If you’re from the old continent and you’ve decided to open your wings and fly to a new adventure in the States, then New York City is the perfect place to start your new life. As Truman Capote summed up quite rightly, New York isn’t a tree or a street or a house, something that belongs to you, but you belong to it anyway. The feeling of belonging is exactly what brings the various districts, cultures, and people of NYC together. Wherever you come from, you’re from NYC when you live here. In fact, it’s difficult not to love NYC as there’s so much the city has to offer – and keeps offering day after day, night after night. But if you’re European, visiting the Big Apple can feel like a very long journey. After all, you’ve got amazing countries just next doors. So why should you come and see NYC nevertheless? I can give you 6 excellent why you will love New York City if you’re from Europe. 

New York City

#1. Your fashion world might implode

If you’ve got a strong sense of fashion, you’ll enjoy the New Yorker’s approach to fashion more than anything else. Fashion in the Big Apple is very different from Europe: The contrast in style and personality is appealing, to say the least. Compared to the effortless and timeless Parisian elegance the New York gal always follows the next big trend. Trends in NYC come and go as fast as you can blink, while Paris cherishes a sense of underdone style that never dies. In the Big Apple, it’s about getting noticed, and consequently mixing brands, colors, and trends for a ‘notice my style’ effect. Not an avid admirer of the Parisian style? How about the edgy and experimental class of Londoners? The New York style has a researched runaway touch to it, while British girls are happy to mix and match their bold and edgy patterns for an individual festive style. If you love your brands, you’ll enjoy the American branded style in New York. What about the German style? Berlin is a cultural hotspot that happily mixes flea market discoveries and high-end fashion. There’s a sense of eccentricity that brings together unmatchable patterns. This eccentric mismatch of labels, designs, and prices is a bright clash against the polished NYC trends. 

#2. We happily mix cabs & public transport

If you’re used to living in big towns, you’re probably an expert in public transport solutions. Places like Oslo have a vast network that goes from the sea to the mountains just via subway/tramway and buses. If you live in London, you’re certainly an expert of the Oyster card, the public transport card that allows you to use boats on the Thames – the ones connected to the transport route – intercity trains and subways all for the same price. There are buses too, but they tend to be a favorite only at night when the subway stopped running. Paris also uses a strong network of subways and inter-regional trains to connect all the suburban areas. For most cities, taxis tend to be a one-off solution to take you to an appointment without the stress of switching between transport connections. Here, in NYC, taking the cab is a much more natural exercise, and especially for short distances. It’s a change of mindset for the European culture, but most budget transportation in NYC adds cabs for short travel, whether it’s to reach to neighborhoods safely at night and to avoid being crammed in public transports when you’ve got a lot of things to carry. We love our iconic yellow cabs and are happy to book the trendy limos from JFK Car Service from the airport into town. Traveling by cab is a lot cheaper than you might think, as long as you’re smart with your transport choices. Short distance and defined services are okay. Just don’t grab a cab to get you to the other end of town as it’ll cost you an arm!

#3. The Big Apple is a melting pot of cultures

We are a melting pot with 18 ethnic micro neighborhoods spread across the 5 boroughs of the city. Chinatown and Little Italy are the most famous of them, but they are far from being the only ones. We’ve got a little Dominican Republic, a little Senegal, a little Guyana, a little Poland, and even a little India, to name but a few. There’s a sense of diversity all across the town so that you’ll rapidly feel at home even if you’re not American. 

#4. NYC is cheaper than European cities

As surprising as it might sound, if you compare New York City to a European capital, such as London, you’ll find that their offering is very similar. In fact, NYC might even be a better option for tourists. For a start, housing for tourists and locals is cheaper in NYC than in London. But the transport system is also cheaper, more spread out and runs later than in London. There are even more prestigious restaurants in NYC than in London. So why don’t you come and see for yourself? 

#5. People love the planet 

You may not be an environmental activist, but there’s no denying that eco-friendly areas are better for everyone. Believe it or not, but NYC is one of the greenest urban areas in the USA. New Yorkers consume less electricity with only 4,700kW per year and they privilege public transports and bicycles over cars. Overall, in NYC, we’ve got the smallest American carbon footprint. Can you say the same about Paris or London? 

#6. If you’re European, you’ll identify with the New Yorkers

People in NYC have a strong European vibe to them. We may come from all over the world – and some of us might have European descendants several generations back – but we have in fact a lot in common with our European neighbors. NYC people are passionate about pizza and bagels. Parisians, in comparison, know everything about their favorite little bistros and their boulangerie. Surprisingly, both New Yorkers and European city dwellers have a bad rep for being friendly to tourists, but they agree that tourists are rarely polite. In fact, most people in NYC have a European behavior about their city: Pride, savviness, and we love our local specialties!

Don’t let the long flight stop you: NYC is a place to visit to give your European heart a throb. We’re distant cousins, separated by an ocean but much more alike than we’d care to admit!

