Wow, So I have never stepped into America, let alone New York before till now and you would think even at 25 I would not be so giddy about it having traveled to many places. Yet there is quite something when you take in Times Square or Central Park that does really hit you when you see, no matter how many times you have seen it.

Okay so in my case, I have only seen this online or on TV so I guess seeing it in person for the first time was always gong to have that effect on me. However New York is something! Having being born and bred in busy London, you would think I'd be used to it, the diverse culture, busy roads, honking of horns but it is definitely more obvious walking around Manhattan than I would say Oxford Street.

Now only going for a week was lot in itself, thankfully I went with a long time friend who studied architecture with me and we now work in a large firm together. We were both wanting to see New York at this age, having studied architecture for 8 years now and having a true appreciation for it now too!

New York is so big it’s not possible to talk about everything you can do there, we alone were not able to SJ everything we set our for. However, there were a few things I would say were really useful whilst there that we did:

1. Staying in the New Jersey side of New York.

I would say the best place to stay and save a dollar or so, if you don’t care much for the big hotel prices or flashy window views, is just through the Hudson tunnel, you can get beautiful views of the cityscape and roomy apartments perfect for your stay. Whenever you want to go into the city, take the bus, cab or rent a car and you are in manhattan!

2. Get yourself a New York CityPass:

You want to see the sights and see them at the right timings and a good rate! This one is for you! It’s such a great bargain and really worth the money. What you’ll get with the pass:

1. The Empire State Building

2. American Museum of Natural History

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

4. Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR Guggenheim Museum

5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Some of these you can for sure in your own time too, however its like 30 dollars each attraction. Some will be more interesting than others, grab some tissue for the memorial, honestly one for the saddest moments on the trip, but what they did to the empty lots is honestly the most beautiful outcome they could have gotten from such a dark moment in history.

3. Metro Card Will Save Your Life.

Whilst you get that, get a metro card too in order to get around to these attractions. Forget driving to get around, this is the best way to get about. It’s cheap, it runs till late however if is very dirty! I mean, do not forget your sanitiser dirty! Also expect to encounter some crazy people and have a new adventure every time you step on the train. It’s actually a crazy experience every time, there is nothing like the New York Subway.

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Although seeing the sights was definitely what I came to New York as an architecture enthusiast and basing my masters thesis on infrastructure like Times Square this was a must. There’s nothing that can take away that feeling when finally get to see Times Square, that is for sure! However, the food & drink culture was also very high on my list. New York is made up of so many people from all over there world that have come together to establish some really cool spots. The amount of entertainment, food & drink make up for a fantastic social life in the city:

Some of the stuff, we got up to whilst there:

1. Day Parties! man there are so many reasons to party, get drunk and eat good food. We went to one on the Sunday and boy was it a great night! New Yorkers are friendly especially when they know you are a foreigner, good energy is all you need to make these parties one to remember.

2. Food Markets

Chelsea Market was one of the markets, where I got to try all the foods I wanted in one spot. If you are a food lover like me, you will appreciate the options to choose between pho or a burger, indian food or your american food. There is plenty to try here so go with an empty stomach and you will leave beyond full. Save this for a lighter day of sightseeing.

3. Is it Brunch or Lunch?

Now doing this everyday will not only ruin your pockets but will ruin your figure, however you’ve at least got to do it once on your stay. This may include your bagels too, which is a New York staple, you stop most places and find one of Katz Deli for the famous sandwiches.

4. Hit The Bars

You will not fall short of bars to drink in Manhattan, there are plenty to choose from, each ofreeing their unique experiences. You must do a roof top bar too! A really great one we went to had a mini golf, the Magic Hour Bar in Manhattan!

5. You Will Not Get Tired of Art.

The museums! The people on the street! The art on the walls! Everywhere you look there is beautiful art everywhere! I encourage you to go to the museums and check them out. It’s is honestly a fantastic opportunity to delve into your creativity and meet some creatives too.

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Now this was only a week, imagine if I had a month! New York is one of the places I will be back to, it changes everyday and continues to be the spot For partying, enjoying life and creating great memories. Have a look at what I got up to via the gallery too! I was fortuNate to explore a little of New Jersey too, staying on that side of the river.

Enjoy!

Your Writer,

Nat