Welcome to my New York adventure—iconic, unmissable, and pulsing with energy! I’m diving into the city that never sleeps in cool September, so grab a jacket and join me!
Embarking on my New York adventure, I checked into the Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center conveniently close to the iconic World Trade Center Tower. It was my first stop and a fitting starting point for anyone exploring the city. Standing before this symbol of resilience was truly emotional and humbling. (While the 9/11 museum nearby is worth a visit, I personally felt it would be too overwhelming for me). I highly recommend taking some time to explore the beautiful neighborhood nearby.
After processing the rush of emotions, my next destination was Times Square—a childhood dream come true. Navigating NYC is a breeze; opt for the metro or bus instead of relying solely on iconic yellow taxis. Figuring out the subway system is intuitive; just head to the machine and grab a metro card. And don’t forget to use Google Maps for seamless navigation.
Arriving at Times Square, I was immediately swept up in its energy. The dazzling lights, bustling crowds, and towering billboards exceeded all my expectations. I made a few pit stops, indulging in classic NYC treats like creamy Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, colorful M&M’s, and even sampling free chocolates at the Hershey’s store. With hours to spare, I wandered through the maze of shops, theaters, and attractions, completely mesmerized by the beautiful chaos of Times Square.
Lost in the moment, I completely lost track of time and shrugged off any lingering jet lag.
For dinner, I strolled along Chambers Street and stumbled upon the cutest cafes. I opted for some chicken wings and called it a night. (Pro-tip: If you plan on catching a show, be sure to book your theater tickets in advance. Last-minute tickets may leave you disappointed, as the best seats tend to sell out quickly).
First things first, I headed over to the MET Museum. The weekend greeted me with an unexpected gift: a free pass from a kind security guard (I still don’t know why!). It was a nice start. Inside, I roamed the galleries, immersing myself in art from old and new. Allocate at least half a day here to truly absorb the MET’s treasures.
If you’re short on time like me, research which of NYC’s famous museums you’d like to visit. I chose the MET over MOMA. You can pre-purchase your tickets online too.
Immediately after, I dropped by the famous “Famiglia Pizza” next door – authentic NYC flavor at its best and it hit the spot. For dessert, “Levain Bakery” was next. Their famous cookies are a must-try and they lived up to the hype.
Refueled from lunch, I walked over to Central Park, spending the rest of the afternoon surrounded by the lush calm in the middle of the city. As the sun set, I walked over to Columbus Circle, indulging in window shopping and the irresistible banana and pumpkin pudding at Magnolia Bakery. I repeat: it is literally the best thing you could ever taste!
It was time to call it a night, so I ended the day with another slice of the city at “Joe’s Pizza” – a must-visit spot for any Spider-Man fans out there.
I started the day with a leisurely stroll to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The views were breathtaking, and I spent a while taking in the sights and soaking up the vibe of this historic landmark. For great pictures, I recommend going early, as soon as you see the sun peaking through. The best part? It’s free!
Pro-tip: Go super early not just for the pictures but also to beat the heat while walking along the Brooklyn Bridge.
From there, I continued to Dumbo, the neighborhood that perfectly captures the essence of Brooklyn’s trendiness and offers postcard-worthy views of Manhattan.
Lunch was a slice of heaven at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, followed by a cool treat from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory—both are popular spots, so plan accordingly to beat the weekend rush.
I wandered around the area, exploring charming streets and quaint parks. I found a cozy spot near the bridge to relax and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset views.
My workday had an exciting twist—I spent it at the Agoda office, located none other than in the Empire State Building! Pretty cool, right? The perk of being a tenant meant skipping the long lines and heading straight up to the top after work. Standing on the observation deck felt like stepping into a VIP experience, with the city sprawling endlessly beneath me. The views were amazing, stretching as far as the eye could see. Spotting the Agoda logo up there filled me with immense pride.
If you’re planning a visit to the Empire State Building, I suggest booking the tickets before your trip. Head there around sunset so you can see both the sunset and the evening city lights. It’s literally the best of both worlds.
After soaking in panoramic views, I opted for a fresh dinner at Sweetgreen, followed by a delicious Oatly vegan ice cream—a sweet treat to end the day on a high note.
My day began with a subway ride to ‘The Vessel,’ a stunning piece of architecture with a spiraling design that offers incredible views and photo opportunities. From there, I embarked on a leisurely walk along the High Line, soaking in the elevated views of the city’s urban landscape—best of all, it’s free to explore.
A mid-morning pitstop at Chelsea Market allowed me to dive into a vibrant mix of food and shopping, feeling the buzz of this dynamic marketplace. For lunch, I couldn’t pass up a slice from Artichoke Basille’s Pizza—a true NYC staple. Continuing my walk, I ventured through the trendy Meatpacking District, taking in the stylish shops and lively atmosphere.
Towards the end of the High Line, I discovered Little Island, a peaceful green retreat in the midst of the city hustle. It’s an ideal spot for sunset views and snapping some more Insta-worthy shots. As evening set in, I returned to the heart of the city buzz—Times Square—where I treated myself to a hearty meal at Junior’s. The cheesecake there is a must; the portions were generous and it’s a slice of New York heaven.
I wrapped up the day with a stroll around Times Square, soaking up the neon lights and vibrant energy. I caught a glimpse of the iconic Radio City Music Hall and even inquired about the Lil Nas X concert, but alas, tickets were sold out.
Remember, if you’re aiming to catch a show here, it’s wise to book your tickets well in advance online.
This day marked a shift in my New York experience as I switched to a more budget-conscious option, checking into NY Moore Hostel. Despite being a bit farther from the city center, the hostel had a charming vibe and was easily accessible via the subway. Initially skeptical, the hostel quickly won me over, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in.
Even during the busy day, I managed to sneak out for a great lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the oldest places around in NYC. It lived up to its reputation—a must-try. Later, I stopped to try desserts at Little Cupcake Bakeshop.
Next on my agenda was The Edge. Thankfully, I had pre-booked tickets for this attraction well in advance, a wise decision that allowed me to skip the lines and dive straight into the experience. The breathtaking view offered a unique perspective of the city. Stepping onto the glass floor felt like floating above the city.
After sunset, I made a spontaneous decision to catch the Lil Nas X concert at Radio City Music Hall as tickets were available that day. This impromptu decision really turned into a highlight of my trip. Make sure to PRE-BOOK tickets to popular attractions to make the most of your time and avoid the lines.
Luckily, my return flight was scheduled in the middle of the night, which meant that I had a full day to soak up more of NYC’s charm.
I kicked things off with a budget-friendly adventure as I hopped aboard the Staten Island Ferry. I savored the priceless views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor without spending a dime. The island boasts scenic parks, historic landmarks, and a laid-back atmosphere that provided a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Back in Manhattan, I embarked on a nostalgic journey to 90 Bedford Street, the iconic building from the beloved sitcom “Friends.” Standing before this slice of TV history, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement and nostalgia wash over me. Although I couldn’t step inside, being in the presence of such an iconic piece of television history was a fitting way to bid farewell to the city.
As dusk fell, I treated myself to one final New York specialty from The Halal Guys food truck, a perfect culinary send-off. This city truly has a free or budget-friendly option for almost any experience—always keep your eyes open and do your research!
Heading to the airport, I reflected on a trip filled with unforgettable moments and adventures.
