Is New York City in Decline? Q&A
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- We're answering your NYC questions, from if the city is declining because of drugs and homelessness, to attractions, broadway, and more!
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NYC FAQ 2023 Chapter List:
00:00- Intro
00:10- Is NYC in Decline?
02:00- Best Chinese Food in NYC?
02:31- Favorite Fine Dining Restaurant?
03:07- Best Place to use a Bathroom for Free?
03:34- Best way to get around uber/subway/walk?
04:06- Can you still go up the Chrylser Building?
04:32- Coolest Hidden Gem in each borough?
05:26- Favorite thing about living in New York?
05:50- Favorite Broadway Show?
06:13- How to pick a Broadway show?
07:01- How to tip in New York City?
09:33- What is the best Greek food to eat in NYC
9:58- What footwear would you recommend?
10:22- NYC Subway tips
11:07- How has NYC changed in the last 5 years?
11:15- What's the best NYC attraction you've seen and why?
12:05- What's New in NYC 2023?
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"More About Here Be Barr"
I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go.
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Would you consider the Bronx Zoo a good spot to see, I have never been to a zoo before and NYC zoos are famous? I am visiting your City later in the year and your videos are the best on YT. thnx so much.
Tipping culture is getting ridiculous in US, and service workers are always getting mad at people who they "think" is tipping too little or don't tip at all. But really they should be blaming their company/owners who aren't paying them a fair living wage and they "need" tips. There's also an incorrect notion that tip is "expected" for some professions even if the service itself is mediocre or lousy. I would say to tourist to just tip when they feel they are getting something extra/special beyond what they are paying for, or that they received excellent service or experience, or they are requesting something different/beyond what other customers are paying for.
Yep. Scrooge employers need to pay their staff a decent rate to begin with.
Agreeded
If people in the service industry does their job the way they were trained, the boss should give them incentives. If they do MORE or beyond or put an extra mile to deliver the customer needs, then they deserved a tip.
This is horrible advice. When I travel to other countries, I learn about their customs ahead of time and do my best to behave like a local. If you're visiting the US, factor tips into your budget. If you can't afford to tip 20% at a restaurant, then you shouldn't be traveling to NYC. Now, if you receive very poor or rude service, let a manager know and just leave a few extra dollars.
@@austinjohnson2797 Hogwash.
I am from Queens. We have THEE Best food b/c we have the most diverse communities and languages spoken.
I’m just back from my honeymoon this morning. I absolutely LOVED New York. Never felt unsafe once and we walked EVERYWHERE day and night. Only negative thing was how expensive the place was but that was to be expected. Some places also try to rip tourists off but you can suss them out quite easily.
Ive fell in love with the place.
Going to make a video on my visit soon
I will visit NY for the first time in april, and my hotel is near Hudson yards... I got tickets to the Phanton of the Opera and I don't know if it will safe me and my husband walk to the Majestic in 44th street. It will be just 15 minutes if we will go by foot but there are parts of the 10 th avenue near the Lincoln zone which seems to me dangerous...Anybody from New York can give me an advice?
For bathrooms you should remember that Rockefeller Center has plenty of restrooms for the public in the concourse level.
I’ve been 4 times in New York in the last 12 months, i love it and planning to go back. Thank you Jon for this videos they have helped a lot
As someone who visited NYC regularly in the 90's, and who has just returned, I can assure everyone that it is not in decline. On the contrary, the place is a lot cleaner than I remember it - certainly around the main tourist spots. I would agree with what John says - the sheer volume of people around at all times makes it feel, and be, a lot safer than many other places both in the US and abroad. Sure, the subway is a bit dirty and you WILL come across quite a few "characters" when walking around but, hey, that is part of the city's charm. Go. Enjoy and soak it all up. However, do take LOTS of money - the place is very, very expensive! Worth it though..
Expensive indeed
Subway a bit dirty....that's the understatement of the century, its fucking shocking. I was there this January forna visit having lived in New York from 99-01 and simply couldn't believe the state of the place. People shooting up on the Subway, homeless junkies everywhere, the JFK skytrain station from the Bronx is a homeless hostel now with dozens of crazed junkies living there, people selling candy on the Subway like some third world city all the while the NYPD seem to be in hiding. Personally I won't return until its sorted out, as an aside every local I spoke to thought the place was fucked up aswell
The city is in major decline, you are blind. Crime, homelessness, dirt, leftist city council and leftist democrat state leaders are ruining the city.
