It’s no wonder New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. A vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and iconic landmarks, the city truly has something for everyone – from the dazzling lights of Times Square, to peaceful strolls through Central Park, to breathtaking views from skyscrapers like the Empire State Building.

For years, visiting New York had been a dream of mine, and I was beyond excited to finally experience the city’s festive atmosphere on the final stop of my trip across North America. During the Christmas season, New York transforms into an even more magical place with its sparkling window displays, bustling holiday markets, and the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which I simply couldn’t miss. Although the wait was long (four hours to be precise), watching the lights switch on was nothing short of magical and instantly got me into the holiday spirit.

During my stay, I checked into Nap York Hostel. While quite pricey for a hostel, its location just steps away from Broadway and Central Park made it the perfect base for exploring Manhattan mostly on foot.

Day I

What’s better than starting your adventure in the Big Apple with a classic New York breakfast? Grab a fresh bagel and coffee at Pick-A-Bagel before heading out. Stroll through Times Square, wander Central Park, and admire the festive displays along 5th Avenue. Don’t miss the iconic Plaza Hotel nearby for some Home Alone 2 nostalgia.

In the afternoon, visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum downtown. It’s a moving and thought-provoking experience, so allow yourself enough time to take it all in. Afterwards, hop on the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal. The ride offers sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline and is a great and free alternative if you don’t plan to visit Liberty and Ellis Island. If you return during sunset, you’ll also be rewarded with golden-hour views of the city. Back on land, walk over to Wall Street, the World Trade Center, and Battery Park to round off your downtown sightseeing.

After a full day of exploring, grab an iconic $1.50 slice at 2 Bros Pizza, or opt for dinner at The Butcher’s Daughter, a plant-forward café and juice bar serving hearty vegetarian dishes.

Day II

On your second day, head to Williamsburg for brunch at Five Leaves, a trendy spot with an Aussie-inspired menu. Explore the neighborhood afterwards before making your way to DUMBO for postcard-worthy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.

Cross back into Manhattan on foot via the Brooklyn Bridge, then pass through Chinatown before heading to a museum for the afternoon. Spend a few hours at The Met – one of the world’s most renowned museums and home to everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art. If you have extra time, visit the Guggenheim Museum for modern art or the Museum of the City of New York for a fascinating dive into the city’s history. If you’ve ever watched Gossip Girl, the building might also seem familiar to you as it served as filming location for the TV show.

If daylight allows, walk the High Line and then head to Hudson Yards’ Edge Skydeck for panoramic 360° sunset views over Manhattan. For dinner, grab tacos at Taqueria Diana nearby, then end the evening with cocktails at Jungle Bird.

Day III

On your final day, fuel up with brunch at Little Collins, and head to one of the city’s iconic observation decks for more stunning views afterwards. While Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is a classic, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are equally impressive. Even if you don’t go up the latter, it’s worth admiring from the outside. Nearby, you’ll also find further New York icons such as the Flatiron Building, Radio City Music Hall, and the Chrysler Building.

In the afternoon, explore more of Manhattan’s neighborhoods. Browse boutiques in SoHo, soak up the bohemian vibe in Greenwich Village, and admire the cast-iron buildings of NoHo. Before leaving, head back to Times Square for some last-minute shopping and indulge in a slice of classic New York cheesecake at Junior’s. If time allows, squeeze in a final museum visit to the MoMA, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Warhol, and more. From there, Grand Central Terminal is just a short walk away and well worth a look inside.

Although New York was likely the busiest place I visited during my month of travel, it was also one of the most exciting. Every day felt like a “New York minute”, but one thing’s for sure: I’ll be back, hopefully during another season, to experience even more of this incredible city.