New York - where the skyline meets endless dreams

Introduction

As you know, I love traveling and exploring the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many exciting places. However, there’s one country that has always been on my bucket list but that I’ve never had the chance to visit: the United States.

There was one time I got close—during my trip to Canada, when I stood at the Rainbow Bridge by Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic, I couldn’t cross into the U.S. back then.

Since childhood, New York has held a special fascination for me. This vibrant metropolis, which we know from countless movies and TV shows, has always been a symbol of adventure and endless possibilities for me. At the same time, tragic images, such as those from September 11, 2001, have also shaped our perception of this remarkable city.

Now that I’ve finally had the chance to experience New York for myself, I’m excited to share my tips and impressions with you in this blog post. Whether you’re planning your own trip or just curious about the city, I hope you’ll find some inspiration here!

Arrival

The direct flight from Zurich to New York takes approximately 8–9 hours. After landing in the USA, you should plan some extra time before you set foot on American soil. First, your passport will be scanned electronically, and a photo of you will be taken. Then, you’ll also need to provide your fingerprints. Additionally, a border officer may ask you some questions, such as: “Why are you visiting the USA?”, “How long are you staying?”, “What’s your first address in the States?”, or “Where will you be staying?”.

I have explained in detail which documents you need for entry in my post “United States – What You Need to Know Before You Go.”

The easiest way to get to the city is by taxi, which costs around 60–70 USD. Make sure to choose an official taxi – the iconic yellow cabs. These are lined up in an organized queue on the left side of the airport exit. Alternatively, you can take the subway, but the ride takes about 1.5 hours, which was too long for us.

City Map

New York is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. These boroughs are further divided into smaller districts. For most visitors to New York, Manhattan is the main destination – and for a first visit, this makes a lot of sense.

Manhattan is famous for its grid system, which organizes the street network. The concept is simple: all streets run horizontally from east to west, while avenues run vertically from north to south. Manhattan itself is divided into three main sections: Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown.

This division is particularly useful when using the subway. The subway trains travel either toward Uptown (north) or Downtown (south), making it easy to figure out which direction to take. With this knowledge, navigating New York suddenly becomes much less complicated.

If you know which avenue and street, you’re on, you can easily picture where you are – almost as if you have a mental map of the city.

Times Square

Loud, colorful, and dazzling – who doesn’t know the countless neon advertisements at Times Square? Seeing them in person was truly a spectacle. Times Square is especially impressive in the evening than during the day. But be prepared for crowds – I’m sure everyone visiting New York ends up walking through Times Square at least once.

Along Times Square, you’ll find numerous shops and food stalls. For a great view and an amazing photo opportunity, head to the red steps. You’ll also come across performers dressed as Disney characters or Marvel superheroes, eager to pose for photos with tourists.

Times Square is a must-see when in New York. Just keep in mind that the noise level, already high in New York, is even louder here.

Broadway

The Broadway in New York is the famous theater district in Midtown Manhattan and is considered the center of American theater. Most well-known musicals and theater productions are performed here. The theaters in the Broadway district can accommodate between 500 and 2,000 spectators.

Before traveling to New York, we weren’t sure if we wanted to attend a play. Not because the offerings didn’t interest us, but because of the high-ticket prices – they really caught us off guard. Luckily, I got a brilliant insider tip from a friend who lives in New York. Unfortunately, I can’t share it publicly here; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a secret tip anymore. But how about this: If you’re traveling to New York and have a flexible schedule, feel free to reach out via my contact form, and I’ll share the details.

We went to see the musical MJ (Michael Jackson), which has won four Tony Awards. It was captivating! The show offers fascinating insights into the creative process of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Accompanied by many of his hits, time just flew by. Our Broadway visit was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip to New York.

Central Park

A large piece of nature and tranquility right in the bustling heart of the city – Central Park is Manhattan's green lung and a welcome contrast to the gray skyscrapers. The park offers numerous sights, activities, and beautiful paths that invite you to take relaxing strolls. Since the park is truly massive, I’ve put together a suggestion for a walking tour. It’s a smaller route, which was perfect for us in cold weather. In summer, I would recommend a longer tour – perhaps even by bike.

