Headed to Manhattan

New York City Cultural Tour

Cultural expression comes in many forms. For instance, people use art, literature, and music to explain their values. Museums, international institutions, and universities are physical representations of what a society holds dear. And the fluidity within residential neighborhoods reminds us that cultures are ever-changing, mixing, and growing. New York City is a microcosm of this planet, and it is brimming with cultural manifestations of every kind. Go for the food, the shopping, the architecture… just go! You're sure to learn something new along the way.

Museums

Treat yourself to one of New York's many wonderful museums whenever you need to take a break from the noise outside. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is massive and will keep you occupied for hours. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a real treat for enthusiasts of more contemporary work, and it has its own theater for film screenings. The Frick Collection, Whitney Museum, and Guggenheim also top the list in popularity. My personal suggestion is The Museum of Natural History for its Giant Squid display.

Live Entertainment

Plays and musicals run continuously in New York on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Find a TKTS booth to buy discounted tickets or splurge and get primo seats for the best show in town. In summer you can catch performances of Shakespeare in the Park (Central Park). And if you head down to Greenwich Village, you are certain to find a club with live jazz. Brought your fancy dress clothes? Then why not go to Lincoln Center to see a performance at the Metropolitan Opera.

Universities

New York is home to several prestigious schools: Columbia University/Barnard College, Fordham University, New York University, Cooper Union, The Juilliard School, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Universities bring students from all over the globe together to learn and share ideas. College campuses also provide a way to attend stage performances or lectures inexpensively - and campuses tend to have a high concentration of bars nearby!

Neighborhoods

Of the myriad neighborhoods in Manhattan, a few stand out because they are a concentration of one specific nationality. Chinatown, Koreatown, and Washington Heights (Dominican Republic) are three such places. A walk through one of these areas will immediately transport you abroad. Do yourself a favor and sample the food wherever you go. It's the best way to experience another culture when you've only got an afternoon to spare.

Parades

New York loves a good party, and what better way to celebrate with thousands of people than to throw a parade? Chinese New Year, St. Patrick's Day, Greenwich Village Halloween, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades are all huge street parties. There are many more throughout Manhattan and the boroughs celebrating everything from mermaids to national independence.

There's a reason that United Nations headquarters are in New York. This city aims to be inclusive of as many divergent ideas as possible. Every day is cross-culture day. Join the festivities in whatever way you're most comfortable. Grab a drink, get a good view of the water, and enjoy Manhattan's take on international relations.