I lived here 62 years and the city is worst than in the 80s during the stinkin Dinkins years, crime, homelessness , no bail laws, and Manhattan DA Bragg who doesn’t prosecute criminals. What makes it bad is the leftist leadership , that isn’t looking to solve problems , but add more
I have lived there since 1992 it’s in decline. You are a tourist
Came to the US six months ago and living in LA right now. Still miss your videos and came to see you time to time. I think I am going to relocate to NY soon! Love your content as always💜Arigato
NYC is one of the world's great places. But I visited last November and one thing that I noticed had changed from pre-pandemic was the overwhelming scent of weed on almost every block
Jon I agree. To Kill A Mockingbird was the best non musical Broadway play I have ever seen. I was so sad it closed as I recommended it to everyone.
I used to visit NYC regularly in the 90s and it was WAY worse back then. It’s extremely safe now for a mega city.
When my husband and I were in NYC for the first time in May of 2022, we walked into the Chrysler building (it's my absolute favorite, so gorgeous!!)
Lobby security immediately came for us and chased us out, like to the point that I cried. 🤣
We had even googled before we went and saw that they do have hours open to the public, because we wanted to be positive it was okay to go in. After that, I asked one of my travel groups and the overwhelming majority of people said nobody is ever allowed in unless you have a meeting.
I'm going back this year and I will be trying it again!
Unfortunately their policy has not changed... visitors still not allowed.
@jeremywilcox4251 I did just see that after looking into it more!! I'm so bummed! Hopefully one day they'll have an observation deck or change their policy. The little glance I got was breathtaking!
Yeah I was really disappointed. As a huge fan of Art Deco, I was most excited to see the inside of the Chrysler building and out of every building in NYC, the security there were borderline aggressive!!; almost about to physically shove me out the door. It really put a downer on the while experience...
John you DEFINITELY got those hidden gems on point !!!
Been to roughly half all major cities since 2020, NYC is in great shape when you compare it to many others. It's also been in worse shape. I think it'll be fine :)
Thanks for the video. It's help when we visiting again on August
Flushing has a heavier concentration of Cantonese, which is where you wanna go for dim sum. Spot on. But Manhattan Chinatown also has Pings, whose dim sum is also pretty darn spectacular.
Thanks for sharing!
As someone who splits their time between Philadelphia (80 miles from NYC) and NYC, I can tell you the open drug use, homelessness and crime overall is way worse in Philly. That city has a huge gun violence and fentanyl problem that is well documented. No neighborhood, no matter how nice is immune. NYC is a much safer place.
I used to live in the city of brotherly HATE! It was the biggest mistake in my life! It's a dirty depressing miserable city and its people are rude impersonal and hostile!
I really appreciate that you try to be very conscious on certain topics not to offend
Very easy to offend in 2023…
I really enjoy how you mix it up in your videos. Travel tips have always been great but this one gives us a different perspective as only you can put out there. Always learning something new and it makes me appreciate my time in NYC even more. Especially because to me NYC is more than the tourist trap highlights (although I have enjoyed those). I loved your comments about the people and the things that make New York what it is. Thanks for this as always.
Homelessness for anyone who’s visiting after the pandemic or a little before the pandemic would think it’s up because it’s more viable now for many reasons. Pre pandemic homelessness was always up but it was less visible because significantly more people were commuting/ traveling everyday. Since Feb pandemic a lot of people are remotely working so you’re just seeing less people doing day to day things and more homeless people. During and after the pandemic however a lot of hotels in NYC houses homeless people for almost 3 years. Now that does programs are over with people have gone back to the street, subway and sidewalk
Another informative, stellar video.
