Want to find out why New York is the one and only “Big Apple”? The name, which became popular in the 1920s, doesn't just refer to a fruit, but symbolizes opportunity and success: the “apple” is the most coveted prize, and New York is the tree with the biggest fruit. Come and take a bite out of this juicy apple of opportunity!

From the dazzling lights of Times Square to the relaxing greenery of Central Park and the frenetic atmosphere of “The City That Never Sleeps,” New York offers unparalleled energy.

Stroll among the imposing skyscrapers of Manhattan, lose yourself in the multi-ethnic neighborhoods, and enjoy an experience that will change you forever. In this metropolis, there really is “nothing you can't do.” A trip here is not just a vacation, but a plunge into the beating heart of the modern world.

What are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Big Apple today!

New York is a maze of wonders, but there are some places and activities that are absolutely unmissable for anyone visiting:

SYMBOLS AND VIEWS

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: An icon of freedom and an exciting stop at the Immigration Museum. You can see it up close with a tour or for free from the ferry to Staten Island.

Observation Decks: Admire the breathtaking skyline from different perspectives:

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center): Offers the best view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Empire State Building: The classic and world-famous skyscraper.

Summit One Vanderbilt: An immersive and unique experience with spectacular views.

One World Observatory: The observatory of the Freedom Tower, with views of Lower Manhattan.

Times Square: The “Crossroads of the World,” an explosion of neon lights, giant billboards, and crowds, best visited in the evening.

CULTURE AND HISTORY

9/11 Memorial & Museum: A place of deep reflection and poignant remembrance in the Financial District.

Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): One of the largest and most important art museums in the world.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): A fundamental collection of modern and contemporary art.

Grand Central Terminal: A historic train station and architectural masterpiece.

PARKS AND WALKS

Central Park: Manhattan's green lung, an oasis where you can walk, rent a bike, and relax among the skyscrapers.

Brooklyn Bridge: Cross it on foot or by bike, especially at sunset, to enjoy an epic view of the Manhattan skyline.

High Line: A surreal and modern linear park built on an old elevated railway line, offering a unique route through the Chelsea and Meatpacking District neighborhoods.

LIVE AN EXPERIENCE

See a Broadway show in the Theater District.

Stroll through the streets of picturesque neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village and SoHo.

Admire the famous Wall Street bull and the nearby Charging Bull.

Take a food tour or listen to a gospel mass in Harlem.

NEW YORK offers endless possibilities even for budget-conscious travelers

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic experience that offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Do it at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

Central Park
Access to the park is always free. You can spend hours exploring its corners, such as Strawberry Fields Memorial (dedicated to John Lennon), Bethesda Terrace, and the Conservatory Garden.

Times Square
Admiring the lights and billboards of Times Square is a free attraction 24 hours a day.

Fifth Avenue
Go window shopping along the most luxurious stretch of Fifth Avenue, admiring St. Patrick's Cathedral and the luxury stores.

Breathtaking Views and Panoramas

Staten Island Ferry
Take the free ferry that connects Manhattan to Staten Island. It offers fantastic, close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline without paying for a tour ticket. Be careful: street vendors will try to sell you tickets for the ferry, but don't buy them—it's a scam! The ferry to Staten Island is free! Both ways.

The High Line
Stroll through this elevated park, built on an old railway line. It is an incredible example of urban redevelopment and offers unique views of the city.

Roosevelt Island Tramway
Despite its name, this is an aerial tramway. You can use your MetroCard for one trip (so only if you already have a pass or a trip available, otherwise it costs the same as a single ride) and enjoy spectacular views of the East River and skyscrapers.

Culture and History
9/11 Memorial
The outdoor memorial, with two large water pools built on the foundations of the Twin Towers, is open to the public free of charge.

Exploring the Neighborhoods
Simply walking through the different neighborhoods is an unforgettable experience:

Greenwich Village
Enjoy the bohemian and relaxed atmosphere around Washington Square Park. Visit the Stonewall Inn!

Financial District
Admire the Wall Street Bull and the impressive historic architecture.

