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Total Time: 7 Days
Total Distance: ~70 Miles / ~113 Km
Steps: 135,300 Steps
We first planned this trip back in 2020, but personal circumstances meant it kept getting delayed. This year, we finally decided it was time to make it happen. A good friend came along, and it turned into one of the best holidays I have ever had, full of memories I will never forget. I wanted to do something special for my sister and myself to mark the experience and create something we could look at and instantly be taken back to those moments.
I wanted to commission a piece of artwork, and thanks to Esme (Instagram: @esmeillustrates), Esme created something truly remarkable. Every detail captures what New York represents to us, as well as the activities and experiences we shared, turning the artwork into something that brings those memories back every time we look at it. Esme delivered exactly what I had hoped for—and more. We are so grateful for the care and effort she put into this piece, and commissioning artwork was a completely new experience for me, making it even more special. Thank you so much Esme 🥰
Our New York Memories, Captured in Art
NOW HERE ARE OUR DAILY HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR NEW YORK ADVENTURE
DAY 1 (7,100 Steps) – FLYING TO NYC and TIMES SQUARE
Woke up at 8 am after a rough night of my partner’s snoring, grabbed some extra sleep downstairs, and then chaos began: I got swabbed like a spy at the airport, my fingerprints refused to co-operate, and we dodged a shady black cab to get to the hotel—where the toilet was broken. After all that, we finally made it to Times Square: crowded, towering, and totally mind-blowing. Ended the day exhausted, full of laughs, and officially in love with New York 🤪
DAY 2 (22,900 Steps) – BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S / WALL STREET BULL / STATUE OF LIBERTY
Started with Breakfast at Tiffany’s—dressed up, enjoyed the $68 set and explored the jewellery floors. Took the tube to the 9/11 Memorial, One World Observatory, Oculus, and Trinity Church. Walked to Battery Park, saw Wall Street, the Charging Bull, and took the Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty.
Back via 5th Avenue, grabbed food at Rockefeller Center, and stopped by the Nintendo store. Over 20,000 steps, lots of walking, and a full day of New York sights—exhausting but amazing! 🤩
DAY 3 (19,900 Steps) – HIGH LINE PIGEON WALK / THE VESSEL / LITTLE SPAIN / CHELSEA FLEA MARKET / HARD ROCK CAFE
We started the day with a fresh BLT bagel and green tea from a local spot, then headed to the High Line to spot the pigeon overlooking New York—a hilarious but unforgettable sight. Next, we walked to the Vessel at Hudson River and climbed up for incredible views, before stopping at Little Spain for a strong Mediterranean gin and some olives.
Chelsea Market was next, where our friend found a quirky phone-shaped handbag that actually works. Dinner at Hard Rock Café was a feast to share: ribs, pulled pork, chicken, fries, and a massive hot fudge brownie dessert.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted but happy, with plans booked for a musical and the Squid Game experience. The heat made the High Line walk even more memorable, though part of it was closed for maintenance. 🥵
DAY 4 (23,900 Steps) – CENTRAL PARK / ALICIA KEYS HELL’S KITCHEN MUSICAL
Woke up early and headed to Central Park for breakfast and sightseeing—fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Got caught in two thunderstorms (soaked but entertained by a musician), did some shopping, and tried a corn dog.
Back at the hotel for a takeaway, changed, and went to the Hell’s Kitchen musical. Hearing Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” live was the perfect ending to a hot, fun, and exhausting day. 🥱
DAY 5 (18,200 Steps) – FRIENDS EXPERIENCE / LITTLE SOHO / LITTLE ITALY / CHINA TOWN
Woke up feeling refreshed after a deep sleep and headed out at 7:30 am, stopping for breakfast at a nearby bakery. Passed the Flatiron Building (sadly covered in scaffolding) and did a little shopping before reaching the Friends set. Explored the rooms, took photos then grabbed a coffee.
On the way back, we wandered through Chinatown, Soho, and Little Italy, passing Madison Square and Greenwich Village. Stopped for a delicious Chinese meal at Uncle Lou—stuffed vine leaves and dim sum to share. Exhausted but happy after a long day of walking, sightseeing, and shopping.
DAY 6 (21,200 Steps) – SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT EXPERIENCE / GRAND CENTRAL / MACY’S
Woke up early and grabbed breakfast at Essen—hot coconut porridge with fruit and nuts—before heading to Macy’s for a shopping spree. Scored two pairs of Levi jeans for a bargain. After a quick snack at the hotel, we rushed to Summit One for 2 pm.
The views from the 92nd floor (plus two more) were breathtaking—mirrors, bright lights, and sunglasses required! Took tons of photos, had a drink, and even FaceTimed my partner amid the noise.
Next, we visited Grand Central Terminal and the Apple Store, admired the public library, had ice cream, and finished off our Macy’s shopping. Grabbed a crispy pizza slice on the way back, exhausted but laughing after doing over 20,000 steps.
DAY 7 (22,100 Steps) – BROOKLYN BRIDGE / SQUID GAMES EXPERIENCE
Woke up late around 9 am, grabbed breakfast at the bagel place, then took the metro to Brooklyn. Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo for amazing Manhattan skyline photos.
Stopped at Katz for the famous pastrami sandwich (shared, too much meat!) before heading back to Manhattan. It was scorching at 33°, so we cooled off with drinks at Macy’s Starbucks, then went straight to the Squid Game experience. Played four challenging games—glass bridge, marbles, and red light green light—and I picked up some bright t-shirts for my partner.
Ended the day back at the hotel with snacks and a little bottle of red wine, enjoying our last night. Long but unforgettable!
CONCLUSION:
I hope you enjoyed these highlights and that one day you get to explore New York at your own pace. We tried to cram everything into our 7 days—definitely exhausting at times, but packed with memories we will laugh about forever 🥰. Over the week, we racked up more than 135,000 steps—basically enough to qualify as full-time New Yorkers… or professional marathon walkers! 😳
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
- iPhone 15 Pro (taking photos and recording video, also used for contactless payments)
- Halifax Clarity Mastercard (backup contactless payments made easier no fees)
- Comfy walking shoes (most important)
- ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
- Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)