When we were there we did a variation of walking, Uber and the subway, mostly walking though. We also got a three day pass on the Big Bus tours just to get a ride to where we were going and because they stop at 430-5p, we’d end up walking back to our hotel. One day we went down to the WTC Memorial, walked to Bleeker Street Pizza 😋 continued our walk to Times Square where we stopped for a slice of cheesecake 😋 at Juniors then on to our hotel which was on 79th and Amsterdam. I was just so into my surroundings that it hardly felt like I had did over 25K steps that day alone. In total, we walked 52 miles from Sunday - Sunday! Was able to walk off all the delicious local NY food we indulged in 😊
Me and my family were just in NYC. Heres what I saw
We spent all our time in Midtown around Rockefeller and Times SQ. I didn’t see many homeless people in the area. For good Italian food, if you want to go fancy, Carmines is great, or if you just want spaghetti and meatballs, pasta lovers steps from Rockefeller Center is also really amazing too. The Summit was also really amazing, and everything was fun for us. Can’t wait to return
Barr, great advice from start to finish.
I just got here to Manhattan for the first time . I’m really excited .
Thank you Jon, i always love your videos ❤
My Australian sisters travel the subway even to Harlem. I really don't like the tipping culture. I have experience with waitresses telling me the amount my tip should be or basically demanding the change as the tip when the amount of change is a lot more than 20%. The waitress was not doing above service, she charged us items we never got. My sister was abused by a person who didn't agree on the amount of the tip. I would be interested in seeing you testing the tipping culture with a tourist with a different accent and see if the person is treated differently
I got kicked out of a comedy show because of a stupid waiter thinking i disrespected her. The only thing i told this women was the drinks i wanted. They forced me to pay for drinks i never received and tip her for drinks she never brought or they would call the police on me. After the show she apologized to my friends for the misunderstanding while I waited out side.
@@dogfacedponysoldier5971 It's not legal law to tip in NYC 🗽 I find it strange how many tourists wrongly think you legally have to tip in NYC!
I'm visiting NYC in September. I'll only tip if I feel like it or get better service than in my own city 💵
I think your right. I don't think it's legal but that's what they used to do. Don't tip anyone unless they deserve it and only if your feeling generous. Enjoy your visit and stay safe.
if i have a good experience at a restaurant, sure i'll tip 10% or 20% if it's really amazing. if i'm just getting coffee and a cookie someone just handed to me at some cafe, no i'm not tipping.
Yesss Jackson Heights and Astoria getting some love!
Watched a lot of your vids in preparation for a quick 2 day trip for work and enjoyed all you had to say and offer. Rode the subway everywhere and felt like a pro! Checked out NY Pizza Suprema also thanks to your Rec. enjoy your videos!
GREAT VIDEO!!! NYC has cool sites!!!
Jon, thanks for answering my question about public bathrooms! I'll have to check out the Bryant Park bathroom to see for myself!
From Connecticut. I travel to nyc often due to how easy it is. It’s a big city like it’s own country. It’s very unique and complicated and confusing. I use to just go to timesquare then I began to just go to other parts of nyc. Explore alone. Good times
FYI, I work as a bellman in a hotel. Tipping 2 dollars per bag is considered a standard for tipping.
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 thanks for clarifying
Thanks big fella!
I e lived in NY For 28 years since I was 8 years old and the quality of life here has definitely worsened in the last 3 years! I’ve never seen so many homeless people and it’s not as safe as before I hope the city officials do something about it
Excellent video Jon! Huge like.
It's not just a New York issue, my home city Belfast NI has definitely the same issues going on, most if not all major cities especially since the pandemic seem to have gotten worse, alot of people are getting it tough and should be shown empathy not contempt.
Nice to see Megan!
All great selections, Wave Hill in the Bronx is another hidden gem, scenic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
Funny, I was about to write Wave Hill in the comments section, but you beat me to it. There are other parks up the scenic Hudson in Westchester.
I first went to New York in 2009 and then again last week. I have to say i think the homelessness was worse in 2009 than now. May be wrong though. We did have a scary experience though when getting the subway subway back to JFK early morning at 42nd Street-PABT. There were a number of homeless guys, obviously mentally disturbed, on the platform behaving very aggressively to tourists, who were pretty scared. What was annoying was there were 4 NYPD Police Officers that walked straight past and didn’t intervene. Also, the entire city now appears to smell of cannabis which a lot of people find really unpleasant.
People always say this and than look at NYC in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. How bad it truly was back then.
