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Hello! 👋
March 2019. For the second time in my life, I set out for the United States, this time with a clear goal: to experience life in the city that never sleeps and see for myself if New York is truly as magical as people say. I wanted to form my own opinion about this iconic place, free from the filters of friends’ stories or cinematic portrayals.
New York is a legendary city – a place of contrasts, hustle, and energy. But is it truly as intense, chaotic, and fascinating as people claim? Or is this “magic” just clever marketing? I set out to find the answers to these questions during my first days in this global metropolis.
How did we get to the United States?
This time, I was traveling with friends, so the three of us planned the entire trip together. I had it easier, as I had already sorted out my tourist visa a year earlier during my previous trip. My companions, however, had to go through the visa application process from scratch. While it sounds like a big challenge, it turned out to be simpler than expected. Of course, we answered the classic question about potential membership in terrorist organizations truthfully – none of us had such plans! 😂
Departure from Warsaw
Taking advantage of a promotion by LOT Polish Airlines, we managed to get tickets at an attractive price for a direct flight from Warsaw to New York. We opted for the “multi-city” option, which allowed us to return from a different city. Instead of flying back from New York, we planned our return from Los Angeles. I was scheduled to return a few days earlier, while my friends stayed behind to enjoy a bit more of the journey.
Interestingly, our flight was operated by an Airbus leased from Air Belgium rather than LOT’s standard Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Despite this, the journey went smoothly, and none of us were subjected to any additional security checks.
Passport check-in and arrival at hotel
After landing at JFK Airport in New York, we went through the standard passport control. Each of us received a stamp without any additional questions about our travel plans. The entire process was quick and hassle-free.
The plan was simple: take the AirTrain from JFK, transfer to the subway, and head to our hotel area. However, life in New York is anything but predictable. When we arrived at one of the subway stations, we discovered that part of the line was under maintenance. We had to switch to a bus, which made the journey a bit longer but gave us the chance to see a part of the city from a completely different perspective.
For the final leg of the journey, we walked to our destination. Strolling through Little Italy was quite enjoyable, even though we were already a bit tired from traveling. The narrow streets and charming restaurants radiated the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood, even in the evening hours. Finally, we arrived at our hotel, ready for the days of exploration ahead.
Traffic conditions
New York from above, or even from a bus window, looks like a perfectly planned grid of streets and avenues. But when you take a closer look, this grid operates under its own chaotic set of rules. Traffic? Constant jams, honking horns, pedestrians crossing whenever and wherever they please, and courier bikes weaving between cars. After just a few minutes of watching this organized chaos, I quickly realized that driving a car in this city is definitely not for me.
It only took a few glances at Manhattan’s crowded streets to firmly confirm my belief: driving here is a waste of time, patience, and sanity. With traffic this intense, you could easily spend half your life stuck in gridlock, searching for any possible route forward. It’s better to leave it to the locals, who’ve mastered the art of navigating through this chaos.
Why didn’t we rent a car here?
It wasn’t just the traffic that discouraged us from renting a car in New York City. The biggest obstacles turned out to be practical issues: the surcharges for renting a car in the city were significant. Even if we could accept the price, there was still the matter of parking. Finding an available parking spot in Manhattan is an art form in itself. On top of that, the costs were staggering: parking meters, paid parking zones, or garages that could cost as much as a hotel stay.
The combination of high costs, a lack of parking, and exhausting traffic led us to rely on the subway and walking. It turned out to be the best decision – fast, affordable, and a perfect way to soak in the city’s atmosphere, something we definitely would have missed while sitting in a car.
Public transport
The heart of this city beats in sync with its public transportation. Without the subway, buses, and countless taxis, New York would literally grind to a halt. The subway is by far the most popular way to get around – fast, affordable, and ubiquitous. Subway lines weave beneath the streets like a spider’s web, reaching nearly every corner of the city.
Subway
When talking about public transportation, you can’t overlook the New York subway. It’s a bustling underground city that moves millions of people every day. It’s fast, expansive, and absolutely essential to the city’s functioning. However, if you’re expecting the comfort, modernity, and cleanliness of a subway like the one in Warsaw, you’re in for a rather harsh reality check.
