Dubrovnik is an underrated destination for a summer holiday, in comparison to the Greek Islands or the Canary Islands, and honestly, I don’t understand why. This city is probably one of the prettiest places I’ve visited in Europe and a location where beauty lingers throughout the seasons, especially in the summer months. The glimmering water and sunshine bouncing off all the main sights are a treat to the eyes. When the sun is at its peak and the city livens up with flocks of tourists and locals, and the beaches come alive, it’s a gorgeous place to be.

The Old Town is Dubrovnik’s most touristy area because it’s the hub for the most popular attractions such as The City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac and cable car. I visited all three of these and especially loved the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik and see it as day turned to night. Dubrovnik has an old-school charm everyone wants to soak in and has an authenticity like nothing else I’ve experienced before. The authenticity is shown through the tiny alleyways and locals chatting, sitting on steps near their homes. They won’t be changing their ways for tourists any time soon. I don’t think there’s any way to compare the authenticity to other, smaller cities because each city has a different appeal and definition of what ‘authentic’ means. So, it’s even more authentic because it can’t be compared to other cities!

But the real question is, should you stay in the Old Town when in Dubrovnik? Is it worth it?

I could probably sum it up in a few words: the Old Town certainly has its pros and cons, depending on the type of traveller you are, when you’re planning your trip and what activities you’d like to get up to on your holiday. The Old Town is definitely for the explorer-traveller who loves a dose of the main tourist sights, roaming quaint streets and discovering new things. It’s for people who don’t live their lives according to guide books and travel guides. It’s for people who want to engage with the locals and, also, who want to sit on a rampart high above the city and take in the views by themselves. It’s a city for artists, especially landscape artists.

During my time in Dubrovnik, I stayed in the centre of the Old Town, only a few minutes’ walk from the main street in the city, the Stradun. The Stradun is packed with restaurants, cafes, a couple of shops and it’s from this throughfare that all the quaint alleyways in the Old Town spread out, including to the old port and to the Old Town exit.

I noticed when checking into my apartment (and getting lost as I couldn’t find it), that the main type of accommodations was apartments and it seemed to be the norm to stay in those. I loved that though because I’m a huge fan of self-catering accommodation when travelling. I prefer to make a place my own and call it home for a few days, rather than living the hotel lifestyle. It means I can control my breakfast eating times and also have that ‘local’ feeling to my accommodation too. I don’t always have to feel like a tourist in a new city, it can become a temporary home away from home.

My apartment was traditionally European in every way, located along a thin alleyway in the Old Town, above many of the cobbled steps. Its door was completely frosted, as were the windows which,  honestly, was the weirdest thing to me because we actually couldn’t see what the weather was like each morning until we stepped out of the building; and the amount of light in the room wasn’t great either. Despite that, I adored the little apartment. It had a large bedroom space with a double bed, TV and clothes storage with a vintage-looking bedside table. The kitchen area was attached with a typical older-looking kitchen (very Mediterranean) and a picnic-style table as a dining table, right next to it. The whole apartment had marble floors and the bathroom was slightly different, more modern. I adored the humble look and how it wasn’t overly fancy. It looked lived-in and homely.

One of the things worth noting is no accommodation in the Old Town has central heating. If you’re visiting in the summer months when the sun is at its peak there is no need to worry, however, during cooler times and off-season, blankets and extra layers will have to be your best friend. That’s the thing with European houses and apartments as well, they’re designed to keep cool and it can be a bit of a disadvantage, especially in the Old Town with minimal ways to warm up. Of course, if you’re travelling with a loved one, cuddling up under thick blankets after  a hot soak in the bath together, in a flat in the Old Town can feel kinda sexy in its own way. The antiquity and history can be a turn on for some!

Despite the lack of heating, the apartment was a place I could have made home and the joy of its location didn’t end there. The Old Town itself had a pull to it like no other. When initially researching Dubrovnik, I found the Old Town area to be the priciest part of Dubrovnik, probably because of its proximity to the attractions and natural charm. But, because of that, I was sceptical about it being worth the hype. Were they charging a little more because it was amazing or because they knew people would pay to be in the bustle?

