New York | Lifestyle of The Big Apple
New York City has a reputation for a number of things — and being one of the most eye-opening places in the world is definitely one of them. NYC is the mecca for crazies, and any person who has lived here for long enough has learned his fair share of lessons.
NYC is a crash course in life, and any proper New Yorker has become jaded over the course of their tenure in the city. That being said, this city is one of (if not the) greatest cities in the world. Simply put: there’s no place like it. The expat lifestyle in New York is a busy and varied one. There is a plethora of restaurants, nightlife hotspots, shopping destinations and events to enjoy, as well as theatre, arts and culture venues, health and beauty centers and sports facilities.
New York has some great attractions and activities to enjoy and people of all persuasions are sure to find something to suit their tastes in this vibrant city.
Shopping in the City
With a vast and varied caliber of shopping options, expats in New York will have a hard time holding onto their purse strings in the city.
The infamous Fifth Avenue is a must, even if only for window-shopping, as is trendy Madison Avenue, with designer shops including Chanel and Prada. The cobblestone streets of SoHo also host many chic outlets. On the other hand, there are bargains aplenty to be found in Chinatown and the Lower East Side, as well as at local flea markets. Farmers’ markets are good for fresh produce.
Nightlife in New York City
As expats may imagine, nightlife in New York is as eclectic as the city itself. Whether in the mood for a chic jazz lounge, world-renowned DJs spinning mixes or a wild nightclub, New York really does have something to meet every reveler’s expectations. This is, after all, the city that never sleeps. Each of the New York boroughs has its very own unique nightlife scene, so don’t be afraid to explore new places.
Arts and culture
For arts and culture buffs, it doesn’t get any better than New York. The city boasts internationally acclaimed art exhibitions and new productions pop up every week in the Big Apple. World-class music events and performing arts showcases are put on every night.
Galleries and museums in New York range from the massive to the miniscule, and attract thousands of people to the city each year. Along Fifth Avenue, the city’s famous Museum Mile plays host to museums such the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, as well as the lesser-known El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York. New York’s best art galleries are in Chelsea, but those wanting to view something edgier should head to Queens.
Expats in New York City should be sure to catch a play or musical on Broadway during their time in the city. The Phantom of the Opera is a classic that is sure to impress – with a run of over 13,000 performances to date, it is by far the longest-running show on Broadway. For something a little more off the beaten track, check out what Off-Broadway has to offer, too. Off-Broadway theatres are typically smaller than Broadway theatres and up-and-coming plays and musicals are often staged there as a test run before moving to Broadway itself. Those looking to see a celebrity in the flesh may also have some luck in the New York theatre scene – many famous musicians and actors have graced the Broadway stages.
Eating out in New York
While roadside vendors selling everything from hot dogs to bagels are a common sight in New York, there are also a number of excellent restaurants for expats to try. All kinds of cuisine can be found in New York, so expats fond of dining out can have whatever their hearts (or stomachs) desire.
For the best in restaurant variety head to Queens. Chinatown is good for all types of Asian fare; the East Village has Ukrainian, Indian and Japanese eateries; and a good selection of African and “soul food” restaurants are based in Harlem. There are steakhouses, as well as Italian restaurants and pizzerias, throughout the city.
Sports and outdoor activities
With so much going on in terms of shopping, eating out, entertainment and nightlife, many expats can’t help but wonder when they will ever get time to keep fit in New York. But the fact is that New Yorkers really are an image-conscious bunch and new arrivals will soon get used to the sight of runners in Central Park, cyclists biking to work and people somehow finding the time to fit in the odd gym session or yoga class.
Those who prefer watching sport more than partaking in it will be pleased to learn that New York has a long sporting history. Baseball is the city’s most closely followed sport and expats should be sure to go and see the New York Yankees or the New York Mets take to the field. American football is also a popular sport and the city is home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
