My Trip to New York City

Can you believe that I lived in New York for several years but have never once been to the city until this summer? Granted, I lived in Upstate New York, and the city is a long drive.

This summer was my first time exploring New York City, and I loved it. I went there with my roommates from freshman year in college. We have always talked about a roommate trip, but it didn’t happen until now. It was a quick weekend trip, and here are the activities we did each day:

Friday:

We rode around the city on a pedicab for a “Gossip Girl” tour; it took us to different filming locations from the iconic teen show such as the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, and more. My favorite part of the tour was sitting on the steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It made me feel as glamorous as Blair Waldorf and her minions.

Later that night, we explored Chinatown, discovering two hidden speakeasies, the Basement and Apotheke. The Basement is a cocktail bar hidden behind a soda machine with delicious drinks and glow-in-the-dark games such as beer pong and more. Apotheke is behind a door, and once you walk through the curtains, you feel like you’re in a wizard’s lair since the mixologists wear pharmaceutical coats and create complex potion drinks.

Saturday:

We went to the Artechouse Exhibit, which is a gallery full of beautiful technological art. You can lay on the floor and watch geometric artwork pieces come together along with EDM-style music. It’s hard to explain but is something you have to see in person to understand.

Afterward, we grabbed ice cream at Serendipity, a trendy food spot mentioned in a couple of movies, including the film “Serendipity.” It is primarily known for its frozen hot chocolate, but since I’m not that into chocolate, I opted for the Big Apple Pie a La Mode Sundae, which was delicious.

Later on that night, we went to my first ever drag show at Lips. Again, we ate and drank while the queens entertained us with different musical acts and funny games for the audience.

Sunday:

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge was an exercise as it is just like walking up a hill. After arriving in Brooklyn, we grabbed a slice of pizza and relaxed at one of the piers in Brooklyn Bridge Park, enjoying the scenic views.

Later on that night, we attended the LOL Comedy Show in Times Square. It was my first time going to a comedy show, and it was a good time. Some of the comedians weren’t that funny, yet the ones who were made the show memorable.

Monday:

On our final day, we went on a ferry with Circle Line to Staten Island, where we could see the Statue of Liberty and enjoy the gorgeous views of the city on the way there. Afterward, we stopped at Grand Central Terminal, a large train station that just so happens also to be another Gossip Girl filming location.

I hope to make another trip to New York City again in the future as I have more activities I want to knock off of my bucket list. If you have any activities in mind, let me know in the comments or contact form below! Also, make sure you follow my Instagram page @theunrivaledgypsy to watch travel reels for the trip :)