New York City spreads across five unique boroughs, with the famous skyline of Manhattan at its core. The city experiences four distinct seasons - sultry summers and snowy winters, making spring and fall optimal times for a visit. Situated at the junction of the Hudson River and the Atlantic, NYC's geography has played a key role in molding its status as a worldwide port and culturally diverse hotspot.

The city vibrates with an inimitable energy, where swift-walking locals mingle with awe-struck tourists on busy streets. New Yorkers are proud of their endurance as well as diversity, fostering a distinctive urban culture where you can hear a multitude of languages within a single subway car ride. The city truly never sleeps, with 24-hour delis, late-night galleries, and early morning jazz clubs keeping the spirit alive.

The extraordinary aspect of NYC is its unrivaled concentration of experiences. Renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art coexist with Central Park's 843 acres of urban wilderness. The city's food scene provides everything from humble $1 pizza slices to Michelin-starred dining, with must-visit spots including New York-style bagels, Katz's Delicatessen's pastrami, and the eclectic food markets of Queens.

Make sure to take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, peruse the elevated High Line park, or take in a Broadway show in the Theater District. The viewing decks at the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center offer awe-inspiring views, but locals know that the free Staten Island Ferry provides equally amazing vistas of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.