holiday travel new york

Vacations in New York

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for vacation package deals in new york.

Let KAYAK do the searching

Save on your next vacation

Search and compare hundred of travel sites at once for vacation packages in New York, New York State

We’re completely free to use - No hidden charges or fees

Filter by free cancellation, free breakfast and more

Cheap New York package deals

Most popular new york flight and hotel deals, last minute vacation packages to new york, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in new york, tips for finding new york package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in New York and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $538; Family vacation $473; Romantic vacation $595; Luxury vacation $650; Budget vacation $309.

Why should you book a vacation package to New York City?

When should you book a vacation package to new york city.

The best time to visit New York City is in the fall, when the weather is cooler and there are several big American traditions which see floats and parades taking to the streets. Some of the most popular events include Thanksgiving Day Parade in June, ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza, and the infamous New Years Eve Countdown in Times Square.

Where should you stay in New York City during your vacation?

For any vacation type in new york city:.

The Knickerbocker Hotel is a NYC landmark in the heart of Times Square with bespoke furniture, sweeping midtown views, and an electric rooftop bar. Take the Jamaica Train and connect via NYC Subway for the most authentic transport between JFK Airport and the Knickerbocker Hotel.

Conrad New York is an unpretentious 5-star hotel near Battery Park which offers daily connections to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. A taxi ride to this east side NYC hotel will cost you approximately 60 dollars and take up to 30 minutes.

For family vacations in New York City:

Novotel New York Times Square is a great central choice to match your the high-paced energy of your kids. Consider pre-booking your airport shuttle through the hotel's reception for a smooth transition from JFK, La Guardia, or Newark airports.

Adjacent to Central Park, the Quin Hotel commissions local graffiti artists to decorate the interior of the building for a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the Big Apple. Take a combination of the Jamaica Train and NYC Subway to show the kids a more authentic angle on New Yorkers.

For romantic vacations in New York City:

Gramercy Park Hotel shoulders one of the most secluded parks in all New York City and also boasts famous iconic artworks from Andy Warhol and Keith Haring in an ever-changing selection. A taxi ride from JFK to Gramercy Park will cost you approximately $60.

The Langham New York on 5th Avenue encompasses all your needs with comfortably intimate rooms, a fitness center, and comprehensive spa treatments. For even more freedom while you travel, consider renting a car at JFK, La Guardia, or Newark airports.

For luxury vacations in New York City:

The London NYC will have you feeling like you've visited two cities in just one trip! It features all-suites accommodation. You can travel in comfort to your midtown hotel like the locals do in an iconic NYC taxi from JFK Airport.

Refinery Hotel puts other accommodation options to shame with a 360 degree rooftop lounge and minimalist modern décor. Just a few blocks from Grand Central Station, it boasts a swanky bar and stunning downtown views. Consider taking the train for a classic experience when traveling in and out of New York City.

For budget vacations in New York City:

The Redbury New York is a 4-star hotel in the NoMad district which features a café, bar, and restaurant onsite so you don't get overwhelmed with choices on your next trip to the Big Apple. The Jamaica Airtrain is the fastest and least expensive way to transfer from midtown to JFK Airport.

Ameritania Times Square's location sets you in the heart of New York City's famous district, also within easy walking distance of the spacious Central Park. The most straightforward way to Times Square is via taxi from JFK Airport, which will cost approximately $60.

Where to stay in New York

New york vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

• Orlando package vacations
• Paris package vacations
• Playa del Carmen package vacations
• Puerto Rico package vacations
• Punta Cana package vacations
• Rome package vacations
• Saint Martin package vacations
• San Diego package vacations
• San Francisco package vacations
• San Juan package vacations
• Seattle package vacations
• Toronto package vacations
• Barcelona package vacations
• Cabo San Lucas package vacations
• Chicago package vacations
• Fort Lauderdale package vacations
• Hawaii package vacations
• Honolulu package vacations
• Kahului package vacations
• Key West package vacations

The Ultimate New York Travel Guide 2024

Our new york travel tips for first time visitors.

Are you traveling to New York for the first time and want to get an overview of what you should pay attention to? Here, I show you step by step the most important information you need to know for your New York trip. There’s a lot to see and do in New York, from world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building to a wide selection of unique museums and New York-style foods that you should definitely try.

You may also like:

Where in new york should you stay.

