People will always have an argument for why they believe Hong Kong or London or even Paris is the best city in the world . But there is one city which cannot be denied its title as the most exciting, diverse and weirdly wonderful city in the world. The city that never sleeps: New York.
As someone who has spent 6 months living in The Big Apple, I can account for this grand introduction. New York has so much to offer, whether it’s a two week holiday or somewhere you’re considering setting up camp for the foreseeable future, you can be sure this city will push all the right buttons.
I could point out the obvious reasons for visiting this city; the magnificent buildings, the buzz of Times Square, the chaos of the subway, however you don’t need to be there long to realise that this concrete jungle can achieve much more than meets the eye.
First of all, the people are a sightseeing attraction in themselves. From the 90 year-old Upper East lady making the short trip from her Park Avenue apartment to the salon every Thursday with her miniature Chihuahua in her purse, to the tragic yet typical aspiring actress hopping on the 6 train to go work a shift at the 24hr Times Square Diner.
The skyline may change from year to year, but the people never do.
For a relatively new city, it is one with a lot of stories. Unfortunately one of the first things people associate New York with is the devastating tragedy of the 9/11, an attack that the entire world witnessed and will never forget.
The people of New York however, have turned this sad memory into an opportunity to create something beautiful. The Freedom Tower is now the fourth tallest skyscraper in the world and one of the most breathtaking sights you will ever see.
The legacy of the Irish in Manhattan is another reason why we almost have an obligation to go visit and witness first hand the work hundreds of Irish immigrants have done over the years. It doesn’t take long to spot their achievements: the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and the aforementioned, most recent World Trade Centre.
I could write pages upon pages discussing why New York City is without a doubt the best city in the world, but really the only way you are going to find out is to experience it yourself. An experience I’m sure you will want to relive in a heartbeat.
Carina Canavan
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