New York City was inhabited by various Native American tribes until the early 17th Century, when the majestic New York Harbor was discovered by the Dutch. The city began its modern history as the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. In 1664, the English conquered the city and renamed it "New York". Today, the city is known by many names such as "The City That Never Sleeps" and "The Big Apple".

New York is composed of five semi-autonomous boroughs, unified in 1898: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan Island is the commercial and financial epicenter of the United States and is known as the “Island at the Center of the World.” Brooklyn is the largest residential borough in New York, while Queens is the most ethnically diverse place on the planet.

Because New York is the most populous city in the United States, and one of the most populous in the world, it is also known as "The Capital of the World". Throughout the history of the city, New York has been a main point of entry for the majority of immigrants to the United States. 36% of New York's population is comprised of immigrants, and over 170 languages are spoken within the city.

This level of diversity makes New York one of the most interesting ethnic mosaics in the United States. The diversity in New York has led to the birth of numerous cultural movements, including the bohemian literary heritage and radicalism of Greenwich Village, the Abstract Expressionist and Pop Art movements, the Harlem Renaissance, and many others. Other cultural movements that have thrived in the city over the years include folk music, hip-hop, punk rock, salsa, disco, indie rock, Broadway theater, and Off-Broadway theater.

Not only is New York the home to these famous and widespread artistic movements, it is also the home of many well-known landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, The New York Stock Exchange, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge. New York has seen many different architectural styles over the years dot the skyline, including Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and Modernist.

All of these things and more make New York City a unique and interesting place to both live in and visit.