There are cities you visit, and then there’s New York, the kind that sweeps you off your feet while honking at you to get out of the way. I went with my dad and my brother, which was lovely in its own way, but you know how family trips go. The two Javed men needed frequent rest stops, so I ended up carving out some solo adventures that turned into the best parts of my trip. This needs a two-part series to cover the complete scope of two whirlwind New York City afternoons. Here’s part one.
So there I was, bright and early with dad and my brother in tow, ready to tackle the ultimate NYC tourist checklist as a family. The morning was all about Lady Liberty, you know, that iconic green gal who’s been ‘welcoming’ folks before that went out of fashion. Caught the ferry from Battery Park, the three of us bobbing along with a bunch of equally excited tourists. The whole Statue of Liberty island experience was surprisingly cool, less cheesy than I expected, more “wow, I’m actually standing here” vibes. After soaking it all in, we hopped the ferry back to Manhattan, where the Javed men were already showing signs of tourist fatigue. I was still buzzing with energy and wanted to walk to soak in the city vibes, but was outnumbered by their dramatic sighs. We flagged down a cab outside Battery Park, the guys practically melting into the seats.
Then it was up to the One World Trade Center building to take in the views of the city from the top. Eventually, the Javed men were wiped after our morning activities, their energy depleted by the city’s relentless pulse. So they headed back to the hotel to recharge. I seized the opportunity and set out on my own, just me, my comfortable shoes, and a city waiting to be discovered. Freedom tastes different when it’s unexpected. Sweeter somehow, more intoxicating.
I walked from the One World Trade Center all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge, first passing the Oculus, a massive white transportation hub and shopping mall that stands alongside the Trade Center. From the outside, it’s designed to resemble a dove taking flight. My path then led me down the iconic Broadway Street, where I cranked up my carefully curated “Main Character Energy” playlist. The immaculate summer city vibes had everyone looking like they were auditioning for a tourism commercial, all sunglasses and purposeful strides. The journey itself became the destination. The streets unfolded before me like chapters in a novel I couldn’t put down.
When I finally reached the bridge, it was exactly as iconic as I’d hoped but somehow more personal than I expected. Every few steps, I’d pause, seemingly to take photographs, but really to breathe it all in: the cyclists whizzing by, couples taking selfies, the Manhattan skyline looking back at me like “Yeah, I know I’m impressive.” The city’s arrogance was part of its charm, it didn’t need to court my affection, it simply assumed it. The bridge’s massive stone towers stood like patient giants, probably judging my touristy awe but tolerating it nonetheless. I realised the bridge wasn’t just connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, it was connecting me to a quintessential New York moment that felt both cliche and meaningful. Just don’t tell the bridge I said that, it’s already got a big enough ego.
With my Brooklyn Bridge experience thoroughly checked off my New York bucket list, I decided my feet hadn’t suffered quite enough yet and charted a course for Wall Street. Because nothing says “vacation” like voluntarily walking to the financial district in summer heat, right? The streets narrowed as I ventured deeper into the concrete canyons. When I finally arrived at the famous Charging Bull, I found myself in the midst of what can only be described as a bizarre petting zoo for adults. Tourists lined up to grab the bull by the horns (and other parts) for good luck, while I stood back wondering if there’s a correlation between touching a metal bull’s nether regions and stock market performance.
Eventually, my feet filed an official complaint, and I knew it was time to wrap up my little Wall Street detour. I grabbed an iced coffee from a corner cafe and found a bench to sit and people-watch. That’s the thing about New York, it doesn’t just give you sights, it gives you scenes. A businessman yelling into his phone, a group of tourists trying to take a selfie with the Charging Bull while blocking traffic, a pigeon strutting like it owned the sidewalk. I sat there for a while, slightly sunburned, completely content. And as I eventually made my way back to the hotel, I realised I hadn’t just checked off landmarks, I’d slipped into a kind of daydream. ‘The Afternoon That Plays on Repeat (Part 2)’ coming soon, because this city had a lot more in store for me.