Welcome to New Yorkkkk!!!
The phrase on everyone’s mind when they land at JFK.
It was a similar feeling when the plane touched down in November 2023 and I was all set for my solo trip and make this my home for the next 4 days.
The buzz of Times Square, the magnanimity of the Empire State Building, the streets of Brooklyn and the beauty of the Statue of Liberty. The sheer diversity of places New York has to offer is impeccable.
Walking on the streets of Manhattan, the city vibes were absorbing. Its fast paced, goal-oriented vibe can be welcoming and overwhelming at the same time.
Evenings at Times Square, where random strangers had a connect with each other through music, singing, performances or just cheering people. This implicit atmosphere of connect was intriguing.
Bryant Park, which is a few thousand steps of walk from the Times Square (usual in NYC, so have your walking shoes on) or a few stations via the subway is the home to many multinational businesses, the library and a host of fine dine restaurants and cafés to explore the New York flavor.
Talking of flavors, of course the basics on your list of food trials should be the pizza slices from Joe’s pizza, the owner is hospitable, and the pizza slices are yumilicious (be ready to stand in a queue even at midnight, this place is busy), the hot dogs from the street vendors, coffee and bagels at a Deli store.
One of the high points of my solo exploration here was to the Statue of Liberty, and the ferry ride.
The chilly breeze numbing the face, trembling hands attempting to get the perfect shot of the Statue from a distance, enough to do the slightest justice to its magnificence.
Breathtaking right?
Wait for the view from Dumbo.. yes you read it. Brooklyn has a famous photography point in the area ‘Dumbo’ where photographers from all over come to capture the famous bridge.
One of the many things to mark on your to-do list is visit one of the observatories. From the Edge, the Empire State Building, the Old World, and the Top of the Rock, each has a distinct feel and view of the New York City. Based on your preference you can choose one, be sure to pre book your tickets as they can get sold off pretty quickly. If you’d want more details of observation decks and which one in my opinion appeals the most I can do a separate blog on that, let me know.
And, I kept the best for the last!
The Broadway show!
If you happen to have a few hours in the evening, do watch a Broadway Show here in Manhattan. I got the tickets from TodayTix, an app based platform where all current shows are listed and can be booked.
Watching the iconic ‘Moulin Rouge’ was absolutely a stunner. What spectacular performances.
Overall, the attempt to squeeze in as many places in a 4 day action packed trip was totally worth it. Averaging 20,000 steps exploring the streets and places, to experiencing the much talked about Subways, it was indeed an experience in itself.
As someone aptly mentioned, ‘there is something for everyone’.
-Monisha B.
