Celebrating My Birthday in New York City
I’d been planning this trip for nearly ten months, and getting to celebrate a milestone birthday in my top bucket list destination felt surreal. Here’s to 40 years and the magic of the Big Apple.
Times Square
Our first stop was Times Square, because honestly, I couldn’t think of a better place for that “I’m really in NYC” moment. It helped that our hotel was right in the middle of it, so every time we stepped outside, we were immediately swept into the loud, bright chaos. Crowds everywhere, random performers popping up out of nowhere, costumed characters hustling for photos, musicians filling the air, and honking taxis locked in gridlock — it was sensory overload in the most New York way possible.
We couldn’t believe how much was packed into just a few blocks: big‑brand flagship stores, souvenir shops bursting with “I ❤️ NY” merch, upscale restaurants, $1.50 pizza joints, and steamy halal street carts. It was messy, loud, overstimulating, and completely irresistible. Standing in the middle of it all, letting that wild energy wash over me, felt like the perfect way to kick off New York.
Broadway Musical
And right at the edge of all that neon madness is Broadway and I love a good musical as much as the next person. We didn’t have a specific show in mind and decided to play it by ear, which was how we ended up with last‑minute second‑balcony seats to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Best spontaneous decision ever.
The moment the curtains lifted, it was magic. We were swept into a world of wonder, with effects so dazzling they felt like real spells crackling across the stage. The cast was phenomenal, bringing every character to life with energy, depth, and absolute stage brilliance.
And if you haven’t heard, Tom Felton has reprised his role as Draco Malfoy for the New York production. His 19‑week residency begins on November 11, 2025, and runs through May 2026 so you have plenty of time to catch him on stage.
Helicopter Ride Over Manhattan
If I was going to splurge on one impractical NYC experience, it had to be a 15-minute helicopter ride over Manhattan. It is the kind of thrill that gives you a vantage point you simply can’t get any other way — a sweeping, cinematic view over one of the most iconic skylines on Earth.
The flight was exhilarating yet surprisingly smooth, and seeing the city from above was wild. From the air, Manhattan looked enormous but also tiny at the same time. Towers that seem impossibly tall from the ground look so compact and tiny from a few hundred feet in the air. Even the Empire State Building looks small. And Central Park? I knew it was big, but seeing its sheer scale from the sky was jaw‑dropping.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge was one of those classic New York experiences that lived up to the hype. Even though the heat had us sweating by the end, the iconic views of Manhattan, the East River, and the city skyline made it an unforgettable walk.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is arguably one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, a building so recognizable, it is New York. Completed in 1931 during the Great Depression, it held the title of the world’s tallest building for decades, standing as a symbol of ambition and resilience. As someone who loves skyscrapers, the Empire State Building was an absolute must‑visit on my NYC bucket list.
There are two levels of access at the Empire State Building: the 86th floor Main Deck and the 102nd floor Top Deck. We chose the Main Deck for its classic, open‑air observatory, where the wraparound terrace circles the building’s spire and delivers a breathtaking 360° panorama of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. It felt so authentically New York, and it’s now officially one of my most unforgettable, if not the most unforgettable, views on Earth.
The Edge
We almost skipped The Edge since it isn’t exactly symbolic of historic New York, but after seeing the rave reviews and all those Instagram‑worthy shots framed by its nine‑foot glass walls, I knew I couldn’t resist. I am a sucker for a good skyline moment, and the promise of a glass‑bottom floor sealed the deal.
Opened to the public in March 2020, The Edge is NYC’s newest observation deck and easily one of its most dramatic. What sets it apart is the open‑air, triangular platform that juts out from the building, giving visitors unobstructed views straight down to the streets 101 floors below. Between the glass floor and the angled, floor‑to‑ceiling panels wrapping the deck, it felt practically engineered for jaw‑dropping photos and yes, it was every bit as wild in person as it looks online.
World Trade Center
I knew I needed to visit the World Trade Center, not just for the views, but because the entire site stands as a powerful rebirth — a tribute to the original Twin Towers and everything they represented. Standing here isn’t just another stop on a New York itinerary; it’s a moment to acknowledge the past, to feel the weight of what was lost, and to see how the city rose again with strength, pride, and purpose.
Sitting 100 stories high at the WTC, One World Observatory delivers yet another breathtaking perspective of Manhattan and beyond. We arrived right at opening, which meant we practically had the entire observatory to ourselves. There was something surreal about watching the city wake up from that height, the morning light stretching across the skyline while we wandered from window to window, taking it all in at our own pace.
And while the tower rises as a reminder of how New York refuses to stay down, how it rebuilds stronger, down at ground level the 9/11 Memorial carries an entirely different mood. The reflecting pools create a quiet and somber space in the middle of the city. Reading some of the names etched into the bronze panels was emotional and humbling, and a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the impact of that day.
