New York Metropolis, sometimes called “The Metropolis That By no means Sleeps,” is on many journey bucket lists. However with its repute for being costly, soiled, and crowded, it’s legitimate to ponder the query: Is New York Metropolis value visiting? As an area New Yorker and seasoned traveler, I’m right here to supply an in-depth perspective on this dilemma.
My NYC Story
I moved to New York from London in 2018. I arrived on a really wet day and it rained for your complete first week I used to be there.
I assumed to myself “What have I finished?”
I’d visited New York Metropolis earlier than at Christmas time and in summer, and I LOVED it. However this time it hit completely different. It was April, and wet, and my new roommate picked me up from JFK in her little Good automotive. We needed to drive over big potholes that felt like we had been driving on the floor of the moon. (Severely why are there so many potholes in NYC and the place does all of the tax cash go?).
Once we acquired to NYC I couldn’t assist however discover how a lot trash there was on the streets. Which is humorous as a result of I’d by no means actually seen it that a lot on my earlier visits.
I feel if you’re a vacationer you’re so caught up on all of the enjoyable stuff that you just don’t discover these items as a lot, however having simply made an enormous transfer throughout the pond, I noticing every little thing. And I used to be beginning to really feel a bit of bit homesick.
However then a few weeks later we had a heatwave, and rapidly it was rooftop season in NYC. Town got here alive, it was blue sky on a regular basis, and shortly my buddies and I had been taking day journeys to Fireplace Island and doing all types of enjoyable stuff.
I fell in love with NYC, and I’ve been right here ever since. Properly technically I reside in Jersey Metropolis now, nevertheless it’s so shut I’m in NYC virtually each day. There’s simply a lot to do in NYC and so many eating places to find that I’ll by no means get uninterested in it.
Anyway, sufficient about my story. Is NYC value visiting? Undoubtedly! Though it additionally has some drawbacks too. Let’s check out the professionals and cons so you may make your individual thoughts up.
Causes Why NYC is Price Visiting
It Simply Has an Power About It
You’ll hear lots of people speaking in regards to the “vitality” of NYC. Town pulsates with life and is simply such an thrilling place to be. The towering skyscrapers, the busy streets, the hustle and bustle – there’s one thing in regards to the vitality in NYC that you just simply can’t describe.
Take a look on the @whatisnewyork Instagram web page and also you’ll see quite a lot of bizarre stuff occurs right here. New Yorkers have a humorousness and there’s all the time one thing occurring within the streets.
NYC is sort of a magnet. It attracts individuals in. When you’re right here it’s simply so rattling laborious to go away. My buddies will typically discuss taking weekend journeys, however then when the time comes, there’s all the time one thing enjoyable occurring in NYC.
Iconic Landmarks
The very first thing that entices many guests to New York Metropolis is the spectacular array of iconic landmarks. The Empire State Constructing, Occasions Sq., the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Wall Avenue, and Brooklyn Bridge: names identified worldwide that conjure pictures of spectacular cityscapes.
These landmarks embody not solely the architectural aesthetics but in addition the essence of the American spirit and historical past. You positively gained’t be bored in your go to to NYC as a result of there are countless issues to do.
Superb Museums
New York Metropolis can be dwelling to an intensive assortment of museums spanning throughout the varied boroughs. The Pure Historical past Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, the Guggenheim – a veritable smorgasbord of artwork, tradition, and historical past await you. When you’re into museums, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in NYC.
House of Broadway Exhibits
The Broadway theater scene in New York Metropolis is second to none and presents a pleasant number of exhibits, together with timeless classics and latest entries. It’s a main hub for theatre lovers who relish the feeling of witnessing the magic on stage in actual time. Whereas Los Angeles is dwelling to the film trade, NYC is dwelling of theater.
Superb Meals
Each gastronome is aware of that New York Metropolis is a paradise of various cuisines. From the common-or-garden hotdog stands and ubiquitous pizza joints, to subtle culinary artworks within the Village or Michelin-starred institutions across the metropolis, NYC imparts a gastronomic journey that may fulfill each palate and funds scale.
Don’t depart NYC with out attempting these must-try meals:
New York-Fashion Pizza – Go to iconic spots like Lombardi’s, Di Fara, or Joe’s Pizza for a slice of the thin-crust, hand-tossed masterpiece that’s New York pizza.
Bagels – With a barely crispy exterior and a chewy inside, NYC bagels are legendary. Prime picks embrace Ess-a-Bagel and Russ & Daughters.
Pastrami Sandwich– Katz’s Delicatessen is the go-to for a traditional New York pastrami sandwich, piled excessive with hand-carved meat on rye bread.
