New York Metropolis, also known as “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 a neighborhood New Yorker and seasoned traveler, I’m right here to offer 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 the whole first week I used to be there.
I believed to myself “What have I performed?”
I’d visited New York Metropolis earlier than at Christmas time and in summer season, and I LOVED it. However this time it hit totally different. It was April, and wet, and my new roommate picked me up from JFK in her little Sensible automobile. We needed to drive over big potholes that felt like we have 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?).
After we bought 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 believe once 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 a giant transfer throughout the pond, I noticing every part. And I used to be beginning to really feel just a little bit homesick.
However then a few weeks later we had a heatwave, and unexpectedly it was rooftop season in NYC. The town got here alive, it was blue sky on a regular basis, and shortly my pals and I have been taking day journeys to Hearth Island and doing all kinds of enjoyable stuff.
I fell in love with NYC, and I’ve been right here ever since. Nicely technically I stay in Jersey Metropolis now, however it’s so shut I’m in NYC nearly on daily basis. There’s simply a lot to do in NYC and so many eating places to find that I’ll by no means get bored with it.
Anyway, sufficient about my story. Is NYC value visiting? Positively! 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 Vitality About It
You’ll hear lots of people speaking in regards to the “vitality” of NYC. The 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 a variety of extraordinary stuff occurs right here. New Yorkers have a humorousness and there’s at all times one thing occurring within the streets.
NYC is sort of a magnet. It attracts folks in. When you’re right here it’s simply so rattling arduous to depart. My pals will usually speak about taking weekend journeys, however then when the time comes, there’s at all times 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 Road, and Brooklyn Bridge: names recognized worldwide that conjure photos 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 received’t be bored in your go to to NYC as a result of there are infinite issues to do.
Superb Museums
New York Metropolis can be residence to an intensive assortment of museums spanning throughout the assorted boroughs. The Pure Historical past Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, the Guggenheim – a veritable smorgasbord of artwork, tradition, and historical past await you. In the event 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 reveals, together with timeless classics and latest entries. It’s a first-rate hub for theatre lovers who relish the feeling of witnessing the magic on stage in actual time. Whereas Los Angeles is residence to the film trade, NYC is residence of theater.
Superb Meals
Each gastronome is aware of that New York Metropolis is a paradise of numerous 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 can fulfill each palate and finances scale.
Don’t go away NYC with out attempting these must-try meals:
New York-Model 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. High picks embody Ess-a-Bagel and Russ & Daughters.
Pastrami Sandwich– Katz’s Delicatessen is the go-to for a basic New York pastrami sandwich, piled excessive with hand-carved meat on rye bread.
Cheesecake – New York-style cheesecake is legendary for its wealthy and creamy texture, with Eileen’s Particular Cheesecake and Junior’s being among the many finest locations to indulge.
Sizzling Canines – Nothing says NYC like a sizzling canine from a avenue 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 revolutionary 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. Attempt 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.
Road Meals (Halal Guys) – The Halal Guys began as a meals cart and have become a NYC avenue meals icon. Don’t miss their well-known rooster and rice platter topped with the legendary white and crimson 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 provide a number of the finest.
World-Class Procuring
NYC additionally boasts of mesmerizing buying avenues just like the glamorous Fifth Avenue, quirky boutiques in SoHo, or classic outlets in Williamsburg, satisfying the wishes of each avid shopper.
The town additionally residence to tons of flagship shops, corresponding 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 buying and see all the attractive window shows at Christmas.
Greatest Place to Rejoice Christmas
Talking of Christmas. New York Metropolis turns right into a winter wonderland at Christmas and it’s among the best occasions of 12 months to go to. With its grandiose tree at Rockefeller Heart, ice-skating in Central Park, and enchanting retailer window shows, it’s really 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 Road are often decked out in over-the-top Christmas decorations.
Rooftops Galore
Come summer season, the town’s vibe shifts to make manner for rooftop events and seaside day-outs. New Yorkers flock to the town’s rooftops to benefit from the heat summer season climate and gorgeous views of Manhattan’s skyline.
There are such a lot of rooftop bars in NYC, however a few of my favorites embody 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. In the event you’re planning to go to DUMBO or Williamsburg, you possibly can catch the ferry from Wall St Pier 11 for a scenic trip. Alternatively you possibly can rent a ship for the day or ebook your self on a sundown cruise to the Statue of Liberty.
