# New York City Travel 2019 – Life in the City That Never Sleeps

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/north-america/united-states-new-york-2019-the-city-that-never-sleeps/
- Published: 2024-12-07T22:40:29+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/ameryka-polnocna/stany-zjednoczone-nowy-jork-2019-miasto-ktore-nigdy-nie-spi/)

 Table of contents

## 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](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=pl-pl&city=318)
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.

 [ ⌊Tall Flatiron Building and street clock on a busy intersection in New York City, USA at sunset⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-039-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊NYPD police van in New York City with “POLICE” and “NYPD” on the side⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-040-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Exhibit display in a New York City museum showing vintage ticket and bus fare machines⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-041-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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

. 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.

 [ ⌊Man in a jacket taking a selfie in New York City, outside a covered station walkway at dusk⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-001.jpeg)

 [ ⌊People waiting at a New York City subway terminal platform near signs for Terminal 8 and Track 2⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### 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](https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train)
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.

 [ ⌊Subtphin Blvd–Archer Ave station platform in New York City with a subway train and JFK signage⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Neon “Welcome to Little Italy” sign over a New York City street with cars and buildings at night⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

 [ ⌊New York City street scene with cars, pedestrians, brick buildings, and leafless trees along a roadway⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City street scene with a white bus, yellow taxi, and tall buildings under a clear sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Street scene in New York City with cars, pedestrians, and apartment buildings along the roadway⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City apartment building facade with metal fire escapes and street parking under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City street scene with heavy traffic and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background at sunset⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

 [ ⌊People waiting outside a Subway entrance in New York City with a parked bicycle in front⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Turnstiles and subway platforms in New York City, with signs reading Uptown & The Bronx only⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City subway car interior with passengers seated and overhead route signs reading “Times Square.”⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Grand Central sign inside New York City subway station, with mosaic tiles and tiled walls⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City railway tracks with a warning sign reading “Do not cross or cross tracks”⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

#### Heart of transportation

, 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.

 [ ⌊Tram South and Tram North departure display board inside a New York City transit area⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City bridge structure over the river with steel trusses and city skyline in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Roosevelt Island Tramway station in New York City with the tram platform and skyline in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City skyline with the riverfront and bridge at sunset, USA.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Accommodation

During our stay in [New York](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=pl-pl&city=318),
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.

 [ ⌊New York City street scene with a stone archway bridge and high-rise buildings at sunset⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

 [ ⌊New York City article photo: pancakes topped with strawberries and blueberries on a plate in a restaurant.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-020-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City article photo showing a plate of fried chicken with noodles and a NBC Sports cap on a table⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-022-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Jia Duo Bao Herbal Tea can on a table in New York City, USA⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Man resting his chin at a cafe booth in New York City, with people dining in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

 [ ⌊USA, New York City ATM with “#7717SCOMING” sign and cash and card slots on a Hyosung machine⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

 [ ⌊New York City street scene with an NYPD van and the Big Bus New York sightseeing bus in view⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Walkway through a park in New York City, with people strolling among leafless trees and green grass⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-026-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Macy’s The World’s Largest Store banner on a building in New York City with pedestrians crossing the street⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-029-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Skyscrapers in New York City skyline with a statue in the foreground⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-027-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Man holding shopping bags in front of an NYPD vehicle and Times Square billboards in New York City⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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 ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/north-america/united-states-what-i-saw-in-new-york-city-in-2019/)
📝, 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! 🌆

 [ ⌊USA, New York City article photo showing a hotel lobby with a glass elevator and people walking between desks and seating areas⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-030-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City street outside a large building lined with international flags, with pedestrians walking by⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-031-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Memorial fountain and engraved names on a stone wall in New York City, USA, with tall skyscrapers in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-032-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊USA, New York City Article photo: Rear view of a wrecked armored vehicle display in a museum.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-033-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City Article photo of the NYSE building façade with U.S. flags and an @NYSE Instagram banner⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-034-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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.

”, 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.

 [ ⌊New York City public garden scene with a covered cart and bundled items beside a person in a jacket⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-035-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City street at night with piled delivery boxes and trash near a curb under traffic lights⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-036-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊New York City street corner with a STOP sign and piled black trash bags behind a fenced gate⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-037-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## 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**](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=pl-pl&city=13801).
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! 🌉 ✈️

 [ ⌊New York City airport tarmac with Emirates, a Caribbean Airlines plane, and parked jets at the gates⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-new-york-city-038-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)