Skyline - View of Manhattan We finally dared, we finally took the plunge, we finally pressed the 'pay button' and booked a flight to the ultimate city. The city that almost every globetrotter must experience up close in their lifetime - New York City. With United Airlines, we flew direct and comfortably from Munich to New York on the second day of Christmas - more precisely to Newark International Airport. Strictly speaking, this airport is not located in the state of New York, but in neighboring New Jersey. However, this distance can be easily and inexpensively overcome by train. The ticket to the metropolis costs 13 US dollars one way. Taking the train from Newark Airport to New York City Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Manhattan, was located in the quiet Financial District of the same-named district, with a gigantic view from the 49th floor. Many attractions were within walking distance, such as the One World Trade Center. And that was almost a matter of survival for us because the average temperature during our stay was about -15°C. Yes, you read that right - MINUS 15°C (record: -23°C). World-famous neighbor After about a five-minute walk, it revealed itself in all its splendor - the One World Trade Center. The tallest building in the United States is truly impressive and dominates the entire cityscape from almost every angle. However, even more impressive are the seemingly endless lines of tourists waiting outside the entrance to get the view from the observation deck on top of the metropolis. In contrast, we enjoyed the view from below, and our half-frozen limbs were thankful that we didn't linger in one spot for too long. Our view from below of the WTC The One World Trade Center reflected in the Four World Trade Center Hands and feet absorbed all the ambient warmth, even in the unheated and uncomfortable subway. So it was always a pleasant warming phase when we let ourselves be chauffeured by the New York subway to new corners of the metropolis. I love this unique, urban feeling of life when you're crammed together with locals of varied skin colors and ethnicities, zooming through the underground tunnels - provided you have your claustrophobia under control and can tolerate the most peculiar body odors. Reliable and affordable - the New York Metro Although New York City, like Asian metropolises, is simply huge, it still exudes an incredible, almost reverential charm, as it is less hectic compared to Asia and offers beautiful squares and buildings at almost every corner, such as the stunning Flatiron Building or the omnipresent water towers on the roofs of the houses. Beautiful - the Flatiron Building However, in a city like New York, there are of course numerous hotspots that every visitor wants to see - even if there is a risk of getting frostbite at these temperatures and being overwhelmed by the crowds, especially on the Brooklyn Bridge. On the Brooklyn Bridge However, a unique experience is the view of the skyline of Manhattan at dusk. A plateau right next to the Brooklyn Bridge provides you with this view: View of the skyline at dusk One must-see among the attractions is undoubtedly Grand Central Station - an old, almost cheesy train station in the heart of Manhattan. You have to go inside and take a selfie from the top step. Grand Central Station Many people only associate New York City with Manhattan - the centrally located island in the city center that forms its own borough. But at least visit one of the other boroughs, such as Brooklyn. It's easy - just hop on the nearest subway and off you go! Brooklyn is currently incredibly trendy and hip, with many second-hand shops, bars, and extraordinary people. New York City is divided into five boroughs Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn If you're a photo enthusiast and want to capture an exceptionally beautiful motif, then you have to come to Brooklyn anyway. Walk down from the Brooklyn Bridge and then turn onto Front Street - between the towering buildings, with each step, an absolute photo treat reveals itself: View of the Manhattan Bridge - between the bridge pillars, you can see the Empire State Building Or why not attend an NBA game of the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center - even if you're not that into sports. The loudly cheering American spectators, the heartfelt singing of the national anthem, and the almost exaggerated staging of the event are simply amazing - America as it loves and lives it! Cheering on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center But you should definitely not miss a true New York classic - Top of the Rock. It may require some patience while waiting in line, but you will be rewarded on the 67th floor of the famous Rockefeller Center with a phenomenal view of the metropolis that you will not soon forget. Especially if you are there at sunset. However, depending on the crowd, you should plan for about 60 minutes waiting time - so don't arrive too late, otherwise the sun will already be gone. You have to go up there to experience a phenomenal view Top of the Rock - sunset Top of the Rock - Empire State Building in front of One World Trade Center Is experiencing New York absolutely necessary? Definitely YES, if you ask us. New York is full of energy and vitality and impressively shows how many people of different origins can live side by side. Not only can you discover impressive and world-famous sights, but also have great experiences like climbing a skyscraper. Normally, I am someone who does not travel to the same place twice, but I would certainly make an exception for New York - provided that the temperatures are bearable for an ordinary person. Unfortunately, the wallet loudly protests when it hears New York. The city is very expensive, snacks and canned beer, for example, are very costly. And then there's the American tipping - the Americans expect about 18 - 20 percent. Nevertheless, you should not be deterred by this and experience the city of cities up close - at least once in a lifetime. View of the metropolis from the Rockefeller Center
