Life In New York City (NYC)

Things I’ve learnt in my two years living in NYC

I completed two years in NYC (New York City) and I wanted to pin down some of the memories here. My first year has been with lots of hustle, difficulties, ups and downs. However, at the same time, it was fun meeting with new people, enjoying diverse culture, food, and what not. The list is endless.

Seeing iconic sights like yellow cabs, steam through subway grilles, towering skyscrapers and Times Square’s neon lights felt like walking onto a film set. I couldn’t get enough of it, and still can’t.

To give a brief back story, I came here in September 2018, when fall was approaching and I can see bright pink and orange colors everywhere. I was completely mesmerized with its beauty. That slight chill wind and beautiful colors all around and it automatically become my favorite season.

People say if you can make it here in NYC you can make it anywhere else in the world.

NYC is completely different and I think you can’t find any city like this anywhere else in the world. NYC’s culture and the people are so unique.

From the Empire State Building to the SoHo to The Statue of Liberty to endless brunch spots, New York is a city that truly has it all. If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before and you’re trying to figure out what to do, I am listing few of my things here.

I guess everyone comes here from different countries and can relate some or the other way.

Skyline — New York Skyline is absolutely amazing all the time. You can go in the morning, afternoon, evenings or late night. Initially, I used to sit for hours just watching skyline and seeing the clouds and sky changing colors. It’s one of the happiest memories here. Anytime I see skyline, I can’t resist to take pictures, and frankly speaking, I have got many pictures and videos.

Things For Everyone — Other most interesting things about NYC is you can do anything at any time. There are so many options and choices for everyone. Bar hopping, art gallery hopping, Broadway shows, movies, roof top bars, parks, piers, museums and what not.

In my initial days, I was so blown away by seeing these many choices. I started experiencing and enjoying all of it. There’s plenty to do. You can go bike riding or skating, join a yoga class, groove to live concerts, visit museums, New York Public Library, or simply enjoy the fresh flowers and trees throughout the year. If you enjoy walking, why not go to the High Line.

Food — Some people say food is expensive here; however I am always able to find good and cheap food. My absolute favorites are hot dogs, pizza and tacos. Some of the places are expensive, but you will be able to manage in some time for sure.

You can get any type of food everywhere here. While you’re wandering around, stop for a quick snack at a random hot dog or pretzel stand. This is the quintessential New York experience. NYC without diving headlong into the glorious and unpredictable world of street eats.

If you’re looking for a sit-down joint, look no further than Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street. It’s one of my absolute favorites. This old-style New Yorker pizza is a thin and flexible triangle of cheesy deliciousness. The crust is lightly toasted and the toppings are just right — not too rich or heavy.

Subways — I am in love with subways, most of the people might be disagree as it’s always crowded especially on weekends and subways are not always on time. As I don’t drive here, subways are my life saver. I have explored NYC by subways and on foot. It’s cheap and reliable option to go from one place to another.

Central Park and other parks — Central park is one of my favorite place here in NYC. It’s not just another park. After even two years, I’m still exploring Central Park. It’s so big and you can’t get to see all of its beauty in one day or in one week.

Especially in summer, you can see live concerts, shows, and people with their families having a blast barbecuing, jogging, or just taking a stroll. Here you’ll find fountains, a pergola, crabapple trees, plants, tulips, Korean chrysanthemums, Japanese holly plants, and much more.

You can enjoy nature from all the parks available in NYC. You can look up on Google and can find all the parks information. It’s good to enjoy greenery and nature once in a while.

My other favorite is Washington Square Park. The beautiful Washington Square Park is in the Greenwich Village neighborhood and is a popular place to meet and sit in the summer time.

If you like live comedy stand up, go to MacDougal Street. It’s a one-way street in the Greenwich Village and SoHo neighborhoods of Manhattan. MacDougal Street has been called “the most colorful and magnetic venue for tourists on an evening outing in the Village.”

Always On Run — NYC is always on run. It’s crowed and you will see people running from one place to another. There is no calmness in NYC throughout day and night. It’s kind of a dream place for everywhere and people come here to fulfill their dreams and to do something great with life

Brooklyn Bridge — How can I not mention Brooklyn Bridge? When I moved here, I had the list of places to go and visit. I wanted to see the places I watched in movies like Manhattan, Annie Hall, Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Frances Ha, An Affair to Remember, just to name a few. I wanted to live those moments in reality and it was not a disappointment at all.

Built from 1869 to 1883 by 600 workers, the Brooklyn Bridge has influenced the hearts and minds of New Yorkers for decades.

You can join a guided walking tour or do your own jaunt across the suspension. The entrance begins at the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street. Look for the collection of love-locks near the Manhattan Tower — the padlocks there are a tribute to everlasting love.

Last But Not Least, Dating In NYC — Everyone here is on dating apps even if they are in a relationship or committed to other person. My personal experience is not that great here; however, I have met a few very interesting people. I have been on many dates but I am not sure if I can find my love (wink) here. So many choices and so many people to explore. However if you are into random hook ups, one night, this is your place. You will find zillions of option here.

To make the most out of your time, I would highly recommend joining a Take Walks tour around New York City! Find the one that speaks to you.

I’ve been on tours with Take Walks all around the world and am always so intrigued by what they have to offer plus it’s a great way to see the city in a whole new light.

A big part of what makes New York so great is its atmosphere, and you can soak it up for free by walking the city streets.

The changing feel as you move through the city’s neighborhoods — Harlem, the Upper East Side, Soho, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Little Italy and what not — makes it feel like visiting lots of different cities in one city.

And that’s before you get out of Manhattan and start exploring the city’s other boroughs and neighborhood.

Over all, it’s one of the best place to live, explore life and diverse culture. As of now, I can’t imagine myself to be anywhere else. It’s like a home away from home where I belong and feel myself.

If you’re living in NYC and know a fun spot, hit me up or if you’re planning to visit or to move, hope these points help you to find what you’re looking for.

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