@awsomeboy360 one example - Brooklyn 1979 or 1980 my old 1975 Dodge Dart parked on a street - battery were stolen not once(I put a lock on a hood, not enough it was stolen second time)😁😄😊
@@awsomeboy360
@@FErgersonn THE GREAT changing your name?😊😁😄😬😃😹😆😑😐🤗
All the los heads say it's way worse these days
Super informative!
Every big city, especially ones with a lot of tourists, have "homeless". That's because they get the most amenities and begging opportunities. I've also heard of other locations transporting them. And, you know, you usually see vast majority of them are men who are alcoholics, drug users, etc. It's a constant battle for cities. So anyone who thinks I'm being mean. When do you see these folks out in sparely populated rural areas? I'll be going back in a few weeks, so I will see if things are any worse than the last time.
My husband and I are visiting april 3rd to the 7th, we are really excited. We are from Chicago, but its always fun to explore another city. We have tickets for the Yankees vs Phillies game on Tuesday the 5th and tickets for Michael Jackson the musical on Wednesday the 6th.
Unfortunately there are a lot of problems in a lot of US cities and towns due to government corruption, inflation and trying to get back normal post pandemic. It'll take time, we'll get there. Looking forward to seeing NYC again, it's been 23 years for me and 30 for my husband.
Just got back from my 20something~th trip to NYC. regarding restrooms, believe it or not Central Park has a brand new restroom on west corner near Columbus Circle called the Merchant's Gate comfort station. It's always been there but this was the first time I've seen it open!
I also saw Jeff Daniels perform in to kill a mockingbird.. Love that one too but my favorite Broadway shows I saw down on Broadway was American buffalo, beetlejuice, book of mormon, and wicked!
Thank you for answering the Chinese food question!
I would recommend AK's trail shoes for cold and/or rainy weather and normal mesh breathable shoes for warmer days.
NYC was in a bad decline during the start of the pandemic going into late 2021, maybe early 2022ish. As someone who goes into Manhattan somewhat regularly on weekends and into the office once a week, I can say that Manhattan has improved significantly and is almost at 2019 levels of hustle and bustle. I don't think we have all of the office workers back, but we have a lot, in addition to tourists and WFH employees who want to go out and socialize. Queens and Brooklyn didn't suffer as much during he pandemic while growing significantly in popularity since 2020. Overall, I'd say NYC is as popular as ever, but the popularity has been more evenly distributed between 3 boroughs.
i think i can agree, the ony thing that would bring NYC back to 2019 is removing these outside graffiti "restaurants" boxes. They're standing in the middle of the sidle walk or a road (sometimes both), which is too much for already small streets. Genueally don't understand how people like them, especially since we can eat inside the restaurants now.
Very important check MTA service advisory for updated service changes. Especially during weekends and nights there are often changes in train schedules and some linres not running atvall. Also should check if stop is local or express-this also changes during the day ,nights abd weekends
Hey thank you. More of this.
I'm gonna be honest bro when I went in the summer I saw a lot of mfs doped up in the subways, had one scream that he was gonna shoot me and 3 others nearby, and had one dude on Molly tell me the meaning of life on a 5am train ride. Had a great time but for my first solo trip it was pretty wild lol
I just got back from a 5 day trip staying midtown Manhattan. The place as a bit of a dump if I am honest. Rubbish everywhere, bad roads and pavements etc. Some areas were much better than others, but my general impression was that nobody gave a shit. Although, that doesn't mean it's not a great city, because it is. We felt safe and the Subway was great.
Thanks!
My pick for best tourist attraction in NYC is always the Circle Line Tour around Manhattan. It's the best tourist thing I have ever done anywhere, best three hours you'll ever spend.
There is also a tunnel in the middle of the city allowing traffic to bypass about 9 blocks. Plus you are able to drive thru a building
Wonderful NY!
I didn’t know he was so passionate about New York 😂😂 he seemed ready to fight on the first question
I think a very good public restroom is inside the Public Library, very close to Bryant Park, but without the lines from the park's restrooms.
