New York Holidays

The concrete jungle. The big apple. The city that never sleeps. New York. It's good vibes all around, it's cooler than the friends from Friends and it has more landmarks per square mile than anywhere else on earth.

Holidays to New York 2026 Highlights

• The Iconic Skyline - you’ve seen the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade on screen for decades. Pick the right hotel base, and you can tick off these legendary views right from your window.

• Broadway Nights - Times Square boasts 41 world-class theatres with tickets from £80. Want a pro tip? Hit the local TKTS booth on the day to bag huge 20% to 50% discounts on the biggest shows.

• Central Park Oasis - this is 843 acres of pure main-character energy. Expect tranquil lakes, woodlands, a zoo, and a winter ice rink smack-bang in the middle of the Manhattan madness.

• Views for Every Budget - scale the heights of the Edge at Hudson Yards or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt for the ultimate sky-high selfie. On a budget? The Staten Island Ferry gives you iconic Lady Liberty views for absolutely free.

• The Subway Secret - Manhattan looks small on a map, but it's massive in practice. Skip the blister plasters, plan your itinerary by neighbourhood, and use the 24/7 subway - it’s cheap, fast, and effortless.

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.

Local Lingo – Talk Like a New Yorker

Visiting New York City? You’ll notice the locals have their own way of talking. Here are some classic phrases and words to help you fit right in:

• “Cabbie” – taxi driver. You’ll hear this everywhere, especially when hailing a yellow cab

• “Hero” – what locals call a sub sandwich. Don’t ask for a “sub” unless you want a confused look.

• “The City” – New Yorkers often mean Manhattan when they say this, even though NYC has five boroughs.

• “Regular coffee” – in NYC, this usually means drip coffee, black or with milk. If you ask for a “coffee,” you might get an espresso instead.

• “Bodega” – a small corner store open late, perfect for snacks, sandwiches, or that emergency bottle of water.

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 in 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.

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 gorgeous 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?

Whether you're planning your 2027 holidays well in advance or if you've had some last-minute inspo, we've got a hotel for that. You can see all hotels in New York or browse a few of our favourites below:

Families

• Arthouse Hotel New York - for families looking for a top-tier family-friendly New York City hotel, this Upper West Side gem sits a mere 10-minute walk from Central Park and 5 minutes from the American Museum of Natural History, offering excellent subway access and zero "are we there yet?" drama near top Manhattan attractions.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan Central Park - a reliable Manhattan family accommodation choice that avoids any holiday surprises by serving up a complimentary full American breakfast buffet (complete with proper New York bagels) and scenic city views just 3km from the Empire State Building.

• Hotel Beacon - standing out as a spacious family suite hotel in Midtown Manhattan, this property gives the whole crew plenty of room to spread out with its oversized suites featuring views of Central Park and the Hudson River, perfect for recharging after a 20,000-step day.

• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown - positioned perfectly for family sightseeing holidays in New York City, this 44-story Downtown Manhattan skyscraper places you right by the Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty, though the real parenting win is the legendary, warm choc-chip cookie given to everyone at check-in.

Couples

• Hard Rock Hotel New York City Times Square - delivering pure five-star rock 'n' roll romance for couples booking a luxury Times Square holiday, this vibrant Manhattan hotel treats guests to music-themed rooms, in-house yoga classes, and a glamorous rooftop bar soaring directly above the Broadway neon.

• Hotel Belleclaire - a highly romantic Upper West Side Manhattan hotel option that pairs classic architecture with an on-site bakery for morning pastry runs, boasting a gorgeous cinematic façade that has famously shared screen time with Denzel Washington.

• The Knickerbocker Hotel - perfect for couples seeking a legendary Midtown Manhattan holiday base, this iconic historic landmark sits tucked between Times Square and Bryant Park, offering world-class skyline views from its upscale rooftop bar, where the Martini was rumoured to be invented.

• CIVILIAN Hotel - a boutique Broadway district hotel in New York City designed specifically for theatre lovers, featuring artsy rooms styled like Broadway dressing rooms and a quirky disco-themed restroom, all located just steps from the best West Side theatres and stage doors.

Luxury

• The Plaza Hotel - the ultimate five-star choice for a luxury Fifth Avenue holiday in New York City, this world-famous landmark needs zero introduction and has hosted everyone from royalty to Hollywood legends since 1907, with its signature afternoon tea in the Palm Court remaining an absolute bucket-list experience.

• The New Yorker, A Lotte Hotel - bringing distinct Art Deco glamour to your luxury Midtown Manhattan stay, this storied skyscraper skips the generic five-star vibe by offering guests an authentic 24/7 American diner (the Tick Tock Diner) and a moody underground steakhouse hidden right inside an old bank vault.

