⭐ Things I highly recommend have a star emoji next to them.
I have been to New York three times now, so this serves as an accumulation of these trips.
People always have their hot takes on New York. Of course they do, it’s the big city. So, let’s discuss some of the things I heard before I went…
It’s got the best version of every culture’s food.
Whilst I feel a natural urge to argue against this, I would say it’s (probably) true. Where do the best chefs go to sell their food? New York. I only managed four restaurant dinners during my trip and every single one was outstanding. Admittedly, I had a lot of Asian food and, although I have not yet been to Asia, people I ate with who have been lucky enough to endorsed New York cuisine as some of the world’s finest.
It’s a dirtier London.
Well… yes. But that’s not really a ground-breaking claim. As someone who has lived in London for 7-ish years, New York felt like looking at London through a slightly warped mirror. Some things better, some things worse, yet everything felt the same.
There’s always something happening / It’s too busy
It’s a big city, go find the things you like and ignore everyone else. Better yet, don’t adjust your sleep schedule and find yourself roaming the streets before everyone is awake.
It’s full of crazy people
Unfortunately, you will keep coming across people you feel uncomfortable around, but they’ll stay out of your way.
I often visit with work, who are willing to pay for nicer hotels than I would pay for. I’m leaving out those recommendations…
For the nights I had to cover my own hotel, I stayed in a SpringHill Suites branch. I didn’t travel all that way for the hotel, so I’ll keep it brief.
I was very happy to stay there. New York is just expensive and there’s no escaping it so whilst I felt like I paid a lot, it wasn’t that bad, relatively. There wasn’t much in the immediate area, but a short 10 minute walk took you somewhere worth visiting.
SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square South
Most places I visited were recommendations from people whose opinions I trust, so unsurprisingly every meal was great. But, I never expected to enjoy everything so much and so consistently. So far, the best food city I’ve been to.
Funnily enough, the worst McDonalds on my global McDonalds tier list.