It’s crazy how (super unexpectedly) I ended up visiting New York twice this year! And I have one thing to say: I’m in Love!
Or actually two…
New York is not just a place; it’s a feeling.
People my generation grew up watching shows like Gossip Girl, The Carrie Diaries, and so many others set in New York. Finally visiting it in real life… it hits differently. There’s this mix of excitement and connection to a place you had never been to before, but somehow ‘virtually’ already knew.
It’s hard to explain, but it really does feel magical in its own way.
In this blog, I want to share some of the things I saw and loved in New York, to give you some ideas if you’re planning on visiting the city soon. Let’s go!
1. The Liberty Statue – Free Ferry
Now the first place of honor, of course, goes to…The Liberty Statue!
I didn’t take one of the paid ferries that actually stop on Liberty Island, but I did take the free Staten Island Ferry, and it’s such a good tip if you’re on a budget. You still get a beautiful view of the statue and the skyline, especially if you go around sunset.
The weather wasn’t exactly on my side that day (as you can see from the photo), but honestly, the whole experience was still worth it.
2. The Vessel at Hudson Yards
This is The Vessel, one of New York’s most unique landmarks. It’s this honeycomb-shaped structure made of copper and glass, located right in Hudson Yards. You can’t really miss it; it looks futuristic and artsy at the same time.
3. The Edge – For Views You’ll Never Forget
Right next to the Vessel is The Edge, one of the coolest spots in New York (and honestly, a must-see if you’re in the area). It’s an open-air observation deck with a glass floor, so you can see the city right beneath your feet.
The view is just insane; you can see the Hudson River, all of Manhattan, and even New Jersey in the distance.
Of course it looks much better when the weather’s good!
4. Museum of Broadway
I didn’t get the chance to go inside the Museum of Broadway, but I stopped by and saw it from the outside, and it instantly caught my eye. The entrance is super vibrant and full of color, just like you’d imagine Broadway itself to be.
Even just walking through that area feels special; you can literally feel the energy of all the theaters around you.
5. Times Square
The iconic Times Square! You haven’t really visited New York if you haven’t walked through it at least once. It’s loud, bright, and full of energy, basically everything you imagine New York to be.
It actually used to be called Longacre Square, until 1904, when The New York Times moved its headquarters there, giving the area its new name. Today, it’s surrounded by massive billboards, street performers, and a mix of tourists from every corner of the world.
6. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central is one of those places that makes you stop for a second the moment you walk in. The architecture, the ceiling, the whole atmosphere, it’s like stepping into a movie scene…or a castle!
Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s totally worth a visit. The Main Concourse, with its turquoise ceiling full of constellations, is stunning (and if you look closely, you can even spot a tiny dark patch that was left uncleaned on purpose, a reminder of how smoky the station used to be decades ago).
7. The Plaza Hotel
If you’ve watched Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, you’ll instantly recognize The Plaza Hotel. Yep, that’s where some of the movie’s most iconic scenes were filmed!!
It’s right by Central Park, and even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth passing by just to see it in person. The building is elegant and historic, and if you grew up watching that movie (like I did), you can’t help but smile when you’re standing right there thinking, “This is where Kevin stayed!”
8. Central Park
Central Park is like stepping into another world right in the middle of all the noise and chaos of New York.
You can walk around for hours, and every corner will probably feel different: people jogging, couples having picnics, artists sketching, musicians playing. And maybe that’s what people love most about it, how simple moments there somehow feel cinematic.
9. The Giant Louis Vuitton Trunk Building
This definitely catches the eye while walking around Fifth Avenue, a massive Louis Vuitton building designed like a stack of their iconic trunks. It looks unreal in person!
Even if you’re not into luxury fashion, it’s hard not to stop and stare. The design is so detailed that it feels like a mix between art and architecture. It’s part of Louis Vuitton’s temporary exhibition space celebrating the brand’s history and craftsmanship.
10. The Cartier Mansion
Just a few steps away, I came across this stunning building, the Cartier Mansion on Fifth Avenue. I love, love this building! With its red awnings, flags, and timeless design, it’s one of those places that immediately makes you want to stop and take a picture.
11. Rockefeller Center
And of course, I couldn’t miss Rockefeller Center, one of the most iconic spots in New York. You’ve probably seen it in movies (especially around Christmas), but seeing it in person is something else.
The building is massive and beautiful, and the whole area around it feels full of life, from the flags to the golden statue of Prometheus. It’s also home to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, where you can get one of the best skyline views in the city.
12. The Charging Bull
Down in Lower Manhattan, I passed by the Charging Bull, the big bronze bull statue that symbolizes Wall Street and financial strength. It’s one of those landmarks a Lot of people want a photo with, and there was a long line of people waiting for their turn…besides me lol!
13. North Cove Marina, Battery Park
One of the nicest surprises from my walk downtown was North Cove Marina. It’s right by Brookfield Place, overlooking the Hudson River, and it takes you away from the city noise.
You’ll see luxury yachts like this one (yes, with a helicopter on top!) parked right by the walkway, and the whole area is so peaceful at sunset. It’s the perfect spot to just slow down for a bit, enjoy the view, and watch the sky change colors over the water.
From this spot by the marina, you can actually see New Jersey across the river and the view is beautiful, especially during sunset. The water reflects the city lights, and it feels so calm compared to the busy streets just a few blocks away.
