I’m not going to lie to you, New York had never really appealed to me before. I’m not a big city person, and NYC seemed to intensify everything that a popular, bustling city is made up of. However, when planning another way to celebrate my 21st birthday (I had about six celebrations in total!), I decided that a week-long trip to the Big Apple would be a pretty cool thing to do. And so, on one cool autumn morning, one of my best friends and I set off for one long-distance flight to a country we had only spent brief amounts of time in before. And let me tell you – I loved it.
Whilst talking to friends and family about some of the best things to do in the city, one key activity that they all seemed to avoid taking part in was flying in a helicopter. Whilst I liked the idea of visiting Madison Ave and Broadway and all of the other tourist hotspots, I knew that the one thing that would really make my trip to NYC complete would be by doing something that I’d never done before – and that, quite frankly, scared the living daylights out of me. For someone who hates flying, it wouldn’t have made any sense whatsoever to go on a helicopter ride – and yet, that’s the exact reason why I wanted to do it. I told my travel partner of my plans, sent her links, and bam, it was settled. We’d be seeing New York from the sky (the best way to see it!) – and it was incredible.
A breeze shook my hair from the open window as we flew over the city, which was swathed in bright sun and was absolutely beautiful. Flying with FlyNYON, with a pilot that both put us at ease and made us laugh out loud, it was a really incredible experience. I think that helicopters are officially my new favourite mode of transport.
Harlem
Brooklyn
Manhattan
Staten Island
From canoeing in the Hudson River, to going on endless food tours, to watching Mean Girls on Broadway, to visiting a rooftop bar and watching the sun set – everything we did in the city was incredible. We stayed at a gorgeous little Airbnb where we became good friends with the hosts and their array of pets, and it truly felt as though we’d walked into a concrete jungle wonderland.
New York quickly became one of my favourite cities in North America – and I even have plans to return next year!
Have you guys ever been to New York, or plan on visiting? Let me know in the comments below!
These are such sick photos! I have only visited New York once and didn’t really fall in love with the city, but these photos really show the best of it and make me want to give it a second go. It looks like you had a helluva lot of fun!
NYC doesn’t really appeal to me either–there are quite a few other areas, however, on the East Coast that this West Coast girl needs to see–but I think I need to make it out there at least once in my life!! You have guts! I would struggle to face my fears like that, but that’s definitely inspiring. Glad you could celebrate your birthday in such an epic way! xx
Good for you! I live an hour outside NYC and am there every month. When friends visit, I take them on helicopter rides. As you learned, it’s a great way to see the city.
These photographs are all absolutely gorgeous, I’m amazed that you managed to do so many things during your time in the city!
I’ve never visited New York, but I’ve always wanted to, mostly I remember that was where they filmed TRL back in the day in time square, and I’ve seen all the vegan options there and it makes me jealous lol. I’m not into big cities either, but I think it would be a fun short visit lol 🙂 Thanks for sharing the pictures 🙂
So pretty! Don’t you just love NYC! 🙂 I have lived here for the past six years and am forever grateful to call this place my home.
I’m so glad that you had a good time. I was shocked when you said it had never appealed! I love New York, it’s one of my favourite places. It’s nice that you did a little bit of everything rather than sticking to the typical Manhattan hotspots too x
Sophie
Love these pictures so much! Especially of New York at night!
Wow those photos are beautiful! What type of camera did you use to get those night shots? I went to New York about 4 years ago and really enjoyed it, but there is so much more I need to see – especially via helicopter like you did!
Oh wow! This looks like so much fun! I would love to go to NYC one day – I’ve seen so many movies and photos about the city but have never flown cross country to visit it before!
I love that you decided to see the city in a different way. The fact that it ended up with you conquering a fear is even better! This is what travel is all about :o)
I loved following your NY trip via photos. I have been to the city twice and I love it. There are so many neighbourhoods and museums I haven’t visited, I need to go back! If you even come back, I highly recommend Big Apple Greeter. Look it up! 🙂
Wow this sounds like so much fun!! I for sure want to visit someday 🙂
Wow what a fantastic experience! You must have had a lot of fun! I’ve never been on a helicopter but I would love to!
Seeing the city by helicopter would be an amazing experience! Your photos are beautiful!
I’m loving this pulsating city so much! It’s been a while since I’ve been there last time and I hope I’m able to visit soon again.
xx Simone
Beautiful pictures dear, looks you had a great time! Your outfits are all absolutely gorgeous – perfect for NYC!
I went to NYC for the first time for my 21st and I absolutely loved it! I’ve been back a couple of times since and still love it. I really want to go again and take more photos though!!
I really really like your pictures …. such beautiful colors!
These are beautiful captures! Great job with the photos and post about NYC! Best city in the world!