If you are in Central Park, there are washrooms outside of the Boathouse Restaurant near Bethesda Fountain (btw the current rumors are that the Boathouse Restaurant will be reopening at some point). There's also washrooms at the Delacorte Theater by Belvedere Castle and by the steps at Bethesda Fountain (leading towards the Mall).
About tipping & cash: have small amounts of cash on hand with you ($1 bills, $5 bills, $10s) for smaller tips and for places which take cash only. I was surprised that many places in NYC are still cash only, or only take cash tips.
I just visited NYC and he’s really downplaying the drug issue in NYC. We stayed in midtown Manhattan and oh my goodness! There were people smoking weed on practically every street (regardless day or night). Also this tipping culture is very annoying! Especially when 99% of servers are sooooo moody. However, it’s one of those places that you need to see at least once. Wouldn’t rush back though.
weed is legal
Weed isn’t really considered ‘doing drugs’ in cities where it is legal. It’s almost like smoking cigarettes.
Another quality video from the best New York City YouTubber and guide. Jon never makes a bad video. If you are new to his videos just keep following him and watching the. Very honest and doesn’t pretend everything is wonderful and perfect about New York but also sticks up this great City. His suggestions are always very practical and very easy for people to relate to. This type of Q&A video was excellent. I am visiting again in April for the 7th time but first time since the Pandemic and I am so looking forward to it. I do have concerns as the media seem to drive certain stories down people’s throats but I stick by what Jon says. A person living on the ground who doesn’t do BS. I feel anyone can trust what he is saying. My family and I will be able to judge NYC for ourselves in April.
Nice work again Jon.
I love to do food videos while smoking weed on my UA-cam channel, to cure people’s boredom 💀
@@SevenHunnid What do you mean?
John O'Leary, what a great comment you made about Jon. I agree with you 100%.
Please do not miss @I Love Paraguay Restaurant, in Queens
Being right now in downtown Manhattan, security is fine for us - Imeven took the sub at 10pm with my kids 10 and 15!
I’m going to New York over spring what should I do?
Unfortunately homelessness is a big problem in all our major cities in Canada like Toronto Montreal Vancouver and even Victoria as well
As for current Broadway shows, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ the Musical, and Parade are my favorites in that order.
The subway system can be confusing and intimidate visitors, but you won't learn and appreciate them without trying. Jon has many how-to use the subway videos. Also, Thea of Urbane Caffeine does a good job explaining the system. It really is a great way to get around the city, especially Manhattan.
Thanks!!
That is crap news. I have truly enjoyed him on your channel. I've donated. Only 25 but if everyone throws in a few bucks, we can definitely get the guy where he needs to be. Get well soon Ben. This channel might start to suck without you.
Love that place! The greatest city! It’s been rising and falling economically for 250 years.
I am born and raised in NY lived here for 43 years this isn't new to anyone who went through the 80's and early 90's. So it's fear mongering from people who never lived the worse here. This isn't bad to anyone who lived the homelessness and drugs from those other decades.
Can you do a video on westChester or Long Island, would appreciate it :)
I just checked out the Ivory Peacock menu online. What currency are those prices?
Thanks for being so open and honest. You didn't mention Pizza! Years ago when i was with friends at that park across from the Statue of Liberty, Hey wanted to go to the Empire State Building. Hey were going to take a cab, I said let's take the subway, and ask a stranger which one . I had been to NYC before, but not in long awhile. We saved Cab fare and really wanted to see The Empire State Building yet a very long line and a bit expensive. We opted out. That trip we did see Rockafella center at night and were at Time's Square at 3am. It was filled with so many lights and people. It was wild.
My favorite thing about NYC is also the people. Second favorite thing are all the amazing museums! Can't wait to visit soon.
Thanks for bringing Megan in the video - she is super nice and the best tour guide colleague!
I have two questions for your next Q&A video. Where are the best locations for theater not located on Broadway (so, I guess the actual question would be where are the best off-Broadway locations?). And is there a theater district in Brooklyn?
I worked in the Penthouse of the Chrysler Building for a top Advertising Agency in 1979.
King video.
I’ve been there so many times before covid and now after covid. I walked all Manhattan, parte of Brooklyn and bronx. Used metro in many
Different areas of NYC
I do not notice any difference from before. Unfortunately there are many homeless peoples as always did.
