New York is perhaps the most colorful metropolis in the world. Quite young, it does not look like the ancient cities of Europe with its seething energy, diversity of cultures, languages and religions. Manhattan Island is one of the most famous areas, as it is here that the main attractions of New York are located.
History of Manhattan
Once upon a time, Indian tribes lived on the site of New York, and today it is a huge metropolis, the main cultural and economic life of which is Manhattan Island. In 1626, this island was bought from the Indians for only $26, and today it is worth more than $50 billion.
The island, located between two rivers - the Hudson and the East River, is only 21 km long and more than 3 km wide, while the population density here is almost 26,000 people / km.
As part of New York, Manhattan itself is divided into several districts, each of which is divided into quarters and consists of sub-districts. The construction of houses and the breakdown of streets were originally carried out according to a simple plan, therefore, on the islandeasy to navigate, especially above lower Manhattan.
Districts of Manhattan
Manhattan Island is divided into districts, many of which are world famous:
- Lower Manhattan is the south side of the island from which the development of New York began. Unlike other streets in the area, they are not numbered here, but have names. Here is the entrance to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Midtown is a center of tourism and business, as well as the most cost-effective area for aspiring actors, writers and artists, as Broadway is nearby. Due to the large number of small restaurants of African and Arabic cuisine, this part of the city is called "hell's kitchen".
- Central Park was opened in 1859 and today is a favorite place for recreation and entertainment for all New Yorkers. During the Great Depression, it fell into disrepair and became a haven for criminals and the homeless. The revival of the park began with the "light" hand of its manager Robert Moses, thanks to which the lawns were re-equipped, sports and cultural areas were built where people can play sports or entertain others with their art. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the park looks like an oasis where a tired person can relax or show their skills.
- The Upper West Side is a family neighborhood. Manhattan is an island whose attractions are mainly concentrated in this part of it. It is here that the Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, the Children's Museum and the mostprestigious school of the city - named after the Holy Trinity.
- The Upper East Side is the area with the most expensive real estate, although rents are low here. Another museum district of the city, as well as the focus of prestigious "fashion" shops and the best and most expensive restaurants.
- Upper Manhattan rises from Central Park to 220th Street and is considered the "dormitory" area of New York.
Each of these areas is divided into its own small areas, such as Soho, Chinatown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village and others. Each site has its own architecture and national identity.
Sights of Manhattan
Manhattan Island is the "pantry" of the main attractions of the city. This applies not only to such world museums as the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, the planetarium, the Guggenheim Museum, but also to individual streets, houses and bridges.
Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps the most recognizable in the world, and the Empire State Building is the most visited skyscraper, as it offers the best view of all of New York. The Statue of Liberty, Broadway with its theaters and art galleries, 5th Avenue with its expensive shops and Wall Street with the two most famous stock exchanges that dictate the rules to all the financiers of the world - all these are the "treasures" of the island of Manhattan. These names are symbols of America that are known all over the world.
Manhattan in cinema
This area of New York has become famous not only for its sights, but also due to the fact that films are made about it, like feature films,and documentaries, and even cartoons.
Manhattan (1979), I'll Take Manhattan, Paris - Manhattan, Night at the Museum are just some of the films that tell about the events unfolding in this area of New York.
Series, documentaries, cartoons lovingly tell about the history of this part of the big city and its sights.
Manhattan Treasures
Interestingly tells the story of the city cartoon "American History: Treasures of Manhattan Island". The events unfold in the late 19th century, when many immigrants moved to New York in search of a better life.
The main characters of the cartoon, emigrant mice from Russia, look especially touching against the backdrop of such a big landmark as the Statue of Liberty. The heroes find a treasure map that leads them to the natives of the country, living by their own laws and with their long-established way of life. As always, the cartoon shows that true human values are not treasures, money or cheese, but friendship.