• The 33 Absolute Best New York Attractions
• New York on a Budget

Now, sit back and enjoy our New York Travel Guide to help you have a wonderful time in New York City!

By the way, we now have over 1,600 spots in the city on our site. So, if you’re looking for suitable tours, bars, restaurants, and awesome spots to visit, then you’re in the right place!

Everything you need!

Hello you 👋 Here you will find everything you need for your New York trip!

These are our best New York Travel Tips for first time visitors:

Table of Contents

New York at a Glance

Best time to travel to new york.

Visiting New York is worthwhile at any time of year, but I personally like the warm months best. Summer in New York can be very hot and humid. So, for many, the best times to visit New York is April and June, and September and October.

Spending Christmas in New York or enjoying the pre-Christmas season in New York City is also a wonderful experience.  The ice rinks are open, the city is beautifully decorated, and, if it snows, the dream vacation at wintertime is perfect!

Paying in New York

You can pay for almost everything with your credit card, even the smallest amounts. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars. Don’t have one yet? Then, check out the best credit card to have in the USA here.

New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)

Best Way to Travel in New York

Finding your way around New York is quite easy, even if it doesn’t look like it at first. The streets’ checkerboard pattern makes finding your way around easy. These are the best ways to get around New York:

Metro / Subway: If you have longer distances ahead of you, then the Subway is your friend, because here you can travel really cheap. It’s easy to use! The MetroCard is available at every Subway station. You can buy single rides or the popular MetroCard for 7 days; that way you can travel for a week in New York at a fixed price. You can learn more about using the  Metrocard in New York here.

Taxi:  In New York, you can choose between the Yellow Cab and Uber. You can check out our tips and all the information you need to know in our following blog:  Taxi in New York City .

By bike: With many of the New York sightseeing passes (you can find out more about this budget tip in my New York Pass comparison ), the bike rental is included. We ourselves really love using New York’s Citi Bikes. This city bike program has over 1,000 stations throughout New York City, and it’s super-cheap. We’ll show you how it works in the Citi Bike New York article.

On Foot: You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do in New York. After all, there’s something to see on every corner. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Where to Stay in New York?

Which neighborhood is best for you depends on several things: your interests, how close you want to be to the attractions and what your travel budget is. In the image below, I’ve drawn you my favorite neighborhoods of New York including the main attractions nearby.

And, on the subject of safety: In all of Manhattan, the Bronx , Brooklyn, and large parts of Queens, you don’t have to worry about being out and about in the evening. New York City is one of the safest cities in the world!

More than 100 hotels and over 70 neighborhoods to choose from –and after just 4 quick questions, I’ll show you which hotels in New York are best suited for you!

Where Should you Stay in New York?

Manhattan – it doesn’t get more central than this: Manhattan is the most famous borough of them all. Plus, it contains 95% of all the attractions New York is known for. Everything is within easy reach, and you are right in the middle of it all. On the other hand, the hotels are a bit more expensive than in Brooklyn or Queens .

Here, you can find my 33 hotel tips for Manhattan .

Brooklyn – urban and relaxed: For a long time, Brooklyn was the insider’s tip: now it’s “completely” normal neighborhoods. However, you’ll quickly notice one thing: life is much more normal, because it’s more of a residential area. It’s super relaxed, pleasant, and just as diverse as Manhattan. Above all, you can enjoy the Manhattan skyline from here!

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Brooklyn .

Queens – the new trendy neighborhood: Queens is a bit more “normal” than Brooklyn is, but, lately, we’ve noticed that it is getting more and more gentrified. The hotels in Long Island City (not to be confused with Long Island!) are especially popular because they are cheaper compared to Manhattan—and they have a perfect connection to the Subway, which makes Queens a great alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Queens .

What to See in New York?

One thing to know in advance: just because there is so much to see in New York, a little planning makes absolute sense. For highlights like the Empire State Building ( here ), the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck ( here ) or the One World Observatory ( here ), I recommend buying the tickets online in advance. This will not only save you waiting time on site, but you can also be sure that you will actually be able to visit your desired sights.

👉 These are our 33 best attractions in New York .

