15 unusual facts about New York City

1. The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in NYC in 1895.

2. In 1857, toilet paper was invented by Joseph C. Gayetty in NYC.

3. Up until World War II, everyone in the entire city who was moving apartments had to move on May 1.

4. The city of New York will pay for a one-way plane ticket for any homeless person if they have a guaranteed place to stay.

5. New York City taxi cabs are yellow because according to car salesman John Hertz (1907), yellow is the easiest color to spot at a distance.

6. New York City has more people than 39 of the 50 states in the U.S.

7. There is a birth in New York City every 4.4 minutes.

8. The borough of Brooklyn on its own would be the fourth largest city in the United States.

9. New York City has the largest Chinese population of any city outside of Asia.

10. New York has the largest Puerto Rican population of any city in the world.

11. New York City’s 520-mile coastline is longer than those of Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco combined.

12. There is a secret train platform in the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

13. Times Square is named after the New York Times. It was originally called Longacre Square until 1904 when the NYT moved there.

14. It would cost approx. US $17,000 to take a cab from NYC to L.A.

15. More than 47 percent of New York City’s residents over the age of 5 speak another language other than English.

Have you heard of any other fun facts about the big apple that we can add to the list?

As the most populous city in the USA, New York is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. If you haven’t yet visited (or are planning on a repeat trip), there are plenty of affordable flights from Perth to New York floating around on the web, so get searching!

Top places to shop in New York City

It’s no secret that ‘shopping’ is on the top list of things to do in New York. Home to some of the world’s most stylish people, you can’t visit the big apple without a shopping trip (or two). From world-renowned department stores in central Manhattan, to small boutique stores and outlet malls, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our list of best places to shop in New York:

1. New York City’s Famous Shopping Streets
When it comes to shopping, it’s New York’s high-end fashion streets that are the talk of the fashion world, particularly Fifth Avenue. 5th Avenue runs from north to south all through Manhattan, and the main shopping area can be found from 14th Street up to 59th Street. Best known for its luxury boutiques and big department stores, this is the place to see and be seen.

Broadway is a close second to Fifth Avenue. As the longest street in Manhattan, you will literally find everything from clothing and children’s toys, to home ware and jewellery.
Check out Times Square for big-name stores, and Herald Square just south of Times Square is best known for Macy’s enormous flagship store. Just imagine shopping in the shadow of the Empire State Building?

2. Shopping Malls in New York City
The Time Warner Center next to Columbus Circle and the Manhattan Mall near Herald Square are great places to shop, as are the Queens Center Mall and Staten Island Mall.

However, if you only have time for one trip to the mall, I recommend the Newport Center – a huge mall in Jersey City. Shop till you drop, grab some food or catch a movie – this mall has it all.

3. New York City’s Department Stores
Manhattan is famous for having some of the best-known department stores in the country. The flagship of Macy’s in Herald Square is truly breathtaking – and since it covers an entire block – it’s impossible to miss.
Bloomingdale’s in Midtown Manhattan is a beautiful department store that doesn’t get extremely crowded. You’ll find a great selection of designer clothing here, featuring names such as Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and Steve Madden.You can also pick up some impeccable designer pieces in Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store, (unsurprisingly on 5th Avenue) in Manhattan.

4. Famous Markets in New York City
For a whole other kind of New York, head to one of the many flea markets and farmers markets that the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a vintage piece for your home or a one-off garment, New York’s markets won’t let you down.

For a wide range of antiques, vintage clothing, art and handmade jewellery, check out Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market or The Brooklyn Flea Market in Fort Green.

There are also several great farmers markets in NYC where you can pick up fresh produce. The Union Square Greenmarket, Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Chelsea Market, Grand Central Market and Columbia Green Market are just as popular.

5. Outlet Malls in New York 
Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts, or some simple souvenirs, outlets in New York offer a great way to stretch your travel budget and have a great time doing it. You’ll need to travel out of central New York to reach them, but its way worth the journey.

The Tanger Outlet on Long-Island is a 170-store outlet featuring brand names like Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Bose, Pottery Barn, Steve Madden and more.

The Woodbury Common Premium Outlet offers great discounts in most of its 220 stores, including high-end designers such as Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Prada.

Meanwhile, the Outlet Collection Jersey Gardens  and The Gallery at Westbury Plaza (a Bloomingdale’s outlet) offers some of the best prices in city.

Of course, there are so many other places to shop, too many to list all at once, so why don’t you tell us your favourite place(s) to shop in New York City?

For more info about this buzzing city, check out Etihad Airway’s online destination guide, and book your flights from Melbourne to New York City today.

Top 10 burgers in New York City

The hamburger is a real American classic, and like so many other foods, the Big Apple has managed to own it. You’ll find endless burger joints across New York City, from tiny family-run bistros to popular chain restaurants – there’s a burger to suit every taste, with almost every imaginable combination of toppings to choose from.  Here’s our mouth-watering list of top 10 burgers in New York City.

1. Five Napkin Burger
Besides the famous burger, made with freshly ground meat, the chic burger bistro also offers other favourites like sushi. You can find Five Napkin Burger in several locations, but the original Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is the place to go for a local restaurant experience.  It is dripping with juice (hence a “five napkin burger”) and slathered with melting gruyere cheese, onions and rosemary aioli.

