^ We went to NYC under similar circumstances about a year and half ago. All I can say is, open your mind and let it flow. It is a unique place. I thought I was going to hate it based on all the stories. Some of it is true but near as bad as how I had it worked up in my head. I can tell you this, there is no other city like it.
Cons - There is a lot of trash in bags on seemingly just about every street.* There is a high crime rate. The subways are fairly dangerous and dirty. Parking sucks. No open container alcohol, even on your own private stoop. Streets are noisy all night long. Lots of homeless in the parks. The homeless seem to be able to have open containers. There were dudes with folding tables and bottles of liquor sitting out while they played cards or whatever. Traffic rules are sometimes out the window. If you need an ambulance, it may take awhile. Sirens going non stop it seems. Things can get pricy. There is the smell of weed everywhere.
Pros - There is the smell of week everywhere. If you are into that be careful not to buy the K2 joints. Paranoia city. There are trees lining almost every street. It is more hilly than you think. There are tons of Uber/Lyfts and they have special characters on their lic plates. The parks are nice, outside of the homeless. The sight seeing opportunities are all worth it. The food/pizza/etc is great. There is a really cool vibe throughout.
We stayed just SW of Central Park in the Hell's Kitchen district. All parts of Manhattan are subdivided into Districts. Lots of bars, clubs, comedy, lgbtq+, art, historic places, etc etc. We went to a comedy show, the Twin Tower memorial site (must do), the 9/11 museum - the big one (must do, I was in tears), Brooklyn bridge**, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Port 18, Empire State Building, Big Red City bus tour, Times Square, some of Central Park but not much unfortunately, and we missed a lot of the museums I would have liked to see.
Enjoy yourself and report back
*Once I realized why (the trash collection), it all made sense. Because the streets of New York City are so narrow and long (the blocks are long) they have mostly all been designated One Way. Good to quickly learn this. Because there is only so many trash trucks they have to stagger pick ups. And so to keep a nice orderly flow and pace, people put their trash out on the street prior and it tends to build up. Very few trash cans and very few dumpsters. At least that I remember. Mostly just trash bags piled up. Maybe your street at 58th and 10ave (where we were) get a pick up every Tuesday and Friday. A few blocks away might be Monday and Thursday. I made that up but you get the idea. Didn't see any rats but I can see why that would be a problem.
**My wife and thougt it would be fun to get high, rent bikes, cross the Brooklyn bridge into Brooklyn, and just hang out. Bad idea. 1. The bridge is a lot longer and steeper than it looks. 2. People were flying by us on electric bikes yelling at us as we chugged along. 3. Getting on and off the bridge is complicated (especially when stoned) and 4. The map the bike rental place gave us had points of interest on it. NOT BIKE DROP OFF CENTERS like we thought. Oh man what trip. What a buzz kill. We made it home and fun regardless.
***I'm not lgbtq+ but it was thick in the area we stayed.
