New York City - Get Around

New York is composed of five boroughs, each one of which would constitute a sizeable town in its own right: Manhattan (central), the Bronx (north), Brooklyn (south-east), Queens (east) and Staten Island (south-west). Manhattan Island is the hub of the action.

Manhattan Island, which is tall and thin, is divided into three: downtown (south of 14th Street), midtown (14th to 59th Street) and uptown (north of 59th Street). Fifth Avenue runs the length of Manhattan, south to north. Anywhere to its east has an "East" address, anywhere west has a "West" address.

The subway is the fastest way to get around and, having been mythologised on the page, in song and on film, is an attraction in itself. It connects all five boroughs and runs efficiently 24 hours a day. Routes are identified by letters, numbers and colours.

Walking is a great way to get around since most of New York's attractions are easily found on Manhattan's grid system. One common mistake, however, is to underestimate the sheer vastness of Manhattan. A walk from Battery Park to Central Park for a curious sightseer can take up an entire day.

The 3700 blue and white MTA buses are a slower, more scenic alternative to the subway. They are a wonderful way to get a feel for the city and its streets. If you happen to get stuck in a traffic jam you may wish you took the subway.

Yellow cabs can be hailed on the street if the large central light is on. When the side lights are on, the taxi is occupied. Ranks are located on the main arteries of the city (Canal, Houston, 14th, 23rd, etc) and outside major hotels. All taxis have meters and drivers usually get a 15% tip on top of the final fare.

For visitors, driving in central New York City is not advised. Many streets are one-way and day-time gridlock is common. The public transportation system is a far better alternative.

Rush hour is 7.30am-9am and 4.30pm-6.30pm - some will say it is around the clock! A MetroCard pass for 1, 7, 14 or 30 days is available at all subway stations, for unlimited travel on subway and bus. On city buses payment – a flat fee of US$2 – can also be made with a MetroCard, tokens or in cash (although drivers require exact change).

The 1865 Morris-Jumel mansion in Washington Heights is the city's oldest building. Traces remain of the Lower East Side's Jewish community. These tenement buildings were jammed with large, often poor families with big dreams. Finally, grab a piece of New York's writerly history by spending a night in one of its most literary hotels, the Chelsea or the Algonquin.

MTA New York City Transit website