2. Shake Shack
Shake Shack serves some of the most popular burgers in New York City, with many locations dotted across the city. Each patty is made with all-natural Angus beef, and served with crisp French fries. Try the SmokeShack Burger (approx. $8.80 for a double) together with a deliciously thick milkshake. The ‘Shroom Burger (approx. $6.85) is a great vegetarian option if you’re not a big meat eater.

3. Corner Bistro
New Yorkers have been sinking their teeth into this half-pound favourite for nearly 50 years and its popularity isn’t slowing down. It’s a great place to unwind and tuck in to a beer and a burger. Get the Bistro Burger (approx. $8.75), topped with all-American cheddar cheese, sliced tomato, iceberg lettuce and tangles of yummy deep-fried bacon (approx. $8.90).

4. JG Melon
This is about as simple as burgers get, but looks can be deceiving – it’s a stand-out burger nonetheless. Several ounces of coarsely ground, loosely packed beef, with its succulent juices break through the griddled crust. The meat is complemented by slices of raw red onion, pickles and melted American cheese. Divine!

5. Burger Joint
If you’re a true burger-lover, this one is not to miss. Located in Le Parker Meridien, it's a tiny burger spot that keeps it simple: burgers, fries, soft drinks. Simple, delicious, old-fashioned burgers are what you’ll find at Burger Joint in New York City. Choose from a small menu that centres on a regular Hamburger (approx. $7.80) or Cheeseburger (approx. $8.30).

6. Bareburger
Bareburger offers all the best things from the chain: solid organic ingredients, exotic meats and flavours, and a modern diner experience with a lovely porch as an added bonus. The Supreme Burger (approx. $11.95) is a solid option if exotic meats are a little too much for you, and the onion rings are truly delicious. Bareburger also caters to Vegetarians and vegans.

7. BLT Burger
BLT Burger is a breath of fresh air. The spacious restaurant on 11th Street & 6th Avenue in the West Village is never too crowded, making it a great place for both lunch and dinner. The variety of burgers on the menu is also fantastic, ranging from its superb Steakhouse Burger (approx. $18) to a delectable Classic Burger (approx. $9). Wash it all down with a classic BLT burger milkshake.

8. Bill’s Bar and Burger
A relatively new addition to New York City’s burger scene, Bill’s Bar and Burger is quickly making a name for itself. The restaurant at Rockefeller Center is ideally located in Midtown Manhattan and boasts 400 seats, so you need not worry about waiting in line. Sink your teeth in to the Fat Cat Burger (approx. $8.95) for a burger with a crisp outer crust and pink, juicy centre, topped with sour pickles, American cheese, market lettuce, sliced tomato and a sesame-seed bun. For a tasty vegetarian alternative, the Market Veggie Burger (approx. $7.95) is a must-try.

9. Burger & Barrel
Besides burgers, the Burger & Barrel Wine Pub has a very varied menu and, of course, an extensive wine list – a great spot for brunch, lunch and dinner. The onion & bacon jam really adds something extra to the Bash Style Burger (approx. $16), which is a great choice for both lunch and dinner.

10. Whitman’s
This charmingly low-key East Village burger spot won fame for its Juicy Lucy; a burger with pimento cheese stuffed into the centre, resulting in a hot, gooey core. But Whitman’s other burgers are equally worth an order, such as its Upstate Burger, a simple but super-juicy creation with onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and special sauce. However, an little extra cheese never hurt anyone.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of our favourite burger restaurants in New York City! What’s your favourite burger joint?

If you’re planning a trip to New York any time soon, take a peek at Etihad’s popular deals for some great holiday prices – especially when you book flights to New York from Sydney.

Flying from Brisbane to London? Here’s what to do when you get there!

Book your flights to London and you won’t be disappointed.  It’s culturally diverse community is reflected in every corner of the city. No matter what type of traveller you are, there’s something to do in London every single day of the week!

Best for history:
Natural history museum – Step back in time as you wander through the ancient exhibits at London’s Natural History Museum (also known as the British Museum.  It’s particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons however, there’s so much more to see from the five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. What’s more, entrance is free so you’ll have some spare cash to pick up a souvenir or two.

Best for views:
Aqua Shard – For the best views of London, go 31 floors high to one of London’s most sort-after restaurants, the Aqua Shard. From the Tower of London to the London Eye, with the River Thames meandering in between, the mesmerizing views are seemingly endless. Not to mention, the great selection of food and drinks  showing off the ‘best of British’ cuisine,  are delicious too!

Best for nature:
Hyde Park – If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, as one of the most famous park in the world, and one of eight royal parks in the UK, Hyde Park is not to be missed. Covering over 350 acres and is home to a number of famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers' Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. - See more at: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park#sthash.Rm1gbmtp.dpuf

Best for shopping:
Carnaby Street - The birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution of the Swinging 60s, Carnaby Street and the 13 surrounding streets are two minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus and feature more than 150 brands and over 50 independent restaurants and bars. Step under the iconic arch and you'll find an intriguing mix of stores as well as independent boutiques, heritage brands, and new designer names.

Best for nightlife:
Central London - One of the most popular areas for nightlife in London is right in the middle of the city. From Central London, to Soho, to Covent Garden, you’d be hard pressed to miss a street where there aren’t lots of things to see and do. The areas around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus specifically are packed with restaurants, bars and theatres for all tastes and budgets. For a grittier alternative, check out Brixton or Shoreditch where the city’s trendiest people hang out.

For more info about this buzzing city, check out Etihad Airway’s online destination guide, and book your flights from Brisbane to London today.