The walk begins at the corner of Fifth Avenue. From there, head towards The Mall, the only straight avenue in the entire park. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll soon come across the Wollman Rink, an idyllic ice-skating rink. Then, continue along The Mall, where majestic trees line the promenade on both sides. At the end of the avenue, you’ll reach the famous Bethesda Terrace with its impressive fountain – a popular photo spot in Central Park. When we were there, two wedding photo shoots were happening simultaneously, adding to the unique atmosphere of the place.

From here, continue toward the lake. Follow the path to the left, and after a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the iconic Bow Bridge, one of the park’s most beautiful bridges. Cross the bridge and immerse yourself in the idyllic woodland area known as The Ramble. The next photo spot awaits: the Lake View Area. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the famous San Remo, with its striking twin towers – a popular subject for photos. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a picture that day because a wedding was taking place, and I didn’t want to intrude.

From this point, you can either head toward Strawberry Fields or venture deeper into the park. Strawberry Fields is a memorial to John Lennon, but to be honest, I was a little underwhelmed – I had imagined it to be bigger and more impressive.

Central Park is worth a visit – at any time of year! On my next visit, I’d love to explore it in the summer. It would be wonderful to settle down on one of the many lawns, soak up the sun, and simply enjoy the park’s relaxed atmosphere.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is one of the most exclusive and well-known neighborhoods in New York City. Located on the eastern side of Manhattan, the area is characterized by its elegant, historic buildings, luxurious apartments, and an exceptionally high quality of life. Many wealthy families, celebrities, and businesspeople have made this their home.

However, the Upper East Side offers not only a prime residential area but also numerous cultural landmarks. Notably, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Frick Collection Museum stand out. These world-famous art institutions attract visitors from all over the globe, making the neighborhood a cultural hub of the city.

Beyond the museums, the Upper East Side boasts a wide array of stylish boutiques, elegant restaurants, and cozy cafés, which are among the best in the city. Fifth Avenue, which runs through the neighborhood, is renowned for its luxurious shops and is a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts. More on Fifth Avenue later.

Overall, the Upper East Side represents luxury, culture, and style – a neighborhood that is appreciated by both locals and tourists. A stroll through this elegant area is certainly worthwhile.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous streets in the world, showcasing New York in all its splendor and glamour. Here, one luxurious highlight follows another: From iconic jewelers like Tiffany & Co. to upscale department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, everything with a prestigious name has a place on Fifth Avenue. If you love shopping, you can easily spend a small fortune here.

But Fifth Avenue offers more than just exclusive shopping. It is also the setting for some of the city’s most famous parades, such as the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the colorful St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which attract countless visitors every year.

In addition, Fifth Avenue serves as a practical point of reference: It divides Manhattan into West and East, helping you navigate the bustling city. Whether for shopping, sightseeing, or simply strolling, a walk along this iconic street is a must during any visit to New York.

Trump Tower

Sure, some people might wonder why I’m even mentioning this building. But regardless of political views, the Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan is truly fascinating. With its kitschy, gold-laden aesthetic, the building has a unique charm that is almost impressive in its own way.

The Trump Tower is a mixed-use skyscraper that combines retail stores, restaurants, and luxurious apartments under one roof. Particularly striking is the six-story atrium, adorned with marble, golden accents, an imposing American flag, and beautiful plants, creating a space that leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, the Trump Tower serves as Donald Trump’s New York residence and the headquarters of the Trump Organization.

As a visitor, you have the chance to explore parts of the building. Three floors are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the glittering world of this iconic landmark. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to the Trump Tower can be an intriguing addition to your New York experience.

Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City. Located around the 70th floor is the observation deck known as Top of the Rock. It is extremely popular with tourists because it lacks obstructive glass panels, offering an unobstructed and breathtaking view of the city. If you plan to visit the platform, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly.

