Holidays to New York 2026 & 2027
Both familiar and full of surprises, New York is a city pulsating with energy. Here you can catch a Broadway show, view the famous skyline from a skyscraper, and visit some of the world’s most iconic sights.
Find everything you need to know to plan your New York holiday, from fun things to do, the best time to visit, how to get around the city, and how many days you need to explore.
Things to do in New York
Home to world-famous landmarks and popular locations, New York City has plenty to do and places to visit. Visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, explore nearby Ellis Island, or enjoy views of both landmarks on a New York harbour cruise.
Empire State Building: Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is one of New York’s most famous skyscrapers, rising high above the city and offering spectacular panoramic views across the five boroughs and the Hudson River.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Board a New York sightseeing cruise around New York Harbour to see city landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, or catch a ferry from The Battery to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: One of New York’s best immersive and multi-sensory observation decks, SUMMIT offers a thrilling experience combining panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline with art installations high above Grand Central Terminal.
Times Square & Broadway: Experience the bright lights and giant billboards of Times Square before taking your seat for a Broadway musical, comedy, or drama in New York’s famous Theatre District.
Central Park: Escape the busy Manhattan streets with a journey through Central Park solo or on a Central Park Walking Tour. Stretching approximately two and a half miles through Manhattan, Central Park is home to lakes, woodland paths, landscaped gardens, and well-known sights including Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and Strawberry Fields.
Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge for impressive views of Lower Manhattan and the East River. Continue into DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park for waterfront restaurants, cafés, and impressive views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.
9/11 Memorial Walking Tour: Visit the 9/11 Memorial pools and surrounding sites, including St Paul’s Chapel, the Eleven Tears Memorial, and the Winter Garden. Hear personal accounts of the attacks and learn about the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan.
Fifth Avenue: Stretching from Washington Square Park to the Harlem River, Fifth Avenue is known for its exclusive retail districts, Museum Mile, and other world-renowned landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The New York Public Library, and Rockefeller Center.
Wall Street & the Financial District: Explore the narrow streets of Lower Manhattan, see the New York Stock Exchange and Charging Bull, then continue towards Battery Park for views across New York Harbour.
New York’s Five Boroughs: Manhattan may contain many of the best-known New York attractions, but there is much more to the city. Cross into Brooklyn for waterfront neighbourhoods, visit Queens for international food and culture, discover the history of The Bronx, or ride the ferry to Staten Island.
How to get to New York
Direct flights from London to New York typically take around eight hours. Direct services from the UK generally arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport. LaGuardia Airport primarily handles domestic and short-haul international flights.
From JFK Airport, Manhattan can be reached by pre-arranged transfer, taxi, or a combination of the AirTrain and subway or Long Island Rail Road. From Newark Airport, travellers can use a taxi, private transfer, airport bus, or rail connection into Manhattan.
New York is also well connected to cities across America’s Northeast Corridor by Amtrak train services. Typical journeys take around three to three and a half hours from Washington, D.C. and approximately three and a half to four and a half hours from Boston, depending on the service.
How to get around New York
New York’s extensive public transport system makes it easy to travel between Manhattan’s main attractions and neighbourhoods across the five boroughs.
Subway: The New York subway is often the quickest and most affordable way to get around the city. The service operates 24 hours a day, although routes may vary.
Bus: New York buses are useful for shorter journeys and provide a good way to see the streets as you travel, particularly when travelling across Manhattan.
Walking: Many New York attractions are closer together than they appear on a map. Walking between nearby sights allows you to experience the city’s architecture, shops, cafés, and neighbourhoods along the way.
Yellow Taxis: While in New York, travel in one of New York’s famous yellow taxis that can be hailed from the lively city streets but allow yourself extra time when choosing to get around this way as journeys can take longer during busy traffic periods.
Ferries: New York’s ferry services provide useful connections and stunning views of the city skyline. The Staten Island Ferry travels between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and offers views of the Statue of Liberty along the way.
When is the best time to visit New York?
To get the best out of your New York holiday, visit during the spring or autumn months when the weather is typically milder than in the height of summer, offering a comfortable climate to explore the city on foot and spend time in Central Park. Summer in New York can be hot and humid, but it is a great time for rooftop bars, outdoor concerts, waterfront parks, and trips to Coney Island.
For those wanting to experience a different side of New York, winter is the time to visit. During this time the city comes alive with festive displays, ice-skating rinks, and seasonal shows, making November and December a particularly beautiful time of year in the city.
How long should I spend in New York?
There’s a lot to see and do in New York, so give yourself enough time to explore. Typically, four to five nights is a good amount of time to visit must-see sights like the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. This also leaves time to enjoy a Broadway show and explore different Manhattan neighbourhoods.
With six or seven nights, you can explore at a more relaxed pace, spend longer in New York’s museums and galleries, and discover more of New York’s Five Boroughs.
New York is also the perfect destination to include on a multi-centre holiday. Speak to our expert travel team about combining New York with Boston, Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls or including it in a wider USA holiday.
What events take place in New York?
Events in New York take place throughout the year, from major sporting tournaments and street parades to food festivals, cultural celebrations, and festive traditions. A few of our favourites include:
Fourth of July Fireworks: Celebrate American Independence Day with daytime parades, neighbourhood BBQs, live music, and the spectacular Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over New York City.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Watch giant character balloons float through the city streets above elaborate floats, marching bands, and performers dancing through Manhattan, from Central Park West to Herald Square.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square: Don’t miss the world-famous ball drop, held at Times Square where thousands gather to watch a giant crystal sphere descend a flagpole, signalling the start of the new year.
Plan your New York holiday
Whether you’re planning a New York City holiday or a multi-centre USA adventure, take the stress out of organising your visit and let one of our America specialists create a tailor-made New York holiday just for you.
We can arrange your flights, accommodation, and experiences, as well as combine the city with Boston, Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls, Florida, the Caribbean, or another destination or two of your choice.