The New York subway is… unique. It’s ugly, grimy, and, unfortunately, often neglected. The trains seem to have seen better days, and the plastic seats practically beg for a deep cleaning. It feels like they’re made of a material designed to be hosed down with a pressure washer – just in case a passenger decides to surprise their fellow commuters with less-than-pleasant incidents.
Homeless individuals and the “local color” are also an integral part of the subway experience. The sheer number of bizarre situations you can witness there is almost surreal. In a single car, you might find a musician playing guitar, someone dressed as a superhero, and another person who clearly spends their entire day – if not more – in the subway. Honestly, there are moments when you hesitate to touch anything because cleanliness in many areas is, to put it mildly… questionable.
Heart of transportation
That said, credit where it’s due – the subway is incredibly extensive. The network of lines covers all boroughs of the city, and transfers are fairly intuitive. Because of this, the subway remains the most essential mode of transportation in New York, no matter what opinion you might have about it.
Looking back, I think the state of the New York subway is somewhat of a metaphor for the entire country. The countless TikTok videos showcasing homelessness or neglected places only reinforce the impression that, in some areas, America seems to be “rising” more with chaos than with progress. And yet, despite all of this, the subway keeps running, keeping this city in motion.
Bus communication
New York City buses are an interesting part of the public transportation system, though they’re neither as fast nor as convenient as the subway. They serve as a great complement to the underground network, especially for reaching areas that aren’t well-connected by subway lines. One big advantage is the opportunity to enjoy city views from the windows – something you definitely can’t do in the subway. However, patience is key, as traffic jams can easily delay any trip.
Buses are fairly easy to navigate, especially with the help of transport apps. The tickets are the same as for the subway – you can use a MetroCard or, more recently, contactless payment. The vehicles are modern, equipped with air conditioning and spaces for people with limited mobility. In theory, everything works smoothly, but in practice, riding a bus during rush hour is a true test of patience.
Interestingly, New York’s bus lines are so numerous and complex that even locals sometimes get confused by the route markings. Still, if you’re not in a hurry and want to see the city from a different perspective, buses can be a rather enjoyable option.
Gondola
A gondola in New York? Sounds unusual, but that’s exactly what the Roosevelt Island Tramway is – a cable car connecting Manhattan with Roosevelt Island. It’s one of the city’s more unique modes of transportation, serving a practical purpose while offering stunning views of the city from a completely different perspective.
The tramway glides over the East River, and the ride lasts just a few minutes. That’s enough time to take in the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers and the river below. The tram is integrated into New York City’s public transportation system, so all you need is a MetroCard to hop on and enjoy this unique experience.
Accommodation
During our stay in New York, we chose The Leon Hotel, located on Canal Street. This three-star hotel, while not offering luxury, turned out to be a fairly decent place to rest after long days of exploring the city.
Let’s start with the positives: the location was truly excellent. Being right on Canal Street gave us the perfect base for exploring the city. An added bonus was the view from our room overlooking the Manhattan Bridge – a rather pleasant way to start the day.
The room was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the three of us. It was clean, comfortable, and perfectly suited to our needs.
SIM card
Using a Polish SIM card in the United States can lead to high roaming charges, so it’s worth considering alternative solutions. Before our trip, we ordered a U.S. SIM card via Amazon, which turned out to be more cost-effective than buying one locally. We chose delivery to an Amazon Locker (the equivalent of an InPost parcel locker) located at a nearby 7-Eleven store, making it convenient to pick up our package.
Food
New York is a paradise for food lovers – the diversity of cuisines ensures there’s something for everyone. Breakfast quickly became our favorite part of the day – classic bagels with cream cheese and lox, fluffy pancakes, or eggs Benedict were staples that tasted absolutely amazing.
On the flip side, greasy food dominates in many places – burgers, fries, and fried snacks can get a bit overwhelming over time. Thankfully, alongside these heavy dishes, you can find cuisine from all over the world: ramen in Chinatown, Italian pizza, or fresh salads for a lighter option.
Exchange office or ATM?