During our visit, we decided against going up since we had already explored two other observation decks. Nevertheless, I want to mention the Rockefeller Center here because it is especially renowned for its giant Christmas tree, which is set up every year during the Advent season. Unfortunately, it wasn’t up yet during our visit. Traditionally, the mayor lights the tree, marking the official start of the Christmas season in New York.

Another highlight of the Rockefeller Center is the famous ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza – arguably one of the most well-known in the world.

Empire State Building

My favorite skyscraper in New York is, without a doubt, the Empire State Building. I highly recommend visiting it. Important: Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting times. But don’t worry – everything here is excellently organized. Despite its popularity, it never feels overcrowded, and you can enjoy the atmosphere and take in the experience at your own pace.

Few buildings symbolize New York as much as the Empire State Building. I particularly enjoyed my visit because it starts with a museum tour. Here, you learn fascinating stories about the building: how it was constructed, the challenges faced at the time, and much more.

The Empire State Building opened in 1931, during the Great Depression. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world and held this record until 1972.

There are two observation decks: one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd floor. In my opinion, visiting the deck on the 86th floor is more than enough – the view is simply breathtaking.

Another highlight for me was the video room, where clips from movies featuring the Empire State Building are shown. From classics like King Kong (where the giant ape climbs the building) to romantic films like Sleepless in Seattle (with the famous meeting between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) – the Empire State Building plays a central role in many films. It also appears in action movies like The Day After Tomorrow or Spider-Man. Often, it’s featured in brief scenes or as part of the skyline – a true movie star among buildings!

Grand Central Station 

XOXO Gossip Girl. Another popular film location in New York is the Grand Central Terminal. It is the largest train station in the world and is in the heart of Manhattan. The station hall is enormous and not without reason has it appeared in numerous films. Especially striking is the elegant station clock, which draws all eyes to it. The artistic ceiling vault displays the starry sky in impressive detail.

Today, around 750,000 people pass through the station daily.

Of course, we couldn’t miss this visit, especially because of the series Gossip Girl, which I watched in my youth. The iconic opening scene of the show, where Serena van der Woodsen dramatically appears at the terminal just before her return to New York, is perhaps the most famous moment of the series.

Summit One Vanderbilt

This skyscraper was completed in September 2020. Summit One Vanderbilt is an impressive blend of art, technology, architecture, and thrills. The entrance is located beneath the iconic Vanderbilt Avenue. You can access it through the transit hall of the Grand Central Terminal. Alternatively, you can use the doors next to the TD Bank. Summit is not accessible through the main lobby of One Vanderbilt.

A heads-up – for me personally, this building was far too crowded. It was extremely busy. I had expected it to be organized similarly to the Empire State Building, as tickets must be booked in advance, but unfortunately, that was not the case. It was really overcrowded. Still, I want to mention the building here, but I highly recommend coming very early in the morning when there aren’t so many people. The building itself is simply amazing. At the beginning of the tour, there is a short introductory video that immediately captivated me. The three floors that are open to visitors are truly impressive. But don’t forget to bring sunglasses. Since everything is made of glass, the sun can be blindingly strong.

Additionally, I liked the fact that visitors were required to wear shoe covers. This helps keep the building relatively clean with so many visitors.

An important note: A visit to Summit is not suitable for people with epilepsy, as the elevator constantly flashes lights to distract from how quickly you’re moving upward.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is in the heart of Manhattan, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike. It is, of course, a central hub for students, researchers, and professors, offering a wealth of resources and study spaces. However, even if you're not there for academic purposes, the library is also open to tourists, and you can explore some of its stunning rooms. Admission is free, which makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful moment in the city.

The building itself is an architectural marvel, showcasing a grand mix of Beaux-Arts design and the elegance of abundant marble throughout the interiors. As you approach the library, you are greeted by the iconic lion statues, "Patience" and "Fortitude," which have become symbols of the library's dedication to knowledge and perseverance.

