New York

Modern New York is a “Marmite” city – you either love it or hate it – we love it, and have visited many times.

New York City began as a small Dutch trading post called New Amsterdam in 1624, later captured by the English in 1664 and renamed New York. It grew into a massive global hub for trade, immigration, and culture, featuring famous landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

History
Lenape Land
First home to Native American tribes before European explorers arrived in the 1500s and 1600s.
New Amsterdam
Founded by Dutch colonists on Manhattan island in the 1620s for the fur trade.
British Rule
Taken over by the English in 1664 and renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York.
Immigration Hub
Served as the main gateway for millions of people moving to America through Ellis Island in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Major Attractions
Statue of Liberty
A giant copper statue given by France in 1886 as a symbol of freedom.
Central Park
A huge 843-acre green park right in the middle of busy Manhattan.
Empire State Building
A famous 102-story art deco skyscraper with great views of the city.
Times Square
A bright, crowded commercial intersection known for huge digital billboards and Broadway theaters.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world’s largest and finest art museums.
One Worldl Observatory
One of the replacement buildings for the World Trade Centre and a must visit for views over Manhattan and the surrounding islands.

Music Venues
New York, like any major city, has a wealth of music venues but the folloing are definitely worth a visit: Birdland, Iridium, Village Vanguard and Ellen’s Stardust Diner.