My first visit to New York – City of 1$ Pizza slice

1,000 Cars are stolen every month in New York !!

What I knew about New York was based on Hollywood movies and TV news . 9/11 Trade Center attack , tall buildings , group of Yellow Cabs , Statue of Liberty , NYPD Police cars chasing  , mob looting high brand shops , gun shooting , travelling in Subway and  peoples gathering at glittering Time square. I wanted to see all myself , so I made my first visit to New York.

New York is the largest city of USA with a population of 8 millions +  . Britisher ruled US from 1607 to 1783 . New York is a historical city of United State and was US capital in year 1785. New York comes in to limelight in 18^th century with Industrial revolution.  Statue of Liberty was erected in an island in New York in year 1886. The city grew faster after first world war . After first world war the monumental building of Empire State building was completed in year 1930. Most of the Building of New York are old aged with many new modern Skyscrapers constructed in recent time.

Likes of New York –
 
New York has many qualities that make it stand out globally as a tourist destination. Here are some of the best things about New York:
 
 1. Cultural Diversity-
Home to over 8 million people from nearly every country in the world.
Neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Harlem, and Jackson Heights celebrate different cultures, languages, and cuisines.
 
 2. Arts and Culture-
World-class museums: The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, American Museum of Natural History.
Broadway and Off-Broadway shows set the standard for theater worldwide.
Vibrant music, dance, and literary scenes.

3. Landmarks and History-
Iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Saint Patrik church and Times Square.
Deep historical roots, from colonial times to modern civil rights movements.
 
 4. Economic Powerhouse-
Headquarters of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Wall Street.
United Nation UN head quarter is also in New York
A global hub for finance, media, fashion, real estate, and tech.

5. Public Transportation-
One of the largest and most accessible subway systems in the world.
Walking, biking, ferries, and buses make getting around relatively easy compared to most U.S. cities.
 
 6. Incredible Food Scene-
Offers food from nearly every culture—from $1 pizza slices to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Famous for bagels, hot dogs, pastrami, cheesecake, halal carts, and more.

7. Green Spaces –
Central Park, Prospect Park, The High Line, and Bryant Park offer nature and relaxation amid the urban hustle. New York has 22% green cover.
NYC has over 1,700 parks across the five boroughs.

8. Architectural Variety –
Skyscrapers, brownstones, historic churches, modern towers—New York blends old and new. New York have many old design and historical buildings
Constantly evolving skyline, yet rich with preserved heritage.
 
 9. Freedom of Expression-
A city where people can be themselves—whether in fashion, identity, or politics.
It’s often seen as the heartbeat of progressiveness and free speech in America.
 
 10. Resilience-
From 9/11 to blackouts, recessions, and pandemics, New York has a legendary spirit of bouncing back stronger.

 Facts About New York –

Cons of New York  City –
New York is an incredible city, but like any major metropolis, it has its downsides. Here are some of the most commonly cited negatives about living in or visiting New York City:
 
1. High Cost of Living
 NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. and the world.
Rent, food, transportation, and entertainment can be prohibitively expensive.
Even basic groceries and services often cost more than in other cities.
 
 2. Noise, Crowds, and Chaos
 Constant hustle and bustle, with crowded streets, subways, and sidewalks—especially in Manhattan.
Noise from traffic, sirens, construction, and nightlife is common, even at night.

3. Cleanliness Issues –
 Garbage often sits on sidewalks (due to lack of alleyways), contributing to:
Rodents (especially rats)
Odors, especially in summer
Certain areas feel grimy or neglected despite being high-traffic.
 
4. Aging Infrastructure –
 The subway system, while extensive, is often delayed, dirty, or under repair. Many Subway are dark , dirty and have bad odour.
Public housing, roads, and other infrastructure can be outdated or in poor condition.
 
5. Income Inequality –
 Massive gap between rich and poor:
Luxury high-rises next to homeless encampments
Some neighbor  hoods lack basic services, while others are overflowing with wealth

6. Housing Crisis –
 Affordable housing is hard to find.
Long waiting lists for public housing and rent-controlled apartments.
Gentrification has pushed out longtime residents in many neighborhoods.
 
 7. Harsh Weather Extremes
Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Climate change has also brought more intense weather (e.g., Hurricane Sandy, extreme heat, and flash floods).
 
 8. Safety Concerns in Some Areas –
While overall crime is down long-term, some neighborhoods still struggle with violence or theft.
Recent spikes in retail theft and mental health-related incidents on public transit have raised concern.
 
 9. Fast-Paced and Stressful –
 The “New York minute” is real: everything moves quickly, and people can be rushed or impatient.
High-pressure work environments and long commutes can take a toll on mental health.
 
10. Overwhelming for Some –
 For newcomers or visitors, NYC can feel intimidating, disorienting, or lonely despite the crowds.

Top 15 Major Attractions in New York
 
New York City is filled with iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. Here’s a list of the top major attractions to visit—
 
1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Symbol of freedom and immigration
Made of Copper but now look green
Gifted by France and Erected in Island in 1886
 
2. Empire State Building
Classic 1930s skyscraper – 443 mtr tall – 102 Floor
observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors
 
3. Central Park
A nature green oasis in the middle of Manhattan
Area – 3.4 km2 ( 4km X 0.8 Km )
Fresh Air Oxygen  point  for New Yorkers

4. Times Square
Neon lights, huge billboard , crowds, and the energy of NYC in one place
More than 400,000 people visit time square every day.
Famous spot for $1 pizza slice outlets .
Time Square is not a square shape plaza , but it is a junction of Broadway  , 7^th Avenue and 42^nd street and consists 5 blocks .
 
