Yes, once again I am taking a detour and neglecting my Japan diary from last year, lol. That one will continue soon, I promise. Summer always feels so busy, and on top of that, I recently had an eye laser treatment, which is why it has been rather quiet here. I am feeling much better now! The other day I found myself thinking back to New York City and decided it was finally time to sit down and write this post.

The reason for this trip was very clear and very special: I wanted to visit my dear colleague, who had temporarily moved from Switzerland to New York for work. I miss her so incredibly much, more than words can describe. I had been looking forward to this day for such a long time and it was simply wonderful to finally see her again and to have her by my side around the clock. The weather, however, was extremely hot. Perhaps summer is not the most comfortable time to dive into a metropolis, but it was still a joy. During those five days, we experienced so much together. We walked through what felt like half of New York, enjoyed delicious food and explored many corners of the city. The summer atmosphere was so different from the winter vibe I had known before, and I found it beautiful in its own way.

At this point, I want to say a huge thank-you to my colleague, who even took several days off just for me. That meant so much and made the trip even more special. Life is truly wonderful. I feel so grateful to have such amazing people around me, and I treasure every single moment. I sincerely hope that we will see each other again very soon.

So, here is the diary of my summer memories in New York City. You can expect a mix of shopping, sightseeing, food adventures and iconic highlights: from Korean barbecue and Flipper’s pancakes, to strolling along the High Line, wandering through Chelsea Market, the sparkle of Times Square at night, and a dreamy breakfast at Tiffany’s Blue Box Café. There were visits to the Museum of Modern Art, long walks through Williamsburg and the breathtaking views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Enjoy reading, and thank you for coming along on this journey with me!

17.07.2025 | Day 1: Shopping, Sightseeing, Korean BBQ

The first day in New York started with some shopping along Fifth Avenue. I could not believe the Uniqlo there – it is one of the biggest I have ever seen, with so many floors, it was absolutely crazy. While my friend was at work on Thursday morning, I explored a bit on my own and enjoyed every minute of it.

For lunch, we grabbed some take-away and headed to Central Park. Eating there was so relaxing and really a perfect way to recharge before more walking. After lunch, we just wandered through the city and from time to time my friend pointed out some interesting spots I would not have noticed on my own. We walked so much that we eventually needed a little break and decided to stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was such a peaceful moment in the middle of the busy city – it felt really nice to just pause for a while.

Later in the evening, we ended the day with a delicious Korean BBQ at Antoya in Koreatown. It was the perfect way to close our first day in the city, full of energy, food and a little adventure.

18.07.2025 | Day 2: Flipper’s Pancake, High Line, Chelsea Market, Times Square

Our second day in New York was a perfect mix of indulgence and exploration. We started with a visit to Flipper’s in SoHo, famous for its Japanese soufflé pancakes. They were incredibly light and fluffy!

After breakfast, we wandered through the trendy Meatpacking District, enjoying the lively atmosphere and unique shops along the way. Our walk naturally led us to Chelsea Market, where we explored the bustling indoor marketplace and did some casual window shopping. In the afternoon, we took a stroll along the High Line, a beautifully elevated park that offered breathtaking views of the city.

As evening approached, we made our way to Times Square, soaking in the neon lights, the crowds, and the unmistakable energy of the city. Dinner was at Serendipity 3, an iconic restaurant with a whimsical interior that feels like a mix of an American diner and a candy-colored dream. We had a cheeseburger for dinner and shared the dessert, a vanilla ice cream with cinnamon and apple tart. It was amazing, and I have no idea what they put in it, but the ice cream was completely addictive! To round off the evening, we enjoyed a quick aperitif on a rooftop, taking in the stunning skyline before heading back home.

19.07.2025 | Day 3: Tiffany’s Blue Box Café, MoMA Museum of Modern Art, Williamsburg

Day three in New York started with something I had been dreaming about for years: breakfast at Tiffany’s Blue Box Café. You need to make a reservation for it, and I had booked online as soon as the slots opened a month in advance. I was so glad I did because it was absolutely worth it – it had been on my bucket list for such a long time, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was elegant and charming, and enjoying a morning treat there felt like a little piece of magic.

Afterward, we headed to the MoMA Museum of Modern Art. I loved wandering through the different exhibitions, but my favorite part was definitely the Andy Warhol section – so colorful, playful and fun! It was such a cool way to experience art in the heart of the city.

We went back home a bit earlier in the afternoon to take a short break and recharge before heading out again. Later, we took the ferry from Brooklyn to Williamsburg, where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, soaking in the local vibes. Dinner was at Le Crocodile, a French restaurant, and the food was unbelievably good. I loved everything – from the fresh salad to the main course and the dessert. To finish the night, we had a drink at their rooftop bar, enjoying the view and the relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, we took the ferry back to Brooklyn to experience a bit of the nightlife. It was peaceful and felt like the perfect way to end a full, beautiful day in New York.

20.07.2025 | Last Day: Brooklyn Heights Promenade

On our last day in New York, we took it easy and enjoyed a slow, cozy morning. We grabbed a matcha latte from Cha Cha Matcha and treated ourselves to a bagel, then found a bench along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Sitting there, with the perfect view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, felt so peaceful.

We really took our time, savoring every moment before it was finally time for me to say goodbye. It was so beautiful that I honestly did not want to leave. I am so grateful for the time we got to spend together, and I cannot wait until we see each other again soon.