Culture in New York City

One aspect of life in New York City is the exposure to different cultures. Due to the fact that NYC was once a major portal for immigrant entry into America, the city is now comprised of people who can trace their origins to many different countries. NYC has a large Asian, Italian, Polish, Indian and Russian population, and with these cultures come remnants of their food, fashion and language. It is not uncommon to walk down the street and feel as if another country has been entered. When taking students on a tour of NYC, be sure to check out some of the places where different aspects of these cultures can be found. Students will enjoy shopping, eating and simply taking in the sights of some of NYC's cultural neighborhoods.

Chinatown is one of the most well known cultural enclaves. Unlike many other U.S. Chinatowns, this particular one serves not only as a tourist and business area, but also as home to many Asians. Shops can be found lining the streets, and stocking customary Chinese dress, traditional herbs and medicine and souvenirs. Many vendors also carry imitation handbags, watches, shoes and other accessories. Chinese restaurants can be found in abundance, so try and give your group a taste of "real" Chinese food, and for even more fun mandate using chopsticks for part of the meal.

Italian culture is also easily accessible. Little Italy was once a large Italian enclave. In recent years however, it has been absorbed by Chinatown. Several restaurants still exist, but are geared mainly towards tourists. For a real taste of Italian culture locals recommend Bensonhurst. This neighborhood is inhabited by more Italians than Little Italy, and as a result is a better place to get authentic food and do some shopping.

A taste of Russian culture can be found in Brighton Beach. This neighborhood is located in Brooklyn, and is sometimes referred to as "Little Odessa." Visitors will see why, once they step off the subway and into a place where English is rarely spoken. Brighton Beach is one of the largest Russian communities in America, and it's not uncommon to see people strolling down the streets in fur hats and long cloaks. Many of the street signs, are in Russian, and should you happen to glance at someone's newspaper, it is likely to be in Russian as well. The food offered is exciting as well. Numerous Russian-style bakeries and restaurants line the streets, so treat your students to lamb stew, smoked fish or chakchak, which is a honeyed treat similar to Rice Krispies.

These are just a few of the cultural neighborhoods that exist within NYC's borders. Your group can also sample some spicy kimchee at a Korean restaurant, or try some Irish soda bread at a bakery. In Richmond Hills, which houses a number of people from Caribbean descent, many grocers will chop coconut right in front of customers, and pour them a drink made from the milk. There are so many different cultures in NYC that some major ethnic holidays, such the Hindu Diwali, were added to the calendar. Festivals and parades of ethnic origin are often among the most attended, so check to see if any of these celebrations of different holidays line up with your group's visit.