June 2024. For our first visit to the United States of America since the COVID-19 pandemic, we flew to New Orleans via London Heathrow with British Airways. After two days of exploring NOLA, Amtrak‘s Crescent overnight train brought us from Louisiana to New York, where we we stayed one night only before flying home. 

New York City, especially Manhattan, is a top destination for European tourists due to its unparalleled cultural diversity, iconic landmarks, world-renowned arts and entertainment scene, and vibrant urban neighborhoods. 

The city offers a unique blend of experiences that appeal to European travelers seeking both familiarity and novelty. New York’s rich tapestry of cultural attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Broadway theater district, provides a deep dive into world-class art, history, and performances. These institutions draw Europeans who are passionate about culture and the arts.

The city’s shopping opportunities are another significant draw for European tourists. Areas like Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and the luxury boutiques of Madison Avenue offer a diverse range of shopping experiences, from high-end fashion to unique, one-of-a-kind items. This variety appeals to European visitors looking to indulge in retail therapy.

New York’s culinary scene is internationally renowned and attracts food enthusiasts from all over Europe. The city boasts a vast array of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food vendors, reflecting its cultural diversity and providing a culinary journey that caters to European tastes and preferences.

The historical and literary significance of New York also captivates European visitors. The city’s rich history, coupled with its role as a backdrop in numerous books, films, and television shows, adds to its allure. Many Europeans visit New York to see firsthand the places they have read about or seen on screen. New York is also the first port of call in America for European travellers. 

Accessibility plays a crucial role in New York’s popularity among European tourists. The city is well-connected with numerous direct flights from major European cities, making it a convenient travel destination. Once in the city, New York’s comprehensive public transportation system makes it easy for visitors to navigate and explore.

Pre and post pandemic

In terms of visitor numbers, New York City has historically attracted a significant number of European tourists. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the city welcomed millions of international visitors annually, with a substantial proportion coming from Europe. 

In 2019, approximately 13 million international tourists visited New York City, with a large number originating from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. In 2019, New York City welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors from Belgium.

The pandemic caused a temporary decline in tourism, but as travel restrictions eased, the number of European visitors began to recover. By 2022, the city’s tourism sector was showing signs of revival, with increasing numbers of Europeans returning to enjoy New York’s unique offerings.

Overall, New York City remains a top destination for European tourists due to its rich cultural landscape, iconic sights, diverse culinary experiences, and accessibility. These factors continue to attract millions of European visitors each year, making the city a perennial favorite among travellers from across the Atlantic Ocean.

25 hours in NYC

We arrived on a June Wednesday at around 8 PM, and or flight took off the day after around 9 PM. So we were there for 25 hours. We both visited New York before. Also, you need to take into account checking out of the hotel and getting to the airport. 

Last days are always hard to plan. So what did we do? I really wanted to visit the United Nations HQ, but they didn’t offer tours for those days. 

Georgia

After arriving at Penn Station and checking it at Hyatt Herald Square New York, we decided to go to Mealz, a Georgian restaurant. As in from the Republic of Georgia, not the State of Georgia, nor the Georgian era. 

“Explore Mealz, where the best of Georgian and American flavors come together for a delicious experience. Our dishes are fresh, delightful, and bring the comforting vibes of home to your table. Join us for a simple yet tasty culinary journey! At Mealz, you can transport yourself to the heart of Georgia’s wine culture without leaving NYC! As Georgia is the first known location of winemaking in the world. Indulge in our restaurant’s charm while savoring the finest Georgian wines. An authentic taste of tradition in the vibrant energy of the Big Apple.”

We had Adjaruli khachapuri – traditional khachapuri from Adjara region made with baked dough, melty cheese blend and egg yolk – and khinkali with meat. Those are dumplings. I liked it. I like cheese.

(Not) all the stations

Besides SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the High Line and Little Island, we also walked through Grand Central Terminal, New York’s iconic railway station with the central concourse and the huge American flag. 

Jamaica

But it was from Pennsylvania Station we took the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Jamaica to go to John F. Kenny Airport (JFK). 

So?

In those 25 hours, I remembered why New York City is special. 2010 was the last time I visited the Big Apple properly. I’m not counting the one night in 2019. Why don’t I go more often? There’s just su much more to see in the USA, in North America and in the world. And NYC is so expensive to warrant “just another visit without reason”. 

From New Orleans to New York on Amtrak’s Crescent – USA 2024

1. REVIEW | British Airways Brussels to London Heathrow.
2. REVIEW | British Airways World Traveller London Heathrow to New Orleans.
3. NEW ORLEANS | Streetcars, Garden District, Algiers Point, Riverfront, Jackson Square.
4. REVIEW | Louisiana State Museums – the Presbytère and the Cabildo, in New Orleans.
5. NEW ORLEANS | French Quarter ft. Bourbon Street.
6. REVIEW | voco St. James Hotel.
7. NEW ORLEANS | Riverwalk and Riverfront at the Mississippi River.
8. REVIEW | The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
9. USA | A Sunday and a Monday in New Orleans, Louisiana.
10. REVIEW | Amtrak’s Crescent overnight sleeper train from New Orleans to New York in a roomette.
11. REVIEW | Hyatt Herald Square.
12. REVIEW | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt panorama / observation deck in New York City.
13. NEW YORK | The High Line and Little Island.
14. A look inside the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport.