Cliché but true- The city that never sleeps

Have you ever been to the city that never sleeps? The Big Apple. The City Of Dreams. The Capital Of The World. And so on. Decide for yourself what you want to call The New York City. New York is amazing place full of things to see and experience. This city feels like another world to me. That’s why I call it The City Of Dreams. I would like to share a few things about this wonderful city.

I visited New York for the first time just before covid-19. It was January and flew alone first to London. There I changed the plane after I sleeping in the corridors for seven hours. I remember how exciting, scary and wonderful it was to fly to a new place. My friend was waiting for me in New York. My second visit was it September 2022. Then I traveled with two friend. I was also excited this trip because I got to introduce the city to my friends who had never been there.

The Statue Of Liberty is certainly one of the most iconic landmarks. If you ask people what comes to mind first about New York, it could be this. It is located on a Liberty Island. If you want to see this you have to take a subway and travel to the southern tip of Manhattan. Then you buy a ticket for the ferry. On the ferry you can enjoy the skyline of the southern tip of Manhattan and smell the scent of the sea. The island was not very big but worth to visiting. We spend maybe about an hour on the island taking pictures and just enjoying the warm air.

New York also has another iconic landmarks. Empire State Building is known from many movies for example. The Chrysler Building is a very beautiful at nights when the lights are turned on. Central Park, Broadway, Time Square, Brooklyn Bridge. And the list would go on! Here you can buy tickets for example to Empire State Building tour.

The best way to get around Manhattan is by subway. I know that there are warnings about subways but I have feel safely to traveled on them. Of course it’s not safely to standing near on the edge of the track. Traveling by the metro is really easy. Just following to the metro map. It has colored codes and clear route where the subway of the colour goes. It is easier to travel by metro than by trains in Finland. In the subway tunnels you can see musical performances or for example a juggler. There are also cat size rats on the tracks.. The whole city is full of them. Don’t be afraid. I have only seen a rat there twice. You will see more homeless people living in subway tunnels. It is very unfortunately and a big problem in the United States.

We can not forget the yellow taxis. You must travel on your trip with this. You have seen in the movies how to “book” a taxi In Nyc. I recommend paying the taxi in cash. Remember to wear seat belt and remember to pray. Local drivers drive like a crazy. Car horns sounds day and night. Don’t worry You get use to it.

I’ll be there for you. That was first thing when I saw this. The song is playing in my head. This is Monica’s, Rachel’s and the boys home. Carrie Bradshawn’s home was also a few hundred meters away. Both famous homes in the series located in Greenwich Village, New York is known as a filming for series and movies. What movie or series come to your mind first? So many come to my mind that I can’t tell just one. Friends, Gossip Girl, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Home alone.

Everyone remember the day 22 years ago. It is called 9/11. Word Trade Center located in the southern Manhattan. A skyscraper rises into the sky. This is impressive. A memorial in honor of the victims has been built in place of the skyscrapers destroyed in the attack. At the memorial you automatically become quiet and think about that terrible day. You might even cry a little.

I also recommend going to opera and a musical on Broadway. The Lion King musical was a breathtaking. The Metropolitan Opera building is stunning. At the opera people were dressing nicely. Some even wore evening dresses and tail coats. Opera was a really nice experience but I have admit I fell asleep there.. But only for a little while. Nyc is full of museums. You will surely find the most suitable museums for you. I liked American museum of natural history . I do not care that much about artwork and paintings so this was good place to me. What ever the time of the day, there is something to do here.

What you need for a trip to New York?

1. Before you travel, you must apply for an ESTA ( Electronic system for travel authorization). Remember to apply for this at least 72 hours before trip. Preferably several weeks in advance. This is valid for two years and it costs about $20. Apply for a permit here.
2. Take copy of your passport and leave the real one in the hotel safe.
3. You need cash. Americans use a lot of cash. You must leave tip for the service. This way you also avoid copying cards.
4. Remember good shoes. You will walk about 15-30 kilometers every day.

Here was only a little information about what I have done on my trips there. If you are planning your first trip to this great city and want more information, you can send me an email. I’ll be happy to tell you more about places worth visiting. I hope your trip in New York will be as wonderful as mine.

Rosa