But I think the city grown in terms of touristic attractions
The 'demise' of NYC has been 'imminent ' 3 or 4 times in my lifetime. But the city always bounces back better than ever.
Its because of Trump's fault
The difference this time is liberals are charge. All great cities built by conservative ruined by liberals
This☝🏽
Hi watching from Philippines 🇵🇭
I went to 371 East 10th Street off Tompkins Park in 2012, the center the drug area known as Alphabet City, to visit the building where Disney child star and Academy Award Winner died. I walked through Tompkins Park from one end to the other. People were friendly and helpful. So, proving, folklore isn't always right.
Hi! In the first segment (00:10), what corner is that?
I just visited Manhattan last week for the first time since 2015 and loads of places felt like it could do with a good power hose. As much as I try to avoid it something really needs done with times square as it's just gross and those fake characters need purged Also the whole place stunk like weed which wasn't great when I was travelling with young kids. Although new York still has its charm despite the bad bits which are there in every city.
Coming back for four days in the end of September for the first time in 12 years! So very excited to reconnect with where I came from after almost thirty five years out here in SoCal…if I remember correctly, it’s still generally nice but not TOO cool in late September, yes?
@@edvaira6891 You will be OK, no Santa Ana winds in September NY.
New York City began a steep decline well before the pandemic hit. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic has made things even worse. Things will improve over the next few years and the magic will absolutely return. It will just take longer than we would all like. As always, appreciate your videos.
Definitely the tipping makes me nervous. Because I travel on a low Budget so out of respect, I rather not go to a place that is mandatory to tip because its not on my budget to add 20% more, really. So I just rather not go then. So I can respect that culture.
I just came back from Australia and New Zealand, no tipping culture there. My understanding is that it's because the servers actually make a living wage. There's not even room on many receipts to place a tip, and at a lounge at the Sydney airport, I tried to tip after ordering drinks, and the kind bartender rejected accepting my tip. I think our tipping culture is a very American thing
Hey John can you review Evelia the tamale lady who had or has a cart ion the corner of Junction & Roosevelt in Queens, I saw a reel that showed she has a storefront now very close to the corner she’s sold tamales for last 20 years, cool story but are her tamales good 🤔
Do you think it is worth it going to the world fair park In queens
I walked into the Chrysler building lobby today and the gentleman at the door escorted me out 😅
People should have been in NYC in the ‘70s through the early ‘90s. The place was a mess. Not to dismiss today’s issue, the city had hit bottom. Yes, things are tough now, however, it’s way better than years ago.
Definitely true especially from a dude like me from the South Bronx.
Glad I was too young for that time. NYC from 97-2019 was the redemption years minus 9/11.
@@mariowalker9048 It was rough period, but at the same time Art & culture bloomed in NYC.
I am retired, and plan on spending a month in NYC. I was thinking a residential hotel would be more cost-effective. No deposit, free Wi-Fi, no electric bill don't have to buy cleaning supplies and free TV all included. I debated on possibly moving to New York for a year. What are your thoughts of staying in a hotel versus renting. Given all the amenities a hotel provides. Plus they also would clean your room. Granted I see the difference of having your individual space. Was not so many random people coming in and out. But you'd have the security of a doorman per se
Is there a good place to get pancakes or waffles in Brooklyn/ Queens? I'm not interested in fine dining.
Visiting for our first time and planning to stay in LIC. Map Quest had me about 15 minutes from Mid town. Would you say that’s a good idea?
Yes, definitely
@@HereBeBarr thanks so much! Awesome videos by the way.
Yes
I tried going into the chrysler building a couple days ago. I was admiring the architecture and I was confronted by doorman/security. He told me the lobby was closed and had been since covid. I left without taking any pictures. I left with my tail between my legs.
hi mr barr is centrel park safe at night
Yes, grafitti is back all over! The subways are next!!
Thai Villa is a GREAT restaurant in NY
My first and hopefully not last visit was in August 2022. The best 10 days of our lives. What a city! It lived up to the massive hype, and we still have a lot left to explore and discover. It is VERY expensive, but worth it. Love NYC!♥️🇺🇸
I visited in 2018. New York City does live up to the hype.