Visiting New York has always been a dream of mine…Well, I suppose like it is for just about everyone in the world.
It’s one of those cities that has had, and still continues to have, an incredible influence on pop culture. You see it everywhere: in movies, TV shows, music videos, books… and all of us have imagined at least once what it would be like to walk those streets.
Unfortunately, up until now, I never had the chance to go. Work and study commitments make it pretty tough to set aside several free days in a row, especially if you’re flying from Europe and the trip takes quite a few hours.
But as I was browsing flight comparison sites (like I usually do in my spare time), I spotted a round-trip flight from Rome to New York for €490.
I thought, “I can’t let this slip by!” And since no one was able to come with me (probably because of the short notice), I decided to pack my bags and head off on my own to explore the Big Apple.
DAY 1
In the morning, I take the train to Rome, pass through customs, and finally board the plane. We take off at 10:30 a.m.
The flight lasts about 8 hours, which fortunately go by quickly between watching a couple of movies and taking a nap.
Then the plane starts its descent, and I see NY skyscrapers for the very first time…I’m speechless. It’s about 1:30 p.m. local time when we touch down.
After the usual (and numerous) checks: passport, photos, questions about my job, why I’m there alone, and what my plans are, I look for the AirTrain that goes from the airport to the subway. Later, I’ll get the weekly subway pass so I can get around cheaply and freely.
Once off the AirTrain, I take the subway. It takes almost an hour on the elevated line between Queens and Brooklyn, during which I notice a less glamorous but definitely more authentic side of the city.
I feel like I’m dreaming. Just before Manhattan, the subway goes underground. When I finally get off, I set foot on an island brimming with life.
I make my way to the apartment that I booked with Airbnb. The place is small (like most of them in NY) but very pretty.
It’s around 5 p.m., so I hop on the subway and go straight to Times Square, the pulsating heart of the city. Then I move on to Rockefeller Center: I want to get to the top of the Top of the Rock right away.
Before leaving, I’d already purchased the New York City Pass on Expedia (about $150), which grants entry to various museums and attractions without waiting in line.
I go up in a glass elevator, the sky is a bit cloudy, but the view is still breathtaking: the Empire State Building in front of me and Central Park behind me.
After a good half hour, I head back down and wander the streets I’d only ever seen in movies before. Everything fascinates me: the details, the people, the faces.
I perch on the red steps in Times Square, facing the enormous screens, gazing at the skyscrapers. I leave after about an hour, just in time to watch the sun set behind the skyscrapers.
A few steps from the apartment, there’s a huge Whole Foods Market. I buy some chicken, plus milk and cereal for breakfast, and head back. It’s already 10 p.m. I’ve been up for about 24 hours, and I fall into a deep sleep excited for day 2.
DAY 2
Blame it on jet lag or on the excitement of discovering new places, but I wake up at six in the morning. After a quick breakfast, I head out toward Liberty and Ellis Island.
I get off at Wall Street and walk toward Battery Park, where I only see a few office workers on their way to work; the city still seems a bit sleepy and the sky is overcast.
I spend some time strolling along the waterfront while waiting for the ferry, and just as I step on board, the sky clears, and the clouds vanish. The boat ride is short but offers a great view of the Manhattan skyline from a distance.
When I arrive on Liberty Island, the sun is shining. I circle around the Statue of Liberty without going up, I prefer to take it all in from the base and soak up the atmosphere.
After less than an hour, I hop on the ferry to Ellis Island, look around the museum, and then head back to Manhattan.
From there, I continue on to Wall Street and pause briefly to take in the skyscrapers and businessmen with their briefcases (I always get lost picturing other people’s lives).
I then set out northward on Broadway, passing through Soho and its trendy little shops. Once I reach Houston Street, I head for Washington Square Park to take a short break. I then end up walking through Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District until I reach the High Line, a former elevated railway now converted into a really nice park-walkway.
It’s been a pretty exhausting day physically. After walking a lot, I decide to stop at a small Japanese restaurant and then head back to my apartment.
DAY 3
As a fan of cinema and amusement parks, early in the morning I head to Coney Island after about an hour’s ride on the subway. The atmosphere that greets me is almost unreal, and I’m immediately struck by a sign reading “Little Russia on the sea.”
In fact, as I’ll discover, this area is mostly inhabited by people from Eastern Europe, who are very friendly.
Just a few steps away lies Brighton Beach, with a lovely boardwalk along the shore next to the amusement park. I spend a couple of hours sitting on a bench, soaking up the sun and enjoying the breathtaking view, then I hop back on the subway: there are still many places to see.
I get off in Brooklyn, specifically in Dumbo, for a quick stroll and to look for (with some difficulty, since I got lost a couple of times) the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, which I want to walk across all the way to Manhattan to watch the city gradually come into view.
It takes about twenty minutes of brisk walking, a bit more than I had imagined. A thousand movie scenes flash through my mind. The bridge is magnificent, with a retro style, and to its right stands the equally imposing Manhattan Bridge.
Once I get off, I stop to watch a group of freestyle dancers. Then, I turn right and find myself in Chinatown. After exploring the neighborhood and what used to be Little Italy (now basically reduced to Mulberry Street), I have lunch at an Italian restaurant that was pretty good even although the menus pretty much everywhere are very Italian-American.