5. Broadway & Theater District
World-class musicals and plays
41 broadways cinema & theater
I watched Michael Jackson – MJ the Musical

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
One of the greatest art museums in the world
MET Gala happen every here at MET
Massive collection from ancient Egypt to modern art
 
7.  Memorial & Museum – 9/11
A powerful tribute to the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks on 9/11
Reflecting pools sit where the Twin Towers once stood
Name of all people died are engraved on 9/11 monuments pool

8. Brooklyn Bridge
1.8km long , Made of steel
Took 25 year and completed in 1883
Connects Manhattan to Brooklyn
Great to pair with a visit to DUMBO , open stall sale under bridge
 
9. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Home to Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and more
Modern and contemporary art lovers will enjoy it deeply
 
10. Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
Observation Deck at Floor 67 & 70
For Shopping , Dining & Observation Deck
A less-crowded alternative to the Empire State Building
Offers an unobstructed view of Central Park and the Empire State Building
 
11. The High Line
An elevated park built on a former rail line
Art installations, gardens, views of the Hudson River
 
12. Fifth Avenue
Luxury shopping, iconic window displays
landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Public Library

13. One World Observatory – Freedom Tower
Atop the new One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) at 100^th Floor
Freedom tower has 104 floors
Floor-to-ceiling views and a multimedia experience
 
14. Grand Central Terminal
A masterpiece of architecture with its celestial ceiling and bustling atmosphere
Visit the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar
 
15. Chinatown & Little Italy
Explore historic immigrant neighborhoods
Amazing food, cultural festivals, and local markets

16.  Other tourist points
SUMMIT – the observatory in three floor 91 to 93^rd floor
The Bronx Zoo – Largest urban zoo in the U.S.
Coney Island – Historic amusement park and boardwalk
Chelsea Market – Foodies paradise
The Vessel at Hudson Yards – Architectural spiral staircase
New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx
Louis Vuitton Building

Law and order in New York –
Crime in New York City has seen dramatic changes over the decades. New York now rank 24 / 50 in crime rate of USA. NYPD doing best to keep the law under control. Here’s a detailed overview of the major crime situation

Historical Overview –
The 1980s and early 1990s were marked by:
Drug epidemics (especially crack cocaine)
Gang violence
High levels of murder, robbery, and assault
 
Mid-1990s–2010s: Major Decline in Crime rate in New York due to
Community policing
Economic growth
 
By the 2010s, NYC was one of the safest large cities in the U.S.
Murders dropped below 300 annually in some years.
Subway and street crime became rare in many neighborhoods.
 
Since 2022–2024 – Overall crime rata stabilise with less Robbery , Murder & thefts

Current note – law and order in New York  :

New York Police deptt (NYPD) force have 36,000 Uniformed officers to control Law & order
NYPD have a fleet of 9,000 Car / vehicles .
20% New Yorkers have guns
1.7 Million New Yorker  have guns
Murder rates are higher than the mid-2010s @ 200/year
Currently Gun violence case in New York city is 700 / year
Subway crime is rare but highly visible
Retail theft and shoplifting have increased, now @ 30,000/ year
13,000 car are stolen every Year in New York
Shop theft less than $1,000/= are usually not reported to Police as it is consider as minor wrong doing (misdemeanour ) . Shops claim the loss via theft insurance .

$1 Pizza Slice in New York
Yes!  The $1 pizza slice is a beloved part of New York City . For Foodie & food culture it is fast, cheap, and surprisingly good.
Quick Facts About $1 Pizza in NYC
Known as “dollar slice” pizza.
Usually cheese only, thin-crust New York style.
Found mostly around Time Square . More than 40 outlet in New York.
Perfect for a quick snack or budget meal.

My First impression about New York city –
 As soon as I stepped out of JFK Airport, a wave of cool, humid air hit me-even the air felt foreign. Stepping out of JFK felt like diving into a filmi set. Yellow cabs, steam rising from manholes, police sirens in the distance that what I have been watching in Hollywood movies. The roads were wide, no much clean, but organized—no honking. Taxis zoomed by in bright yellow, just like in the movies.
The skyline was something else. Standing under those massive skyscrapers, neck craned upward, it felt surreal. The buildings didn’t just scrape the sky—they seemed to own it.

Times Square ?  – It was madness in lights. Neon signs, giant screens flashing ads, and tourists from every country clicking selfies. It reminded me of Diwali lights of India , but bigger, bolder, and blinking non-stop. People walked fast—like they were all late for something important. No one stopped.
The diversity was shocking, but comforting—I saw Koreans running food carts, Arabs driving cabs, Chinese tourists in groups, tourist families scattered here and there. The people walk like they’re late to everything. There’s no lingering or strolling here—just purposeful, determined marching. Hearing Hindi songs at the subway and Time square made me smile. Food?  – I was sceptical. But within hour I found food to my taste . Still, I missed my Kadak Chai. At Hotel , the wait at lift for dining hall at level-2 for free breakfast was over 40 Minutes  , so we end up eating our breakfast in an outside restaurants.

And yet, there was something magical—a strange freedom in the air. No one cared how you dressed up, spoke, or looked. Everyone belonged, and yet no one did. I felt invisible, but free.
My first visit to New York was chaotic, cold, beautiful, rain drenched and exhausting. It was raining all the four day of my visit and an umbrella kept my company. New York didn’t try to impress you—but somehow, it did anyway to some extent. For me , New York was not a love at first sight except Time Square.

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