In my opinion, the bustle is all part of the Old Town’s charm. I loved this spot in the quieter hours of the morning and when it was packed with laughter and chatter from tourists and locals alike. They were two different vibes, but both were worth the experience and I’m glad it’s something I was able to do.

On our first day in the city, the weather wasn’t pleasant, with cloudy skies and rainfall deterring people away from mooching around. I liked this experience as it allowed me to appreciate the Old Town without the noise and rush, it was effortless.

When the weather did warm up, however, the people emerged like kids into candy shops and the streets were full of life. There was a combination of locals and tourists, intertwining with each other, sitting in bars and chatting away in restaurants. It showed the heart of Dubrovnik in every way possible way, and I felt grateful where I was staying happened to be moments away from that joyous bustle.

Considering daytime antics and what sunny Dubrovnik was like, I imagined it would be loud and busy at night, keeping me awake. However, that was far from the truth. Nestled away, within the residential apartments, the flat kept out the noise. I woke up every morning to quiet streets in the earlier hours before the city came alive and I loved how the city was all mine and I could plan the day’s exploration in peace. I could absorb all the beauty without the distraction of other locals and tourists. When it comes to new cities, this part of the morning is great for a walk and looking for potential breakfast places. It’s probably worth mentioning that I visited at the beginning of the season (early May), before the flock of tourists had the opportunity to take over the Old Town. This in itself gave me the best of both worlds as there were enough crowds to enjoy the busy ambience but not enough to take away from the city’s charm.

My favourite part of staying in the Old Town was how I could walk to every attraction I wanted to which meant everything I needed to see was within easy reach. From the renowned Old City Walls, the old port, the Stradun, and the famous beach scene -including Banje Beach and Sulic Bay- to Fort Lovrijenac, Jesuit staircase and the cable car ride.

The Walls of Dubrovnik were built in the 13^th century and during the 15 century, 15 towers were built as part of the walls – some which are still there today. The 12^th century, cliff-perched Fort Lovrijenac, although outside the Old Town’s walls, is worth a visit. Braver souls can even attempt to dive off the cliffs! The Jesuit staircase, now famous for a Games of Thrones scene, originates in 1738. It was designed by Italian architect Pietro Passalacqua and is an example of Baroque architecture in the city. The majority of the architecture in Dubrovnik is either medieval or Baroque.

The two main beaches, Banje Beach and Sulic Bay, have their own reasons to be beautiful and are completely different. Banje Beach is the tourist hub with plenty of sun beds and the place to be for water sports. Whilstpebbly Sulic Bay is tucked away and popular with cliff jumpers.

The Old City Walls is a unique experience and one I’m thankful to have done. I walked around the entirety of the Old Town and saw the city from every angle. There was something magical about being up high and seeing the city below me. My favourite part was the view of endless terracotta rooftops as for me that’s what I picture when I think of Dubrovnik.

The beach scene was a dream with its combination of different pebbly terrains. Its water was so clear, that it didn’t look real, kind of like what you’d expect on an edited Instagram picture. I loved the calmness of the water and spending hours lapping up the sunshine. The old port area had a local feel to it with boats passing in and out, taking passengers on excursions and a row of vendors selling the tickets. They were friendly, chatting amongst themselves and with us as we booked our trips. They made us feel welcome in every way. Fort Lovrijenac was one of those sights I’m grateful to have taken in the view from, the same with the cable car ride to Mount Srd. In both experiences, I got a taste of what Dubrovnik looks like from a distance.

Among all the main attractions, the main draw for me was the ambience of the Old Town itself. Being amongst it every day, discovering new quaint streets and charming buildings such as local’s apartments made my heart happy. The streets surrounding the accommodation near The Rupe Museum had to be my favourite as they captured the true heart of the city. It had that local appeal about it, with people living their normal everyday life. And for me, although Dubrovnik has become a touristic place, there are many people which still call it there home – and that’s the true heart of any location.