In the afternoon, I head to Union Square and then to the Flatiron District. The Flatiron Building, located where Fifth Avenue crosses Broadway, has a fascinating design, especially considering the era in which it was built.
I wander around a bit, do some grocery shopping, and then decide to walk home: getting around Manhattan isn’t actually as complicated as it might seem.
I have dinner in my neighborhood, which is full of students and lively spots, and then it’s finally time to sleep. New York is beautiful but it is very tiring.
DAY 4
I wake up at eight, greeted by a clear sky and almost summer-like weather which is ideal for a visit to Central Park. I take the subway to Columbus Circle, then venture into the park with the sole purpose of losing myself.
An hour goes by, and I’m still surrounded by greenery, with skyscrapers looming in the distance—an incredible sight.
I exit on the Upper East Side, imagining myself as a character straight out of Gossip Girl, and walk along Museum Mile until I reach the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s huge. I tour the entire place, skimming quickly over the sections that intrigue me less but remaining absolutely spellbound overall.
Afterward, I continue along Fifth Avenue, making a quick stop at Tiffany and a glance at the Apple Store, then detour to Grand Central, an old-world train station well worth a visit.
Nearby is the New York Public Library, whose stunning architecture takes my breath away. I need to send some work emails that I’ve already been putting off for a while, so I’m going to be tied up with that for a few hours.
After leaving the library, it’s finally time to go to the Empire State Building. Once at the top, it’s cold and the wind is strong, but the audio guide is very interesting and talks about all the nearby buildings. The sky couldn’t be clearer, and the sunset is amazing!
DAY 5
The next day, I sleep in a bit. It’s the only rainy day of my entire trip, with a notable drop in temperature. I head to the Rockefeller Center area to grab breakfast at the famous Magnolia Bakery, greeted by many cupcakes of every flavor imaginable.
I could eat them all, but I settle for two and a rather questionable coffee. The cupcakes are a bit too sweet for my taste; one is more than enough.
Then it’s off to the MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art. My trusty pass lets me skip the line, and I begin my visit through galleries showcasing Van Gogh, Klimt, Braque, and even an entire room filled with Monet’s water lilies, where I end up lingering for quite some time.
Warhol and countless other masterpieces round out the experience. With the rain still coming down outside, staying indoors at the museum feels just right.
On my way out, I open my umbrella again and stroll down Fifth Avenue, picking up a few gifts for friends. I wander aimlessly, something I love to do, and once I’m thoroughly turned around, I check Google Maps to figure out where I am.
It’s the best way to discover hidden gems, such as the museum hosted in a freight elevator that I mentioned in the article on the 10 best and worst cities to visit in the US.
DAY 6
I decide to head up to the Upper West Side to visit the Museum of Natural History, the one known for the dinosaurs. I have to admit it didn’t totally impress me, but it was one of those places you have to see at least once.
After leaving, I end up getting lost in some side streets and decide to head again to Times Square where I have a great steak in a restaurant, and then take a walk in Central Park, in the wilder area where, if you venture too far in, you feel like you’re in the middle of a real forest instead of New York City.
Once I’m back near Broadway, I notice some show posters and give in to temptation: I buy a ticket to see Chicago (70 dollars well spent).
While I wait for the show, I stop at a nearby pub called LILLIE’S, which has a vintage early 1900s feel. The atmosphere is incredible;
Showtime approaches, so I head to the theater and enjoy Chicago. Pure fun, totally worth it. After the musical, I stroll through Times Square, which at night is even busier than during the day. There’s even a troupe of cheerleaders putting on a mini show in the crowd. It’s late by then, so I head back to the apartment.
DAY 7
I already feel a bit of sadness about leaving, but also the satisfaction of having enjoyed every moment I wanted. I wander around Manhattan with no specific destination, just to lose myself a little more.
I go back to Broadway for some last-minute shopping, worried about how heavy my suitcase might be at check-in.
I decide to swing by Madison Square Park where, while I’m sitting on a bench, a friendly squirrel “attacks” me (more in a cute way than anything else). At Union Square, near the New York Film Academy, I take a seat among the street performers, and I spend an hour fully immersed in the New York atmosphere.
I’d like to stay longer, but it’s time to return and pack my luggage. I say goodbye to my NYC apartment and take the subway toward JFK. I enjoy my last view of Brooklyn from above, aware that this is the end.
At the airport, I discover that check-in and bag drop are self-service: I scan my passport, print out my boarding pass, weigh my suitcase, print the label, and place it on the belt all by myself.
I pass the security checks, sit down, and wait for my flight, snacking on a few last American treats and picking up some local magazines to read on board.
Around 6 p.m. we take off. I watch a movie, read a bit, and finally land back in Rome at 8:30 in the morning. My suitcase arrives as well, what a relief!
I liked New York very much, it was as I expected. A city full of personality, with a unique atmosphere.
I recommend it to everyone as a travel destination. I know it can be chaotic, and just a few weeks ago I wrote an article on why skipping the big cities could be the best travel decision, but New York is still New York and you really have to visit it at least once in your life!
