New York – what do tourists really think of the Big Apple?
Every city you visit has a different feel. The streets, buildings, smells and people all present a unique combination of history and nationality that makes it great to wander the world as a tourist, either on an annual holiday or as a more serious cultural enthusiast.
Living in a city you can become accustomed to its ways and it is only when you travel that differences become apparent – even despite the modern trend for similar shops, cars, clothes and buildings. Thank goodness the way a city has been constructed over centuries cannot be hidden and despite multiculturism, the flavour of a place remains unique.
An outside perspective
To a tourist from another country, New York represents dynamism, excitement with a slight tinge of trepidation and life at a fast pace. Even renting an apartment seems like stepping into an American soap opera. The blocks which are set out in ridged cross sections, with everyone apparently heading with some zest along the thoroughfares, and the sheer size and views available from such platforms as the Empire State and Rockefeller towers all add to the feeling of vitality. That’s not to suggest there aren’t areas of calm and tranquillity though. Even the busy hub of Central Park is known for its quiet, laid back atmosphere.
Comparing to other nations
To truly understand how New York shows presents itself to the world you must look at how it compares to other nations. Porto in Portugal is the other end of the scale as far as energy is concerned. It moves about as fast as the train that wanders up the splendidly picturesque Duro valley away from the city.
The City is best seen by wandering on foot and inspecting every little corner; it may not have grand attractions but the odd doorway or small alley is sure to have something to catch the eye. Portugal is only a relatively small country and public transport remains a good bargain to get around the country while you can rent luxury villas in Portugal at very competitive prices.
Madrid in Spain is a majestic city, full of Grande Vistas, shops, smiling people sitting at endless street cafes and watching others enjoying themselves, as well as tiny back streets full of small bars, museums and exotic shops. Steeped in history, it is a city that takes days to walk around and houses some of the best art museums in Europe, containing the paintings you have only previously seen in books. Find a place to rent outside the city and look at holidays by James Villas to find a good base to explore the surrounding countryside in a city which shares a few qualities with America’s unofficial capital.
London is still and always will be austere, aware of its own history and priding itself on its landmarks which are recognised worldwide. It has aloofness and sense of stolid calm that no amount of traffic and congestion can dissipate and despite some similarities is also very different to the great NY. This is a city that requires you to wrap up, put on a good pair of walking shoes and go and find some real history!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2013 10:10AM by askanewyorker.