Concrete jungle, meet bug-sized adventures! From skyscraper shadows to iconic sights, New York City never fails to dazzle. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, every street hums with energy, and the skyline stretches like a canvas of dreams. In this whirlwind tour of my Bug-Sized Adventures in New York City, I traded quiet trails for bustling avenues, swapped forest canopies for towering steel giants, and let the city’s rhythm guide my every step. From marveling at architectural wonders to discovering hidden gems, each moment was a new chapter in an adventure only the Big Apple could deliver. Join me as I retrace my steps through this unforgettable journey I made in August last year – where the magic of New York met The Bug Girl in all its grandeur.
Flying High and Sitting Still: The Journey to NYC
In August, my brother and I embarked on a seven-day adventure to New York City. We flew from Amsterdam Schiphol to JFK with Delta — my first long-haul flight. Excited? Absolutely. Comfortable? Surprisingly, yes. I’m not that tall, so plenty of leg space. But sitting still for hours? That’s a different story!
The food on the flight there was better than expected, but let’s just say the return meal left a lasting (and not-so-great) impression. To pass the time, I watched two movies. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was… decent. But Madam Web? I couldn’t even finish it. Marvel fans, trust me, you’re not missing much.
When we finally touched down in the Big Apple, we opted for the subway to get into Manhattan. Why? Simple: only a few bags to haul and a tighter budget. As broke students, we were all about keeping it affordable – and the subway was the perfect ride to kick off our adventure.
Home Base in the Heart of the City
We made our temporary home at Motto by Hilton Times Square, a sleek, brand-new hotel that had opened less than a year earlier. Small spaces are standard in NYC, and this was no exception, but it had everything we needed: modern design, incredibly comfy beds, complimentary water bottles and snacks daily, and even a mini-fridge. Housekeeping came daily, keeping the room spotless, making sure we could focus on the city without worrying about where we were staying. It was the perfect base for a week of exploration.
That said, not everything was smooth sailing. The curtain over our big window had a rebellious streak. It got stuck. A lot. And – oops – it even fell off the wall at one point. We had to call reception for help at least twice. They fixed it, but it never quite kept all the light out. Being on the ninth floor right in Times Square, I expected to hear the city’s buzz all night, but the noise was surprisingly a non-issue. The giant M&M Store billboard, though? That thing was relentless. Its glow snuck right into our room. (Honestly, I think the billboard might have been a secret roommate.) Light doesn’t really bother me, so I slept just fine, but if you’re sensitive to brightness, it’s something to consider before booking near Times Square.
The First Day: An Early Morning and Exploring the Quiet Side of Times Square
After a long flight and a whirlwind of excitement, we finally arrived at our hotel in the late evening NYC time. Naturally, we had to unpack and grab a quick dinner to recharge – but try as we might, we both woke up bright and early at around 5 a.m. (Thanks, jet lag). Despite our best efforts to stay up late, our bodies had other plans.
I took a quick shower to wake up, and then we ventured out to start our first full day in the city. The best part? Our hotel’s unbeatable location! Just round the corner, and we were standing right in the heart of Times Square!! There’s something magical about walking through the streets when everything is still quiet and peaceful – the lights still twinkling but the hustle and bustle a little slower. We took a bunch of photos, soaking in the sights and the energy, even if the city was just waking up.
As we strolled, we passed a few stores, talking about what we’d want to check out later. Eventually, our stomachs led us to a McDonald’s for breakfast (keeping it real, folks) and come on you kinda have to try McDonald’s in America as a European. NYC can be super expensive, especially with tipping always in the mix, so we kept it low-key when it came to meals. Takeaway was our go-to, except for a couple of times when we treated ourselves.
The rest of the morning was spent wandering into some cool shops along Times Square that we don’t have back in the Netherlands. Hershey’s store? Check. Forever 21? Double check! It’s a shame it’s not around in Europe anymore, but I couldn’t resist a quick browse. I bought a whole new outfit, because it was raining the first few days in New York and I didn’t pack the right clothes for the weather.
After all the exploring, we made our way over towards the Empire State Building area, with a pit stop at Target, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty. Nothing like stocking up on beauty essentials in a new city, right?
For lunch, we hit up Shake Shack. Everyone online raves about how it’s better in New York, but I’ve had it in London, and honestly, it felt about the same to me. Don’t get me wrong, still tasty, but nothing that blew my mind.