Everything I needed was right at my fingertips and the longest walk I had to do was around 30 minutes, to reach the esteemed Sveti Jacov Beach. This close proximity meant I could relax more as I didn’t have to worry about wasting time travelling to and from places. I could get up, see what was on the agenda and know I didn’t have to think about public transport or booking a taxi. I could simply venture out and be on my way. There was also that ease of knowing how easy it was to find my way back as the Old Town isn’t big at all. I love waking up and strolling along the cobbled paths to reach the buzzing vibe of the Stradun or mooching down to the harbour and sailing away on an excursion.

The apartment, as I mentioned, was around a ten-minute walk to the old port, a couple of minutes to Stradun and the City Walls, fifteen minutes to the nearest beach and about 2 minutes to the closest restaurant.

I keep thinking about should I have stayed somewhere else to get more of a local feel to Dubrovnik? And honestly, the answer is no. Despite being in the hustle and bustle of tourism and activity, I didn’t feel like my stay was over commercial like many other tourist hotspots. I didn’t feel as if I was surrounded by keen holiday-goers only wanting to get drunk and lounge about, it was the opposite. I felt the people who I walked passed, were travellers who appreciate authentic beauty and seeing new cultures – and wanted to see how the Old Town lived up to expectations.

I don’t think I would have experienced the draw of the quaint walkways, cobbled streets and locals weaving in and out of old-school apartments in other parts of Dubrovnik. It didn’t have the overly holiday feel because it wasn’t packed with resorts or beach spots, it was endearing and attractive in the ways a city should be.

Overall, I do think staying in the Old Town was completely worth every penny. Even though it had a slightly higher price tag than staying in places such as Lapad, it was a better investment for many reasons. I had easy access to the old port for boat trips and bus stop to get to and from the airport. Food and drink options were endless with cafes and restaurants around every single corner in the Old Town that I was spoilt for choice. Andit meant I saved on all things transport cost as there was no need to pay for public transport since all the attractions and beaches could be reached by foot.

The allure of the Old Town won my heart over every single morning. I don’t think I ever got bored of walking down the same cobbled steps morning and night to reach my apartment. Every time it felt new and surreal, but at the same time as home and completely familiar. It’s hard to describe it but the Old Town had a way of welcoming me home. Travelling is something that feels natural to me, and I love finding places which feel safe enough to hold the same feeling of locations I’ve seen over and over. It may be down to the fact the Old Town had an Italian appeal to it to why it suited me so nicely.

It’s worth it because I had all I needed for a beautiful holiday in Dubrovnik. I could find new things to see each day, roaming around back to my apartment, as every street had its one unique flair. Whether that was cute shops, cafes or restaurants or authentic-looking Mediterranean homes, covered in flowers and terracotta roofs. There was always something interesting to look at and as I ventured out of the Old Town, the same beauty didn’t remain in the same way. The views were impeccable, and the beaches took my breath away, but the ancient style and secret feeling the Old Town have didn’t match up anywhere else.

And it’s also with saying I loved the limiting use of transport within the Old Town. Due to the windy cobbled streets and steep paths, cars wouldn’t get around as much as in other places across the city. To me, this added to the appeal because it kind of turned back the time slightly where walking around was the norm and that’s how you’d get about your day-to-day life.

To sum it up, the answer is yes. If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik, I would highly recommend choosing a spot in the Old Town to stay. The Old Town isn’t overly large in the slightest and means you can stay wherever throughout it and still be close by to all the top attractions on foot. It takes under 10 minutes to walk from one side of the Old Town to the other which is nothing, compared to if you were staying in Lapad, where the peninsula is double in size.

Dubrovnik is a city that’ll open your eyes to many new experiences, good food and views you won’t believe are real and I’d recommend it to anyone. To get the full experience of Old Town, I would suggest booking your trip as the season begins. This allows you to experience the sunny skies of the city and get a dose of the busy atmosphere without too many tourists travelling through – and see the Old Town in all its glory.

Some of the world’s oldest inhabited cities- Jericho, Damascus, Aleppo, Byblos, Jerusalem and Sidon- are in the Levant (present day Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Israel)- so to eat the cuisine of that land is, in a way, taking a trip back in time. Few cuisines have such a legacy. Indeed, the other cuisine of an ancient civilisation I could think of is the Aboriginals’; is it fate that the cuisine of one millennia-old  civilisation found itself in a land more than half-way across the world, where an even older civilisation had been sustaining itself on what the land and sea offered?