Grand Central Terminal
Go inside and admire the magnificent interior architecture, especially the frescoed ceiling in the main hall.

Museums
Museums with “Recommended” Admission (Pay-What-You-Wish): Some of the major museums offer free admission to visitors, especially for New York residents or on specific days/times. Check the websites of museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) before your visit to understand their current policies.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBT HISTORY IN NEW YORK

New York City has been a crucial epicenter for LGBTQI+ history and liberation. Until the late 1960s, homosexuality was still considered a crime in most of the United States, and police repression of gay venues was constant.

On the night of June 28-29, 1969, an event occurred that changed the course of history: a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, triggered an unexpected reaction. For the first time, patrons, including drag queens and transgender people such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, resisted the violence, sparking the Stonewall Riots.

Clashes with the police continued for several consecutive nights and marked a point of no return, transforming passive resistance into an open and proud revolt for dignity. These riots are universally recognized as the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ liberation movement. A year later, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride march was held to commemorate the anniversary of the uprising. Today, the Stonewall Inn has been declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark, is once again a community gay bar, and is a proud ARCO partner.

New York is a foodie paradise!

🍕 ICONIC FOODS TO TRY IN NEW YORK

New York pizza (The Slice)
Forget Italian pizza for a moment! New York pizza is thin, with crispy edges, and the slices are huge and foldable (ideal for eating on the go).
Head to Joe's Pizza or Lombardi's (considered the first pizzeria in the United States).

Pastrami on Rye
A legendary sandwich! Thick slices of pastrami (cured, smoked, and steamed beef) served on rye bread with spicy mustard.
Head to Katz's Delicatessen (also famous for its appearance in the movie When Harry Met Sally).

Bagel
The bagel is an institution, especially for breakfast or a quick lunch. Perfect toasted with schmear (cream cheese) and lox (smoked salmon).
Go to Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel, or Murray's Bagels.

Hot Dogs
The ultimate street food. You'll find carts everywhere, especially near Central Park.
For history, try Nathan's Famous in Coney Island, or a classic cart for an authentic New York experience.

New York Cheesecake
Rich, dense, and incredibly creamy. It's a decadent dessert unlike any cheesecake you might find elsewhere.
Go to Junior's or Eileen's Special Cheesecake.

Hamburgers
In New York, hamburgers are serious business, with endless variations.
You can try Shake Shack for a great fast-casual experience, or a historic spot like Corner Bistro or Jackson Hole.

☕️ BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH

Eggs Benedict
Poached eggs, Canadian bacon or ham, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. Perfect for a proper brunch!

Cookies
American cookies are large, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often with plenty of chocolate chips.
Levain Bakery Cookies are famous for their size and texture.

NEW YORK CITY is considered one of the safest and most welcoming cities in the world for LGBTQ+ people

🏳️‍🌈 CULTURE AND HISTORY

Cradle of the Movement
New York was the cradle of the gay liberation movement. Greenwich Village in Manhattan, particularly the Stonewall Inn bar (now a National Historic Landmark), is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement (the Stonewall riots of 1969).

Large Community
New York is home to the largest self-identified LGBTQ+ population in the United States, creating a strong and visible community.

🏛️ LEGAL PROTECTIONS

Anti-Discrimination Laws
New York State and City have very progressive laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various areas, including employment, housing, and public services.

Political Action
There are ongoing initiatives to further strengthen rights and services for the community, such as plans to fund gender-affirming care and offices dedicated to LGBTQIA+ policies.

🏘️ WELCOMING NEIGHBORHOODS

There are several areas known for their strong LGBTQ+ presence and acceptance

Manhattan:
Greenwich Village (historic)
Chelsea
Hell's Kitchen (very lively nightlife)

Brooklyn:
Park Slope (traditionally strong lesbian presence)
Williamsburg/Bushwick (new queer hubs)

Queens:
Astoria (emerging community)

⚠️ Important Note

As in any large metropolis, this does not mean that crimes or acts of discrimination do not exist, but New York is generally perceived and recognized globally as an extremely tolerant and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community.