One of the most remarkable rooms in the library is the Rose Main Reading Room, located on the third floor. This vast, majestic room is often referred to as the heart of the library, with its towering ceilings, stunning chandeliers, and rows of tables where visitors can study or read. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that the Rose Main Reading Room is only accessible from 10 to 11 a.m. each day, which meant we missed our chance to visit it. If you plan to explore this iconic space, be sure to remember the visiting hours. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the library's history and architecture, as well as access rooms that might otherwise be restricted to the public.

Church Mission House

Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, is a German Russian fraudster who, in the 2010s, pretended to lead an exclusive life in New York City as a supposed wealthy heiress and art patron. With a story about her allegedly rich background and an apparently impressive network in the art world, she deceived investors, bankers, and high society to secure large loans and enjoy luxurious services, all without a single cent of real wealth. She even managed to present herself as a successful businesswoman and attempted to purchase the historic Renaissance building at 281 Park Avenue to establish her own art foundation and create an exclusive cultural center.

Her fraud ultimately collapsed when her financial schemes were exposed. Despite her criminal actions, Sorokin leaves a fascinating impression—how she managed to deceive so many people over such a long period. Her story illustrates how often appearances can be deceiving in the world of the rich and powerful.

High Line

The High Line in New York City is a unique and iconic park built on a historic, elevated railway track. Stretching from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, this 2,33-kilometer-long green space offers visitors a blend of nature, art, and incredible views of the city. Originally used as a freight rail line, the High Line was transformed into a public park in 2009 and has since become one of New York's most popular attractions.

As you walk along the High Line, you’ll experience beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations, and stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Hudson River. The park also features seating areas, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. With its mix of urban design and natural beauty, the High Line is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still staying connected to the urban landscape.

Chinatown & Little Italy

Chinatown and Little Italy in New York City are two adjacent, vibrant neighborhoods, each offering a unique cultural atmosphere. Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese neighborhoods outside of Asia, is known for its bustling streets, traditional markets, and authentic Chinese restaurants.

Right next door is Little Italy, a charming neighborhood shaped by the city's Italian immigrant history. The streets are lined with traditional Italian restaurants, cafés, and shops that embody the Mediterranean lifestyle. Both neighborhoods offer a fascinating experience and are perfect destinations to explore the cultural diversity of New York City.

Wall Street

The Wall Street is the financial center of New York and a global symbol of economy and power. Here, modern skyscrapers meet historic buildings, and the atmosphere is shaped by a constant pulse – the bustling activity of stock traders and the global financial world.

An iconic symbol of Wall Street is the Charging Bull. This powerful bronze sculpture, created in 1989 by Arturo Di Modica, symbolizes the strength and optimism of the financial markets. Many tourists stop to take pictures with the bull – and, according to superstition, touch the bull’s testicles, which is said to bring good luck.

Not far from the Charging Bull is the Fearless Girl statue, which was originally placed opposite the bull. Since 2018, it has stood in front of the New York Stock Exchange and symbolizes the courage of women in business, as well as the fight for equality and diversity in the financial world. Personally, I find it unfortunate that the girl was moved to another location, as this seems to contradict what the statue represents.

Nearby stands Trinity Church, a historic landmark in the Gothic Revival style. Its cemetery houses the graves of famous figures such as Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and offers a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Wall Street.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

The images from September 11, 2001, are among the worst ever broadcast from the United States. I, too, at the age of 11, saw these shocking scenes on TV – and to this day, they are so vivid in my memory, as if it were only yesterday. Two airplanes flew into the towers of the World Trade Center, and even before our trip, it was clear to us that we wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial. I can only recommend that you do the same, but I also want to warn you: it’s a mix of emotions.

At the site where the two towers once stood, there are now two large pools. Water continuously flows down the walls, symbolizing the collapse of the buildings. Surrounding the pools are the names of the deceased, engraved. On September 11, 2001, more than 2,700 people lost their lives, including almost 350 firefighters who risked their lives to help.

