While some people avoid New York City because of its size and a fear of crime, it is a great destination to become immersed in many cultures.
The National Art Honors and the Da Vincian societies took a trip to gain their own perspectives last week.
Most people develop their opinions on New York City from exaggerated movies and social media posts. These depictions give the impression of constant street unruliness and muggings in the open. Recently, however, the crime rates have been the lowest they have ever been, and the most popular places are patrolled heavily.
Another concern from travelers is that they will have to deal with unfriendly people. In reality, New Yorkers are approachable, and if they are not going out of their way to be nice, they just mind their own business.
In fact, some people that visitors meet will be speaking different languages, making it a great opportunity to encounter new cultures. There were many encounters with different cultures during the Baldwin trip, especially in Chinatown and Little Italy.
Chinatown and Little Italy are among the best attractions for tourists. They contain many restaurants and shops with ethnic authenticity, while also featuring cheap places to buy souvenirs.
Times Square is a great place for dinner and entertainment, being just a few blocks away from Broadway. However, it is a busy area to be in and not the most productive space for shopping. Rockefeller Center is the place to spend money, as it has higher-quality stores and is much less crowded.
Taking the Staten Island Ferry is a free alternative to overspending to get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.
These famous places are considered to be the must-see spots of a trip to New York, but the charm of the city is found in the lesser-known areas where everyday New Yorkers spend their time.
Little Island is a park that was grown on top of cement blocks in the Hudson River, giving city goers a greener place to walk and relax.
Right down the road is Pier 57, a garden rooftop hangout spot that gives a perfect view of the city. Visiting these places gives visitors a genuine perspective of what living there is like, and they reveal the city’s real charm.
Overall, New York City is unexpectedly safe and an insightful place to travel to.