Cheesecake – New York-style cheesecake is known for its wealthy and creamy texture, with Eileen’s Particular Cheesecake and Junior’s being among the many greatest locations to indulge.
Sizzling Canine – Nothing says NYC like a scorching canine from a road vendor, however for an elevated expertise, attempt the choices at Grey’s Papaya or Nathan’s Well-known in Coney Island.
Cronuts – The cronut, a croissant-donut hybrid, was invented in New York. Dominique Ansel Bakery is the birthplace of this progressive deal with.
Egg Cream – A singular New York creation, the egg cream is a soda fountain drink made with milk, carbonated water, and chocolate syrup. Strive it at Gem Spa or any old-school diner.
Chinese language Dumplings – For genuine and scrumptious dumplings, enterprise into Chinatown. Fried or steamed, locations like Vanessa’s Dumpling Home or Joe’s Shanghai are native favorites.
Avenue Meals (Halal Guys) – The Halal Guys began as a meals cart and have become a NYC road meals icon. Don’t miss their well-known hen and rice platter topped with the legendary white and pink sauces.
Black and White Cookie – This glazed, half-chocolate, half-vanilla cookie is a NYC bakery staple. Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery and William Greenberg Desserts supply a number of the greatest.
World-Class Procuring
NYC additionally boasts of mesmerizing procuring avenues just like the glamorous Fifth Avenue, quirky boutiques in SoHo, or classic outlets in Williamsburg, satisfying the needs of each avid shopper.
Town additionally dwelling to tons of flagship shops, comparable to Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Apple Retailer fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Adidas flagship retailer.
Many individuals go to NYC to do their Christmas procuring and see all the gorgeous window shows at Christmas.
Finest Place to Have a good time Christmas
Talking of Christmas. New York Metropolis turns right into a winter wonderland at Christmas and it’s top-of-the-line instances of 12 months to go to. With its grandiose tree at Rockefeller Middle, ice-skating in Central Park, and enchanting retailer window shows, it’s actually magical.
As quickly as December hits, I really like to go to all of the Christmas-themed bars which can be dotted across the metropolis. Locations like Oscar Wilde, Rolf’s, Loreley Beer Backyard, Pete’s Tavern and Miracle on ninth Avenue are normally decked out in over-the-top Christmas decorations.
Rooftops Galore
Come summer time, town’s vibe shifts to make method for rooftop events and seaside day-outs. New Yorkers flock to town’s rooftops to benefit from the heat summer time climate and gorgeous views of Manhattan’s skyline.
There are such a lot of rooftop bars in NYC, however a few of my favorites embrace Nubeluz, The Crown, Overstory, Le Bain and ART Nomad. Nothing beats gazing out on the skyscrapers of Manhattan with the nice and cozy breeze in your face and a cocktail in hand.
NYC Ferries and Boat Rides
Manhattan is surrounded by water and it’s actually enjoyable to trip the ferries. When you’re planning to go to DUMBO or Williamsburg, you may catch the ferry from Wall St Pier 11 for a scenic trip. Alternatively you may rent a ship for the day or e-book your self on a sundown cruise to the Statue of Liberty.
NYC is greatest seen from the water if you wish to seize images of town’s skyline. I’d additionally advocate visiting Grand Banks, which is a wonderful historic ship moored on the Hudson River. There’s an oyster bar and a cocktail bar onboard – good for sundowners after a day of sightseeing.
Islands and Seashores
Generally NYC can get stiflingly humid in summertime, however to not fear, as a result of lovely seashores are only a fast practice trip away.
Rockaway Seashore is well reached by subway or ferry from NYC and is nice for a day journey. Alternatively, you may hop on the Lengthy Island Railroad to go to seaside locations additional alongside the coast, together with Lengthy Seashore and The Hamptons.
Considered one of my favourite day journeys from NYC is a visit to Fireplace Island, which is a really slender island that runs parallel to Lengthy Island’s south shore. There aren’t any vehicles on the island and it’s the right escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
An Journey in Each Neighborhood
Every neighborhood in New York Metropolis has its distinctive persona. From the creative soirees of Brooklyn to the grandeur of Higher Manhattan, from the cultural coronary heart of Harlem to the bohemian spirit of Greenwich Village, there’s certainly a neighborhood for everybody.
My private favourite is West Village – I really like the lovable brownstones, tree-lined streets and the myriad of fantastic eating places to select from. I additionally love SoHo for its cobbled streets, procuring and cast-iron buildings.