The museum is located directly at Ground Zero. It displays fragments of the former Twin Towers as well as many other moving artifacts. The room with the pictures of the deceased is particularly striking. I purposely took only a few photos in the museum and will not publish them here. But I can truly recommend visiting this place and ensuring that you allow enough time. The museum is quite large, and we could have spent much more time there.

Oculus

The impressive highlight of the massive transportation hub at the World Trade Center is the striking main hall of the station, known as the Oculus, which was officially opened on March 3, 2016. The breathtaking structure, made of white glass and steel, with its soaring roofs, resembles a majestic bird – a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The light-filled train hall is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vibrant place, with numerous shops and stylish boutiques inviting visitors to stroll and explore. At both ends of the hall, there are observation platforms offering a stunning view of the expansive space.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, captivating visitors with its iconic architecture and striking neo-Gothic towers. It is not only an essential transportation link but also one of the best vantage points in New York City.

A walk across the bridge is a must-do for any New York visitor. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline, the East River, and even the Statue of Liberty.

To fully experience the bridge’s magical atmosphere, it’s best to visit early in the morning. At that time, the crowds are still manageable, as the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and can get quite busy during the day.

After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, we settled down in Brooklyn Bridge Park, specifically at Pier 1. Surrounded by this green oasis, we soaked up the warm sunlight and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere – a perfect contrast to the bustling energy of the city. From here, we had a fantastic view of the majestic bridge and the stunning Manhattan skyline, shimmering in the sunlight.

Dumbo

DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn. You might already picture the iconic photo: historic brick buildings lining the street, with the majestic Manhattan Bridge perfectly framing the Empire State Building in the background. This stunning view is one of the most popular photo spots in all of New York.

If you’d like to capture this shot yourself, head to the corner of Washington Street and Water Street. From there, you’ll have the perfect perspective – a snapshot that’s sure to turn out beautifully!

Statue of Liberty & Staten Island Ferry

Before my trip, I had heard from many people that it’s not worth seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. Still, I couldn’t shake the idea of at least catching a glimpse of this iconic landmark. After all, it’s one of New York’s most famous symbols, representing freedom and democracy. At the same time, I received a great tip: take the Staten Island Ferry, just like the commuters who travel to Manhattan for work every day. The best part? The ferry is completely free.

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with very frequent departures. The terminal is well-equipped with restrooms and free Wi-Fi, so the short wait is quite comfortable.

The ride itself was a true highlight. From the water, you get an amazing view of Manhattan’s skyline. A tip: make sure to grab a spot at the back of the ferry when boarding to fully enjoy the view. Once you arrive on Staten Island, you’ll need to disembark and catch another ferry for the return trip. For the return trip, it’s worth finding a spot at the front of the ferry to experience the skyline once again.

The Statue of Liberty was smaller than I had imagined – in movies, it looks much more imposing. Whether the ferry ride alone is enough really depends on how much you value a close-up experience. On my next visit, I might consider visiting the Statue of Liberty up close to appreciate its full scale.

Sport

New York is truly a sports metropolis with a rich history and an unparalleled passion for sports. The city is home to some of the most renowned professional sports teams in the world, including the New York Yankees (MLB), the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Giants (NFL), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Islanders (NHL). If you're in New York, I highly recommend experiencing a game live – the atmosphere in the arenas is simply unique!

My partner and I are passionate fans of the New Jersey Devils (NHL), so we took the opportunity to travel to Newark to watch a game at the Prudential Center. I know this blog primarily focuses on New York, but I just must share the amazing photos from this special experience with you.

Shopping

I'm generally not a big fan of city trips that are focused solely on shopping – actually, I’m not much of a shopper in general. But New York is a city where you can shop to your heart’s content. It’s especially famous for Christmas shopping, though that’s not really my thing. Still, it’s worth visiting some amazing stores here that we don’t have in Europe.

The department store Macy’s, the largest in the world, is an experience in itself – not for the faint-hearted! Just kidding, but it really is enormous, and finding your way around isn’t easy. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Another highlight for me was the Harry Potter Store – a must for all fans! I’ll share the link with the store so you can easily find it.

