Concrete jungle. The big apple. The city that never sleeps. Whatever you call it, New York is good vibes all around, it's cooler than the friends from Friends.

Holidays to New York 2026

• New York-style pizza. That's it, that's the highlight.

• Loads to explore (from parks to museums)

• Landmarks you'll recognise from TV and movies

• Times Square, where you'll feel the buzz of the city at it's heart.

Good to Know

• 🍕 Fun Fact - New Yorkers fold their pizza slices. It’s not rude, it’s tradition.

• 🏖️ Best Park (a city’s version of a beach!) - Central Park – over 800 acres of iconic green space.

• 🍺 Cost of a pint - around $8–10 (approx. £6.30–£7.80), but dive bars are your friend if you're after a cheap holiday.

What are the best sights to see in New York?

There's loads to do on a New York city break, but we've taken the liberty of sky-scraping together some of the good stuff. (Not sorry).

• Empire State Building - duh, it's (almost) the title of an Alicia Keys song for a reason. Apart from being an iconic landmark from the outside, this Art Deco skyscraper has some seriously fun exhibits (so you can see what it'd feel like to star in King Kong), and it serves up some of the best views in New York, which you can cut the queue to if you bag an express pass straight to the top.

• Brooklyn Bridge - you can see this whopping bridge from loads of places across the city, but if you'd rather be close to the action then you can pop your comfy shoes on and follow the walking route. It takes about an hour to walk the full bridge, and you can go from either Brooklyn to Manhattan or Manhattan to Brooklyn - although we recommend starting at Brooklyn so you can admire the skyline along the way. Don't forget - you don't have to walk the full thing, and you can turn back and go the way you came if you want to experience the bridge from both directions!

• Statue of Liberty - for the best view of this famous landmark, you'll need to hop on a ferry across the water. You can either just ride past the island if you're only interested in snapping a few far-off photos, or, if you want a closer look, you can take a ferry over to Liberty Island where the statue lives. Spoiler: it's bigger than you think! There's a museum there too, in case you fancy grabbing a souvenir.

• Central Park - that's right, it's not all concrete and skyscrapers - there are a few trees knocking about. Loads in fact, if you head to Central Park. Quite fittingly, this place is pretty central, so it's easy to get to from most points in the city, whether you walk, hop in a cab or take the subway. Once you're there, you'll have over 800 acres of pathways, woodlands and lakes to explore. It's even got an ice skating rink, outdoor yoga classes, and - get this - its own zoo. Talk about everything but the kitchen sink.

• Rockefeller Centre - every ice-skating scene you've ever seen in a Christmas movie set in America happened here. Probably. Just trust us, it's iconic. While the rink and famous Christmas tree are the stars of the show in winter, in the warmer months you'll usually find pop-up bars and seating areas so you can enjoy a cocktail or a bite to eat in the heart of it all.

• Times Square - it seems like a no brainer that you're gonna wanna pound the pavement on your New York holidays, and where better to get your steps in than the iconic Times Square? The screens light up the night and no matter what time you're strolling through there's guaranteed to be a buzz; we're talking street performers, food vendors and the hubub of chatter from people going here, there and everywhere. Try some of the bars nearby for a tipple or two, hit up a restaurant for some delish food, or make your way to Broadway and catch your next fave show.

When to go on your New York holidays

New York's brilliant year-round, but there is a time and a place for all things, like when to head there on your jollies... (we always suggest booking right now)

• 🍂 Fall (September to November) - Autumn in New York is straight out of a movie. Think golden trees in Central Park, perfect walking weather (15–20°C), and spooky-good Halloween fun. Hotel rates drop after Labour Day, and you’ll dodge summer’s sweaty crowds. It’s a fave time for a reason – expect some company.

• 🌸 Spring (April to June) - Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms, outdoor buzz, and fewer tourists. Temperatures sit between 12–24°C, and May’s Manhattanhenge is a stunner. It can get a little drizzly, so pack smart – but prices stay friendly and the city feels alive again.

• ☀️ Summer (July to August) - if you love the heat, summer in NYC hits different. Expect 28–32°C, plus rooftop parties, free concerts, and those iconic 4th of July fireworks. Coney Island’s perfect for a beachy break, but book early – hotel rates rise with the temps.

• ❄️ Winter (December to January) - dreaming of a New York Christmas? You’ll get snow-dusted skylines, ice rinks, and the legendary Rockefeller tree. It’s busy and brisk (okay, low-key, it's freezing, pack your warmest clothes), but the festive vibes are 10/10. For more winter sparkle, scroll down to our Christmas in New York tips.

