New York City holidays

New York City holidays

Deals from £765 per person

While the US has many cities, all with their own style and attitude, New York has got to be one of the most commonly found on peoples’ bucket lists of places to see. After all, where else can you tick off so many must-see sites than in The Big Apple? From the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park and the grand buildings on the Upper East Side, New York holidays are never dull.

Made up of five boroughs, there are so many things to see and do in this city that it’s hard to know where to begin. Explore vintage markets, eat New York pizza, and stare up at some of the most impressive buildings in the country. Attractions like the Empire State Building Observatory or Top of the Rock deliver breathtaking views of the skyline at dizzying heights. NYC’s huge parks offer a wonderful sense of tranquility when your feet are back on the ground. Bring some extra memory cards for your camera, because you’re going to need them.

Things to do

If you’re keen to experience the glamorous atmosphere of the show business world, head west to the bright lights of the Theatre District. Downtown is Union Square, the place to be for people-watchers who love being in the thick of the action but want to experience New York life at its most authentic. See the city from its very top in Midtown, it’s the central hub to end all central hubs in NYC, and home of two of its most iconic skyscrapers: The Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.

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Map of New York City

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2-32 ℃

The best time to visit New York City is in spring or autumn when the weather is mild. Summer can be very hot, while winter sees the mercury plummet, with thick snow and temperatures just above zero. 

7.5 hours

The main airports for New York City are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is 24km southeast of Manhattan; Newark International Airport (EWR) is 22.5km west of Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, which is 13km from Manhattan.

New York City is best for...

FILM BUFFS

Many films are shot here each year, including lots of the classics. Take a movie tour around the city to see locations you’re bound to recognise from the films.

THEATRE LOVERS

Over 40 theatres line the Broadway in NYC and here you can see the best shows and really immerse yourself in New York’s theatre district.

SAVVY SHOPPERS

Whether you want to see the high-end boutiques of Madison Avenue or explore flea markets, vintage shops, and independent designers, there’s plenty in New York for every shopper.

CULTURE VULTURES

This city has so much fascinating history; it’s made up of a huge blend of cultures and nationalities. There’s something new around every corner along with some of the country’s best museums and galleries.

FAMILIES

From fantastic toy shops to kid-friendly events, this destination is definitely a place for the whole family. With the model boating lake and huge playgrounds, Central Park alone has plenty to entertain your children.

Fast facts for New York City

Language: The language spoken here is English.

Currency: The currency used is the US Dollar ($).

Local time: New York City is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: JFK International Airport, Newark Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Transfers to Manhattan take 1 hour. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to New York is 7.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at https://www.nycgo.com/.

Visa / health: Before you go on your holiday, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa for advice on visas and health.

Getting around New York City

By bus/subway: With a 24-hour subway and plenty of buses, you can easily explore this destination like a native. A range of MetroCards to suit your needs are available.

By taxi: If there’s one iconic image of this city and it’s got to be the yellow cabs. The cabs have meters but factor in an extra 15% to 20% for the tip and an extra $1 is added on weekdays between 4pm and 8pm.

Events in New York City

Summer sunsets Think you can’t admire a sunset in a city? Think again. If you’re in NYC in late May or mid-July, head to 34th Street and look west to see ‘Manhattanhenge’. At this time of year, the space between the buildings give you a stunning view of the sunset on the horizon.

Fourth of July Independence Day is the biggest holiday in the USA and New York celebrates in style. Head to the Hudson River to watch the Macy’s vast firework display with an uninterrupted view.

Street parades The Big Apple loves a celebration and St Patrick’s Day in March and Thanksgiving in November are both big events in the city. Watch the huge parades and take lots of photos.

Ice skating This city certainly has real seasons and in winter, ice skating is popular. Head to the Central Park ice rink or the Rockefeller Centre’s ice rink and get that festive feeling.

New York City weather

Temperatures: The weather ranges from 2-32°C with hot summers and cold winters.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild.

The weather ranges from hot and humid summers to freezing winters. While spring and autumn are usually mild, it’s a good idea to pack a few extra layers in case an unseasonably cold blast comes through. 

Best hotels in New York City