Hello, New York! How I Spent 72 Hrs Solo In NYC
New York, New York
And just like that… I’m 21, living the dream, and jetting off for a North American summer adventure. After 26 hours, countless snacks, and one very questionable airplane movie, I finally landed in Newark, New Jersey — halfway across the world from Brisbane. I hopped into an Uber, crossed the Hudson River, and hello, New York City.
With a little planning (and if you’re a bit Type A and a Capricorn like me), you can take this concrete jungle by storm. And after hours of stalking NYC locals on TikTok and scrolling through Pinterest, I’ve come up and tested the ultimate 72-hour agenda for anyone who wants to feel like a local without getting lost in the shuffle.
Let’s talk about where to stay: Arlo NoMad. Tucked in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it’s a sleek, modern spot with small but stylish rooms and stunning views of the skyline. And the rooftop bar? An Aperol Spritz tastes even better with the Empire State Building as your backdrop.
DAY ONE:
Today was all about light sightseeing — Rockefeller, Radio City, Times Square, and the NYC Library. Coffee at Blank Street (Sabrina Carpenter’s espresso collab? Yes, please), then a stroll through Madison Square Park. Shopping at Alo on Fifth Ave was a dream, followed by a quick stop at Washington Square Park. Greene Street’s Sporty & Rich flagship was calling, and I couldn’t leave without one of their famous smoothies. Across the street, I checked out Aussie brand Venroy — effortlessly cool. A little retail therapy at Polène and Dolce Vita on Wall Street (hello, mesh ballet flats) before heading to Pier 57 for an unbeatable sunset view of Lady Liberty, the Hudson, and the World Trade Center.
@yanavanderbyl
DAY TWO:
I kicked off the day with a breakfast from Leon’s Bagels (lox and iced Americano, yes) and then wandered to the Upper East Side. Shopping at Zadig & Voltaire, Jenni Kayne, and a visit to Albertine bookstore was a vibe. Levain Bakery for a walnut chocolate chip cookie was a must, followed by a stop at The Met (those iconic steps!).
DAY THREE:
SoHo is my sweet spot. After enjoying a croissant at Maman, I make my way to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s — foreign grocery stores are my love language. Pro tip: NYC is full of pop-ups. I just missed the Miu Miu Book Club and the Rhode pop-up (NYC pop-ups are everything!). Zara, Aritzia, Schutz, and Glossier rounded out my shopping spree. I ended my trip with a matcha from Ralph’s and a quiet moment among the hydrangeas in Madison Square Park. Wrapping up the day, I enjoyed one last Aperol Spritz on the rooftop of Arlo NoMad. The Empire State Building, the city — it all felt so alive.
@yanavanderbyl
