The original post: /r/travel by /u/Professional-Wish656 on 2024-12-26 16:40:44.

I recently visited Manhattan for the first time (I’m from Europe), and while it was undeniably an impressive and unique place, I couldn’t help but wonder if it has lost some of its essence—or perhaps my expectations were simply distorted. Having watched countless movies, series (like Friends, Seinfeld, Louie, and others), and played video games set in Manhattan, I might have developed an unreal idea of the city.

Instead of the dynamic, glamorous image I had in mind, I mostly encountered tourists, stressed or irritable people, and a general sense of detachment. Many people seemed distant, and I was surprised by how casually dressed everyone was—even in areas like Wall Street, where I expected to see sharply dressed professionals.

One odd experience was being asked to leave an empty café because we were only ordering drinks (we were looking for baked goods, which they didn’t have, and it was raining outside). That lack of hospitality made me wonder if Manhattan was ever truly welcoming, or if this is just how it is now.

I suppose part of it could be that my perception was shaped by media from the 20th century, which feels increasingly distant from today. The post-COVID era also has undoubtedly had a profound impact on people’s behaviour as well. For instance, at a Starbucks, a woman asked me to “please step back” because she thought I was standing too close—when I was just trying to read the prices.

Overall, it was a strange experience, and it left me questioning whether Manhattan has fundamentally changed or if I simply arrived with unrealistic expectations.