When traveling to the United States, it’s worth considering whether to use currency exchange offices or ATMs. If you have a currency card, withdrawing cash from an ATM might be more cost-effective than exchanging money at a bureau de change. That said, card payments are widely accepted in the U.S., so you’ll rarely need cash. Personally, I only had to withdraw cash once during the entire trip.
Some private ATMs can be less secure and even used for scams like skimming or cash trapping. To minimize risk, it’s recommended to use ATMs operated by reputable banks, as these are typically better secured and monitored. Avoid machines in isolated locations or those that look suspicious or have unusual features.
Although the United States is a technological giant, when it comes to payments, you can still encounter places that feel like they’re stuck in another era. While contactless and mobile payments are widely accepted, there are exceptions where such options are unavailable. What’s more, some establishments still use imprinters to manually imprint card details onto paper – a true throwback to the 90s.
Climate and weather conditions
March and April in New York are transitional months when winter slowly gives way to spring. The weather can be unpredictable – one day it’s cold and windy, the next it’s pleasantly sunny and perfect for a stroll. It’s a good idea to pack clothing for all occasions, as mornings can be chilly, while afternoons might warm up enough to make a jacket unnecessary.
Another challenge in the city is the wind – especially between the towering buildings in Manhattan. At times, it felt like the wind was coming from every direction at once. It’s worth being prepared for these weather quirks, particularly if you’re planning extended outdoor sightseeing.
In summary, the weather during this time is manageable but unpredictable. Layered clothing and a compact umbrella in your bag are the keys to comfortably exploring New York in early spring.
Safety
New York is a city full of contrasts, including when it comes to safety. While it’s generally considered one of the safer large cities in the U.S., unexpected situations can still arise. For instance, in 2019, we passed by an injured man who had been shot – a sight that’s rather uncommon in Europe.
When exploring, it’s important to stay alert, especially in crowded areas like Times Square or Central Park, and to avoid less secure neighborhoods, particularly after dark. The New York subway is relatively safe, but it’s wise to avoid empty cars late at night. With a bit of common sense and caution, you can enjoy the charm of the city without major concerns.
Can New York be considered as safe as Dubai or other Middle Eastern cities? Not quite. While the city has its calmer and well-protected areas, it’s hard to compare it to places where public safety is nearly absolute, like in the United Arab Emirates.
Places we visited in New York
New York is a city filled with iconic landmarks that you simply have to see. During our visit, we managed to explore a few of them, but rather than going into detail here, I encourage you to check out a separate article 📝, where I’ve shared a detailed account of what I saw and how these places left their mark on me. If you’re planning your own trip, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and practical tips there! 🌆
Dirt and stink
While the city is fascinating, it has its less appealing side. In the evenings, sidewalks fill up with garbage bags waiting for collection, a common sight that doesn’t exactly enhance the city’s charm. Subway stations are often neglected, and the presence of rats has practically become a symbol of urban life in New York.
City authorities are taking steps to address the issue. In 2024, Mayor Eric Adams introduced a “trash revolution”, replacing garbage bags with wheeled bins to limit rodents’ access to waste. Something that’s more or less standard in Europe… An interesting kind of revolution indeed.
Despite these efforts, the problem remains noticeable. While walking through New York, it’s worth being prepared for these less pleasant aspects of urban life. It’s simply part of the daily reality of this metropolis that both locals and tourists have to navigate.
Continuation of the expedition…
New York is a place unlike any other. The towering skyscrapers are truly striking – the city’s skyline is something that stays with you forever. It’s a sight you simply won’t find in Warsaw. There’s something magical about it, a testament to the scale and ambition of this metropolis.
However, despite the impressive architecture, after a few days, I started to miss the calm and cleanliness I’m used to in Warsaw. Sure, we have rude drivers and our own issues, but the city feels more orderly. In New York, the hustle, dirt, and chaos can be overwhelming – especially if you value space and tranquility in your daily life.
It’s a place worth visiting at least once, but could I live there? Probably not. I think I prefer our Warsaw reality, with all its flaws, over the constant intensity that New York serves up.
The next leg of our journey took us on a flight to San Francisco. If you’re curious about what we saw, the impressions this city left on us, and what happened next, be sure to check out the next chapter of our adventure! 🌉 ✈️
