New York City: City That Never Sleeps
A view from The Skylark - rooftop bar in Manhattan
If there’s one city that is constantly buzzing, it is New York.
The energy hits you the second you land! Streets are full of people, no matter whether it’s day or night. You have to embrace it - honking yellow cabs, street music drifting through the air, neon lights everywhere…
I spent nine days in New York in September 2022, and I would go back for more. A lot more!
· When I went: September 2022
· Duration: 9 days (including flights)
· Weather: Warm and sunny, around 25°C. Do take a jacket as the evening can get chilly.
Tip: Pack comfy shoes. I averaged 20,000+ steps a day and still could have done more. My feet would disagree, though.
Day & Night in the City That Never Sleeps
For the first four nights, I stayed in Long Island City, Queens - slightly outside Manhattan but well-connected and safe. It gave me the best of both worlds - quieter evenings and easy access to NYC’s centre.
From sunrise walks on the Brooklyn Bridge to sunset cocktails overlooking the skyline, New York is an endless movie set. You will recognise so many landmarks in an instant, and for someone who is not from the US, it adds to the magical feel of being in the States.
The Must-See Icons
No matter how many times you’ve seen NYC in movies, seeing it in real life is something else. Here are some of the sights that I saw:
· Empire State Building → The city’s crown jewel. I went twice – once in the daytime and once at sunset. It was spectacular both times.
· Central Park → It is massive! A green oasis with winding paths, rowing lakes, and hidden statues.
· Statue of Liberty → Take the ferry. You don’t have to do any tours; it is possible to see it from the free option by taking the Staten Island ferry. Either way, seeing her up close feels surreal.
· Brooklyn Bridge & Manhattan Bridge → Iconic views, especially at golden hour.
· Times Square → An absolute neon chaos. Overwhelming, loud, yet unforgettable.
· Rockefeller Centre & Top of the Rock → offers you a panoramic view of the skyline.
· 9/11 Memorial & Museum → Poignant and deeply moving. They never mention how much time to allow for these things. And I’d strongly suggest at least 3 hours if not more! There is so much to read and see in this museum!
There are so many other smaller things to see, such as watching NYPD cars drive down the 5th Avenue, sitting on the steps of the New York Public Library while sipping a latte, and losing yourself in Grand Central Station. For me, Grand Central Station was an absolute XOXO Gossip Girl moment.
Flavours of New York: Where to Eat & Drink
New York has many food choices, and you can try anything from hot dogs to Michelin-starred kitchens. My favourites on this trip:
Sweet Spots
· Dominique Ansel Bakery → You must try a cronut!
Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery, NYC 🍩 — If you’re in New York, you must try the iconic cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery. A perfect blend of croissant and doughnut, this cult-favourite pastry has limited daily batches, so get there early before they sell out.
Iconic Eats
· Buffalo wings → Stop by Buffalo on the route to Niagara for the original recipe.
· Denny’s → Classic American breakfast comfort food, open all day. The menu offers literally everything, and portions are massive.
Rooftop Vibes
· The Skylark → 30 floors above Manhattan, this rooftop bar is all elegance, skyline views, and fancy cocktails.
Culture, Broadway & Nightlife
New York is full of creativity; you feel it everywhere:
· Broadway → I went to see Moulin Rouge. ‘Come what may, ’ and it made me cry!
· Radio City Music Hall → A stunning landmark.
· How I Met Your Mother Pub → Perhaps a little silly, but a cute place to visit! They had the picture of the cast on the wall! A fun stop for TV fans.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway 🎭✨ An unforgettable night at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre watching Moulin Rouge!
Neighbourhood Hopping
Every neighbourhood feels like a different world. I took a city bike to ride through the city, and it felt safe to do so, plus gave me a chance to see the best of it:
· SoHo → Chic boutiques, cobbled streets, and incredible bakeries.
· Little Italy → Cannoli, espresso, and endless charm.
· Wall Street → The financial district’s iconic Charging Bull.
· Flushing Meadows-Corona Park → A peaceful escape from Manhattan’s madness.
Day Trips Worth the Escape
Since I was in NYC, Washington, D.C. was a ‘must’ to visit
I spent a full day in D.C., taking the Amtrak train from Penn Station to Union Station. It’s easy, efficient, and scenic.
Tip: Rent a city bike once you are there! Cycling past monuments and the National Mall is the best way to explore, and it was much easier and faster than getting a bus!
Washington, D.C.
Niagara Falls
Yes, it may feel like a long drive, but 100% worth it. I rented a car and set off early, spending one night near Niagara Falls, NY. You can even cross into Canada for a few hours. The process is simple, and the views from the Canadian side are different!
NYC Travel Hacks
· Get the NYC CityPASS → Choose 3 or 5 attractions and save money.
· ESTA→ Apply online; valid for two years.
· Transport → Subway > bus. Always.
· Free Tours by Foot → A local favourite; you tip what you want.
