, but be sure to show the love for great New York City service. Here's how much you should tip:
• Hotel doorman: $1 for hailing a cab • Porters and bellhops: $1–$2 per bag • Maids: $1–$2 per day of your visit, or as much as $5 per day • Waitstaff and bartenders: 15–20% of total bill • Taxi drivers: 15–20% of total fare • Hairdressers: 15–20% of total service cost • Tips for other service personnel, such as theater ushers, tour guides and coat-check staff, are always appreciated.
One more thing: if you’re having drinks at a bar, bartenders typically expect $1 for every drink they serve you. Later on when the bar gets crowded, you’ll be glad that the bartender remembers you.
SALES TAX:
Price tags on most items don’t include tax. New York City sales tax on goods and services is 8.375%. But there are a few exceptions:
• No sales tax on food items purchased at grocery stores, or on prescription drugs. • No City sales tax on clothing or footwear. • A New York State tax of 4.375% is charged on clothing and footwear when the total exceeds $110.
AREA AIRPORTS:
New York City is served by LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), both in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in neighboring New Jersey. LaGuardia airport primarily serves domestic destinations, with a small number of flights to and from selected Canadian and Caribbean destinations. Kennedy and Newark airports each serve both domestic and international destinations.
New York City, alias the Big Apple, city of promise – and realized potential: where class and crass coincide and soaring skyscrapers are edged with dark alleyways. It stands for many things: art mecca for the nation, engine of America’s wealth, the country’s most populated metropolis and the nation’s first capital. The streets of New York City vibrate with life: trucks, cars, stretch limousines, honking horns, street vendors, police on horseback, dog walkers, in-line skaters, mime artists, briefcase-toting executives, and the fashionable-dressed to the nines. Newcomers are swept into the swirl of sounds, sights and sensations, struck by the nonchalance and unflagging fortitude with which New Yorkers handle their day. Visitor’s are embraced in the city’s contagious pulsation-and transported to an urban sphere that is unquestionably awesome. People from all over the globe are drawn to the city's world-renowned museums, theaters, celebrities, universities, sport teams, restaurants and financial institutions. In addition, New York boasts the largest representation of cosmopolitan cultures, races and ethnic entities in the world. The city can offer something to everyone. 
New York's beauty can be both subtle and flamboyant. The city's cool sophistication is visible at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, the Plaza Hotel, and Gracie Mansion, as well as luxury apartment buildings such as the Dakota, and in its numerous art galleries and European-style cafes. Meanwhile, the unmatched glamour and decadence of the metropolis is found in the neon-lit Theater district, elite nightclubs, cabarets and trendy boutiques. 
During the day, experience the cosmopolitan excitement of the city by taking a walk along Wall Street or Fifth Avenue. A visit to the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, South Street Seaport, Chinatown, and Little Italy are just some of the daytime excursions not to be missed. You will soon discover that New York has an endless number of worthy attractions to discover. While many cities become quiet at night, New York vibrates with energy all the time. Some say the city is even busier and livelier at night when its residents and tourists flood the streets in search of excitement and entertainment. For those pursuing nocturnal pleasures, the city provides every type of diversion you could imagine: theater, dance, film, opera, classical music, comedy and cabaret. Incomparable New York City - in all the world, there is no place like New York. 
New Yorkers in the service industries (hotels, restaurants and transportation) have tips factored into their wages, tips are expected and greatly appreciated. You don’t have to go overboard, but be sure to show the love for great New York City service. Here's how much you should tip: 
Price tags on most items don’t include tax. New York City sales tax on goods and services is 8.375%. But there are a few exceptions: 
New York City is served by LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), both in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in neighboring New Jersey. LaGuardia airport primarily serves domestic destinations, with a small number of flights to and from selected Canadian and Caribbean destinations. Kennedy and Newark airports each serve both domestic and international destinations. 