The Crocs Store was also super cool. Here, you can customize your shoes however you like, and the range of designs and accessories is simply gigantic.

For all NHL fans, there is, of course, a fantastic NHL shop with a wide range of merchandise and fan items from NHL teams.

Hotel

We spent a long time searching for the right hotel because hotel prices in New York are high. Of course, you don’t want to compromise on comfort during your vacation. Additionally, hotel rooms in New York are often smaller than what you might be used to. For a first visit, I got the recommendation to choose a hotel in Manhattan since most of the main attractions are in this borough.

In the end, we decided on the Margaritaville Resort Times Square. As the name suggests, the hotel is located right at Times Square. Would I book it again? Yes! The price-performance ratio was great, and the rooms were beautiful, simple, and very clean. Sure, they were small, but for a city trip, they were sufficient.

The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant, which impressed me with its design alone. The food – typical American burgers – was also very good.

The only downside was the elevator. I have already read in other travel blogs that elevators in New York can often be a hassle. The buildings are tall (we were on the 27th floor), and there are only four elevators. Some waiting time is inevitable. While it wasn’t as bad as I had feared, it was a bit annoying because our key card often didn’t work. As a result, we sometimes ended up riding up and down before finally reaching our floor.

Restaurants

In New York, no culinary craving goes unmet – from pizza and burgers to Asian cuisine and even a German restaurant, you can truly find everything here! Tastes vary, of course, but I’d like to share a few restaurants that I particularly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Jack’s Wife Freda is a trendy spot, perfect for breakfast. It’s located in Lower Manhattan and is based on the love story of two immigrants: Jack, a South African, and his Israeli-Jewish wife Freda. The restaurant can be a bit loud inside, but the food is so delicious that it’s worth a visit.

My sister has already been to New York and highly recommended Ellen’s Stardust Diner to me. If you can’t get a ticket for Broadway but still want to hear live performances by real actors, this dinner is a fantastic alternative. All the waitstaff there are also talented singers: While serving your food, they perform a best-of selection from popular musicals – simply amazing! The food was average, but the experience was worth it.

Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is an outstanding Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side. Both the food and drinks are presented with great attention to detail and are truly a visual delight. The taste of the dishes was equally impressive and completely won us over.

If you're looking for something delicious on the go, I can highly recommend the Italian Trattoria restaurant at Times Square. Every morning, they offer freshly prepared sandwiches and pastries. Additionally, they serve delicious pizza and pasta. All ingredients come directly from Italy – and you can taste it in every bite!

It is said that the restaurant Norma has the best pizza in New York. It is in Hell’s Kitchen and is run by Sicilians. Reservations are not possible, so it’s recommended to arrive early. Unless, like us, you speak Italian – then you’re guaranteed a table. The staff was very friendly, and the food was so delicious that we went there twice.

Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab has six different locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and I can wholeheartedly recommend trying one. The döner is simply incredibly delicious. I can say with 100% certainty that it is the best döner I have ever eaten. The owner, Erkan Emre, is originally from Germany. He fulfilled his dream, moved to New York, and now runs these successful locations. Erkan is a very warm-hearted person, which is why I can encourage you even more to support this restaurant.

Another great place for a hearty breakfast or brunch is The Smith. The restaurant is located near Madison Square Park. We really liked the atmosphere there, and most of all, we enjoyed the relaxed vibe. I particularly recommend avocado toast.

Channeling the energy of Tel Aviv's bohemian cafe culture through a New York lens, Shoo Shoo offers an incredible dining experience that brings people together around a common table. We had an amazing meal there and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique and delicious culinary experience.

Closing words

New York City is more than just a city – it’s a feeling, a melting pot of cultures, a canvas for dreams, and a place that never lets you go. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of Times Square, the tranquility of Central Park, or the small, unexpected moments you can only experience here – New York has something magical for everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or you keep coming back, the city leaves a mark on your heart.

Until the next adventure, in the city that never sleeps.