A walkabout in NYC for eight hours goes as quick as the pace of the people and the energy. I wouldn't describe it as laid back or relaxed or cheap on the wallet. If you are interested in relaxed and slow paced where you'll be nourished with food and comfort
and constant calculated entertainment at your own expense I'd recommend you try a cruise ship.
Cities are their own unexpected surprise..
If you are mindful and want something out of it, you will find it.
Some say dirty but I say worn in like patina.
Layers of living and stepping and evolving.
Smells can be good and bad and will catch your olfactory off guard with each block you walk.
Visiting however brief is fun.
A medley of people and buildings are on display with a different ebullience each time.