Staten Island Ferry
We took the Staten Island Ferry for one wonderfully nerdy reason: it was featured in Spider‑Man: Homecoming. And honestly, it turned out to be one of the best free experiences of the entire trip. The ferry costs absolutely nothing, yet it gave us one of the most relaxing hours in New York — gliding across the harbour with sweeping sea‑level views of Manhattan’s skyline and surprisingly close‑up glimpses of the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is another iconic symbol of New York and an experience I simply had to do, because you can’t really say you’ve been to NYC without stopping here. (At this point, I’m noticing a trend between New York and the word iconic.) I hadn’t realized how sought‑after the Crown Access tickets were, so I was late to the game and only managed to snag Pedestal Access, but it still turned out to be a memorable experience.
The ferry ride over was its own little adventure. We went first thing in the morning, and the winds made the crossing a bit choppy. Thankfully it was only 15 minutes, so I didn’t have to worry about getting seasick.
Before climbing to the pedestal, we stopped at the small interpretive area inside Fort Wood. The plaques and displays offered a helpful look at the Statue of Liberty’s history and the ideals she symbolizes: liberty, freedom, enlightenment, democracy, and hope.
Climbing the 215 steps to the pedestal was a decent morning workout, but the view made it worthwhile. Standing beneath Lady Liberty’s feet was pretty wild. She had seemed both small and enormous from the ferry and helicopter but up close, I couldn’t believe how truly massive she really is.
All Liberty Island tickets also include admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum on the other side of the island. Its exhibits explore the statue’s construction, symbolism, and role in American history through artifacts, models, multimedia displays, and the original torch, which crowned the statue for nearly a century before being replaced. The museum is small, easy to explore, and a worthwhile addition to the Liberty Island experience.
Chinatown
Of course we had to visit Manhattan’s Chinatown, a lively neighborhood known for cheap and tasty eats and the go-to market for scoring counterfeit luxury goods. We came for the food and were excited to hunt down a few must-eat Chinese classics that came highly recommended.
We specifically sought out the crispy roast pork belly and roast duck at Hay Hay Roasted, the legendary baked BBQ pork bun at Mei Lai Wah Bakery, curry fishballs at Chang Lai Fishballs Noodles, and The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for their famous Asian flavours. By the end, we were in a full food coma and had to walk it off.
Grand Central Terminal
We did a detour to Grand Central Terminal, not to catch a train but to admire its magnificent Main Concourse. I needed a moment to take it all in—the intricate night sky mural on the ceiling, marble staircases, enormous arched windows, elegant chandeliers, and, of course, the famous four-faced opal clock above the information booth. Now, whenever Grand Central pops up on screen, I can officially say, “I’ve been there!”
After I had my moment, we went down to the lower-level Dining Concourse, where I tried a classic NYC hot dog topped with yellow mustard and sauerkraut. It was the perfect little taste of New York to go along with one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Roosevelt Island Tram
We took the Roosevelt Island Tramway one evening and ended up with the prettiest view of the city lights twinkling and reflecting off the dark water below. It was such a neat experience to glide slowly above the streets of New York alongside the Queensboro Bridge. Even though we hopped off and back on for the immediate return ride and shared the cabin with about 20 other people, the whole experience felt oddly romantic.
Central Park
We saved last second last morning for Central Park and went early to enjoy the quiet before the crowds rolled in. We started at Grand Army Plaza, wandered past The Pond to the Dairy Visitor Center, and stopped for a moment at the Naumburg Bandshell where an orchestra was playing a Harry Potter song. At Bethesda Terrace we may have accidentally photobombed a newlywed getting their wedding photos. From there we continued to Belvedere Castle and Turtle Pond because I can never resist a castle or a turtle.
It’s incredible how such a massive park exists in the middle of Manhattan, and once you’re inside, you almost forget you’re still in the city. All that green in the middle of a city built from steel and glass felt refreshing. There was also a surprisingly large collection of statues tucked throughout the park. We had plans for the rest of the day, otherwise I would have loved to rent a bike and ride around the entire park.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center was our next landmark to check off, and its lower‑level dining concourse made it an easy spot to grab a quick lunch. We decided to skip the observation deck here and instead took a quick peek at the plaza where the famous Christmas tree and skating rink appear during the holidays. As luck would have it, the rink was in the middle of being installed, so we caught it in that weird in-between stage. Not the full holiday magic, but still a fun behind‑the‑scenes moment.
Jimmy Fallon
I couldn’t get online tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, so we arrived at NBC Studios first thing one morning to join the standby list. We returned promptly at 2:30 p.m. and, after an hour-long wait, made it through the first elimination round. Somehow, we also survived the second and third rounds. It was quite an ordeal—spending hours in multiple lines under hot studio lights was not for the faint of heart.
In the end, we were seated on barstools at the very back of the studio, clearly added for the standby crowd. It turned out to be the perfect spot for Jimmy’s usual lap around the studio after the show. We got to high-five him as he passed and I have to say, his hand was slightly moist and surprisingly baby-soft! Despite the hours of waiting, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Celebrating my birthday in New York turned out to be more than a trip; it was a milestone wrapped in crossing off bucket list items. I arrived hoping for a memorable week, and I left with a story I’ll be replaying for years.
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