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About New York

Including tips for the best time to visit New York

New York City is somewhere that feels familiar before you even visit. Countless films and TV shows are shot here, so when we see the trademark yellow taxi cabs, the hot dog vendors or the dazzling lights of Manhattan, there's a strange sense of déjà vu. It's also home to what is arguably the world's most famous skyline, dominated by the Art Deco marvel of the Empire State Building. Constantly reinventing and setting new trends in fashion, food and art, the city is also a major hub for finance and trade, with the famous Wall Street at its core.

The city is split into the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island, and each has its own unique character. Manhattan Island is home to the trendy neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village and SoHo, while Brooklyn features a Botanic Garden, the New York Aquarium and the famous Coney Island. A ferry from Battery Park to Ellis Island offers a great opportunity for some incredible views of the city, before reaching the fascinating Immigration Museum. You'll also sail past the iconic Statue of Liberty, with plenty of time to snap photos from all angles.

The city's Broadway shows are second to none, with a variety of major musicals proving the pick of the bunch. The giant green oasis of Central Park offers a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, as well as featuring lakes, theatres and ice-skating rinks.

New York is served by three major airports: JFK, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia, with public transport options available at each one.

Tonight

From £203 per night

Next weekend

From £542 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency US$10 = £8.04
Language
Average weekend price £154 per night
Average weekday price £165 per night
Typical stay 3 nights

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New York reviews

What other travellers say about New York

6.0

I have always looked forward to visiting New York City - I...

19 April 2024

I have always looked forward to visiting New York City - I have been to New York many times over the years but not since Co-Vid. I am very sorry to say I was very disappointed at the changes in this vibrant city. The food in a lot of the diners and smaller restaurants that we ate in were not good. I had known in advance that NY had become very expensive but there was always quality in the food and superb service. Always a big NY greeting and some banter no matter whether you were in a restaurant, diner, store or taxi. Sadly this time this was not the case. I found the City had lost its personality and it was hard to get away from the smell of hash on the streets. The only place that redeemed our visit to NY was the Rangers game we attended in Madison Square Garden - efficient, professional and well run. I was delighted to see a little bit of the NY bravado and spirit that I remembered was still alive and kicking there. We visited all the usual sights and NY is still thrilling and always worth the visit - what I missed most was the quality of service. We stayed in Manhattan.

hilary
hilary Ireland
10

Visit New York, a vibrant city that never sleeps.

19 April 2024

Visit New York, a vibrant city that never sleeps. There is something for everyone regardless of your interest. Take the Circle line around Manhattan or the free Staten Island ferry giving you a fantastic view of the famous skyline. Take the 10 min ferry to Governors Island for a picknick . Visit Hudson Yards and walk the HighLine Take the Wall Street tour and learn about New York history and where money is "made". Enjoy the nightlife, visit the Metropolitan Opera house or take in a Broadway show Unfortunately an expensive city but read up and learn how to get by on limited budgets . Use the subway and buses, safer now with NYPD at most station Your days, week will disappear quickly and you want to come back !

Henrik
Henrik Sweden
10

I loved the hustle of new York city.

19 April 2024

I loved the hustle of new York city. You can find food from around the world. I highly recommend smash burger shacks. So good. Go see the play hells kitchen was fabulous. Take the night bus tour so worth it

Anonymous
10

It is the perfect city to visit should you want to “get out...

18 April 2024

It is the perfect city to visit should you want to “get out of your head” and discover something different. Each sit block brings a variety of eateries; deli’s, restaurants and places of interest only a cab ride away. I took 2 art classes, participated in a “Painting in the Park” event, went to the Met and took an on-line writing class. I found a great coffe shop in the area that I went to every day that provided grounding for myself. This was a very happy trip!!😆😊

Anonymous
2.0

Always the same.

18 April 2024

Always the same. Everyone trying to scam you (from the hotel trying to charge resort fees up to the guy selling pretzels at the street), several homeless asking for money and trying to intimidate you, the city stinks with marijuana smell and all drugstores, now, have most of the items locked in (due to thieves) making shopping an unpleasant experience. Food is bad, in general and avoid touristic places at all costs. My son wanted to go to tavern on the green. It was a good experience and the staff was welcoming, but the food was not only overpriced but simply said: not good enough. Just go somewhere else: North Carolina for instance. Ashville is amazing.

heitor
heitor Brazil
10

We associate so many sounds and sights with NYC from a...

18 April 2024

We associate so many sounds and sights with NYC from a variety of media that actually setting foot there boggles the mind. Over a (busy) week I’ve walked a lot in pretty much all the main boroughs of Manhattan (Greenwich Village, Harlem, Chinatown, East Village, Midtown, etc.) and I definitely would recommend everyone to alternate visiting iconic landmarks/museums such as the Empire State Building or the MoMA with a little walk in more residential neighbourhoods without any clear purpose, just to get a feel of how people live. My tips would be to avoid eating at restaurants (incredibly overpriced) and try quality takeout food from stores such as Whole Foods, and also take the free ferry to Staten Island instead of the expensive boat to the Statue of Liberty. You still get to see it and can keep your money for other endeavours. The MetroCard on the other hand is an excellent investment (all buses and subway lines for 33 dollars over a week). If I had had a few more days I would have loved to spend some time in Brooklyn but Manhattan is such a fascinating place with so much to do, I couldn’t make it. Next time!

Floria
Floria France

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