These are my tips after more than 20 visits to New York:

• Observation decks:  New York City has no less than five (!) major observation decks to offer, and each one is a dream in itself. My two favorites are The Edge Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory , because from here you have a sensational view of New York from above and you can see the Empire State Building . From the end of 2021, another cool option will be added with the glass One Vanderbilt . One more thing about the Empire State Building: It’s the most visited observation deck in New York, so it’s always busy. Avoid the crowds in the morning – and if you really want to go to the Empire State Building in the evening, choose Thursday, Friday or Saturday. During those times, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Important: book the Skip-the-Line-Tickets (you can do that here). Then, you can easily save 1-2 hours of waiting time!
• Visit the Statue of Liberty : The trip from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty is super-popular. To save yourself long waiting times, make sure you take the first ferry of the day. Here, you can find the best Statue of Liberty Cruises right now.
• Definitely take a boat tour , because seeing New York from the water is like being on vacation. Choices range from the free Staten Island Ferry or the NYC Ferry ($2.90 each way) to sailing tours (gorgeous) and the classic sightseeing tours that are included with all major New York passes.
• Walk along the High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards .
• Visit Times Square in the evening – that’s when it’s at its most impressive.
• Relax in Central Park or Bryant Park .
• Plan a maximum of three attractions per day . After all, you don’t want any sightseeing stress.

The 41 Absolute Best New York Attractions In 2024

10 FREE Things to Do in New York City

The 36 Absolute Best Museums in New York

The 9 best observation decks in new york city, new york budget tip.

With the right New York sightseeing pass , you can easily save a lot of money on up to 100 tours and attractions. To find out if a New York Pass is worth it (or not), check out our free New York Pass Advisor to find out which New York Pass is best for you.

And on this page you’ll find our New York Pass comparison .

Itineraries in New York

You don’t know where to start? Then let us inspire you! We have some suggestions for you. By the way, the most popular is the 1 week New York itinerary .

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

What to Do in New York?

For me, an unforgettable New York trip includes the following things in addition to visiting the main sights:

Go Shopping

New York is also really good for shopping. There are many small shopping spots and addresses, but also the big brands can often be found with flagship stores. If that’s not enough, you can go shopping in one of the outlets and flea markets of New York.

The best shopping areas in New York are Broadway, SoHo , Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. And, of course, 5th Avenue!

Avoid Times Square for shopping!

A real tourist trap are the stores around Times Square – they are not only overpriced, but also the quality is not right in most cases!

Here you can find our Guide to Shopping in New York  with everything you need to know!

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Best Outlets in NYC – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The 15 Best Flea Markets in NYC – Shop Vintage and Rare to Find Items

Shopping in SoHo NYC: The 25 Best Stores Right Now

Visit a rooftop bar.

I love the rooftop bars of New York . You can sit and relax, enjoy a sensational view of the city and listen to relaxing music. All this mixes with the so-typical sounds of the city in the background, and if you have something delicious to drink or eat on top of that, it can’t get any better! You can see where we like to go in our article on the 43 best rooftop bars in New York .

By the way, if you want to experience the view of New York when you get up early in the morning, check out my list of the 26 best New York hotels with a view !

Visit a Broadway Show

New York is known for its many musicals and Broadway shows – most of which are performed in the Theatre District around Times Square. Here are our tips on the  best Broadway Shows in New York . If you already know which Broadway show you want to see, I recommend ordering the tickets in advance ( here ). If you’re still flexible, you can buy leftover tickets at TKTS in Times Square, for example.

Attend a Parade or Special Event

OK, hotel is booked, attractions are on the list, the myNY itinerary is ready, shopping spots are sighted and the first restaurants and bars are also noted. Now comes the last step on the list to the perfect travel planning for New York: the events, parades, and holidays.

They are the icing on the cake of every New York vacation and, therefore, could not be missed in our New York Travel Guide! Just check out our monthly specials that are relevant to you:  January , February , March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November and December .

Enjoying the Gastro Scene (in the Evening)

Now comes one of my favorite parts of planning our New York trips: the city’s many bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and food markets. In our travel guide and insider guides on the website, we put a lot of emphasis on finding the best gastro spots and rooftop bars. So, feel free to browse through them, and if you like something, just add it to your myNY itinerary. Just click on the heart symbol, and you’re done!

The 24 Most Beautiful Bars in NYC Right Now

The 12 Best Food Markets in NYC

The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now

The Best Burger in New York City

Marvel at grand central station.

Be sure to take the time to see Grand Central Station . Not only is it the setting for many series and movies set in New York, it’s also very impressive and has a fantastic ceiling!

