Yellow cabs move through lines of sparkling lights and concrete structures. I stand tall above them, having overcome my fear of heights to climb New York’s fourth-highest skyscraper. Viewing the city from the observation deck of One Vanderbilt, which is 368 meters above the ground, is a thrilling experience that highlights the immense size of Manhattan.
As it celebrates its 400th anniversary, the city remains lively and energetic, a diverse cultural hub filled with individuals from all corners of the world.
Initially known as New Amsterdam in the 1620s, founded by Dutch settlers, this modest community expanded quickly throughout the 18th century due to several influxes of immigrants.
The blending of cultures has influenced New York, a city made up of five boroughs each with its own distinct history and charm. The most well-known neighborhood is Manhattan, a region filled with historical sites that create a sense of overwhelming admiration.
Excited to explore the past and uncover what the future has in store, I’m taking a brief visit.
Opening my eyes in the middle of the excitement
Collapsing onto my hotel bed following a lengthy flight, I look toward the window and spot a view of the crown jewel of the skyline. Once the tallest structure in the city, the Empire State Building, famous for its unique art deco design, symbolizes New York’s drive, evoking memories of an era when the city stood for opulence, style, and energy.
A standout feature of staying at the NH Collection on Madison Avenue is enjoying the impressive city views. Located in a historic red-brick structure, the hotel offers a warm retreat right in the middle of the bustling area, enchanting guests with its classic elements and elegant design. The property also includes the Italian restaurant Serafina, offering a comfortable spot for a buffet breakfast and an energetic dining atmosphere in the evening.
The hotel’s entire design concept is mid-century modern, featuring minimal decorative elements that evoke a sense of 1950s New York—such as typewriters and historical trinkets.
Wandering and eating through history
Close by, the High Line is a pathway that brings you to the same level as Manhattan’s buildings. This area, filled with large areas of greenery, was constructed on an old freight railway that was no longer used in the 1980s. As I stroll through this “park in the sky,” I enjoy art displays and architectural features, occasionally catching the smell of flowers or freshly made bread from nearby bagel shops.
I then head to Chelsea Market, a hub for food and shopping in the city’s Meatpacking District. The High Line once transported goods to the local butchers, but those areas are now filled with strong-smelling restaurants, a paradise for food lovers.
Choosing a more upscale lunch, I eat at the rooftop restaurant at RH New York, another location that provides views of the Manhattan skyline. Combining Mediterranean-style food with American influences, the lunch menu features grilled meats, unique salads, and caviar prepared in three different ways.
Evidence that the restaurant scene has much more to offer than just chips and burgers, abcV is a plant-based eatery by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I stop by for dinner, appreciating the sleek, white design and plates featuring remarkable vegetables. Establishments like this reflect New York as a whole, embracing the new while honoring the old, with menus shaped by the people and locations that define the city.
Exploring the neighbourhoods
A part of New York with a strong sense of tradition is the Bronx. The Ramirez brothers, who own the Bronx Beer Hall, are working to shift views about the neighborhood, which was frequently seen as unsafe during the 1980s and 1990s. Their beer hall, located in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, attracts both visitors and residents; older men roll cigars near the entrance while locals offer deli meats in the back.
As the city’s financial hub, Manhattan provides a more refined atmosphere than the Bronx, yet both are equally remarkable. Indeed, every borough has its own distinct charm. While Queens is famous for its diverse culinary offerings and creative neighborhoods, Staten Island offers a more laid-back vibe, featuring green areas that serve as a retreat from the city’s hustle. There’s also Brooklyn, known for its fashionable cafes and historic brownstone buildings that draw Instagram influencers in search of their next perfect shot.
On my final day in the city, I explored Central Park, a famous green area that serves as a sanctuary amidst the urban landscape. I recognize this park from movies and television series; “Friends,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Enchanted” are some that pop into my mind as I sit on a bench and enjoy a bagel loaded with toppings.
Considering my brief visit, I find myself wondering how long it would take to discover every brownstone building, skyscraper, bagel shop, museum, and park. Despite being vastly different in many aspects, New York has also developed a unique identity over time. Often, reality doesn’t match the imagination – but New York is just as amazing as I had hoped it would be.
