I wanna wake up in that city, that doesn’t sleep …
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to you, New York, New York
John Kander / Fred Ebb
We finished our recent California road trip with a couple of nights in Las Vegas, a city which like New York can claim to ‘never sleep’. I was reminded of this song because we stayed in the New York New York hotel and casino. The theming was everywhere, from decorative touches inside to a mock Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty outside. Some of those touches were lovely but many I found a bit tacky, a pastiche of the real thing.
We found ourselves reminiscing about our past visits to the real New York, a city rather more to our taste than Las Vegas. So when I saw Sofia’s suggestion that for this week’s Lens Artists challenge we look back, it seemed a great opportunity to share some of my photos from a 2008 visit to one of my favourite cities. Some you will have seen here before no doubt but others I’m sharing for the first time.
And in case you’re curious, here are a few shots taken at the Las Vegas interpretation. I confess I much prefer the real thing!
I last visited New York City in 2008, when these photos were taken, and was in Las Vegas in October 2024
54 Comments
wetanddustyroads
You’re right Sarah, I prefer the real thing too. It’s interesting that, when I look at your photos in Las Vegas, there isn’t that “feeling” of the hustle and bustle of a city like I imagine it should be in New York. While your first set of photos of the real New York captures a sense of that.
Sarah Wilkie
There was plenty of noise on the casino floor, but not the buzz of a real city, you’re right 🙂
Margie Miklas
I loved this post, and like you, have been to New York New York in Vegas as well as NYC. Both are cool in their own ways, but I also prefer the Big Apple..Great shots on your blog!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Margie 🙂 I was interested to hear you too have been to both ‘New Yorks’. So far I haven’t heard from anyone who prefers the casino to the real thing!
Margie Miklas
Think it’s hard to compete with New York City. It’s such a wonderful place so much to offer. Vegas did do a good job with that casino.
Marie
We’ve actually used Las Vegas as a base for a few road trips – fun yes but, as you say, a place to tire of very quickly… Now – NYC – I’d never tire of that city!!!
Sarah Wilkie
It does make a good starting and/or finishing point for a trip, surrounded by so much amazing scenery as it is. But for a city give me NYC any day!
Alison
Fantastic gallery Sarah. I enjoyed our short time there many years ago. Have never been to Las Vegas, probably won’t. I was also a bit underwhelmed with San Francisco after everything I had heard.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Alison 😊 I have to say I liked San Francisco on this latest visit although maybe less so than when we were there in 1991 as everything was more of a novelty then!
leightontravels
Ah Sarah, this gallery speak-a my language. NYC is my joint favourite city and many of your shots bring back great memories of my own. There are some quintessential Big Apple moments here, I’m loving the photo of the cop (donut in hand just out of shot?) and of the musician in Washington Square Park. I have yet to do Top of the Rock, so that will be high up (literally) on my list if I ever make it back.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Leighton 😊 It’s my joint favourite too, alongside Paris (maybe Paris just edges it?!) Which is your other favourite?
A tip if you get to visit the Top of the Rock. I don’t know if they still offer this but when we went it was possible to pay a little extra for a ticket that would allow unlimited access during one 24 hour period. So we went first thing in the morning before it got busy and when the light was still good, to get our daytime shots. And we returned just before sunset to get those shots too. And another tip – it was busy at sunset of course but I reckon 90% of people left just after the sun disappeared and we got our best shots then and stayed until the lights came up over Manhattan!
leightontravels
Some great tips Sarah, I appreciate that. My other joint favourite city is… drum roll… Tokyo.
Sarah Wilkie
Interesting choice – I enjoyed Tokyo but I’m not sure it would even make my top ten!
Amy
Enjoy your wonderful photo tour, Sarah. Lots to see and to do in NYC. The last time, we visited there was before the pandemic.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Amy 🙂 The last time we were there was this 2008 visit, before the new World Trade Center was built. I’d love to go back to see that and other new sights!
rkrontheroad
Nice segue to New York photos. I was in Vegas last year for a wedding and we wandered New York New York, great feel for the neighborhoods and shops.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Ruth 🙂 I agree they’ve captured some of the feel there but we found it a bit too brash and noisy in the public areas although our room was great!
