Where I stayed: The Bowery House
I flew from Chicago to New York, which took about 2.5 hours with American Airlines. I enjoyed flying with this airline.
Getting from JFK airport to Manhattan takes about an hour by subway. To use the subway, after exiting the air-train from the airport to Jamaica station, you will need to buy a transit card and pay for the air-train ride ($5). This is done via a kiosk, using cash or a bank card. Be careful when paying with cash (if you insert the bill the wrong way, the machine won't read it and won't return it).
The New York subway is not designed for traveling with luggage, so it's better to travel light.
If you choose the same hostel as I did, keep in mind that it is located on the third floor of a building with no elevator and steep stairs. The reception is also there, so no one will help you carry your luggage. The hostel has a good location and a favorable price, but the conditions leave much to be desired. Upon check-in, I noticed earplugs offered along with a towel and water, but on Saturday night, I realized why the hostel administration took care of that—besides the noise from other guests, there was the noise of the street from the city that never sleeps. It was hard to fall asleep the first night.
First impressions of New York streets shouldn't ruin your mood. Look up, there are the stone jungles of the most famous city in the world!
On my first morning in New York, I decided to walk to Central Park. I walked for about an hour, so I didn't have enough energy for a full walk through the park. I only reached the middle, so there will be a reason to return! It's crowded in the park on Sunday, but even on such a day, you could find a quiet place and an empty bench. And that is surprising for a city with 8.5 million residents! In the evening, I headed to Times Square. On the way, you encounter many souvenir shops with affordable goods. Many items looked standard and tasteless. I only found souvenirs worth paying attention to at the New York Public Library and in the shop at the Empire State Building. Walking higher up Broadway, it seems that day turns into night—that's how the lights of the billboards shine. There was a crowd of tourists on the square; despite the fact that police are monitoring order everywhere, be careful and protect your belongings (for example, I wore my backpack on my chest, not on my back). It is there, in Times Square, that you feel the city never sleeps; it's as bright as day!
The second day of my New York walks was more intense. Early in the morning, I went to the New York Public Library, then sailed past the Statue of Liberty on the free ferry that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island. While sailing, I felt that hope for a bright future, safety, and peace that this statue instilled in everyone arriving at the shores of America. Afterward, I visited the Memorial Park dedicated to the events of 9/11/2001, because they did not leave the whole world indifferent. The design of the memorial fountains creates a certain mood, forcing everyone who visits to think about the transience and value of life. In the evening, I decided to go up to the observation deck of the Empire State Building. On the way, I passed by the famous St. Patrick's Cathedral, and since it was open to tourists, I found myself inside a Catholic cathedral for the first time. The organ music made an impression on me; its vibrations seemed to shake the air. It's worth hearing at least once! Entry to the evening viewing session at the Empire State Building will cost you $38. Before going up, an exciting exhibition dedicated to the history of one of New York's symbols awaits you. Usually, such exhibitions are boring, but you will like this one! The observation deck is in the open air, so it would be a good idea to bring a jacket or a sweater because it is windy. The view of the night city is fantastic; it's hard to believe you are seeing it live and not on a photo wallpaper: millions of buildings, billions of lights, the bubbling life of evening New York. You want to feel like a part of it.
I wanted to meet the dawn of my last day on another continent on the Brooklyn Bridge. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I couldn't get up that early, but I still managed to catch the morning sun rays. After this walk, I finally fell in love with New York, walking through the quiet, still-sleeping, sunny city, and I absolutely didn't want to leave in a couple of hours.
My trip to the airport was full of adventures, but the main thing is not to mix up the subway station. To get to the air-train, you need to get off at Jamaica station, but at the second-to-last one, not the terminal!
I didn't manage to meet the dawn, but I was seen off by the sunset, incredibly bright and colorful, like my whole summer!
