One of the items on my bucket list has always been to visit New York, and I’ve especially dreamed of spending Christmas there. There’s something about the city’s winter charm—coming from Texas, where snow is a rare sight—and the thought of strolling through Central Park, admiring the holiday lights, that always captivated me.
I haven’t made it to New York for Christmas yet, but I did get the chance to visit over the Fourth of July in 2021 with a group of friends. Let me tell you… it wasn’t exactly the experience I’d imagined. But then again, when do things ever go exactly as planned?
My honest take on New York after the trip? I’d definitely go back, but with a few fewer people 😉
Table of Contents
The New York Subway
I’ve ridden the subway before in Boston, so I thought I knew what to expect, but New York’s system is in a league of its own. I find the whole concept fascinating—who even thinks of building such a vast, underground train network? If you’re planning to stay for more than a couple of days, definitely get the weekly subway pass. It’s a lifesaver and will save you money in the long run instead of buying individual rides.
What really stood out to me, though, was the people on the subway. There’s such a mix of personalities and agendas—people of all shapes and sizes. Of course, we saw a few strange characters, just like in the movies. It’s funny how film really does capture reality in ways that match your expectations. But overall, the subway was a great way to navigate the city without worrying about renting a car or hunting for Ubers. Plus, it’s perfect for snapping some iconic photos!
China-Town
Chinatown is one of those places everyone recommends when talking about New York, but honestly, I wasn’t blown away. The air was thick with the smell of seafood from all the outdoor markets, and in July’s heat, it wasn’t the most enjoyable. That said, we did venture in for the knock-off designer bags. I ended up picking up a cute satchel as a gift and a pair of “Chanel” sunglasses, which, ironically, my dog chewed up just a couple of weeks after I got home.
Brooklyn Bridge
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Brooklyn Bridge. It was packed with people walking and biking, clearly one of the top attractions in New York. Definitely wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Along the way, we enjoyed watching street performers, grabbed coffee, and had lunch. The whole experience was absolutely beautiful!
Times Square
We ended up in Times Square without even realizing it at first! To be honest, it wasn’t as thrilling as I had imagined. It felt overly crowded and the smell wasn’t great, but it was still fun to experience and see what all the hype is about. There’s some great shopping around Times Square, and we definitely made the most of that!
It’s about “who” you travel with
One of the highlights of this trip was getting to share it with my little sister! She’s been my constant throughout my life, and like me, she loves to travel. Whenever we get the chance to explore together, it’s always a blast. Be sure to check out my other posts for more adventures with my sis!
“I can see the Statue of Liberty already! Very small of course!”
One thing I really wanted to do during our trip was take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, but the group had other ideas. So, I made do and captured what I could from where I was. It was cool to say I’ve been this close, but if I get the chance to return, the ferry ride will definitely be on my list!
The Hamptons
We decided to wake up early, drive three hours to The Hamptons, and spend the day on the beach. Every minute was worth it because I absolutely love the beach! I only wish we had more time to stay longer. The weather was perfect, the company was great, and it was so nice to just relax by the waves with a cocktail. Plus, it felt pretty awesome to say, “I’ve been to The Hamptons!”
Stay Pineapple
I discovered this adorable boutique hotel near Hell’s Kitchen called Stay Pineapple. I had been warned that space in New York is tight, and they weren’t kidding! Despite its small size, the hotel was so unique and charming that it more than made up for it. If you’re ever in New York and looking for a cozy spot that’s close to everything, definitely check it out!
https://www.staypineapple.com/midtown-new-york
4th of July Fireworks in Brooklyn!
Here’s a fun story—so we had no idea where to go to catch the fireworks. Of course, we Googled it and made the hour-and-a-half trek to Brooklyn, only to find out that the location we found was totally wrong (turns out, many others didn’t get that memo either). We stopped to chat with some friendly local cops who pointed us toward a nearby park. We grabbed an Uber and headed that way, but about two miles before we reached the park, we saw a long line and thought, “Surely this isn’t the line for the fireworks!” Well, it was. We got out, sweet-talked a security guard into letting us through, and ended up with a front-row view of the show from the pier! It was totally worth the detour.
911 Memorial
One of my most memorable experiences in New York was visiting the 9/11 memorial. It was incredibly humbling, and we took a moment of silence to honor that tragic day. Seeing what has been built there since the towers collapsed was truly moving—it’s a beautiful, powerful tribute. I highly recommend making this a “must-do” on your list when visiting New York.
Central Park
Visiting Central Park was definitely a must-do, and it was actually the first stop on our trip! It was a bit rainy, but that didn’t stop us. We hopped on a bike taxi, which gave us a private tour of the park—such a fun way to see it! I’d absolutely do it again, and maybe even explore the Upper East Side next time!
Final Thoughts
Overall, my first trip to New York was unforgettable. I find myself looking through the incredible photos and thinking I should plan my dream trip to New York one Christmas! I always take time to reflect on what I’ve learned during my travels, and New York taught me an important lesson. I realized that life is what you make of it, and sometimes, there are people in your life who don’t belong there. If you feel that way, trust your instincts and act on it. Don’t let negativity linger—cut ties with toxicity and open yourself up to the beautiful possibilities life has to offer. Life is far too short to waste energy on others’ negativity. And above all, keep fighting for yourself and what you believe in.
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