Groups

• Moxy NYC Downtown - the ultimate social base for a group holiday booking in Lower Manhattan, this high-energy hotel features hyper-modern rooms equipped with 50-inch TVs and surround sound for pre-drinks, a killer rooftop bar, and effortless walking access to Tribeca, Chinatown, and One World Trade Centre.

• Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan - solving all your group trip logistics in New York City, this modern hotel sits a convenient 5-minute walk from Penn Station for total subway connectivity, offering premium spa-style showers and an unbeatable location less than 10 minutes from Times Square and Madison Square Garden.

Value

• Pod Times Square Hotel - serving as the definitive budget-friendly hotel in Hell’s Kitchen, this clever base trades massive room footprints for massive savings, giving value-focused travellers compact, clever rooms and soundproof windows just a short stroll from Broadway and Bryant Park.

• Pod Hotel 39th Street - offering the same smart, cheap Manhattan accommodation formula as its sister property in Times Square, this Murray Hill location adds a stylish neighbourhood feel alongside a lively on-site taqueria with excellent happy-hour prices just 500m from the Empire State Building.

• Broadway Plaza Hotel - a high-value boutique hotel in the Flatiron District, this newly refurbished 69-room gem delivers proper bang for your buck by offering 24-hour reception, in-room food delivery, and an exceptionally modest resort fee compared to standard New York City hotel rates.

👉 All hotels in New York

New York holidays 2026 travel guide

Things to do in New York for couples

• Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise or sunset: free, quieter in early morning, properly atmospheric at golden hour. Walk it from the Brooklyn side for the classic skyline approach.

• Row a boat on Central Park's Lake: Loeb Boathouse rents rowing boats by the hour, around £15. A proper Manhattan-rom-com moment.

• Rooftop cocktails at The Press Lounge in Hell's Kitchen: uninterrupted Hudson and skyline views at sunset. Cocktails £14 to £18, worth every dollar of the view.

• The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park: a medieval-monastery-themed branch of the Met at the northern tip of Manhattan. A train ride out, total fairytale vibes, dramatically underrated.

• Dinner at Le Bernardin: three-Michelin-star seafood and the classic New York date-night splurge. Book a month in advance, tasting menu around £280 per head.

Things to do in New York for families

• American Museum of Natural History: home to the whopper blue whale, dinosaur halls and the planetarium. Book timed-entry tickets online to skip the queue. Around £22 per adult, £13 per child.

• Coney Island: the D, F, N, or Q train out to the seaside, ride the Cyclone, eat a Nathan's hot dog on the boardwalk, splash around in the Atlantic. A proper New York day out.

• Statue of Liberty ferry ride: book ahead if you want to climb the crown (months in advance). For a free look at Lady Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry passes right by her.

• Central Park Zoo: small enough to do in a morning, leaving the afternoon for the Heckscher Playground right next door. £16 per adult, £10 per child.

• Top of the Rock: the observation deck with the clearest view of the Empire State in the photo, and two open-air decks that kids tend to prefer over indoor glass. £35 per adult, £30 per child.

Things to do in New York for groups

• Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village: the legendary basement club where Seinfeld, Rock, Chappelle and friends drop in unannounced. Tickets are around £30 per head; food and drinks are separate.

• Rooftop bar crawl through Hell's Kitchen: The Press Lounge, 230 Fifth and Bar 54, all within walking distance, each with a different view of the skyline. One big evening, £50 to £80 a head, depending on how many cocktails.

• A Knicks, Rangers or Nets game: Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Centre, genuinely good group entertainment even for non-sports fans. Tickets from around £60 a head in the cheap seats.

• Liberty and Ellis Island group tour: round-trip ferry plus timed audio tour, around £30 a head. Big-group-friendly and covers two landmarks in a morning.

• Broadway matinee plus pre-show dinner: the TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day tickets at 20% to 50% off, so a group can walk up, grab whatever's available, and eat around the corner beforehand.

More Places to Visit in America

If you’re planning a US adventure in 2026, there’s a ton to explore beyond New York. Here’s a quick guide to the main regions and what makes them special:

East Coast

• Florida – theme parks, beaches, and year-round sunshine. Home to Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys.

• Boston – historic charm, Fenway Park, lobster rolls, and stunning autumn colours.

West Coast

• California – road trips, beaches, and Hollywood glamour. Includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

• Las Vegas – neon lights, casinos, pool parties, and world-class shows in the Nevada desert.

• Arizona – the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, desert stargazing, and classic Wild West vibes.

The South

• New Orleans – jazz, Mardi Gras, incredible Creole food, and nightlife on Bourbon Street.

• Texas – big skies, bigger steaks, live music in Austin, and proper cowboy culture.