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

Walking through DUMBO and Soho

The neighborhoods of DUMBO in Brooklyn and Soho in Manhattan are among the most iconic neighborhoods in the city and are fascinating for their combination of old New York with new New York.

Things to Do in DUMBO

The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

What to eat in new york.

What should I start with first? With the New York pizza slice, the New York cheesecake, the wonderful pastrami sandwiches at Katz’ Delicatessen, or at the Pastrami Queen? In addition, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Luger are two really good steak restaurants waiting for you and if you want to eat really good burgers: go to J.G. Melon, the hidden Burger Joint or Shake Shack!

Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!

We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

Specify dates

I hope my New York Travel Guide helped you plan your first trip to New York. Was there anything missing? Feel free to write it in the comments!

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

New York on a Budget: The 19 Best Money-Saving Tips for 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

New York Vacations and Weekend Getaways from $506

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Your New York Vacation

Say bye-bye to planning hassles and hello to a New York vacation package. With everything organized before you go, you can focus on discovering the best of this city, starting with Midtown East, which is good for shopping, cafes and nightlife. You'll want to go sightseeing during your trip to New York. Swing by popular attractions like Times Square , Broadway and Statue of Liberty . Whatever your travel plans or the size of your budget, putting together a tailored New York vacation is a breeze with Expedia.

The Latest New York Vacation Packages

The Westin New York Grand Central

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

The Towers at Lotte New York Palace

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

Courtyard New York Manhattan/ Midtown East

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2024

Where to stay in New York

Densely populated and culturally rich, this area boasts iconic attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Explore diverse neighborhoods, such as bustling Chinatown and vibrant Koreatown, while enjoying world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Central portion of NYC, Midtown Manhattan boasts iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square. Explore Broadway, Koreatown, and enjoy easy access to major transportation hubs like Grand Central Terminal.

Largest NYC borough, Queens boasts linguistic diversity and a varied economy. Explore Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, catch a game at Citi Field, or attend the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Primarily residential with a thriving art scene, this area boasts over 200 galleries, the High Line park, and Chelsea Market for food lovers. Easily accessible via multiple subway lines and bus routes.

New York Luxury Vacation Packages

One of the USA’s top cities, New York hardly needs an introduction. With a vibrant arts scene, fabulous shopping, awesome attractions and a buzzing nightlife, every corner of this metropolis pulsates with energy. If you'd love to splurge during your trip to New York, we've got awesome New York Luxury Vacation Packages full of stays that will indulge your every waking (and sleeping) moment.

Take the Sofitel New York , for example. Located in the Manhattan neighborhood, it comes with all the nice touches you'd expect in a ritzy 5-star escape, like premium bedding, designer toiletries and plush robes. To find your dream escape, use Expedia’s filters to search for hotels with upmarket amenities like spas and hot tubs. Of course, luxurious lodgings aren’t the only thing you can splurge on during your trip to New York. Add a Private Luxury Tour of New York City or a Deluxe Helicopter Tour to your vacation package and really live large!

Romantic Vacation Packages in New York

Imagine a vacation in New York with just your sweetheart by your side. No distractions, just the two of you. Whether you’re planning some time alone without the kids or you’re headed away on your honeymoon, our New York Romantic Vacation Packages are full of stays that’ll set your pulses racing. Located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York will make you and your partner feel like VIPs. Stare out at sprawling views of Central Park from your luxury suite, dine at its iconic restaurant, The Rotunda, and sip cocktails at the stunning art deco bar.

Lavish rooms with red velvet curtains and marble vanities, acclaimed restaurants and bars and a rooftop terrace with dreamy views make Gramercy Park Hotel hard to resist. This landmark property overlooks Gramercy Park , Manhattan’s only private park. Looking for a little extra spark? Perhaps a bottle of Champagne, or a rose petal turndown service? Many properties have romance or couples add-on packages that are available upon request.

Where to Stay in New York

This bustling city is home to dozens of neighborhoods each with their own unique personality and style. To help you decide where to stay during your vacation in New York, here are some ideas:

• Manhattan : Convenient for many of The Big Apple’s biggest attractions, this is the place to be if you’ve only got a few days and want to see as much as possible during your trip to New York.
• Queens : Traveling on a budget? Just a short commute from the downtown area, Queens offers lots of affordable accommodation options.
• Midtown : If you live for live theater, you’ll find plenty of shows to keep you entertained in this culturally rich area.
• Soho : Known for its cool restaurants, bars, clubs and retail stores, Soho is a neighborhood that never slows down.
• Chelsea : Bursting with inspiring galleries, this lively urban neighborhood is perfect for art lovers.

