Visiting New York for the first time

Day 1

My first impression of New York was like "Damn, this is the NYPD car I always see in the movies?" The first day in New York was relaxed. My friend and I traveled from Toronto Pearson airport to JFK. I had very high expectations of JFK, but to my surprise, it was a bit of a letdown. The airport was quite stinky, and I could not understand why. Maybe it is due to the volume of people arriving and departing from New York.

JFK airport gates entry JFK airport outside

We took an Uber from the airport to our hotel in midtown Manhattan. We stayed at the Marriott hotel at 866 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022. For the price, we felt it was sufficient enough for the 10 days we were staying.

Marriott hotel room view

We went for food at Café Luce an Italian restaurant that allows you to customize your pasta. I got the bolognese pasta with salmon on the side. The food was tasty, although it did not meet my expecations, so I'll rate it a 7/10.

Cafe Luce Me at Cafe Luce Food at Cafe Luce

Shortly after, our friend arrived and we went to grab some dinner at Amy Fontaines.

Amy Fontatines

Day 2

For day 2, we went to Obao a thai restaurant. The food here was amazing, 10/10 in my books and the best asian restaurant I have eaten at.

Obao

I had the basil chicken fried rice.

Basil Friend rice

Shortly after eating, we took the subway to Time's square

Times square Times square Me in Times square

Day 3

Day 3 was more of a chill day, we mainly relaxed in the hotel room but in the evening we grabbed some Japanese Wagyu. The portions were a bit small but it was amazing beef. Best beef I have had. Unfortunately I realize I did not actually take picture of the beef. I guess I got carried away by how tasty it was. Overall I will give this spot 9/10. -1 because the portions were small for 3 people, and we paid $300 in total.

Wagyu Spot Wagyu Menu Me and friends having wagyu

Day 4

Day 4 was spent more in the hotel room and we did not go out really. I caught up with a friend I had not seen in 10 years who lives in New York.

I did visit a nice coffee shop though

Day 5

Day 5 was more of a relaxed day as well although I went for Sushi. We were busy through out the week so we decided to explore the city more from Friday

Sushi Spot Sushi

Day 6

This was a solo exploration day. I went to

  • MOMA (Museum of modern art)
  • Central park zoo (because I love animals)
  • A nice italian restaurant
  • New york comedy club

MOMA

MOMA MOMA MOMA MOMA

Central Park Zoo

Seal central park zoo Bear Monkeys Me in zoo

Comedy Club

Comedy club

Day 7

This day we went to the MOMA again in other to see more art. We also walked around the city and went to the empire state building.

Walking to empire state Boys peace Inside empire state Top of the city

This was our last day in New York. Its definitely a city I will be visiting again. I feel like there is always something to do, see or explore in the city.

Overall I rate the trip a 9/10. -1 Because I wish there was more time in the day to do more things, and it rained a couple days so could not really explore.

If you have any tips/recommendations on where I should visit the next time I'm in New York, please let me know!