Nowadays, while instances of racism do still occur, Lebanese communities co-exist as a part of the wider Australian community.

Simultaneously, Lebanese cuisine has elevated Sydney’s restaurant scene over the years(let’s be honest:  Anglo-Aussie “cuisine” – what was it anyway? kangaroos and crocs in a pie or out of a pie, served with chips?- has benefitted from the infusion of various immigrant cultures- Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Indian, SE Asian, Japanese, African etc.,). The blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is hard to replicate, carving a successful niche in an otherwise competitive hospitality market. From Bondi to Parramatta, Mona Vale to Cronulla, you’ll find revered Lebanese dining venues throughout the city.

Arriving at the airport, the pair of us were jumping with excitement. The flight added to the anticipation as it was both of our first times flying long-haul so we lapped up all the free flight food and watched as many films as possible. On the plane, when we weren’t watching a rerun of Disney films, we couldn’t stop talking about what New York would actually be like when we arrived. What will the atmosphere be like? And the food? What about the Broadway show we had booked? We grinned enthusiastically as we contemplated and discussed our trip.

As we tracked the flight on the screen and got close to landing, arriving at JFK’s airport didn’t feel real. The captain announced the final approach and our smiles were as wide as the aeroplane’s wingspan. An evening arrival (handy if you want to avoid rush-hour traffic in to Manhattan!) gave us the opportunity to catch glimpses of the summer sun setting over the city, offering views of the iconic buildings as we got closer to the runway, Our anticipation grew the faster the aircraft descended towards the runway, as it tried to steady itself against the cross winds from the Atlantic and from the mainland (JFK is on Long Island which, if we’re being pedantic, isn’t connected to the North American continent with anything other than bridges!). I’ll never forget the feeling of excitement in my stomach as I could see everything I’ve been dreaming about come into focus. It felt as if we were IN a postcard. I’m not sure I even noticed the sound of the engines going into thrust reversal mode or the whirring of the flaps; I was that focused on what awaited us!

The city, for me, lived up to every single expectation. It had an electric ambience about it that you couldn’t get anywhere else and offered the excitement (which made it hard to go to sleep each night as I wanted more) I craved for my dream birthday trip.

You’re probably thinking, but where do I begin in planning this dream trip? Don’t worry, I’ve got the places you need to add to your agenda to ensure you have the time of your lives and it’ll be a birthday you’ll talk about in years to come. Oh, and you won’t even have to dent your debit/credit cards…at least not massively!

It may sound predictable as your first stop but is it a birthday break without a phenomenal shopping trip? Macy’s is what, for me at least, New York is known for in terms of department stores (sorry Saks, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Bergdorf! Maybe you will get a look in on my next trip!) The outside of Macy’s just screams NYC. Without the Macy’s sign, I wouldn’t think it was a department store: the building itself is an attraction in its own right, a living, breathing museum…and a reminder of New York’s wealth and pre-eminence in the world of Finance and its ability to withstand crisis such as the Great Depression, the attack and fall of the Twin Towers, the dot com crash, the bank failures and subsequent financial crisis that was triggered in 2008 and, most recently, the stock market crash in the wake of COVID. If there’s one city in the U.S. that’s a symbol of American resilience it’s New York.

Macy’s opened its NYC store in 1858 but didn’t move to today’s location until 1902, and this is where the store gained its popular reputation. Even in today’s modern building, some of the original wooden escalators are still in place and you can use them like one did a century ago. Originally, there was a verbal agreement for Macy’s to buy the corner five story plot on 34th street but a rival department store, Siegel-Cooper, bought it instead and the owner of Macy’s therefore built the store around it, and, overtime, the Macy’s branding was placed on the plot. Since the 1900s, the store has been spruced up inside and out, with the aim of keeping the grandeur look. The exterior reminded me of the architecture I’ve seen in Europe, with its neutral palette and grand windows.