Top Things to Do

Visit world-famous attractions and museums, shop, eat and dance the nights away. There are loads of cool things to do during your vacation to New York. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of this epic city:

• Iconic sights : Kick off your New York adventure by visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty , Times Square and Madison Square Garden .
• Nature : After walking the busy city streets, catch your breath and unwind at Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park .
• Shopping : Give your credit card a workout on a Fashion on Fifth Avenue Shopping Tour or join one of our SoHo Retail Store Tours .
• Cultural : Take a moment to pause and reflect on the past at the National September 11 Memorial and the American Museum of Natural History .
• Food : Eat your way through your New York trip on a Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour or Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest .
• Nightlife : In the mood for a big night out? Enjoy some after-dark fun on an NYC Nightlife Tour with a Local .

How to Find Cheap New York Package Deals

To find the best deals on cheap hotels in New York , simply browse our incredible offers or key in your preferred travel dates. You can sort your results by price, amenities and more. One of our top tips for scoring a great deal is to book your trip to New York during the quieter months of January to March. This is generally when rates are lower and you’ll find more hotel availability.

Luxury or budget, adults-only or family-friendly, Expedia can help you create a New York vacation package that suits you. While prices will vary due to factors such as the time of year you travel and the star rating of your hotel, you can rest assured you’ll always score amazing savings.

New York Essential Information

New york hotel deals.

Explore other types of vacation packages

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in new york, times square.

New York’s infamous neon wonderland is hustle and bustle at its best, and an essential stop for all tourists.

Central Park

Offering blissful respite from Manhattan’s concrete jungle, this is the perfect spot to rest weary feet or enjoy a picnic.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in New York with a trip to Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

What to do in New York

Summit one vanderbilt experience tickets, the lion king on broadway, catacombs by candlelight, other vacations you might like.

• New York Vacation Packages for any type of traveler
• Nearby Cities
• Destinations similar to New York
• Vacations from
• Best vacation destinations by month
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• New York All Inclusive Vacations
• New York Golf Vacations
• New York Kid Friendly Vacations
• New York Luxury Vacations
• New York Romantic Vacations
• New York Ski Vacations
• Buffalo Vacations
• Newark Vacations
• Jersey City Vacations
• Rochester Vacations
• Las Vegas Vacations
• Orlando Vacations
• Los Angeles Vacations
• Miami Vacations
• San Francisco Vacations
• New Orleans Vacations
• Chicago Vacations
• Fort Lauderdale Vacations
• Boston Vacations
• Vacations from Atlanta
• Vacations from Austin
• Vacations from Boston
• Vacations from Chicago
• Vacations from Dallas
• Vacations from Houston
• Vacations from Las Vegas
• Vacations from Los Angeles
• Vacations from Miami
• Vacations from New York
• Vacations from Orlando
• Vacations from Philadelphia
• Vacations from Phoenix
• Vacations from Pittsburgh
• Vacations from Seattle
• Vacations from Washington
• January Vacations and Deals
• February Vacations and Deals
• March Vacations and Deals
• April Vacations and Deals
• May Vacations and Deals
• June Vacations and Deals
• July Vacations and Deals
• August Vacations and Deals
• September Vacations and Deals
• October Vacations and Deals
• November Vacations and Deals
• December Vacations and Deals

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

New York City Travel Guide

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Whatever it is you're into, you'll find there's more to do in New York than you'll have time.

Check out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Then, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple's history.

Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty.

You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent people-watching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.

Prefer sports, movies, and live music? See the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, the New York Mets at Citi Field, or the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Track down sites from your favorite movies and TV shows. Seinfeld , Sex and the City , "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Serendipity," and "Home Alone 2" are just a small fraction of what's been filmed here.

New York is a city filled with attractions, but some of its most interesting experiences are sure to be the ones you accidentally stumble upon on the way to somewhere else. Whatever it is you're looking for, you can find it in New York. Just don't try to do everything in one trip.

