🇺🇸 New York | A Two-Day City Walk Diary

Spent two unforgettable days exploring the heart of New York! Since Manhattan hotels can be pricey (often over $1,000 per night), I stayed in Upper Manhattan one night and Newark the next—both around $500 per night, saving a lot without sacrificing comfort 🏙️💤 When it comes to food, the city is full of surprises! I discovered delicious and affordable bites at Arab food carts—full meals for under $10 🥙💫. For a more immersive experience, I also enjoyed dining at a Yemeni restaurant and a Peruvian spot—each offering authentic, flavorful dishes that made every meal an adventure 🌍🍛 But the real magic began outside the restaurants. New York’s streets pull you into a steel-and-glass forest—skyscrapers rising like giants, and after sunset, countless windows glowing like stars 🌃✨. The streets buzz with energy, filled with people of all backgrounds and languages. I often heard Mandarin in passing and saw many familiar faces, a beautiful reminder of the city’s vibrant Asian influence 🌏👥. Here, the extraordinary meets the everyday. Everyone seems free to be themselves, creating a sense of raw, lively authenticity you can feel everywhere 🎨🕊️. A quick note on the subway: yes, it’s gritty and a bit wild—but the people I met along the way were kind and respectful. A real mix of edge and warmth underground ❤️🚇 ✅ State 12/50: New York — checked! #UrbanWanderer #CityMemories #NYC #Citywalk #NYCdiaries #Wanderlust #StreetVibes #TravelTales #NewYorkStateOfMind