New York City photo diary: Tales from the Big Apple

A bucket list destination, I think. Maybe it was the city’s mythic reputation that set expectations too high, or perhaps it’s because I’m visiting later in life, after two previously cancelled trips with Sahir over the past eight years. Or maybe, quite simply, I really am a London woman through and through. But it took me a while to slowly fall into New York, and that's despite being there for 10 days.

First impressions of New York City

New York is described as the city that never sleeps; buzzing, bold, and alive with possibility. And it is all of that. But beneath its famous energy, I found a city that was busy and buzzing but without much purpose.

At first I struggled to grasp its identity, which makes sense as modern day North America is a byproduct of European immigrants. It’s this blend of cultures at such a big scale that makes the city so polarising and eclectic, yet it can also make it feel transient and hard to define.

There’s a sense of motion for motion’s sake, which perhaps reveals my European ‘slow living’ side. The city is known to have this ‘New York energy’ which I witnessed but did not experience; I didn't get caught up in it because I came with a curious mind and not any preconceived expectations, which served me very well.

The noise pollution was startling; construction, sirens, and constant hums that seem to echo through every borough. There are, of course exceptions as you branch away from Central Manhattan like The West Village in Greenwich, which I fell hopelessly in love with; a pocket of old-world charm with tree-lined streets and brownstone houses.

In contrast, Central Manhattan, and even parts of SoHo (another New York love affair), are swallowed by the noise. The grid system, while genius in its order making the city so easy to navigate, strips away much of the romance found in older cities across the globe. So many streets look identical. The skyscrapers, while iconic, can feel repetitive; coffee shops, art galleries, and offices are all hidden within the towering buildings that offer little hint of what lies inside.

Here’s a confession: I was utterly betrayed by the coffee.

I'm not sure who started this myth of New York having great coffee. It took me a while to realise a flat white isn’t a thing here and resorted to hopping from café to café ordering cappuccinos, lattes and every variation in between, only to discover that the one cup I truly enjoyed was a decaf. A friend later explained that New York is more of a drip coffee city, which makes perfect sense.

…If these aren't privileged complaints I don't know what are.

But…However….the loves of New York were just as many…

Below I uncover:

• The New York Art scene

• The New York skyline

• Central Park

• The West Village

• Soho

• The Meatpacking district

• Bergdorf Goodman

• Brooklyn

• Garden City

The New York Art scene

I had to dedicate a separate post for this entirely because the New York Art scene alone made the entire trip worth it. And without which I am not sure what my trip would have centred around. From The Met to MoMA and smaller independent galleries in Chelsea and SoHo, New York’s art world is nothing short of spellbinding.

The New York skyline

Late nights, city lights. I spoke about my love affair with city nights in my love letter to London. There is something magical about glistening lights spread ahead of you. We went up to the Empire State building at night (a great recommendation from a friend) and saw the city spread. Although, I would advise to go up the Rockefeller centre instead, because that way you can see the Empire State building amidst the skyline! 

Central Park

Lush and green, better kept than Hyde Park in London. Sahir and I cycled the park on, what turned out to be, a scorching summer’s day. There truly is something beautiful about skyscrapers contrasting the greenery.

The West Village

This was my love affair; Marylebone meets St John’s Wood. Even though we stayed in Greenwich which is where The West Village is located, it took us a few days to discover the right streets (start with Bleecker Street). Brownstones, cobblestones and boutique shops line every turn. The neighbourhood image of New York is pulled from these kinds of areas to make it seem like Central Manhattan, or areas around Central Park, are like this. But the Upper West Side and East Side are really not. So much so, even the protagonist of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshow, is shown to reside in the Upper West Side, but the filming of her brownstone house is actually of one situated in The West Village.

SoHo

I didn’t expect to fall in love with SoHo, but I did, completely. Upon arrival I stumbled upon Park West Gallery which set my SoHo tone for the whole day. Absolutely worth a visit. The cast-iron architecture, the curated boutiques and the overall creative energy was irresistible. My first trip to SoHo I spent a morning alone at Ladurée SoHo, brunching on orange blossom tea in their secret garden. The second time I went back with Sahir we had an al-fresco lunch at Sartiano’s.

The Meatpacking district

I don't know what I was expecting at The Meatpacking district, but it wasn't luxury like Hermès, Gucci, Loro Piana, Rolex. Chelsea Market is a stone's throw away so if you visit, it'll be worth tying these two together. Sahir and I also wandered across to walk alongside the Hudson; once again juxtaposed against the city skyline and a small man made beach. We went back in the evening for dinner at Catch NYC, a bustling, vibey affair where the truffle, sushi pizza (you read that correct) was my absolute favourite.

Bergdorf Goodman

Though it doesn’t quite match the atmosphere of London’s Harrods or Liberty, Bergdorf’s curation, especially in jewellery and emerging designer pieces, was so unique. I discovered new creative houses that I’d never encountered before, which is always what thrills me most about shopping: discovery, not consumption.

Brooklyn

Specifically, Williamsburg. We crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, wandered through DUMBO and took the ferry to explore the waterfront. The views of the New York City skyline at night evoked nostalgia. We ended with drinks at a rooftop bar (which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend too far, not enough payoff), but the experience was memorable nonetheless.

Garden city

For the first few days we stayed in Garden City, a quiet, leafy suburb outside Manhattan. It was a glimpse into suburban American life; charming cafés, warm neighbourhoods and evening walks where everyone seemed to know one another.

Would I Return?

Would I go back to New York? Honestly, not unless I had to. My heart truly does belong to London; it’s understated elegant and has a rich heritage with its own rhythm. The more I travel, the more I realise how deeply British I am in aesthetic, taste, and temperament. Nonetheless, I’m glad I went to NYC and I’m very grateful for the experience. I just didn’t leave my heart there.

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Tales of travel