Eastern Standard Time

Best Time to Go

New York is a city that's always celebrating something, and summer is one of the best times to visit. Outdoor concert season is in full swing. Free movies and theatrical performances fill the city's parks, street vendors are everywhere, and street fairs abound. But subway platforms can get steamy, lines can get long, and temperatures can soar among the city's high-rises. If this sounds like misery, visit between Thanksgiving and the New Year, when temperatures are cooler and department store windows are decked out for the holidays. During this time, Manhattan's three major outdoor ice rinks are open, a giant Christmas tree marks Rockefeller Center, and holiday light shows are more elaborate than anything you could ever imagine.

Things to Know

New York is a city made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Most tourist attractions are in Manhattan, with a few scattered across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Driving in Manhattan is unnecessary. The city has an extensive public transit system, making it easy to get just about anywhere by subway, bus, cab, and foot. Uber and Lyft are plentiful, while parking can be both a miserable and expensive experience. Meanwhile, the subway is open 24/7.

New York is a city that moves fast. Step aside to look at your phone, and remember to stand on the right side of the escalator so hurried commuters can walk on the left.

Times Square characters can be pushy. Tipping is at your discretion.

How to Get Around

Trains: The New York City subway is one of the most extensive public transit systems in the world. It connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and runs on Staten Island. Each ride costs $2.75. A seven-day pass is available for $33 and covers both trains and buses.

Buses: A network of buses offers easy access to the rare spots not served by nearby train stations and to New York's LaGuardia Airport. Individual bus rides cost $2.75. Seven-day transit passes cost $33 and cover trains and buses. While buses can be convenient, traffic can sometimes make them easy to outwalk.

Ferries: One of the best ways to hop among New York's boroughs in good weather is a ferry. Ferries connect Queens, the western coast of Brooklyn, the eastern side of Manhattan, and Staten Island. Rides are $2.75 each. Subway and bus passes aren't accepted on New York ferries. The Staten Island Ferry is free.

Taxis: Cabs are all over Manhattan, but a little harder to find in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Green cabs offer service in northern Manhattan and the outer boroughs. To hail a cab, look for one that has its light on and raise your arm. All New York cabs are metered and required to accept credit cards.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are all over New York and offer similar pricing. Rideshare can be the best way to travel in parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

Best Hotels

Address: 768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 759-3000

If money is no object and you've always dreamed of sleeping in a castle, this is the hotel for you. It was built to resemble a French château and sits across the street from the southern edge of Central Park. A favorite of filmmakers, The Plaza is where Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand filmed "The Way We Were" and where Macaulay Culkin spent Christmas in "Home Alone 2." The Plaza underwent a $450 million restoration in 2008 and is known for its afternoon tea service.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 308-9100

The Ritz-Carlton is one of Central Park's most luxurious hotels. The high-end property is located steps from some of the best shopping in the world and the southern edge of Central Park. Rooms are plush and personal touches abound. This is a place to be pampered. Come for a spa day, stay for afternoon tea, and while away the hours in between at Bergdorf Goodman a few blocks away.

The Peninsula New York

Address: 700 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10019

Phone: (212) 956-2888

After being closed for 14 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Peninsula New York reopened in summer 2021 and welcomed guests back to this iconic address on Fifth Avenue, near high-end stores and popular attractions such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The hotel's spa is one of the largest in the city, spanning three floors, and the top-floor indoor pool offers sweeping views of the skyline.

CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel

Address: 218 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 461-3638

Located on the northern edge of Times Square in the heart of the Theater District, this hotel feels like an urban art gallery. Rooms are compact yet modern, functional, and clean. Plus, the hotel bar is as affordable as they come in NYC, and there's a rooftop that's perfect for sipping cocktails.

Pendry Manhattan West

Address: 438 W. 33rd St., New York, NY, 10001

Phone: (212) 933-7000

Located in one of the city's newest developments, Pendry Manhattan West brings a sense of modern California luxury to Hudson Yards. Pendry's first hotel in New York City, Manhattan West opened in September 2021 and sits among some of the area's premium dining and shopping options. The hotel decor has a refined 1960s retro inspiration, merging the brand's serene West Coast style with the energy of New York City's west side. Take a stroll outside on the nearby High Line, or simply head to the hotel's Peloton-outfitted fitness center.