Sue
Interesting post , Sarah, and as I have never been to any of the places, a fun Virtual Tour. Mind, like other commenters, Vegas holds no pull
Sarah Wilkie
Glad you enjoyed the virtual tour Sue 🙂
grandmisadventures
The Vegas interpretation of anything is never as good as the real thing. These are some beautiful pictures of New York. I have yet to visit New York but hopefully will someday soon.
Sarah Wilkie
Very true, and I don’t even think they intend it to be so – the fun is in the pastiche! I don’t mind that and we rather liked the exterior of New York New York and some of the decorative touches inside, like that elevator door, but being one of the cheaper casino hotels, perhaps, it was much noisier and brasher inside. We walked through Caesar’s Palace and Bellagio, for instance, and they had a much calmer atmosphere, but would have cost beyond our budget to stay in! I hope you get to the real New York one day 🙂
Tanja
great photos! My best friend was recently in New York and she was actually very disappointed. She said: strong smell of marijuana in the city center, buildings that could be renovated, pricey, lots of homeless people in the street who looked like they are really ill, sense of discomfort. They were doing only touristy things, sticked to Manhattan more or less so she didn’t expect things to look so dirty.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Tanja 🙂 We found parts of San Francisco a bit like that too, tbh. But I guess living in London we’re more used to such issues, unfortunately.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Sarah, loved the photos. Funny I spent about 4 months in New York, not in the city itself, but visited it several times then and couple times later, it has it’s own vibe. Las Vegas I lived for few years… an odd place to live, but when you live there you don’t spend your time in the casino’s or at least we did not, but it was open 24/7 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Ritva 😊 I was trying to imagine what it would be like living in Vegas. Of course I’m sure the majority of residents aren’t interested in gambling at the casinos, but all the nightlife seems so geared towards visitors, whereas in London my husband and I enjoy going into the centre often to eat out, go to the cinema or to an exhibition etc. Where do Vegas residents go for fun if not to the casinos?
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Yes, we used the restaurants in the casino’s, and in the other area’s, Concert venues, Nature…Lake Mead, Mount Charleston, Redrock, but mostly at that time we did not have that much money to enjoy the shows. And work and studies took most of the time in our case, but in our case it was long time ago and things have change hugely since then.
bushboy
Stunning photos Sarah
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Brian 😊
Easymalc
As usual, a great set of images from both cities Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Malcolm 🙂
Rebecca
I was in Las Vegas about three years ago; prior to that, I hadn’t gone back in a decade. The city’s not really for me, but it certainly is a place you can’t get bored of! Can’t wait to hear about your time in CA, though!
Sarah Wilkie
You’ll probably be sick of hearing about CA before I’ve finished Rebecca! But I have to disagree – Vegas was fun for a day or so but I feel I could get bored there quite quickly 😀
Egídio
What a joy it is to see these photos!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Egidio 😊
Linda K
I certainly agree that the real thing is so much better! However they both certainly keep you entertained!
Sarah Wilkie
That’s true, but the Vegas version only for so long, while the real thing could keep you busy for months!
Tina Schell
Each time we go to NYC now we spend most of our time visiting with family. We do manage a bit of touristing, but not much and not often. I so enjoyed your images as a reminder of so many of the places we love. It really is the most amazing place and you are so right about the Las Vegas version!! Beautiful images all.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Tina 😊 Yes, when there’s family to visit in a place you do tend to see less of the sights, but I’m glad my photos of NYC triggered some good memories!
Teresa
Also went to Las Vegas and enjoyed the shopping outlets. And I am with you…not really my thing too. Your captures of the real NY are amazing.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Teresa 😊 We’re not big on shopping, especially large stores, and I’d bought myself a souvenir while in California (a lovely hand-made fabric bag from an art gallery in Weaverville) so we didn’t do any in Vegas.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
We also visited Vegas when we were flying in and out of the airport. We stayed in “Venice” which actually had a little canal with gondolas INSIDE the hotel.
