Touchdown USA.
We’ve landed in New Jersey and straight away I’m getting that movie-style America feeling. The houses look exactly how you expect them to — proper suburban vibes, like something straight out of an old-school film with balloons tied to the mailbox. This is my first real taste of an American city, and yeah… it already feels different.

We’re heading to the train station to catch a ride into New York City, just a 14-minute journey, but it feels like we’re crossing into a whole new world.

The station itself? Definitely not like the UK. Different layout, different flow — even the yellow safety line looks twice as wide. Maybe that says something about America already 👀.

Welcome to New York City

And just like that… we’re in New York City.

Yellow taxis everywhere — exactly how you see it in the films. I’ve always wanted to see them in real life, and now here they are, filling the streets. I might not even need to jump in one — just seeing them is enough to tick the box.

First impressions?
Busy. Loud. Electric.

We make our way to Times Square, and wow — this place is something else. It feels like London on steroids. Massive screens, non-stop movement, tourists everywhere, and that unmistakable “center of the world” energy.

Standing here, it’s hard not to think about the history. Times Square really does feel like the crossroads of everything.

RiseNY – A Different Way to See New York

One place I’ve got to shout out is RiseNY, because this wasn’t your typical tourist stop. It’s part museum, part immersive experience, and honestly a really smart way to understand New York before (or after) walking the streets.

You start off learning about the history of the city — music, finance, fashion, movies, all the things that made New York what it is today. It’s done in a way that doesn’t feel boring or dragged out either, which I appreciated.

But the real highlight comes at the end… they strap you in and lift you up over a massive screen, giving you a flying-style view over New York City. You’re soaring past skyscrapers, over Central Park, down streets you’ve probably just walked. It’s mad. Proper goosebumps moment.

If you don’t have time to hit every observation deck, or you just want something a bit different, RiseNY is 100% worth it. It gives you the full New York vibe without having to queue for hours, and it’s a great way to see the city from a whole new angle.

New York Food Challenge – Hot Dogs & Pizza

You can’t come to New York and not eat.

First stop: a classic New York hot dog.
Fully loaded — ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish… the full experience.

And listen — this thing was seriously good. One of the best hot dogs I’ve had in a long time.

Naturally, that leads to a 60-second hot dog challenge.
Did it get finished in time?
Let’s just say… John became famous either way 😂

New York Pizza Verdict

Next up: New York pizza, because skipping this would be criminal.

I went with:

• Buffalo chicken slice

• Garlic, parmesan, and red pepper flakes on top

First bite? Hot.
Second bite? Even better.

Verdict:
✔️ Crispy
✔️ Cheesy
✔️ Packed with flavour

We also tried a meatball parmesan slice, but honestly — chicken still wins. Every time.

Was it worth the hype?
Yes. Absolutely.

Cheesecake from Junior’s

Dessert time, and we went straight to Junior’s Cheesecake, another New York classic.

The cheesecake was smooth, rich, and proper filling. Less biscuit base than I usually like, but still solid. Definitely something you have to try at least once when you’re here.

Thumbs up from me 👍

Skyscrapers, Heat & the Empire State Building

One thing nobody warns you about in New York — the heat.

Walking between these tall buildings, you don’t even realise how hot it is… until you step into the open. Then it hits you like a ton of bricks.

We eventually make it to the Empire State Building, and seeing it in person is mad. The height, the scale — cameras don’t do it justice. You actually have to crane your neck just to see the top.

At that point?
It’s time to sit down, grab a drink, and take it all in.

Final Thoughts

New York City is exactly what you expect — and somehow even more.

The food.
The noise.
The heat.
The energy.

This was just the beginning, and there’s a lot more to come.

Thanks for watching, thanks for rolling with me —
see you on the next trip. ✌️