Intro

Last year, a record-breaking 48.7 million people came to New York

City—and we’re anticipating even more visitors in 2011. Our well-deserved

reputation as the nation’s safest big city is certainly one reason for our

optimism. Our unrivaled arts and cultural attractions—all 1,200 of

them—are another.

Summer is finally here, and our city offers a variety of ways you can beat

the heat while experiencing the best of New York. Take a stroll through

the shade in one of our world-renowned parks, or ride the new ferry

connecting Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Governors Island across

the East River. And if a canoe or a kayak is more your speed, our revitalized waterfront features plenty of recreational boat activities as well.

Have a seat at a sidewalk table and dine at one of our restaurants with

cuisine from every corner of the globe. Brush up on the masters of

painting, sculpture, photography and design at The Metropolitan Museum

of Art or Museum of Modern Art. Then visit a Chelsea gallery to discover

up-and-coming artists who will shape our world for years to come.

We are a city of five boroughs, and each has its own charm, especially

during this season of festivals and parades. For the 85th year, Manhattan

is hosting the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Take the ferry to Staten

Island, as this borough, along with many cultural institutions, celebrates

the 350th anniversary of its founding. Or take the subway to Riverdale in

the Bronx, Flushing in Queens or Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, and you’ll find

the local fare, eclectic boutiques and historic architecture that make every

New York City neighborhood a world of its own.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of September 11, and New

Yorkers are proud of the opening of the National September 11 Memorial

at the World Trade Center site. Since 2001 millions of people from all over

the world have visited the site to remember and reflect on the events of

that tragic day. With the dedication of the memorial in September, visitors

will be able to experience a beautiful, inspiring and lasting reminder of

New York City’s resilience.

Whatever you choose to do, we’re certain you’ll agree there’s no better

place to vacation than New York City, the number one tourist destination

in the United States. Enjoy your stay with us—and come back soon!