In the afternoon, we wandered around the city and found ourselves passing by Rockefeller Center, which was as impressive as expected. We continued walking up 5th Avenue, checking out St. Patrick’s Cathedral and making our way past Trump Tower. I have to say, that was an odd experience. Not only is the building an experience in itself, but they even sell Trump-themed Stanley water bottles in the gift shop. Weird, right?
As the evening rolled in, we were in the mood for something different for dinner, and we found the perfect spot: Urban Hawker, an Asian food hall just two blocks from our hotel. We were blown away by how good the food was – delicious, fresh, and served by such friendly people. The place was super clean, and the variety of vendors made it easy to sample a bit of everything. We ended up having multiple takeaways from different vendors during our time in the city, and each meal was better than the last!
Day 2: Rain, Jetlag, and a Journey Through Chinatown and Little Italy
Still feeling the effects of jetlag and facing some rainy weather, we decided to take it a bit slower on day two. We set off for Chinatown and Little Italy – two of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Now, if you know me, you know I’m half Asian, so Chinatown holds a special place in my heart. Every time I visit a new city, I love exploring Chinatown, soaking in the culture, and picking up some of my favorite goodies. This time? I couldn’t resist getting some Korean skincare (because, let’s be real, it’s the best) and candy. I’ve got a weakness for both!
And let’s be real – it’s not Chinatown if you don’t see someone hauling a dead pig over their shoulder into a restaurant. It’s one of those classic sights that makes the whole experience feel authentically Chinatown.
If you’re visiting Chinatown and want to dive deeper into its rich history, make sure to check out the Museum of Chinese in America. It’s small but powerful, and the best part is – it’s free! The museum tells the story of Chinese immigrants in America, focusing specifically on New York’s Chinatown, and it’s a must-see if you want to learn more about this important part of the city’s cultural fabric.
After soaking in the history, we made our way to the Financial District to see the famous New York Stock Exchange. We snapped a few photos outside (because, let’s be honest, it’s one of those “you gotta do it” moments).
By now, we were starving, so we stopped for a healthy lunch at Sweetgreen on Wall Street. The salad bowls were a nice break from all the takeout we’d been having, and it felt good to fuel up with something fresh and green.
From there, we walked to the 9/11 Memorial Pools, which was a moving experience. The pools sit where the Twin Towers once stood, and they are a peaceful, somber tribute to those who lost their lives. It’s a place that really puts things into perspective.
We finished the afternoon with a visit to the Westfield World Trade Center, which is an incredible shopping center inside the Oculus. The architecture there is unreal – it’s like stepping into a futuristic world. After all the walking and exploring, we took the subway back to the hotel to rest up for another day of NYC adventures.
Day 3: Exploring Soho and a Magical Evening at the Morgan Library
After another early morning and a quick breakfast, we took the subway down to Washington Square Park – one of the most iconic spots in Manhattan. The park was peaceful as we wandered through, snapping photos of the famous arch and just soaking in the atmosphere. From there, we took a leisurely stroll past New York University (NYU), which has such a beautiful campus. Naturally, we couldn’t resist popping into the NYU gift shop for a little souvenir shopping.
Next up was Soho – one of the best places for shopping in NYC. We walked through its trendy streets, checking out all the boutiques and unique stores. From quirky art shops to high-end fashion, Soho has it all. I picked up a few things (mainly skincare and makeup from Duane Reade and CVS), but it was more about the vibe than anything else.
After a productive shopping spree, we headed back to the hotel for a quick pit stop to drop off our bags and recharge. We were already hungry again, so we made our way to Magnolia Bakery near Rockefeller Center to try their famous banana pudding. And let me tell you, it was so worth the hype! If you like bananas, you’ll love it – the texture was perfect, and the flavor was just on point. Highly recommend it if you’re ever in New York!
In the evening, we headed to the Morgan Library & Museum for their free Friday evenings. Every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., you can enjoy free access to their galleries, with the bonus of live music filling the air. It was such a serene and cultured experience, and it gave us a chance to relax while appreciating some incredible art and history.
One tip: Make sure you make a reservation ahead of time because entry requires a booking, and it’s a popular event! It was such a lovely, low-key way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing and shopping.
The End (For Now!)
And that’s a wrap for the first part of my whirlwind New York City adventure! From early morning walks through Times Square to shopping in Soho and indulging in iconic banana pudding, the city has already filled my days with unforgettable moments. But we’re just getting started!
In Part 2, I’ll take you up to the breathtaking heights of Top of the Rock, through the historic beauty of Grand Central Station, on a scenic bike ride around Governors Island, and into the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art – plus a few more surprises. Stay tuned – you won’t want to miss the rest of the adventure!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
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