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New York holidays: Visit the Big Apple
The apple does not get any bigger than New York City. This US city is full of flavour and is home to the bright lights of Broadway, the majestic gardens of Central Park and is the location for some of our favourite movies and TV shows.
Complemented by its bright yellow cabs and towering buildings, a New York city break offers a great escape from our accustomed black cabs and grey skies. When it comes to things to do, there are plenty of iconic New York activities to put on your checklist. If a New York holiday is on your bucket list, pack your bags; you'll find all the best NYC holiday deals and travel tips below.
New York holiday tips
New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Millions of visitors flock to the Big Apple every year. Whether you're experiencing Times Square, Broadway shows, Rockefeller Centre, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty or simply shopping on 5th Avenue, New York has tons of activities to offer. But New York is much more than a city of grandiose attractions. This melting pot of cultures makes you feel as if you are travelling the world, all in one city.
We want to make sure that your holiday to New York doesn’t break the bank. That's why we've gathered resources to help you find cheap flights to New York and affordable accommodation in a central location. The most spontaneous among you will find a last-minute offer for New York every now and then, so you can save a lot. Whilst in New York, it could make sense to visit other American cities before flying back home.
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How to get to New York
Travelling from the UK to New York is a popular route, with flights leaving every day from London and Manchester, and regularly from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Depending on your departure airport and itinerary, your flight time might be anywhere between 7 to 10 hours, with flight prices fluctuating between £500 and £1,500. Your arrival airport is usually JFK, but don't forget - it takes about 30-35 minutes to drive from the airport to downtown New York.
Where to stay in New York
The city has exceptional options for accommodation and, considering the cosmopolitan nature of the city, it is easy to find the place that best suits your needs and comfort. Ideally, you would want to stay in a central location in Manhattan and here you are spoilt for choice with a variety of hotels including the usual Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton.
Even if you're short on time, try to set aside five days so that you can explore New York at a more leisurely pace.
When should I visit New York?
While spring and autumn may be the best time to visit in terms of warmer weather, Christmas and New Year's Eve in New York are both popular, when the city is covered in snow and illuminated by fairy lights. It can get very cold in the early months of the year, so if you fancy a winter break, it's probably best to do so in December.
But the truth is, New York City is one of the most heavily visited cities in the world, with loads of activities, events and shows on offer all year round, so there's truly no bad time to visit.
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6 Essential things to do in New York
During the day, the choice of activities in New York is endless. The challenge is actually finding enough time to complete all of them! If you only have a weekend in New York to work with, here are some must-do activities:
1. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
This iconic bridge has been used as a location for many movies and you will get the chance to walk it yourself. Connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, walking across this bridge allows you to experience the best of two worlds. If you're staying in Manhattan, make sure to spend some time in Brooklyn after walking across the bridge. This neighbourhood is a slice of the real NYC and has loads of cool restaurants, bars, art galleries and more.
2. Visit the Statue of Liberty
Another iconic monument, this statue was gifted by the French to America and has since been the symbol of freedom for the United Sates. Take some time to visit the structure and internalise the essence of the city. Tickets can be bought online and all tickets include access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration as well as the ferry across. However, make sure to buy the Pedestal or Crown ticket if you wish to go up the statue.
3. Get some proper NYC-style pizza
Even if you're short on time, don't miss out on NYC's food scene. Try the famous New York-style pizza and hotdogs. Roberta's Pizza in Brooklyn is a must visit although be prepared to queue! The city is a melting pot of cultures and you will find a variety of cuisines to try such as tacos and pies. However, if you get a chance to sit down, then you should cut into the famous steaks of Steakhouse or check out one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.
4. Pass through Times Square
It would not really count as a New York break if you didn't get a chance to walk through Times Square. Cheekily referred to as the crossroads of the world, this commercial gathering spot provides the pulse of the city. Times Square lets you shop, eat and be entertained all at the same time! Over 40 million tourists visit Times Square each year, making it the world's most visited attraction.
5. Get a culture fix
Discover the cultural and historical treasures stored in the fascinating museums that New York has to offer. Take your pick from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History or the Whitney Museum of American Art. Head to Williamsburg in Brooklyn if smaller independent art galleries are more your thing.
6. Go to the zoo
Everyone loves animals and New York knows that too. The Bronx Zoo offers a bigger experience as the largest metropolitan zoo in the world but if you are not up for it, you can just check out the smaller Central Park Zoo. For the latter, include the opportunity to have some lunch and then walk around this huge park in Manhattan.
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What to do at night in New York City
New York City is just as majestic at night as it is during the day; the city’s bright lights will guide you through a variety of fun activities that will make use of every minute of your break. Depending on your taste, a night in New York can start any number of ways.
You can take a bite of the Big Apple by choosing from a selection of over 18,000 restaurants across the city, from fine dining establishments to fast food joints. You will easily be overwhelmed by choice or you can grab a hotdog on the go and jump straight into the nighttime adventures.
Sing and dance along on Broadway: Join in on the magical atmosphere created by various acts of music, dancing and singing on the famous Broadway. Watch famous live shows such as Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Beetlejuice, or check out one of the famous movie theatres to catch a blockbuster or a timeless classic.
Find your favourite music: Madison Square Garden is every musician’s dream venue. Catch your favourite artists at this venue and many others across the city for an unforgettable concert experience with greats such as Elton John and the Eagles.
Get to the top of the Empire State Building: For the best view of the city, head up the Empire State Building and either catch the sunset or watch the bright city lights late at night. The building is one of the signature monuments that this city has to offer.
Experience a sporting event: Home to the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, the city is a dream come true for sports lovers. If you would like the opportunity to be in the same room as your favourite athlete, then the various sports arenas will be sure to make this happen.
Stroll through the city: The city comes alive in the nighttime and even though it's dark, you will still be able to find someone to guide you through and explain the design and cultural highlights of the city.
Enjoy some of the world's best cocktails: Once you are in the city, the options to quench your thirst are limitless. New York bars and nightclubs are a mixture of character, culture and sophistication, and there is something for everyone. High-end nightclubs can be found in Chelsea, the Lower East Side or the Meatpacking District, and the atmosphere in most clubs usually picks up around 11:30PM; ask for a Manhattan cocktail and you should fit right in.
The most beautiful parks in New York
The grass is definitely greener in New York, as this city is home to some seriously gorgeous parks. Here are our top picks for the most beautiful parks in New York:
Central Park: Coming in at 3.4 square kilometres, it is the green heart of the metropolis and a must-see
Marine Park: Located in the south of Brooklyn on Jamaica Bay, this park houses a golf course and marina
Greenbelt: Located in Staten Island, it's one of the areas of New York with the largest variety of animal species
Bronx Park: This 290-acre park is located (as the name suggests) in the Bronx, by the Bronx River
High Line Park: Located in Manhattan on a discontinued elevated railway line
New York in winter
New York's signature flair cannot be dampened even by the icy cold of winter. The metropolis has a lot to offer, even in the coldest months! Especially in the first weeks of the New Year: the city is cheaper than ever and has a unique charm.
It's the New York of the movies: steamy streets, children on sleds in Central Park and couples ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza. You barely have to wait in line anywhere, even at popular spots like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock.
Activities for a New York City winter holiday
Sledding in Central Park
Ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza
See sights like the Empire State Building without the usual crowds
Go for a new years eve break in New York and celebrate at the Times Square Ball drop
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