Visiting New York City has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, making this trip one of the most exciting moments of my life so far. Before you start wondering why, there’s one thing you have to understand. I’m a European girl from a small village of one thousand people, and the idea of visiting New York City seemed incredibly unrealistic and daunting.
In October 2023, after a seven-hour flight and years of dreaming, I was finally there – standing in one of the most chaotic squares in the United States, looking up at the dazzling skyscrapers and the neon lights of Times Square. My fifteen-year-old self was speechless.
Seeing New York City for the first time as someone who had never left Europe was overwhelming. It was everything I expected it to be – loud, busy, flashy, and I loved it. Everything was new—from the city skyscrapers and endless avenues to American fast-food chains and the people’s varied looks and accents.
During our stay in the city, we crossed Times Square several times, yet nothing surpasses the experience of witnessing Times Square at night for the first time. I’ve heard many people say that the square is a tourist trap, and I somewhat agree. However, the true New York City experience wouldn’t be complete without it.
All of Manhattan at night was enchanting. We spent hours just walking alongside the towering buildings, taking in the vibrant energy of the city. We passed many famous buildings adorned with lights, casting a magical glow over the city streets. Yellow taxis zipped by, and the smell of the delicious food from the food trucks followed us through the streets. Experiencing all of this reminded me of the famous quote: ‘New York, the city that never sleeps.’
When I first visited London, I immediately knew that I would keep coming back. I had the same feeling with New York City. There’s something about metropolitan cities that draws me in. Maybe it’s the big city hustle, the melting pot of cultures, or maybe it’s the endless possibilities each corner seems to offer. All I know for sure is that our first day in NYC was successful!
