New York: My Experience

 

New York is a city like no other; vibrant, fast paced and full of energy! It is adored by travellers from all around the world for its iconic skyline and rich and diverse culture. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration thanks to its world-class museums, Broadway shows, towering sky-scrapers and diverse range of restaurants and cafes. It is a bucket-list destination for most travellers and one which never fails to leave fond memories in the minds of those who have already visited. I travelled to New York in December 2022 on a Business Studies school trip with a group of my classmates in order to gain more insight into the workings of businesses within the city. While deepening our knowledge on the topic of business studies was obviously a priority, we still made time to visit the most famous landmarks within the city.

We visited New York for a period of 5 days and stayed in the West Side YMCA. The accommodation was a hostel style hotel, with bathrooms being located in the hallways as opposed to privately within the rooms. The hotel, while in a an amazing location opposite central park, was very dirty, small and unpleasant. I personally would not stay there again, despite the budget-friendly benefit and good location it offered. 

ACTIVITIES

During our five-day stay in New York, we explored some of the city's most iconic attractions. We kicked off the trip with a visit to Times Square, which was just as vibrant and electric as you’d expect, with towering billboards, flashing neon lights, and an energy that felt almost tangible. We then made our way to the Empire State Building, where the view from the observation deck was nothing short of
breath-taking. Seeing the sprawling city beneath us was an unforgettable experience—definitely one for the bucket list!

Another highlight was our visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Standing before Lady Liberty, we couldn’t help but reflect on the history and symbolism of this monumental landmark. Our trip also included stops at the 9/11 Memorial, a humbling and emotional site, and the bustling Wall Street, where we caught a glimpse of the city's financial powerhouse in action.

Despite the rush of the city and our packed itinerary, we also found time to visit Central Park, a serene escape from the urban chaos. Walking through the park in the crisp December air, surrounded by twinkling holiday lights, was the perfect way to unwind. 

While I enjoyed most of the activities we did in NYC, I personally wouldn't return to the Madison Square Garden area as I found it quite dirty and congested. I also wouldn't re-visit the financial district as although it is interesting for its economic and historical significance, it did feel extremely
congested with business people and staff from the buildings. I personally think that the time could be better spent elsewhere in New York. 

FOOD

Of course, we couldn’t leave New York without indulging in its
food scene. From grabbing quick bites at local food trucks to enjoying classic New York pizza, every meal was a cultural experience in itself. One evening, we treated ourselves to a meal in Little Italy, savouring authentic Italian cuisine while soaking in the neighbourhood's charming atmosphere. On our final night, we decided to make a reservation for the Hard Rock Café in Time's Square. The food was good but it was the location that made the meal so memorable.

COST

Visiting New York was definitely a bit of a hit on the wallet, but it was worth every penny. Staying at the West Side YMCA helped us save on accommodation costs, though I’d definitely opt for a different place next time, even if it meant spending a little more for comfort. Food was surprisingly manageable—we grabbed lots of quick meals from food trucks and had the classic New York pizza, which was both delicious and budget-friendly. However, tickets for major attractions like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty weren’t cheap, so it’s essential to plan for those costs in advance. We also learned to make use of free activities, like walking through Central Park and exploring Times Square. While New York isn’t the most budget-friendly destination, being mindful of where to splurge and where t
o save helped me make the most of the experience without completely breaking the bank.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, my trip to New York was an unforgettable experience, full of both adventure and learning. From the towering skyscrapers to the rich cultural landmarks, every corner of the city had something new to offer. While the cost of the trip required careful budgeting, and the accommodation wasn’t ideal, the memories I made and the insight I gained—both as a traveller and a student—made it all worthwhile. New York’s energy is contagious, and it’s a place I’d love to return to, with a better understanding of how to navigate both the city and its costs. Whether you’re visiting for business, exploration, or both, New York never disappoints.