Every food program that shows people traveling and eating ‘the worlds best’ of anything will 9/10 times be in New York for at least five different types of cuisine. But, if you’re heading to The Big Apple, then what is it you should be aiming to try out? After you’ve checked out the Broadway shows in New York, next comes time to fill the tummy. 

If you are a bit of a Netflix buff, you will have no doubt see Dave Chang on a couple of food-related programmes, maybe even the latest one where he eats and covers the differences in culture and cooking style? So, it only makes sense that you would add Momofuku to the list. When someone cares that deeply about the backgrounds of different food, then you know the food is going to be sensational. What to order? The pork bun, it won’t be the same as anything you’ve had before.

Momofuku

There once was a street vendor named Maria, who’s Colombian food was out of this world. So, she moved from a cart to a brick-and-mortar spot and her griddles corn cakes, oozing with salted queso went with her. In all seriousness, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave, Arepa Lady – serving you the most flavor-packed Colombian cuisine. Must try? Chocolo, Arepa de Queso, and a Carna Asada Patacon. 

Arepa Lady

Need to plug the needs of a sweet tooth? Cronut. It shouldn’t make sense, and you can get the ‘almost-but-not-a-real-ones’ in a few places, under different names. But, you want the real deal – or else what is the point? Dominique Ansel Bakery, get in the (ridiculously) long line and be ready to wait it out. And when you get bored and think about leaving, remember the line is only that long because the products are that good. 

Chicken & waffles, something that is slowly making its way to other parts of the world via ‘smokehouse’ or BBQ joints. So yeah you maybe have tried some tasty chicken & waffles, but you probably haven’t had the pinnacle of chicken & waffles. The waffles are cornbread, the chicken is fried, and usually, there is an out-of-this-world sauce slathered over the top. Where is this place you speak of? Red Rooster Harlem.

Red Rooster Harlem

What can history teach us? Well, that sometimes there is no room for improvement – in this case, we are talking about Bagel & Lox (the classic) from a 100-year-old shop. Russ & Daughter the café is at 127 Orchard Street. The salmon is wafer thin, and the bagels are fresh, the schmear is top notch. It is a combo that will never go out of fashion and is as delicious now, as the first one they ever sold. 

Getting a little something different. Tender, perfectly seasoned, moist and amazing mouth feel. Octopus. To be more precise, grilled octopus. You might be put off by the idea of eating octopus, or maybe when faced with the tentacles aren’t in love with the idea. But, life is for the living, and this little delicacy from Taverna will remind you that sometimes trying new things is exactly what you needed. 

Where the Gossip Girl fans at? Maybe that is a little too retro of a reference. Anyway, the ‘rich kids’ were hooked on these pastries from a sweet little bakery, and the Brooklyn dwellers were all about the pierogis. Firstly, a pierogi is an eastern European dumpling of goodness. They come with sweet fruit fillings or savory fillings - usually potato, ground meat, cheese, or sauerkraut. Veselka is where it is at for these little pockets of happiness, serving up the goods since 1954 it is a mainstay of the East Village and for a good reason.

Veselka

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete with at least taking a trip to one Italian place. The problem is there are so many it is going to come down to what your idea of great food is. Let’s say that cooking in your apartment or when you get home (depending on import laws) is your idea of heaven; then you want to head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx – the red sauce is divine and authentic. If you don’t care for the sauce, but you care deeply for dairy, then Casa Della Mozzarella (much like the name suggests) has the best fresh cheese. Tomato sauce and cheese not hitting the spot for you? If you are all about the pasta, then you’re going to have to check out Calabria Pork Store. If you don’t want to take anything home, then book a table at Tra Di Noi – it’s the trifecta – cheese, tomatoes, meat and traditional pasta.

Tra Di Noi

Check out some other recommendations here:

New York City is a bustling, dazzling city with many beautiful and stunning famous landmarks. Its people are stylish, confident, and perpetually on the go. This is the idea that most people have of New York, and it’s a pretty accurate one. NYC is all these things, but what you may not know is that the city also has a mysterious side. Here are some of New York’s most intriguing secrets.

Paranormal Activity In The Village

Greenwich Village on the west side of Lower Manhattan is known for being an artists’ haven. It is for its quirky, bohemian vibe, and is home to many art galleries, quaint boutiques, and jazz lounges, as well as the ghosts of New York City. Dating all the way back to the 16th century, the Village has a rich and complex history. It was the scene of several tragic events, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. Today, it is the site of many reported hauntings and paranormal activity.

If you want to learn more about the city’s dark and fascinating history, New York ghost tours are absolutely the way to go. On these nightly walking tours, you will be led through the streets and historic buildings of Greenwich Village by a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, who will tell you all about reported sightings in the area. These aren’t just made up ghost stories; these are actual accounts backed up by witnesses and research.

