33 Things I Love About New York City: Insights from a Traveler to 70+ Countries
On the east coast of the United States lies New York City—a metropolis you've surely heard of.
If you've never visited, plan a trip at least once. If you have, you know the pull to return. My initial crush blossomed into deep affection, leading me to relocate there. Your list may differ, but as part of my Things I Love About series, here are 33 standout aspects of NYC that captivate me.
1. The vibrant energy of Midtown Manhattan. No other city we've explored in over 70 countries matches this electric buzz. Manhattan pulses with life around the clock—it's exhilarating and contagious.
2. The innovative parking spaces.
3. And the creative ways NYC warns you not to park.
4. Watching neighborhoods transform while walking Broadway from the Financial District to Harlem.
5. Lounging on sun chairs along the railings of High Line Park—NYC's premier urban renewal gem.
6. Stumbling upon mid-morning model photo shoots in the Meatpacking District.
7. Union Square, especially the lively hum from dusk until late night.
8. The endless array of mouthwatering pizza slices. Our quest for NYC's best has become lifelong.
9. Reading the paper or people-watching in Bryant Park.
10. Ordering coffee from a Russian menu at Starbucks in Brighton Beach near Coney Island, amid Russian chatter—feeling transported to another world in an English-speaking country.
11. Standing in Grand Central Station, pondering the hurried destinations of commuters.
12. The anonymity. Celebrities, world leaders, locals, tourists, rich, and poor blend seamlessly. In NYC, anyone could be next to you.
13. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
14. Brooklyn pride. Brooklynites—diverse in background—exude unmatched neighborhood spirit.
15. Street art, especially in Bushwick.
16. The food scene. Every cuisine imaginable, with unrivaled restaurants— a paradise for food lovers.
17. World-class art museums. From MoMA and the Met to Chelsea galleries and MoMA PS1, plus open studio days where artists welcome visitors.
18. Central Park's shifting crowds: pet owners and joggers mornings, nannies and dog walkers afternoons.
19. Gazing at Battery Park skyscrapers from the Staten Island Ferry.
20. Gravity-defying breakdancers in Times Square Subway and eclectic "It's Showtime!" performers underground.
21. Locals fishing in the East River or off Coney Island pier, waters notwithstanding.
22. Green spaces amid the "Concrete Jungle," from Bronx giants like Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay Parks to Manhattan oases like the Elevated Acre and Greenacre Park.
23. Observing Orthodox Hasidic Jewish families in South Williamsburg or Crown Heights.
24. The ever-evolving skyline, with skyscrapers competing in height and design.
25. New Yorkers' unwavering love for their city.
26. Exploring the unique architecture of the Cast Iron District.
27. Hot dog vendors and street food culture—from Midtown coffee carts and Central Park pretzels to Queens Latin carts and Brooklyn tamales.
28. Kitsch restaurant walls in Little Italy plastered with celeb and patron photos, evoking 'When you're here, you're family.'
29. Perspective from viewpoints like Top of the Rock and Empire State Building. (See my comparison of NYC's best observation decks.)
30. Spotting film crews on location for the next NYC blockbuster.
31. Contemplating New Yorker identity—from Coney Island to Upper East Side residents united as one.
32. Mariachi bands performing on the subway.
33. NYC fits every budget. Beyond lodging, enjoy authentic thrills cheaply—hole-in-the-wall eats, park people-watching—tailored to you.