NYC is finest seen from the water if you wish to seize images of the town’s skyline. I’d additionally advocate visiting Grand Banks, which is an exquisite 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 definitely reached by subway or ferry from NYC and is nice for a day journey. Alternatively, you possibly can hop on the Lengthy Island Railroad to go to seaside locations additional alongside the coast, together with Lengthy Seashore and The Hamptons.
One in all my favourite day journeys from NYC is a visit to Hearth Island, which is a really slim 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 the town.
An Journey in Each Neighborhood
Every neighborhood in New York Metropolis has its distinctive character. From the inventive 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 wonderful eating places to select from. I additionally love SoHo for its cobbled streets, buying and cast-iron buildings.
Walkable and Simple to Get Round
NYC’s grid system is very easy to comply with (besides possibly in Greenwich and West Village the place every part appears to get jumbled up). However in case you’re visiting as a vacationer, all you want 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. In the event you’re sporting cozy footwear, it’s truly straightforward to stroll between locations. And if the gap is simply 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 possibly can simply faucet your card or cellphone to pay as an alternative of shopping for a ticket on the machine.
The Metropolis That By no means Sleeps
NYC is nicknamed “the town that by no means sleeps” and has a 24-hour subway system. So you possibly can keep out so long as you need and nonetheless have a strategy to get residence. Many eating places and bars serve until late, so in case you’re feeling hungry at 10pm, there are at all times choices. And in case you can’t discover one thing open, there are at all times the bodegas (small comfort shops making sandwiches and bacon, egg and cheese. Yum!).
Simple to Meet Individuals
In the event you’re touring solo and need to make pals, it’s truly very easy to satisfy folks in NYC. In the event you pull up a seat at any bar folks will often discuss to you. I believe it’s a little bit of a false impression that New Yorker’s are impolite. Sure they’re usually in a rush, they’re typically blunt and can communicate their thoughts, however they’re a number of the most social folks ever.
The Flip-Facet: Challenges of Visiting NYC
Like each metropolis, visiting NYC comes with its set of cons which can be important to handle. Nevertheless, the town’s vibrant spirit usually overshadows these facets.
It’s Costly
Undeniably, New York is dear. Lodging and eating can burn a gap in your pocket in case 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.
Once I first visited NYC I used to be on a finances and was a giant fan of the $1 pizza slices. I travelled all over the place by subway or strolling and I took benefit of CityPass for my attraction tickets.
Site visitors and Crowded
Sure, NYC is crowded. It’s busy on a regular basis, all over the place. Rush hour site visitors is an actual ache and the town’s sights are crowded with vacationers.
However that is the heart beat of the town – the fixed hum of life and vitality that makes it thrilling and dynamic. In the event you plan on touring in rush hour, attempt to persist with the subways to keep away from site visitors. If you wish to stroll throughout the bridge with no one in it, be sure you rise up at dawn.
Trash All over the place
One other argument towards NYC is its cleanliness, or quite lack of it. The grime is actual. Don’t be shocked in case you see a large rat consuming a slice of pizza within the subway system or mountains of trash baggage ready for assortment. See this text 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 filled with overflowing plastic baggage.
Loopy Individuals on the Subway
One factor you’ll discover about NYC is that there are a variety of homeless folks, particularly round locations like Port Authority and within the subway stations. Lots of them are on medication, so that you’ll usually see them speaking to themselves and saying nonsensical issues. It may be fairly intimidating typically, however they’re primarily innocent.
Nevertheless, there have fairly a couple of incidents in NYC’s subway system. Individuals have been pushed onto the practice tracks and shot at. Thousands and thousands of individuals use NYC’s subway system with out trouble, however it’s at all times vital to remain vigilant and conscious of your environment. I often be certain I don’t stroll close to the sting of the platform and I be careful for any folks which can be performing 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 among the most well-known cities on the earth, recognized for its melting pot of cultures and towering skyscrapers. From the intense 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, the town has one thing for everybody, and the recollections etched right here will certainly be unforgettable. New York isn’t only a metropolis to tour; it’s a metropolis to expertise and stay, even when it’s only for a short while.
