The world’s great cities are generally great for a reason. So, when I’m asked my “favourite places” there are certainly a few that vie for consideration. As such, in the annals of my ABCs, N is for New York: Unlike London and Paris, I came late to New York. Not in terms of visiting one of the world’s great cities, but in terms of loving it.

Then again, the Big Apple has changed immensely over the years, notwithstanding the differences, both large and small, after 9/11.

New York in the ‘70s was the setting for gritty TV shows and films, dirty cop dramas and, generally, “a filthy concrete bitch without a soul” in the words of one bard. At that time, as a kid, I was almost bounced into the Hudson from the deck of my uncle’s boat, and the grown-ups’ relief at my being corralled just in the nick of time resulted more from me not being dunked in toxic water than drowning in the river.

But New York steadily cleaned up its act, literally and figuratively, and by 2007 was being hailed as a “city of light” by another prominent songwriter.

Sure, there are great sights, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, but for me, delight is in the details: unfussy gastronomic gems like John’s Pizza and the late great Carnegie Deli; incredible museums; Central Park in the summer, or in the snow; a game at Yankee Stadium; McSorley’s Ale House; strolling on the innovative High Line; and generally walking, walking, walking in a town that trades off the modern world and historic comfort by the block. My wife once literally blew out a pair of shoes following me around town.

These days, New York is being massively re-invented – again – through the likes of neighbourhoods like Hudson Yards and new attractions like The Vessel and The Freedom Tower, the former on the World Trade Centre site.

The city truly never sleeps.

Honourable mention: New Orleans
Bucket list: Nepal

Unlike the song, I have not been everywhere, so please don’t wonder why one of your favourites wasn’t one of mine. Instead, tell me at baginski@travelindustrytoday.com. I’m already thinking about my next list.

Stay tuned to future issues for the rest of the list. And for previous entries, click HERE.