Snapple NYC Visitor Center
Welcome to the Big Apple
Some people call it "the Big Apple." Others have called it "the City that Never Sleeps." Well, Snapple likes to call it "home."
Whether you're one of the lucky eight million or so that also live here or are simply planning a visit, be sure to take advantage of the rich culture, entertainment and history the city has to offer.
Need help planning your itinerary? We've done some of the homework for you. Read on for a taste of the best museums, Broadway shows and shopping in NYC.
The information that follows is sourced from www.nycvisit.com.
NYC Basics
Destination? Check. Cab money? Check. Stylish-yet-comfortable shoes to get you there? Check. Congratulations - you're ready for a day (or night) out in the Big Apple! Just one more thing - tuck away that map and get acquainted with the lay of the land so you look like an experienced city dweller (and less like a tourist).
New York City has five boroughs-the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island - all linked by a series of bridges, tunnels and ferries. Manhattan is an island; the Bronx is north of Manhattan and the only borough attached to the mainland; Queens and Brooklyn are on the western tip of Long Island, which stretches east into the Atlantic Ocean.
Streets in Manhattan (13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide at its widest) run east-west and ascend in numerical order going north from Houston Street. Below Houston, streets are named.
Fifth Avenue divides Manhattan into the east side and west side; street addresses increase with their distance west and east from Fifth Avenue, usually by 100 per block.
Midtown is Manhattan's main business district. Downtown (below 14th Street) contains Greenwich Village, SoHo, TriBeCa and Wall Street - the financial district. The phrase "downtown" can also simply mean south of wherever you happen to be at the moment, while "uptown" refers to all points north.
Approximately 20 north-south blocks equal a mile.
As a general rule, traffic travels one way going east on even-numbered streets and one-way going west on odd-numbered streets. Main east-west streets are two-way but some smaller streets don't follow this rule.
Sixth Avenue is formally named Avenue of the Americas; both terms are used.
Museums
NYC is home to some of the most innovative museums in the world. From art and sculpture to history and architecture, there's a museum or exhibit for everyone. We only have room here to list a few, but please keep in mind that there are several others worth checking out, too!
American Museum of Natural History
Still have posters of Tyrannosaurus rex in your bedroom? Then this one is for you. One of the world's foremost natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History hosts exhibitions showcasing millions of years of evolution, including the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth … oh, and a fossilized skeleton of T. rex, of course.
See the official site: http://www.amnh.org/
Museum of Modern Art
Modern. Innovative. Inspired. Cutting edge. If this sounds like the intro to your future autobiography, then you'll fit right in at the Museum of Modern Art. Originally founded as an educational institution, the MoMA houses a complete library and recent monumental works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, film and design.
See the official site: http://www.moma.org/
Metropolitan Museum of Art
In the beginning, there was … art. You'll find it in some of its earliest forms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of the world's superior cultural institutions, the Met houses two million plus works of art from all corners of the globe, spanning from ancient through modern times.
See the official site: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Guggenheim
It's what's on the inside that counts, sure. But when the outside looks this cool, you've simply gotta check it out. The Guggenheim collection of modern and contemporary art includes masterpieces by Van Gogh and Picasso, housed in Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece of modern architecture.
See the official site: http://www.guggenheim.org/
Broadway Shows
Whether you prefer satires and dramas or fun-loving musicals, there's a show waiting for you on Broadway. Below are a few of our favorites. Don't see what you're looking for? View a comprehensive list of new musicals, musical revivals, plays and ongoing productions.
Mary Poppins
A spoonful of sugar — and then some. Mary Poppins is based on the books by P. L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney movie, and features many of the original songs from the 1964 film. Ashley Brown plays the title role, joined by Gavin Lee (as chimney sweep Bert), Daniel Jenkins (as Mr. Banks) and Rebecca Luker (as Mrs. Banks). New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street)
Grease
A Snapple favorite! Grease, a revival of the much-loved Broadway favorite, stars Max Crumm and Laura Osnes as thwarted teenage lovers Danny Zuko and Sandra Olsson. Crumm and Osnes were selected for their roles after auditioning before a national audience on TV's Grease: You're the One That I Want! Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
Les Misérables
The epic musical Les Misérables follows the life of fugitive Jean Valjean, who is pitted against the cruel and self-righteous Inspector Javert in a lifelong struggle to evade capture. This adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel has entertained more than 53 million people worldwide, winning over 50 theater awards, including eight 1987 Tony Awards. Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street)
Chicago
Corruption, violence and greed - this one will keep you on your toes! Chicago answers the question: What becomes a legend most? For a couple of Jazz Age entertainers, it's all about fame, fortune - and murder. Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street)
The Color Purple
A truly inspiring tale of love. The Color Purple sees Alice Walker's diverse and unforgettable characters come vividly to life on stage, blending dance with blues, gospel, jazz, swing, rural roots and African music. The show is a saga of hope, inspiration and triumph. Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
Shopping
What suits you? A whirl through the world's largest department store? A shopping spree on 5th Avenue? Or maybe you'd rather hunt for a rare find in Chelsea. Whatever your shopping style, you'll find your fit in New York City.
Have a specific need (or want!) in mind? Shop by category, and watch your options blossom before your eyes! Be sure to check back frequently for up-to-date news on sales, grand openings and save-the-dates.
NYC Statistics
Want to sound like a Big Apple expert? From averages to Zagat surveys, learn a few facts and stats about the City that Never Sleeps.
Size:
- Central Park, total acres: 843
- New York City, total area in square miles: 301
Population:
Population Estimates Bureau, Population Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census, 301/457-2422
- New York City (released 11/21/02): 8,008,278
- Bronx: 1,332,650
- Brooklyn: 2,465,326
- Manhattan: 1,537,195
- Queens: 2,229,379
- Staten Island: 443,728
Average temperatures:
- January:
Low 26 degrees F, High 38 degrees F
- July:
Low 67 degrees F; High 84 degrees F
Entertainment and transportation:
- Feature films: over 250 a year
- Television shows: 100+
- Eating establishments: 18,696
- Average cost of a dinner in 2006 (drink, tax, tip included - Zagat Survey): $39.43
- Licensed medallion taxis: 12,778
- Subway stations: 468
- Number of buses: 4,489
- Hotel room inventory as of May 1, 2007: 72,500
- NYC hotel average daily room rate (ADR) in 2006: $267
Want more? Feed your brain stats 'til you're satisfied (statistically speaking) here.