• 💰 Best Time for Budget Travellers - Looking for a cheap New York holiday? Late Jan to March is your sweet spot. Fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and some cracking deals on flights. Pack a coat, but enjoy NYC without blowing the budget.

Final tip - for the best of both worlds (nice weather + decent prices), aim for late spring or early autumn. But let’s be real – New York’s always worth it.

New York and Christmas... A match made in heaven

Forget Lapland. If you're looking for full-on festive magic with skyscrapers, snowflakes and sparkling lights, New York at Christmas is like stepping into your favourite holiday movie. Think Home Alone 2 meets Elf – with better food and the best Christmas markets.

🎁 Must-Do Christmas Experiences:

• Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree – The big one. Lights, ice rink and festive tunes in Midtown.

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn) – Locals go all out – we’re talking inflatable Santas, choreographed lights and candy-cane chaos.

• Ice Skating in Central Park – Glide your way through Wollman Rink under twinkly lights and frosty trees.

• Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue – Department stores like Saks and Macy’s go mad for festive window displays.

• Bryant Park Winter Village – Ice skating, hot chocolate and over 100 pop-up stalls for that perfect last-minute gift.

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular – The Rockettes have been serving high kicks and holiday cheer since the 1930s - if we wanna talk about a New York staple for the holiday season, this is top of the list.

Top Tip - Snow isn’t guaranteed, but a snowy day in NYC in December? Total main character energy. Pack layers and pray to the weather gods.

Where to stay on your holidays to New York

New York’s packed with buzzing boroughs, boujee hotels, and hidden-gem neighbourhoods – but choosing where to stay can make or break your Big Apple jollies. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to the best areas to stay in New York for every kind of traveller:

• 🏙️ Midtown Manhattan - Best for first-timers

Smack bang in the heart of it all, Midtown is the classic choice. You’ve got Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway, Rockefeller Centre – the whole New York bucket list within walking distance. Yes, it's busy, touristy, and never sleeps, but that's half the charm. Great for short stays and first-timers who want it all on the doorstep.

• 🌆 Downtown Manhattan - Best for culture & cool vibes

Slightly less hectic but still buzzing, Downtown has a more local feel. You’re near Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, SoHo, and the ferry to Lady Liberty. Hotels are often better value than Midtown, and there’s a gorge mix of rooftop bars, indie boutiques and classic NY delis. Proper New Yorker energy without the tourist crush.

• 🌉 Brooklyn - Best for trendsetters on a budget

Across the river but still just a short subway ride away, Brooklyn brings that cool-kid energy. Think brunch spots, food trucks, and warehouse art galleries. It’s ideal for longer stays or anyone who wants value without sacrificing style. Plus, walking the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan? 10/10 moment.

• 🌳 Central Park Area – Best for peace & green space

Want a calmer city break with leafy views and morning strolls? Stay near Central Park. You’ll be steps from the park itself, world-class museums (hello, MET), and high-end shopping on Fifth Ave. It’s more boujee than budget, but perfect for couples or families looking for space to breathe.

What are the top hotels for your New York holidays 2026?

We know what you're thinking. Beach holidays are our jam, so we can't possibly sell hotels in the Big Apple, right? Wrong. We're branching out - get with the programme. Whether you're planning your 2026 holidays well in advance or if you've had some last-minute inspo, we've got a hotel for that. Here are a few of our favourites if you want the full New York experience:

Families

• Arthouse Hotel New York is a top pick for families on the Upper West Side – you're a 10-minute stroll from Central Park and a 5-minute walk from the American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs and green space? Sorted.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan Central Park serves up rooms with views, a full American breakfast buffet (yep, there's bagels), and it's just 3km from the Empire State Building.

• Hotel Beacon offers spacious rooms and suites with views over Central Park and the Hudson River – brilliant for families who need a bit more space to spread out after a day of pounding the pavements.

• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown puts you near the Staten Island Ferry and Statue of Liberty, with 399 rooms and suites across 44 floors. Plus, you get those famous DoubleTree cookies on arrival.

Couples

• Hard Rock Hotel New York City Times Square is five-star swank with a rooftop bar, in-house yoga classes and music-themed rooms right in the heart of Times Square. Go hard (rock) or go home.

• Hotel Belleclaire is Upper West Side elegance with a bakery on site and a façade that's popped up in films like The Equalizer. If it's good enough for Denzel, it's good enough for us.

• The Knickerbocker Hotel is a legendary NYC landmark reborn, tucked between Times Square and Bryant Park. Rumour has it the Martini was invented here – and the rooftop bar serves up stunning skyline views.

• CIVILIAN Hotel is pure theatre-lover heaven in the Broadway district. Rooms are styled like dressing rooms, there's a disco toilet (yes, really), and you're steps from the best shows in town.

