Travel Journal

I had just five nights to explore New York City, so I had to get creative. If you don’t have a time-slowing machine like I imagined, you can still fit a lot in by grabbing a map and a subway pass, making the most of every spare minute, and skimping on sleep.

Welcome to Manhattan! It’s amazing how much you can see and do in this vibrant city, often called the “City that Never Sleeps.”

One of my favourite experiences was taking a harbour cruise around Manhattan. It lasted about an hour and a half, and it was a brilliant way to see the Statue of Liberty up close and admire the city’s skyline and bridges from the water. Being on the river really helps you get a sense of how impressive this island is.

Of course, being in NYC, I couldn’t miss a Broadway show. I chose to see “Jersey Boys.” The crowd was much more diverse than I expected, with plenty of younger folks mixed in with those who remembered Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their heyday. I even spotted families with kids, which surprised me since the show had a warning for “adult themes and coarse language.” They didn’t hold back, but the stunning sets and catchy songs made it worth it. By the end, everyone was on their feet, singing along.

On my way back to the hotel, I decided to join a crowd outside the Peninsula Hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity. To this day, I have no idea who everyone was waiting for, but it felt very New York. There were shiny Cadillac Escalades and security guards fussing with their earpieces everywhere. A woman walked by with a small dog, which seemed to be a common sight in the city. I’d never seen so many poodles and chihuahuas all in one place!

I then did something very British—I joined a queue without knowing what it was for. It turned out to be a free entry to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), so I popped in to check out some Warhol. If you have the time, you really shouldn’t miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, both just a stone’s throw from Central Park. They’re classic NYC spots!

Another must-do in New York is catching a baseball game. Since the Yankees were away, I hopped on the subway to Citi Field in Queens to watch the Mets take on the Boston Red Sox. I think I jinxed the Mets, as they lost their seven-game winning streak, but even if you’re not a baseball fan, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd was lively, and I had a good laugh with the folks sitting near me as they passed my New Zealand driving licence around to the beer vendor!

The game went into extra innings, and I finally made it back to Manhattan around 11:30pm. It was the perfect time to check out Grand Central Station. The Concourse is stunning at night! I also headed up to the Empire State Building—there were hardly any queues since it’s open until 2am. The view from the outdoor observation deck at night was incredible.

All in all, my whirlwind trip to New York was a blast, and I can’t wait to return someday!