14. 111 West 57th Street (Steinway Tower)
This building is unbelievably tall and thin! It’s called 111 West 57th Street, or Steinway Tower, and it’s one of the slimmest skyscrapers in the world. You can spot it near Central Park, standing out even among all the other glass towers around it.
I love how futuristic it looks. Elegant, a bit unreal, and very “New York.”
15. The Apple Store, Fifth Avenue
The Apple Store on Fifth Avenue is honestly an experience of its own. You don’t even have to be into tech to appreciate it; it’s just one of those must-see spots in New York. The entrance is this big glass cube that leads you down into a bright, modern underground space.
It was packed when I visited, people everywhere, taking photos, exploring, testing gadgets.
16. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Right across from Rockefeller Center stands St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and it’s absolutely stunning. The gothic architecture, the tall spires, and the level of detail on the façade, it actually feels like a piece of Europe right in the middle of Manhattan.
17. New York Public Library
This is the New York Public Library, right by Bryant Park. Such a beautiful building, with an architecture that feels grand and historic, and those two lion statues in front (Patience and Fortitude) make it even more iconic.
18. The Empire State Building
And of course… the Empire State Building! Probably one of the most recognizable buildings in New York, and honestly, it looks impressive in person. You can spot it from so many different parts of the city, and every time you do, it still feels special.
19. The Paramount Building
Right in Times Square stands the Paramount Building, another one of those historic New York gems. It used to be the headquarters of Paramount Pictures, and you can still feel that old Hollywood vibe when you look at it.
20. Trinity Church
At the end of Wall Street, surrounded by tall modern buildings, stands the beautiful Trinity Church. It’s one of the oldest churches in New York, and the contrast between its Gothic architecture and the glass skyscrapers around it is just stunning.
21. The New York Stock Exchange
Just around the corner from Trinity Church, you’ll find the New York Stock Exchange, one of the most important financial institutions in the world. The building itself is stunning, with its tall columns, marble façade, and American flags waving in front.
It’s located right on Wall Street, and even if you’re not into finance, it’s a cool spot to see in person. The whole area has this strong, historic energy, like you’re standing in the middle of where some of the world’s biggest financial decisions happen.
22. The Oculus
This stunning building is called The Oculus, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava — and it’s honestly one of the most impressive structures I’ve ever seen. It’s part of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, but it looks nothing like a typical station.
Calatrava designed it to resemble a bird taking flight, symbolizing hope and renewal. Inside, it’s bright and all white, with sunlight streaming through the massive glass panels. Even if you’re just passing by, you can’t help but stop and stare — it’s that striking.
23. The 9/11 Memorial
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was one of the most emotional moments of my trip. Seeing it in person hits differently — it’s peaceful, but powerful at the same time.
The two reflecting pools stand exactly where the Twin Towers once were, with the names of every victim engraved around the edges. The sound of the water and the quietness of the space create this feeling that’s hard to put into words — it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful.
It’s a place that reminds you of how strong this city is, and how much history and emotion live within its streets.
24. Brookfield Place & The Winter Garden Atrium
Just a few steps away from the 9/11 Memorial is Brookfield Place, home to the stunning Winter Garden Atrium. The space is filled with tall palm trees, glass ceilings, and warm sunlight that makes it feel almost tropical — even though you’re still in the middle of Manhattan.
There are cafés and little spots where you can sit, grab a coffee, and just take in the view of the Hudson River. After a long day of exploring, this place felt like such a calm escape. It’s one of those corners of New York that instantly makes you slow down and breathe.
25. Rooftop Views, A Must in NYC!
You have to visit at least one rooftop when you’re in New York! Seriously, the city just looks different from above — the lights, the skyline, the energy — it’s a whole experience.
There are so many rooftops around the city, from fancy hotel bars to more chill spots where you can grab a drink and watch the sunset. No matter which one you go to, that feeling of standing above it all, seeing the skyscrapers glow as the city lights turn on, is unforgettable.
26. One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower)
This is the One World Trade Center, also called the Freedom Tower — the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Seeing it at night was breathtaking. The lights, the reflection on the glass, and the way it stands tall above everything around it make it feel like a symbol of strength and hope.
It’s part of the World Trade Center complex, right next to The Oculus and the 9/11 Memorial. You can visit the One World Observatory at the top for a full 360° view of New York — it’s one of those experiences that truly stays with you.
At night, its golden and white lights shine so beautifully that you can spot it from far away. I love how New York mixes the old with the new — buildings like this make you feel the city’s history even while surrounded by modern glass towers.
27. Joe’s Pizza
And of course, what better way to end the night than with a classic New York slice?
Joe’s Pizza is a city legend — simple, delicious, and exactly what you imagine when you think of New York street pizza. It’s been around since 1975, appeared in Spider-Man, and is loved by both locals and tourists for a reason.
💭 A Little Note from Me
Hi there!! It’s Sara.
I’m the kind of person who watches a psychological mystery series and wonders, “What would my life be like as an FBI agent?”
And the kind who tries to improvise an opera act, thinking, “Could I be a soprano?”
The adventurer type. The one who feels alive by living and experiencing emotions. The one who feels alive by ending up on the wrong paths, by embracing chaos, by moving through life in a way that’s never still.
I love listening to stories, and I love creating them too.
This is my attempt to create my own story: a collection of moments, memories, and feelings I want to keep forever.
A piece of my soul that I hope others will one day recognize me by — the soul who wants to live life in a way that makes you feel alive.