“It’s a new soundtrack I could dance to this beat, beat forevermore. The lights are so bright but they never blind me, me. Welcome to New York, it’s been waitin’ for you. Welcome to New York, welcome to New York!”
So, finally, after one – let’s say interesting – night at a motel in Albany (with lots of indefinable stains on my bedsheets), we made it to New York City! The first two days we couldn’t really believe that we were actually walking through the Big Apple – it was amazing! We were literally overwhelmed. And because we didn’t really knew where to start, we decided to go on a Hop on Hop off bus tour on day one to get a first impression of the city. Whenever we wanted, we hopped off the bus to take our pictures and explore the streets. Prepare for a long post haha
Maybe it wasn’t 100 % true when I said we didn’t know where to start. Because all three of us couldn’t wait to see one place: the Empire State Building. Such a cool way to start our NYC experience.
Empire State Building, 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
The Flatiron Building was next. This was also on top of my to do list. I saw it on so many pictures and wanted to get a pic of this famous landmark myself.
Flatiron Building, 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Strolling through 5th Ave and Broome Street. Such a pretty neighbourhood – and so New York!
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Snack time: We also went to Black Tap for these awesome milkshakes. Sure, we had to stand in line for a while (maybe it’s been 45 minutes), it’s not really cheap and there’s no chance that you can finish these but – look at it! We just had to do it. Also it was close to Taylor Swift’s and Beyoncé’s apartments as well as the High Line where we also went.
Black Tap, 529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
And another classic: St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Love the mix of old and new architecture!
St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Somewhere along Mott Street and Perry Street. Couldn’t take enough pictures of those houses! Also we found pizza for 1$ here.
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This pic was taken on Vanderbilt Avenue. With the Grand Central Station in the foreground and the Chrysler Building in the background.
Grand Central Station, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
The view from the Top of the Rock – no metal bars plus the Empire State Building. I guess I liked this one better. It’s easier to get a good picture and isn’t that view just iconic? I would totally get up here again!
Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
And now: I’ve seen it in so many movies and now we actually walked across it. Standing on the Brooklyn Bridge is one of these moments when you really realise (again): I’m in New York City! And don’t let the grey sky fool you, it’s been a hot day.
(I couldn’t have wished for any better travel companions. I think it’s impossible to not have an awesome time with these two!)
Coney Island – I love how you only have to take the subway for about 20 minutes and voilá, you’re at the beach. Totally different vibe.
And back to NYC/Brooklyn. The view from Brooklyn Bridge Park is truly amazing! The best place to have a look at the skyline. One of my favorite places in NYC I’d say.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
That day we also decided to not stand in line for the Statue of Liberty for half of the day and instead took the Staten Island Ferry that takes you past Liberty Island. This is the view at the Financial District, Manhattan, from the ferry. It takes you from Manhattan to Staten Island and back – for free.
Another must: Ground Zero and the One World Trade Center.
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One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
We also biked through Central Park, saw a Broadway show (Kinky Boots, so good), ate a lot of Burger’s at Shake Shack, went to Ellen’s Stardust diner (where the waiters sing), went shopping, spent time at Times Square, went to Taylor Swifts and Beyoncé’s apartments, saw some murals on Motte street, have been to Carrie Bradshaw’s house and I’ve been to the Moma … So I still have a ton of other pics but I think I’ll leave it here. Our time in NYC was amazing and I think I’ll need some time to process everything I saw and did. I definitely have to come back. So much more to explore!
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Anika in Umeå 
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