NYC Day 1: It’s New York Times

In my United States checklist, New York city was the second in my list after the majestic Niagara Falls. We planned to visit both the places in one go on an Independence Day weekend, this Spring of 2015. You can check out my trip to the ‘Majestic Niagara Falls.‘ It was amazing. We took an Amtrak train from Niagara Falls station around 7:00 AM and reached Penn Station, New York around 3:30 PM. The scenic beauty outside will keep you engaged for quite a lot of time. 

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

Penn Station or Pennsylvania Station, NY is the major city & interstate rail transit hub beneath Madison Square with tons of great shops and eateries as well and enough space to move around without feeling claustrophobic. There are many different transit lines that are at this station and can be very easy to get lost at least for a tourist like me but the people are very friendly and helping.

As I came outside the station, I was feeling the top of the world that I was in the ‘World’s greatest city or rightly referred as New York is not a city but a world itself’. There were spectacular views all around and my eyes got confused as which side to look at? We took a taxi to our hotel located in lower Manhattan.

Hotel Check-In

Our hotel was the World Center Hotel, located next to the World Trade Center Memorial & Museum and Freedom Tower in Downtown. This was the smallest and the most expensive room I had ever stayed in my life. But no regrets because it was New York City and the Manhattan Downtown’s view was breathe taking from the 19th floor. You couldn’t ask for anything more.

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

World Trade Center National September 11 Memorial & Museum

It was already 6:00 PM and we thought to take a stroll around the World Trade Center Memorial. More than 3000 citizens were killed here and it is a fitting tribute to all who lost their lives on that tragic day. Though I didn’t like its commercialization part, where you need to buy a ticket for entering the museum. Anyways, this is a very emotional site especially after witnessing the destruction on TV. You have no idea until you are standing there and then it hits you hard.

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

 The Memorial  Museum is beautiful, solemn and astounding. Building the museum on the exact footprint of the original WTC was brilliant. I couldn’t stop my tears streaming several times throughout the tour as if it happened yesterday. Listening to the messages left to their loved ones were very hard to hear. I also thought it was special to have the opportunity to leave an audio message about that day. All in all, the museum was powerful and peaceful at the same time. Still, can’t believe this happened. To see all of the faces, hear their names and read their stories of those who lost their lives is extremely disturbing and disappointing.

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

Times Square

Our next stop was Times Square- the part of the city that never sleeps at night. This is the tourist hub spot. If you haven’t visited Time Square, then you haven’t visited New York. Everything is dazzling all around with millions of lights and screens and World’s best Broadway shows. The only disappointing part is it’s always too crowded. Hardly you will get a place to sit somewhere. There are long queues with drawn-out waiting time everywhere. If you are in the shopping mood, then you must have lots of patience to stand in never-ending queues of trial rooms or payment counters for hours. 

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

The most annoying part of the Times Square are these Cartoon Characters who will get your nerves for money. Even if you want to get clicked yourself with one character, so many characters will come in your picture and ask for tips. Just be little careful as they keep on harassing the tourist. I ended up giving them 20 dollars and they wanted more.

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times

Overall, this place is amazing, full of life and a melting pot of different cultures. This is one of NYC’s most well-known attractions and it’s a ‘must see’ just because you can. It’s free and spectacular. With a mix of food, street performers, people watching, and a gazillion dazzling lights, it is definitely something to see at least once in a lifetime.

NYC Day 1: It's New York Times


The NYC Sightseeing Pass

My first day in the world’s largest concrete jungle, the city of Skyscrapers, the Big Apple was an incredible experience. I had a mixed emotion after witnessing the tragic memorial World Trade Tower site and the most happening place in the city. My long day was finally about to end.

Do check out my NYC Day 2 and Day 3 experience in the next posts. Let me know your NYC experience or any memories you would like to share in the comments below.

Happy Traveling!
Ana

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70 Comments

    1. Ashleigh

      October 19, 2015

      Looks like you had a fab time in NYC! We have a trip planned for next month and I can’t wait! Thank you for sharing your details, they will be so helpful for me!

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 19, 2015

        Hey Thanks Ashley. I bet you will be having a great time out there. There are so many things to explore in Manhattan’s itself. 🙂

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 19, 2015

        Hey Hi, Thanks for sharing your memories. It’s too much to explore that as a traveler, sometime you feel disappointed that you are unable to see all the places due to time constraint. 🙂

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    1. Rachel (@thedigger0)

      October 17, 2015

      Hey Anamika,

      Great post and it took me back to when I visited as a back packer. I could not agree – Times Square is amazing although I did not see it at night, it was extremely busy. This concrete city is amazing to visit but wonders how people remain patient. I visited way before 9/11 and the Trade Centre was still there, but I could imagine how strong the mood would been with your visit. Thanks for sharing.

      Rachel.

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 18, 2015

        Hey Rachel, Thanks for sharing your memories. The WTC memorial and museum is very intense and it hits hard from within. Thanks once again for stopping by and wish you have a great weekend. 🙂

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    1. Amy Butler

      October 17, 2015

      Happy you seem to be enjoying my hometown. 🙂 Times Square at night is brilliant! I know the costumed characters are a huge problem and the city is trying to be stricter with them. If anyone ever feels harassed, there’s a police station in Times Square and you can always go to the police. Hopefully that helps!

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 17, 2015

        Hey Thanks Amy. You are so lucky to stay in World’s greatest city and thanks again for sharing valuable information regarding Time Square’s costume characters. 🙂

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    1. cramos13

      October 17, 2015

      I’ve never been to NYC but my son went a couple years ago and loved it. It’s on my bucket list though. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. The pics are awesome Anamika!

      Hope you’re having a great weekend!

      Cori

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 17, 2015

        Hey Thanks Cori. 🙂 Yeah NYC experience just gets me so higher with NYC fever 😀 You too have a great weekend. 🙂

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    1. Shann Eva

      October 17, 2015

      I went to NYC when I graduated from high school, and I loved it. I haven’t been back, but would love to take my son, as he loves all the tall buildings and big cities. I can definitely see how you would be emotional seeing the memorial.

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      1. Anamika Ojha

        October 17, 2015

        Hey Hii Shann. Yes the city has something that no could escape from its spell. It’s mesmerizing experience and Thanks for sharing your memories. Have a great weekend. 🙂

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