Walkable and Straightforward to Get Round
NYC’s grid system is very easy to comply with (besides possibly in Greenwich and West Village the place every little thing appears to get jumbled up). However in the event you’re visiting as a vacationer, all it’s essential to know is that the avenues run vertically, whereas the cross streets run horizontally throughout Manhattan.
1st Avenue runs up the east of Manhattan and eleventh Avenue is furthest west. Streets go up in quantity as you head north up Manhattan.
Most vacationer sights are concentrated within the Monetary District, SoHo, West Village, Chelsea and Midtown, and it’s surprisingly walkable. When you’re carrying cozy footwear, it’s truly simple to stroll between locations. And if the gap is just too far to stroll, the subway will get you there very quickly.
A single trip on the subway prices $2.90 and can take you anyplace you need to go in Manhattan (there’s no tiered zone system like in London). A lot of the stations now have contactless turnstiles, so you may simply faucet your card or telephone to pay as an alternative of shopping for a ticket on the machine.
The Metropolis That By no means Sleeps
NYC is nicknamed “town that by no means sleeps” and has a 24-hour subway system. So you may keep out so long as you need and nonetheless have a strategy to get dwelling. Many eating places and bars serve until late, so in the event you’re feeling hungry at 10pm, there are all the time choices. And in the event you can’t discover one thing open, there are all the time the bodegas (small comfort shops making sandwiches and bacon, egg and cheese. Yum!).
Straightforward to Meet Folks
When you’re touring solo and need to make buddies, it’s truly very easy to fulfill individuals in NYC. When you pull up a seat at any bar individuals will normally discuss to you. I feel it’s a little bit of a false impression that New Yorker’s are impolite. Sure they’re typically in a rush, they’re generally blunt and can converse their thoughts, however they’re a number of the most social individuals ever.
The Flip-Aspect: Challenges of Visiting NYC
Like each metropolis, visiting NYC comes with its set of cons which can be important to handle. Nevertheless, town’s vibrant spirit typically overshadows these points.
It’s Costly
Undeniably, New York is pricey. Lodging and eating can burn a gap in your pocket in the event you’re not cautious. However methods are there to mitigate these prices. Go for budget-friendly neighborhoods, native diners, or meals vehicles for meals, and use public transport over taxis.
After I first visited NYC I used to be on a funds and was an enormous fan of the $1 pizza slices. I travelled in every single place by subway or strolling and I took benefit of CityPass for my attraction tickets.
Visitors and Crowded
Sure, NYC is crowded. It’s busy on a regular basis, in every single place. Rush hour visitors is an actual ache and town’s sights are crowded with vacationers.
However that is the heart beat of town – the fixed hum of life and vitality that makes it thrilling and dynamic. When you plan on touring in rush hour, attempt to persist with the subways to keep away from visitors. If you wish to stroll throughout the bridge with no person in it, be sure to rise up at dawn.
Trash In all places
One other argument towards NYC is its cleanliness, or relatively lack of it. The grime is actual. Don’t be shocked in the event you see a large rat consuming a slice of pizza within the subway system or mountains of trash luggage ready for assortment. See this article within the New York Occasions for what I’m speaking about. Whereas different cities have been placing their trash in rubbish bins for many years, NYC’s sidewalks are stuffed with overflowing plastic luggage.
Loopy Folks on the Subway
One factor you’ll discover about NYC is that there are quite a lot of homeless individuals, particularly round locations like Port Authority and within the subway stations. Lots of them are on medication, so that you’ll typically see them speaking to themselves and saying nonsensical issues. It may be fairly intimidating generally, however they’re primarily innocent.
Nevertheless, there have fairly just a few incidents in NYC’s subway system. Folks have been pushed onto the train tracks and shot at. Thousands and thousands of individuals use NYC’s subway system with out trouble, nevertheless it’s all the time essential to remain vigilant and conscious of your environment. I normally ensure I don’t stroll close to the sting of the platform and I be careful for any individuals which can be appearing erratically.
The Verdict
So, is New York Metropolis value visiting? In fact there are cons to New York Metropolis, however the positives nonetheless outweigh the negatives. NYC is without doubt one of the most well-known cities on the planet, identified for its melting pot of cultures and towering skyscrapers. From the brilliant lights of Occasions Sq. to the leafy pathways of Central Park, there are such a lot of iconic issues to see and do in The Massive Apple.
Really, town has one thing for everybody, and the reminiscences etched right here will certainly be unforgettable. New York isn’t only a metropolis to tour; it’s a metropolis to expertise and reside, even when it’s only for a short time.