Sarah Wilkie
Oh yes, the Venetian is a fun pastiche too! We didn’t visit on this occasion (it was too hot to spend a lot of time walking the Strip) but I remember it from our previous brief visit years ago, again mainly because of flights.
restlessjo
Lady friends did a 4 day trip to Vegas a few years ago and loved it. I probably would have gone along if I hadn’t been living here at the time because they included a trip over the Grand Canyon. Vegas itself appeals not at all and I’ve never been to New York. Some aspects of it appeal but not all. Nice gallery though xx
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, Vegas is popular as a starting point for Grand Canyon tours but as we spent several days staying there many years ago we didn’t feel the need to go back. We had planned to visit the much nearer Red Rock Canyon but for a couple of reasons changed our plans and stayed in the city. There are a surprising number of things to do there too, other than gamble!
Annie Berger
We have abysmal internet here on Djerba Island in Tunisia so I was only able to see a couple of your photos, unfortunately, Sarah. I think Vegas is fine for a night or two to see the lights, a concert, and a trip to Hoover Dam but, having done that, I don’t feel any need to return. I think NYC is one of the most exciting cities in the world and I always love to return there, however.
I look forward to your posts on Death Valley, a place we’ve been to both in the scorching summer and mid winter. I know you’ll bring a unique experience or take on that fascinating national park. Hope you had/have a fun trip home.
Sarah Wilkie
I’m sorry you couldn’t see the photos properly Annie, but I’m looking forward to reading about Djerba in due course! You’re right that Vegas is good for a couple of days – in fact, there is much more to do there than most people realise. But if we were to go again (unlikely!) we would stay downtown rather than on the Strip I think.
As to Death Valley, we had an amazing couple of days there and I’ll certainly be sharing some impressions at some point. Just a couple of thousand photos to sort and edit, and numerous other places to also write about!!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Hmmm, I’ve never had the slightest inclination to visit Las Vegas and I can’t see that that’s going to change. New York is another thing altogether. I visited years ago, 2009 I think, and would very much like to return with Michaela. I have to say that I’m not too surprised that Vegas wasn’t to your taste either, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
We mainly went because it made sense as a departure point after Death Valley (rather than track back to San Francisco for instance) but we both also have a mild fascination (maybe slightly stronger in Chris’s case) for the phenomenon that is Vegas. We didn’t regret going but we probably should have stayed in a regular hotel or motel near downtown rather than on the Strip as we spent more time there. The Mob Museum was very interesting, and we enjoyed the Neon boneyard too! No doubt they will feature here in due course 🙂
margaret21
Team London flew in and out of Las Vegas this summer too, for its convenience. They were curious, but not enough to stay long! New York remains unvisited by any of us, unfortunately….
Sarah Wilkie
The airport there is handy for some of the best sights in the US so works well as a start and/or end point of a trip. But as a destination in its own right give me NYC any day!
Anne Sandler
Your New York (Manhattan) is very different than the one I spent some time growing up in, the Bronx. I did enjoy roaming through the NY casino and having a hot dog at the deli. My latest memory of NYC was when we drove through the old, narrow Brooklyn (or it may have been Queens) streets with a truck and 31 ft. 5th wheel. I was so glad to pay $30 to cross the bridge and ride on to Connecticut.
Sarah Wilkie
I’ve never properly visited the Bronx, although we did go to the zoo on our first New York visit in 1982! I do know that Manhattan is very different to the other parts of the city 😀
Sofia Alves
I’ve never been to that side of the world and I have to agree with you, Sarah, the real thing all the time. Vegas is not the place for me, I don’t think. Your photos of New York capture the idea I have of what it’s like. I wonder if still is the same now. Looking forward to your California road trip photos!
Sarah Wilkie
Vegas isn’t really the place for me either, but it made sense to fly home from there after visiting Death Valley and we did see some interesting sights there 🙂 New York on the other hand I love! There will be new buildings since we were last there (the new World Trade Center for a start, it was a building site back in 2008) but as a whole package the city doesn’t change much I feel!