Compare New York city breaks

When to visit New York

There’s always something going on in the city that never sleeps, from ice-skating and Christmas shopping in winter to free outdoor theatre performances in summer. The best weather for exploring is arguably in spring or autumn, with temperatures hovering around 16C in May and 20C in September. In April and May, you can stroll among the blooming cherry blossom trees in Central Park.

If you’re looking for a cheap New York city break, February is generally the cheapest time to visit the Big Apple, while December is the most expensive. It can be extremely cold in the city in February, though, with average temperatures at around 2C – so wrap up warmly.

The city is also likely to be busy over Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) when Macy’s holds its annual parade, and on New Year’s Eve when revellers flock to Times Square.

What to do in New York

With world-class museums, galleries, parks, shops and restaurants, it’s clear to see why New York is one of the most popular cities to visit in the world. On a trip to the Big Apple, combine ticking off some of the big sights with escaping to a green space.

Empire State Building

In the centre of Midtown Manhattan, the Art Deco Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic buildings.

On a visit, start in its second-floor galleries to learn about its history and construction, and to step into an office from the 1930s with King Kong’s enormous hands coming through the walls. Then, head to its 86th floor observation deck to spot your favourite New York sights. For the ultimate view, take the glass lift to 102nd floor observatory.

Central Park

First opened to the public in 1859, New York’s Central Park is a green haven in Manhattan. At 843 acres (341 ha), it’s a sprawling space with plenty of attractions and picnic spots.

Look around it on a guided walking tour, by hiring a bike, or simply stroll around setting your own schedule. Highlights include Strawberry Fields, which pays tribute to John Lennon, boating on its lake and Belvedere Castle with its viewing deck.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you’d like to visit an art gallery, why not make it the largest one in the US? The Met showcases art spanning more than 5,000 years across the world.

Highlights include its permanent Egyptian Art exhibition with around 26,000 objects – make sure you visit the Temple of Dendur, which was gifted to President Johnson in 1965 (and installed in the museum in ’67). There’s also the American Wing, showing art from the 17th to early 19th centuries, as well as huge collections of medieval and Byzantine art.

The High Line

This elevated public park built on an abandoned railway line first opened in 2009 above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort St to 34th St and there are walking tours available to learn more about its history and features.

While strolling above the city, keep an eye out for the Chelsea Market Passage, an open-air food court on the spot the Oreo cookie was invented; the view from 10th Avenue Square and Overlook; and regular art installations.

The Statue of Liberty

One of the world’s most famous monuments, the enormous green Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, opportunity and justice. The Green Lady was one of the first things immigrants saw as they passed through Ellis Island by boat. Today, you can take a ferry to sail past the landmark and can visit Liberty Island or Ellis Island.

On Liberty Island, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum where you can climb to its viewing platform in the statue’s crown. Book well in advance.

Where to stay in New York

For families

If you’re travelling with teens, embrace the buzz of New York and stay in Midtown Manhattan to be close to Broadway theatres, bustling Times Square and the Madison Square Garden arena, home of the New York Knicks basketball team. All of the family will welcome having the enormous Central Park just a short stroll away too.

For a slightly quieter neighbourhood if you have little ones in your group, Upper West Side is still close to Central Park but is a quieter, more residential area. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Center performing arts venue.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re savvy, you can find cheap New York city break deals. Midtown Manhattan is a good area to consider when keeping hotel costs down as there’s a huge range of accommodation options including budget chains. You’ll also be extremely central, keeping transport costs at a minimum.

Or head to hip Long Island City in Queens where you’ll find hostels, apartments and budget hotels as well as lively nightlife, craft breweries and the MoMA PS1 modern art gallery. A short subway ride from Midtown Manhattan, keep costs down here by picnicking in its parks.

For food and drink

SoHo is an excellent area to stay in if you’d like to try some of the best food and drink in New York. There’s everything from fine dining to bakeries and brunch spots, plus you’re next to Chinatown for traditional dumplings and dim sum.

An alternative is the Flatiron/Gramercy neighbourhood, where you can eat in some of the finest restaurants in the city – if you can bag a table. It’s not all Michelin stars though, and you’ll also find casual places to refuel on pizzas, burgers and bakery bites too.

For nightlife

Home of the High Line park, the Meatpacking District is a stylish, buzzy area to stay in. Here you can sip drinks in glam wine bars before dancing until the early hours in a cool club. To really stay here in style, look out for hotels with a rooftop pool.

To stay a stroll away from some of the trendiest bars in the city, look for a hotel in or around Lower East Side. You can start the night here soaking up skyline views in a rooftop bar before tapping your toes to live music.

For culture

Is art your thing? Chelsea is the neighbourhood for you – it has hundreds of galleries to admire modern art, sculptures and more. You’ll also be able to watch live performances on the High Line here before perusing the goods on offer at a flea market.

To combine Broadway shows, classical music performances and top cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Arts and Design, stay in Midtown Manhattan and enjoy having the best of bustling New York on your doorstep.