I’m a bit of a shopping browser, I love to see what’s on offer and when I was in Macy’s, we were both overwhelmed with the choices of clothing and accessories, especially when I arrived at the Kate Spade section (I wanted all of the handbags!). I was shocked at how big the store actually was. It felt like I was in some sort of luxury TV show as I swept my fingers inquisitively across each clothing rail. I didn’t buy anything as many of the items were out of my price range but the experience of actually being in the Macy’s store on West 34th Street was thrilling enough – and something I can tick off my dream NYC bucket list.

It definitely was a different kettle fish in terms of the shoppers. They had that air of luxury and entitlement about them, with the certainty of knowing exactly what they were shopping for. Blonde women with pressed suits and business-esque outfits, and men with their slicked back hair and brown loafers were among the many that passed my sister and I. In some ways, it felt like they were Alpha predators in their natural habitat, with an instinct honed to detect anyone  who doesn’t belong there. I didn’t exactly catch the chats of other shoppers but I felt their presence, and couldn’t help watching as they’d step up to the counter, ready to pay for whatever expensive item they desired. Looking at them, I just knew that only the finest facials and waxes would do for them! I think that’s one of the reasons I loved Macy’s: it gave me a chance to observe a certain type of New Yorker in their stomping ground.

Fifth Avenue is much more hype than it is wow factor, however, if you’re into shopping then it’s still a must-see on your trip. This street is for the visitors who have an exceptionally big budget so if that’s you, go rock and roll with the luxury brands that sit along the street. But if a Tiffany necklace isn’t in your price range, then Fifth Avenue is the perfect place to have a browse, window shop and take some goal worthy photos. New York can be very hot in the summertime, it depends which month you go in. In early summer, there can be cooler days so I’d recommend bringing a few layers, but as the heat intensifies, light summer dresses should be amongst your packing list – and will be a killer outfit for all your Instagram photos.

Fifth Avenue had an exclusive feel about it, like you were somebody when walking down the street. The people that passed me held themselves with their heads up high, paying no attention to the people around them, too obsessed with their phone and ensuring they entered the correct store. They had larger-than-usual personalities, as if they were on a mission to add to their already extravagant wardrobe with another bold item. I have to say, their aura started rubbing off on me and I noticed a perkiness and confidence about myself. The ‘rich-and-in-a-hurry’ feel of Fifth Avenue is something else, similar to Times Square with the bustle of traffic and flocks of people.

I went into Tiffany’s on my trip because well, you have to right? The atmosphere in there instantly made me realise my weekly budget for the trip wouldn’t even touch the sides of a Tiffany item, but it did give me a taste of the finer side of city shopping. Tiffany’s had a weird silence about it, not the kind you’d find in a typical high street shop. The shoppers in there were full of admiration, discussing with the cashier about the finer details of necklaces. Only a limited number of people were in each part of the shop, as if it was more like an exhibit than a place to shop.

For a more realistic shopping scene after the hype of Macy’s and Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center is the place to be and my favourite spot for shopping. I love how around this area, there was a combination of both designer labels and your standard high-street names. I went into many of the shops around Rockefeller Center but J Crew stood out for me. J Crew had that hip-but-relaxed vibe about it. Its items and clothes were inclusive, less elitist.

For a more realistic shopping scene after the hype of Macy’s and Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center is the place to be and my favourite spot for shopping. I love how around this area, there was a combination of both designer labels and your standard high-street names. I went into many of the shops around Rockefeller Center but J Crew stood out for me. J Crew had that hip-but-relaxed vibe about it. Its items and clothes were inclusive, less elitist.

The vibe of Rockefeller Centre had a similar ambience to London’s Oxford Street. The experience in the shops was just how I expected: unique, bustling and a bit of everything. Can I say that all of the shops stood out? But especially Micheal Kors and Cole Hann as they were both in direct view of the Rockefeller building itself. The age range of people was definitely a lot younger at Rockefeller Centre than it was at both Macy’s and Fifth Avenue, and I loved that. It’s that familiarity with people just like me which made me enjoy the experience even more.

Whilst in the Rockefeller Center for shopping, I would recommend heading up the Top of the Rock towards sunset. It’s no secret that New York has the most incredible bird’s-eye view and there are many spots in the city where you’re able to enjoy that. I would suggest opting for the Rockefeller Center over the Empire State Building as you’ll be able to get a full panoramic view of all of NYC, including Central Park and the Empire State building too.

