In the midst of this period our world is navigating, where many aspects of our lives have come to a standstill, I find comfort in reflecting on moments that once brought joy and excitement. Travel, a passion that has temporarily been set aside, has led me to delve into cherished memories. Today, I am thrilled to recount and share with you the enchanting tale of my first experience in the vibrant city that never sleeps—New York City.
Day 1
This was my very first solo trip. I arrived in NYC on a Friday morning, enjoying the thrill of a window seat as I flew over the iconic borough of Manhattan. Eager to embrace the city like a true New Yorker, I followed the lead of the locals and purchased a metro card. I then took a bus to a subway station in Queens and made my way to my hotel in midtown Manhattan. I was essentially winging it, but I can confidently say that I navigated my first solo airport/bus/subway combo flawlessly.
I struggled up the narrow stairs with my rolling carry-on luggage and made it out of the humid subway station. I had finally arrived. I was in the heart of Manhattan and was that tourist who had to stop, look up at the skyscrapers around me, and take it all in. The ground was wet, and the sky was gloomy. Google Maps had told me my hotel was about a 5-minute walking distance, so I walked and walked and walked. I must have passed my hotel at least three times before I actually realized I was basically standing right across the street from it. It had also started to rain.
Annoyed, I checked into a very tiny hotel room on the 5th floor, greeted by a rather lackluster view of The Waldorf Astoria. Despite the disappointment, I couldn't help but associate the scenery with Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, making it a very NYC moment for me, LOL. I won't lie; with the inclement weather and feeling like a complete idiot for struggling to find my hotel, I was starting to feel discouraged. I began to question if coming to this big city alone was a mistake. In need of an outlet, I FaceTimed my best friend to vent and laid in bed hopelessly. After about an hour, I realized I had a choice. Since it was still early in the morning, I got myself ready, put on a cute outfit, and decided to embark on my exploration of the city.
I had a lot on my NYC 'bucket list,' but I had no clue where to start, so naturally, I just began walking. I found myself truly in the heart of Manhattan and didn't realize that the most iconic spots were just within walking distance from my hotel. My first stop, which I stumbled upon, was a random market. As I made my way through to the end of the market, I walked into what happened to be Grand Central Terminal—an unexpectedly grand surprise that I could easily cross off my list.
I decided to indulge in some window shopping and made my way to the iconic 5th Avenue, filled with a wide range of retailers (both expensive and familiar) and hotels. On the way there, I stumbled upon St. Patrick's Cathedral, and let me tell you, the architecture of the building was unreal—definitely a must-see! It is also open to the public for a free peek inside! During this walk, I also came across Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and the Empire State Building. All accessible on foot if you stay along 5th Ave.
At night, I was ready to dive into the NYC nightlife scene. I discovered a rooftop bar called the Press Lounge, boasting what had to be the best views of the city. And, of course, I treated myself to a classic Manhattan. This spot is definitely a must-add to your list.
View and cocktail from the Press Lounge
Day 2I don't think I was prepared for the amount of walking I did this day. After hopping on the subway and making my way down to Brooklyn without a specific plan, I decided to head straight for the Brooklyn Bridge. Stretching about a mile long, the walk took about an hour, and although crowded, the breathtaking views and photo opportunities made it entirely worth it. As soon as you reach the end, you find yourself back in Manhattan.
The weather was beautiful, so I continued walking from the end of the bridge all the way to Chinatown. Along the way, I couldn't help but appreciate the captivating NYC architecture—an aspect of the city that I adore. In Chinatown, I didn't have anything specific in mind; I just wanted to experience it and casually observe the abundance of designer knockoffs on every street corner. I stumbled upon a 'weigh and pay' Szechuan restaurant, though I wish I could recall the name, as I highly recommend it, especially for budget-conscious travelers!
By midday, I was exhausted and headed back to Midtown just in time for my hotel's complimentary cocktail hour (definitely look into these when booking hotels!). After some rest, I made my way on foot to Times Square. While it may be considered the number one most overrated tourist trap in NYC, you simply cannot visit for the first time without experiencing it. The unique atmosphere is filled with supersized versions of your favorite retailers, great spots for photos, and plenty of free live entertainment (tips encouraged, of course)! I even had a super random celebrity encounter with DJ Khaled here!
Brooklyn Bridge
Day 3
I booked a photo session with a photographer on Airbnb, and I highly recommend doing this if you're traveling solo and want to capture quality memorable photos! Thanks to this, I stumbled upon the quaint neighborhood known as SOHO. Soho is a trendy district in lower Manhattan with a Euro-esque influence, galleries, designer boutiques, and cute cafes.
On the same day, I wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center. Instead of taking the subway, I walked for about an hour to get there, stopping in a few boutiques for some shopping along the way. The 9/11 Memorial was surreal, and I couldn't help but reflect on the tragedy that had occurred in the very spot I was standing. The overall atmosphere was respectful and peaceful. In close proximity to the memorial was the Westfield World Trade Center, a mall with outstanding architectural structure.
Exhausted from the amount of walking on this day, I took a break to eat and rest before heading out by foot to Central Park. Personally, I was expecting a bit more from the park, but I only walked about a quarter into it, so perhaps I didn't experience it in its entirety. As a local, I can absolutely see it as a valuable aspect of the city—a great escape from the bustling 'concrete jungle.'
One World Trade Center
Day 4On my final day in NYC, determined to squeeze in a few more tourist spots before my afternoon flight, I rose and got ready by the crack of dawn. I made my way to catch a subway down to Whitehall Terminal, from where I took a ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty from both perspectives. I won't lie; the statue was a bit underwhelming in person, but I also wasn't up close and personal. Nevertheless, it marked a significant moment for me as my trip was coming to an end—a big turning point. I had started this journey alone and a bit uncertain but ended with a sense of pride and confirmation.
By mistake, I stumbled upon the iconic "Charging Bull" and decided to, once again, keep walking, absorbing the architecture and the ever-changing atmosphere. I walked past the financial Wall Street district, Battery Park, a TV/movie set, and a bustling courthouse where Harvey Weinstein was apparently scheduled to appear that morning. Eventually, I made it to Chinatown, caught a subway back to Midtown, packed up my belongings, and headed back to life as I know it.
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Embarking on a solo trip to NYC was a much-needed getaway and marked the first time I truly felt a connection with myself. I enjoyed my time so much that I returned just four months later! If you've ever considered a solo trip or visiting this city, don't hesitate—just go! Stay tuned for more on solo travel soon!
Sincerely,
Adwoa
Must see spots:
Times Square
Empire State Building
Central Park
5th Avenue
Soho
Chinatown/Little Italy
Brooklyn bridge
Statue of Liberty
Rockefeller station
9/11 memorial
Flatiron building
St. Patrick’s cathedral
The MET museum
Grand Central Terminal
The Vessel
Radio City Music Hall
Madison Square Garden
