I grew up in London and moved to New York a year ago. 7 differences have shocked me, from how expensive NYC is to tipping culture.

Verostina AntwiMar 5, 2023, 17:58 IST

Big Ben in London and the Empire State Building in New York are two of the cities' most iconic landmarks.S. Borisov/Shutterstock (L); Matej Kastelic (R)

I grew up in London and moved to New York City in 2022 with my partner.
I was surprised by how open New Yorkers are and found the city's dining scene impressive.

I lived in London for most of my life before moving to New York last year with my partner.

The author grew up London and lived mostly in the UK.Getty Images/Alexander Spatari

I pictured New York like I'd seen it in movies and on TV, and I was struck by the city's energy when I arrived.

New York City was a bucket-list destination for the author.Verostina Antwi

The pace in New York feels much faster to me, and I miss all the green spaces I had in London.

I prefer London's parks, like Greenwich Park, to those in New York.Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

New York's restaurant scene is impressive, but the expectations around tipping were new to me.

It's not standard to leave a tip in London, while 18% to 20% is expected in New York.Shutterstock/Sharkshock

Inexpensive travel to other places is more limited when departing from New York, in my experience.

I miss how easy it was to travel to other countries in Europe from London.Shutterstock/EQRoy

Some museums and art exhibitions I've been to in New York cost more than they did for me in London.

The author at an interactive art exhibit in New York.Verostina Antwi

I've found that London's architecture and city planning is much older than New York's.

London's architecture is much older than New York City's.Shutterstock/ZGPhotography, Shutterstock/Thiago Leite

I noticed New Yorkers are more direct than Londoners and talk about more personal topics.

The author thinks people in New York are more open to discuss sensitive topics.AP/Mary Altaffer

The public transport system in New York is less efficient and clean than in London, in my opinion.

The author believes the London tube is more efficient and has cleaner trains than New York City's MTA.Shutterstock/Julius Kielaitis

Ultimately, I think both New York City and London offer something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a culture aficionado, or just looking for a great time.

Both London and New York City have something for every visitor's preferences.Shutterstock/ZGPhotography, Shutterstock/dibrova

I flew on the world's only business class-only airline and it felt more like flying on a private jet across the Atlantic

Cookies on the Business Insider India website