New York

New York City is one of those places you visit when you need a quick escape or keep coming back to because you never get tired of it. I went three years in a row, and each trip felt completely different. It’s a walkable, energetic city packed with endless food spots, iconic sights, and hidden gems. Whether you’re strolling through Central Park in the spring or visiting during the holidays to take in all the dazzling lights and festive window displays, there’s always something happening. Catching a Broadway show is still on my bucket list, and even after visiting so many times, there’s still so much left to experience: like fully exploring Brooklyn, Queens, and all the neighborhoods I haven’t yet uncovered. The city’s energy is electric, inspiring, and unforgettable.

📍 Places I Visited

Central Park: A classic spot for a peaceful walk, especially beautiful in spring or fall. I always find a new corner to explore.
Times Square: It’s chaotic and crowded, but you have to see it at least once. The energy is unmatched, especially at night.
5th Avenue: Window shopping (and actual shopping) never gets old. It’s also a great place to people-watch.
Rockefeller Center: If you’re visiting during the holidays, the tree and ice-skating rink are must-sees.
SoHo: Trendy shops, great brunch spots, and those iconic cobblestone streets.
Empire State Building: One of the most iconic buildings in the world
Statue of Liberty: A timeless symbol of New York City. I didn’t make it to Liberty Island, but we had a great view of her from a nearby viewpoint. Even from a distance, she’s impressive.
Broadway (from the outside!): I haven’t made it to a show yet, but it’s high on my bucket list for next time.
Bryant Park: One of the city’s best spots to relax. Whether I was sipping coffee, watching ice skaters, or enjoying a quiet moment, it felt like a little escape.
The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art): Endless art and culture.
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art): A great stop for modern and contemporary art lovers.
Grand Central Terminal: It’s not just a train station, it’s a work of art. The ceiling alone is worth the visit.
Flatiron Building: Such an iconic shape. The surrounding area is also perfect for photos and grabbing a bite to eat.
Washington Square Park: A lively park in the heart of Greenwich Village with live music, street performers, and that recognizable arch.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Right across from Rockefeller Center. The interior is absolutely stunning and peaceful.
One World Trade Center: Visited the 9/11 Memorial and stood in silence at the twin reflecting pools.

🏨 Where I Stayed

Park Central Hotel New York: 4.8/5 ⭐️
- Unbeatable location between Central Park and Times Square, making it easy to explore the city on foot. The room was spacious and comfortable, and the inviting scent in the lobby was like a warm, luxurious Arabian incense. It was so good I even asked housekeeping about it.
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel: 4.7/5 ⭐️
- Another prime location, right between Central Park and Times Square, although the entrance could get a bit crowded with people snapping photos of the flowers. Received a $20 daily food credit as a credit card perk, which I ended up using each day just to stock up on water because everything else was overpriced and honestly not worth it.
New York Hilton Midtown: 4/5 ⭐️
- Convenient location near Radio City Music Hall and Central Park, making it easy to explore nearby sights. However, the pillows were so flat and uncomfortable that it made getting a good night’s sleep difficult.

📝 Travel Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must. One day, we actually walked from the Statue of Liberty viewpoint all the way up to Central Park. It was no joke!
Keep an Eye on Your Belongings: Like any big city, stay aware to avoid pickpockets.
Try Food Carts and Local Eateries: Some of the best NYC meals come from street vendors or small neighborhood spots. The BEST food I had was a $1.99 greasy cheese pizza that totally hit the spot.
Plan for Weather: NYC weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and dress in layers.
Book Popular Attractions in Advance: For places like the Statue of Liberty or Broadway shows, book tickets ahead to avoid long lines.
Mind the Crosswalks: Wait for the walk signal, but watch out for cars. NYC drivers can be aggressive.
Use Apps for Navigation and Dining: Google Maps, Citymapper, and Yelp can be lifesavers in a city that never sleeps.

🌳 Central Park Adventures (and a PSA)

Yes, the park is big, massive, actually, but if you’re visiting during the daytime, there’s so much to see and do. You can take a peaceful walk while soaking in views of the city skyline, join a yoga class on the grass, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and relax. Central Park is a breath of fresh air right in the middle of the city’s chaos.

One charming stop is the area known as “Shakespeare Park,” which includes the Delacorte Theater and the Shakespeare Garden. I found out that the Delacorte is an open-air theater that hosts free Shakespeare in the Park productions during the summer. Definitely a good reason to come back and catch a show.

As much as I love exploring, I still haven’t made it all the way around the park. On my last visit, I only made it as far as Bethesda Fountain. Funny enough, even though I ended up walking the park alone at night (which I wouldn’t recommend, definitely gave off Law & Order: SVU vibes), I was lucky enough to stumble upon a group dancing to Latin music near the fountain. I sat on the ledge and watched them for a bit, totally mesmerized by the moment. It was only when it was time to head back that I started getting spooked. I picked up the pace, trying to make it to the main street, only to be greeted by the true residents of New York: the giant nighttime rats.

Lesson learned, enjoy Central Park during the day!