If you head up the top just as the sun is about to set, then you’re able to experience the city in all its glory; in daylight, as the sun is setting and when the city is lit up at night. It’s like standing on the biggest Christmas tree with a city of possibilities ahead of you. And, there really is no better sight than a sea of skyscrapers in the night sky.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Broadway scene is something that sets the butterflies in my stomach fluttering every time I think about it! Times Square itself is pure urban theatre: the way the lights create a faux day in the night, the buzzing sound of different types of music playing, and crowds of people filtering in and out…could there be a more appropriate prelude to a Broadway show? Who needs an expensive pre-show set menu when you could grab a hot dog and pretzel at Times Square and just soak in the energy from humans and machines!

Broadway attracts the kind of talent and shows (it’s not unusual to pay over $300 for the best seats in the house!) that London’s West End can only dream about (in fact, most British actors see a run on Broadway as the peak of their theatrical careers). For example, Al Pacino has had a long and varied career on Broadway, whereas he’s performed in the West End just once. West End? “Fuggeddaboudit!”, as they say in New York!

There are numerous musicals running at any given time but we saw The Lion King on my trip and loved every minute of the production. It brought the Disney film to life with a production packed of colour, emotion and power. The dancing was electric, the voices of the actors were incredible and thinking back to it, it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. I’m a big West End goer so I wasn’t sure how Broadway would compare to it, but I would say on an atmospheric level, it’s a slight step up. The theatre itself was lit up outside, showcasing the Lion King branding and inside and had a very similar feel to the theatres along Shaftesbury Avenue in London. I loved how everyone I passed had the same anticipation in their voice to watch the show.

New York may be an iconic city, but it’s also known for its collection of green spaces including the noteworthy Central Park. The beauty of the park is that it stretches over two miles across the city, and has more things to do than first meets the eye.

The bottom half of Central Park is where there is the most going on including the Wollman Rink (the ice rink in the winter months), the Bethesda Fountain and terrace and a few more attractions such as Strawberry Fields and the Central Park Zoo. The Bethesda Fountain area was my favourite spot in the park because it was a perfect area for people watching and seeing the endeavours (from children playing games to business women taking important phone calls) that went on in the park, plus, there’s the calmness of water right behind me – adding a oasis of tranquility to the mayhem.

Even though it was busy, I kind of liked that as it offered the New York feel. It still had that busy hum about it, with people rushing around like they had a mission to complete. Do New Yorkers ever slow down? Everyone looked busy, determined and self-assured. There was confidence in the way people carried themselves in the park. Sitting on the actual fountain itself and looking around gave me a sense of belonging to the city, and finding a home away from home (albeit temporarily), and it’s a feeling I’ll always hold onto.

It wouldn’t be a birthday’ trip without some superb grub. New York’s take on Italy has to be one of my favourite areas of Manhattan. Little Italy is a quirky spot that still has some authenticity about the place and I could really see that on my visit. The buildings had that typical colourful and bricked look to them with red draped roofs over every restaurant scattered around the area. I may not have heard many Italian speakers on my visit, however, the waiters in the restaurants still had that Italian twang and you could tell it was their native language.

Little Italy is not as quiet as it used to be, considering the attention it has received from tourists recently. However, it is a prime location for many traditional Italian eateries, whether you’re in need of a pizza or pasta fix.

I loved how Little Italy has the rustic appeal to typical Italian streets with the colourful decor and charming folk. It can be tricky to pick where to eat when in the area, but Lombardi’s is somewhere you have to go. It’s a restaurant that is very overly hyped but for good reason: Lombardi’s was the first ever pizzeria in the United States and I can assure you, the pizzas are just as authentic as they are in Italy.

You can’t miss visiting the New York Library. I’m a huge bookworm and visiting the New York Library was one of those moments where I jumped with excitement. I’ve read many different types of books, but since picking up the YA novel of ‘Jessie loves NYC’ when I was sixteen, I dreamt of living out the city fantasy. And, I can say for sure that I was living out that exact dream, especially in The Library – it was one of those spots which really lived up to the hype. 