Clandestine Train Platforms

These days, the rich and famous all use private jets and decoys to escape quickly from the public eye. Back in the day, private train stations actually existed to help them get in and out of places without being seen. One such station is Track 61, a secret train platform buried under the historic Waldorf Astoria. Renowned VIPs such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Andy Warhol used this platform to exit and enter the hotel virtually unnoticed. Today, the train tracks are closed to public, but if you look right out of the window of certain Metro-North trains as you depart, you might just catch a glimpse.

Spooky Marble Cemeteries

Tucked away in the East Village is the oldest public non-sectarian cemetery in NYC, the New York City Marble Cemetery. Also known as the Second Avenue Cemetery, it was incorporated in 1831, with most of the interments taking place between then and 1870. The deceased are all in below ground vaults made of solid white Tuckahoe marble, and there are no gravestones, only an eerie sense of calm pervading the place. If you'd like to go on a tour, they are usually only conducted once a month. But if you have unconventional tastes, you could always rent the place out and host a garden party—or even a wedding.

These are just some of the mysterious secrets and intriguing spots that can be found on almost every corner in New York. Everywhere you go in this vast and multifaceted city, you can unearth a wealth of history and fascinating stories from the past. The next time you visit, be sure to make time to visit some of these sites along with the usual popular tourist attractions.

OPEN TO PUBLIC SHOWS

When it comes to fashion, despite what you may believe, Europe and the USA are quite different. If you’re an avid traveler, and a fashion-savvy one at that, you will have noticed the vast difference in style between women from European capitals and ladies from the US, New York city included. Now, if you haven’t had the chance to personally compare and contrast, we’re here to give you all the details concerning the differences in the fashion and style department, and then you can be the judge as to who wears it better.

Paris vs. New York

Ok, the differences between a classic Parisian and New York gal could literally fill an entire book, but we’ll try to narrow it down. It’s important to emphasize that New Yorkers are always in pursuit of the next big trend, and they follow each and every one of them like there’s no tomorrow. They’re also known for those ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ impossible combinations that are just beaming with colors and prints. That is exactly why fashion here is much more disposable. Trends have a lifespan of a fruit fly, and it’s no wonder new clothes are quickly discarded to make room for new ones. New York girls also have a tendency to mix not only different prints but clashing styles as well – they’re all about the ‘notice me’ effect’. For instance, the athleisure style that has been dominating the streets of NYC for quite some time allows women to pair their tracksuits with expensive bags and patent leather loafers.

This is something you could never spot on the streets of Paris. Parisian girls are all about effortless and timeless elegance. Their staple outerwear doesn’t change with the arrival of a new trend – it’s always a trench coat and a well-tailored winter coat that fits just perfectly. For New Yorkers, denim and leather jackets, such as the ones by Ena Pelly Clothing, are staple outerwear items. With Parisians, the mix of color and fabric is very streamlined, and there’s always a poignant yet subtle detail gracing their outfit. Neutral tones and monochromatic outfits trump everything else. There’s a certain ‘underdone’ quality to their style, but it’s always impeccable, although a tad restrained. The Paris fashion week might be ostentatious, but modesty rules the streets, even when they’re wearing high-end garments.

London vs. New York

The style of your typical British girl could be described as “girly with an edge”. When it comes to high-street, there’s no denying that London girls do it better than anyone else. They will pair a floral skirt or shorts with black opaque tights, and complete the look with plimsolls. As trendy as New York girls are, they can never be as experimental as London girls. These gals will mix and match without giving it a second thought. In a way, they have that Parisian careless quality, but their choice of garments is bolder and edgier. 

As mentioned, the classic New York style revolves around trendy pieces and these women usually have that ‘just stepped off the runway’ look. British girls will rock their wacky colors and flaunt their ‘festival style’ all year round. The differences can be spotted even in garments from British and American designers. You have trendy and polished by Ralph Lauren on the one side and then punk, eccentric and clashing by the one and only Vivienne Westwood. You can now judge for yourself. 

Berlin vs. New York

As The New York Times Magazine points out, Berlin is a city of inexpensive living and a laid-back lifestyle. Everything is done at a slow pace, but it’s undeniable that Berlin is a cultural hotspot. It’s also a place where high-fashion meets flea market finds. Just like Londoners, Berliners have a knack for eccentricity and matching the unmatchable. Matching jeans and jacket thrown over a kimono topped off with a clunky scarf and black clunky boots – you’ll surely spot more than one person rocking this kind of thing on the streets of Berlin. Your classic New York fashionista wouldn’t be caught going to the grocery shop looking like this, let alone be photographed. Still, it should be noted that Berliners don’t shy away from trends. They will purchase a 70 euro shirt – but they will make sure it doesn’t look expensive. That’s the main difference – New York is trendy and polished, and Berlin is trendy but in its own quirky laid-back manner.