Luxury

• The Plaza Hotel needs no introduction – this five-star icon on Fifth Avenue has hosted everyone from royalty to Hollywood legends since 1907. Afternoon tea in The Palm Court is an absolute must.

• The New Yorker, A Lotte Hotel is art deco glamour with a 24/7 American diner and an underground steakhouse tucked away in an old bank vault. Properly swanky.

Great Value

• Pod Times Square Hotel delivers budget-friendly vibes right in the buzz of Times Square. Rooms are compact but clever, with soundproof windows so you can actually sleep in the city that never does.

• Pod Hotel 39th Street is another smart choice – stylish rooms, a trendy taqueria on site, and you're just 500 metres from the Empire State Building. Big Apple energy, small price tag.

New York holidays 2026 travel guide

👩‍❤️‍👨 Things to do in New York for couples

Looking to turn up the romance on your Couples holidays? The city might be loud, but it’s packed with corners perfect for a cheeky bit of romance.

• Central Park - skip the main paths and head to the Bow Bridge or rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse for a proper rom-com moment.

• The Met Cloisters - take the A train up to Fort Tryon Park to wander through medieval gardens and castle-like archways – total fairytale vibes.

• The Press Lounge - head to Hell's Kitchen for this rooftop bar; the uninterrupted views of the Hudson and skyline are 10/10 at sunset.

• Fine Dining - if you want to splash the cash, Le Bernardin is top-tier seafood, but book a month in advance to secure a table.

🍕 Things to do in New York for foodies

Foodies, listen up. The Big Apple is basically one giant buffet. From dollar slices to Michelin stars, the menu here is absolutely popping off.

• Joe’s Pizza - go to the original spot on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village for a slice that is crispy, cheesy and legendary.

• Ess-a-Bagel - the queues are mahoosive but move fast – grab a pumpernickel bagel with lox and cream cheese for the ultimate breakfast.

• Dominique Ansel Bakery - want a Cronut? Get to the Soho store before 8am or pre-order online two weeks ahead to beat the crowds.

• Chelsea Market - it’s a foodie playground; head straight to Los Tacos No.1 for authentic Mexican street food that is totally delish.

• The Halal Guys - visit the original cart at 53rd and 6th for a chicken and gyro platter – just go easy on the red sauce, it’s scorchio.

👪 Things to do in New York for families

New York isn't just for the grown-ups – it’s a top-tier playground for the kiddos too. It’s busy, but these spots make family holidays a breeze.

• American Museum of Natural History - See the whopper blue whale in the Milstein Hall, but book your timed entry online to avoid the ticket line.

• Coney Island - Take the D, F, N or Q train for a day at the seaside; ride the Cyclone and grab a Nathan's Hot Dog on the boardwalk.

• Statue of Liberty - If you want to climb to the Crown, book months ahead; for a free view, just hop on the Staten Island Ferry instead.

• Central Park Zoo - It is small enough to do in a morning, leaving you plenty of time to let the kids run wild on the Heckscher Playground nearby.

🏙️ Things to do in New York for thrill-seekers

If your idea of a holiday involves more adrenaline than relaxation, New York has got you covered. It is the perfect excuse to gather the squad for a group holiday.

• City Climb at The Edge - Don’t just look at the view, scale the outside of the skyscraper 1,200 feet above the ground – strictly for the brave.

• Helicopter Tour - Book a 'doors-off' flight from the downtown heliport for a wind-in-your-hair view of Lady Liberty that is simply stun.

• Chelsea Piers - A massive sports complex on the Hudson where you can tackle rock walls or hit the ice rink year-round.

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt - Stand on the glass floors at 'Levitation' and look directly down at Madison Avenue – it will make your stomach drop in the best way.

🚕  Getting Around New York

Getting around the Big Apple is surprisingly simple – here's how to travel like a pro on your New York holidays:

• 🚇 Subway – the NYC subway runs 24/7 and gets you pretty much anywhere, fast. It’s the cheapest way to hop between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and beyond. Grab a MetroCard or tap in with contactless, and you’re good to go.

• 🚕 Taxis & Rideshares – classic yellow cabs are easy to flag down, and Uber or Lyft are everywhere. Perfect for late nights or when your feet have officially had enough. Just expect traffic in peak hours.

• ⛴️ Ferries – fancy a scenic route? The NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry are budget-friendly, breezy, and come with top-tier views of the Statue of Liberty.

• 🚶Walking – don’t sleep on the sidewalks. Loads of landmarks are close together, so pack comfy shoes and enjoy pounding the pavements like a true New Yorker.