The library has that quiet appeal like every old school bookshop with books dating back hundreds of years. I walked around the airy space, the extravagant stairwells and couldn’t believe some people call this their local library. The stoned stairwells led up to rooms behind dark wooden doors filled with wooden shelf units of books, extravagant chandeliers, arched wide windows, terracotta flooring and a sea of computers. Local New York students took it in their stride. Paintings including murals from prehistory to the contemporary period covered the ceilings, door frames and each room had a different name; it was more like a museum than a library. I loved the quiet thrill of exploring the building and discovering different aspects of her personality, and her treasures, in every step. Who needs trashy reality shows and banal box sets when you can enrich the mind in a temple devoted to human intellectual achievement!

The New York Public Library origins date back to the 19th century. When the New York governor at the time died, there were two libraries of importance; the Astor and Lenox Libraries but neither were public. However, when both libraries faced financial difficulties, they decided to come together and that’s when the New York Public Library was born, and today, it sees 18 million patrons walk through its doors. The history is palpable when you visit the library, in the craft of the artwork, the collection of books and the woodwork.

I don’t think a girls’ trip to NY can be complete without visiting Manhattan’s neighbour Brooklyn. I only scratched the surface with Brooklyn but it whetted my appetite and l will definitely be heading back on my next trip. I loved Brooklyn because it had the slower pace to Manhattan and the residential parts of the borough had an almost suburban feel to them.

One of the things that make Brooklyn so interesting is the Brooklyn Bridge, perfect for dreamy views. You can either go over the bridge by car or by walking but I would suggest getting your steps in just so you’re able to see the gorgeous sights of the city in the background.

I spent a few hours in Brooklyn and it was nowhere near enough time to fully appreciate the joys of the borough. When we walked away from the bridge, we headed down to the ferry port area to get a view of the East River and Manhattan, reflecting over the smooth waves. It was one of those moments where I thought ‘Wow, New York is incredible’. After that, we pottered around the borough as much as we could in the limited time, passing the many blocks of terracotta housing, immersing ourselves deeper into the calmness. I don’t have much to recommend other than to go there and make up your own mind on what Brooklyn is for you – you don’t want to miss it, especially if the quieter pace of a city is a bit of you.

New York is a pretty accessible city by foot or by the subway system but, really, no trip would be complete without a ride in an iconic yellow cab. Now if you’d like to pretend you’re a part of the Sex and the City or The Bold Type cast, then you’ve got to get your practice in and nab down a cab. It can take some mastering but it’s all part of the fun whilst you’re in the city and to pretend your group are proper New Yorkers.

New York cabbies are full of character and it’s almost a pick of the draw of who you get when nabbing down a cab. In the cab back to the airport, our driver was full of life, chatting away about the history of the roads and how they have changed over time. I can’t remember the exact facts but what will always stay with me is his cheerful charm and how inviting he was of us, exploring a city he called home.

It won’t be a girl’s trip without cocktails and dancing the night away. New York isn’t short of places to drink and it can be hard to know where to go without spending an absolute fortune. But, the East Village is a neighbourhood to venture into for cocktail lounges, speakeasies and karaoke bars; there really is something for everyone. The East Village is busy, loud, central and good fun so an all rounder for a memorable night – and exactly what we loved about it. It’s a vibe different from every other part of Manhattan. That’s what I loved about New York, how each neighbourhood changed in pace, atmosphere and views.

The bar scene is unlimited here so it really can be tough choosing a place to visit. Some of the best places to visit would include The Ready Rooftop Bar for a cosy atmosphere and goal worthy views (the view is definitely more exaggerated with a couple of cocktails in your system and worth it, trust me) and Club Cumming for a night of either burlesque or variety shows on offer. The bar choice is wide but as you walk along East Village, I can guarantee you the right bar will stand out to you. We wanted to visit every single one!

New York. The place of unforgettable attractions, unique food establishments and well, New Yorkers and a city that’ll always leave my heart leaving more. You’ll return from New York with a buzz in your step, and memories with your girls that’ll last a lifetime.