Soho Grand Hotel

Address: 310 W. Broadway, New York, NY, 10013

Phone: (212) 965-3000

The luxury Soho Grand Hotel takes the guest experience to another level. It has rooms that are small yet luxurious and functional, even for business travelers. Common areas are nothing short of opulent. This is a perfect home base for exploring Lower Manhattan and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city overnight.

The Empire Hotel

Address: 44 W. 63rd St., New York, NY 10023

Phone: (212) 265-7400

This trendy boutique hotel is known for its rooftop bar whose red neon sign looms large over the Upper West Side. Rooms are small yet functional, comfortable, and well-equipped for business travelers. Besides, the rooftop is where you'll want to spend all of your free time.

Address: Multiple Locations

This trendy hotel has outposts in SoHo, NoMad, and Midtown. The Hudson Street location is perfect for travelers looking for a party in the Meatpacking District, while the NoMad spot offers excellent proximity to shopping and rooftop bars, including the hotel's own. The Arlo NoMad rooftop is a great place to gawk at the Empire State Building, cocktail in hand.

Grayson Hotel

30 W. 39th St., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 229-4729

The Grayson Hotel combines luxurious style with industrial-chic design and stunning skyline views for an authentic Manhattan experience. Minutes from Bryant Park, Herald Square, and a short walk to the Times Square theater district, its convenient midtown location is a plus. Enjoy wine and tapas at Bar Harta or mezcal at Cima, set above the city on the 28th floor.

The James New York NoMad

22 E. 29th Street, New York, NY 10016

Phone: (212) 532-4100

Book Now Stay at this stylish Beaux Arts boutique hotel for a welcome refuge from the bustle of the city or take inspiration from its modern, upbeat atmosphere. The James Club lobby features a nightly happy hour with live music and morning coffee to start your day. Don’t miss the Seville, its speakeasy-style cocktail lounge or Scarpetta for gourmet Italian cuisine.

Smyth Tribeca

Address: 85 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Phone: (917) 997-2700

Set downtown in Tribeca, the Smyth offers 100 spacious, stylishly furnished guest rooms and suites. The Smyth is conveniently located near the Chambers Street metro station, and it's just a short walk to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, shopping at the Oculus and Brookfield Place, and a variety of bars and restaurants. This moderately priced hotel features soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows, continental breakfast, and thoughtful details that make it a comfortable home away from home.

Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Access Road, One Idlewild Dr., 11430

Phone: (212) 806-9000

Designed by the architect behind St. Louis' Gateway Arch and completed in 1962, TWA Hotel is a vintage aviation geek's dream come true. Formerly an airline terminal, it has since been converted into a 512-room hotel. It's also a convenient choice if you're working a New York stop into a long layover. The hotel offers four- to six-hour bookings, as well as overnight stays, and the rooftop infinity pool is the perfect place to watch planes take off.

Sofitel New York

Address: 45 W. 44th St., New York, NY, 10036

Phone: (212) 354-8844

The Sofitel New York brings a bit of French Art Deco elegance to New York City, with interior decor inspiration that will transport you back to 1930s Paris. But head to one of the top-floor suites and you'll instantly know which city you're in, as all four Terrace Suites offer up-close views of either the Chrysler or Empire State buildings from private outdoor terraces. Whether entertaining a crowd or celebrating an intimate occasion, the Sofitel offers a fashionable escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Grand Central Station.

Park Lane Hotel New York

Address: 36 Central Park South, New York, NY, 10019

Phone: (212) 371-4000

Recently renovated Park Lane Hotel has spun up a welcoming atmosphere with artful touches steps from Central Park. Whimsical murals from New York City-based artists decorate guests rooms and public space in the hotel — which is also pet-friendly, near every city dog's dream spot for a long walk. Make sure to head upstairs to Darling, Central Park South's only rooftop lounge, where guests can take in the sprawling views of the park and skyline from the 47th floor.

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

Address: 400 5th Ave., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 695-4005

With the Theater District just a 12-minute walk, Bryant Park six minutes away, and the Empire State Building around the corner, you can't ask for a better-located hotel in New York City. But this luxurious five-star spot is hard to leave, thanks to its Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori, well-appointed suites (some with full kitchens), spacious gym and spa, and fabulous 60-story views of Manhattan.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi

851 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 564-4567

Friendly, casual, and comfortable, Eventi’s warm atmosphere is evident in its living room–style lobby and adjacent coffee bar, cocktail lounge, and restaurant. Set in the Chelsea neighborhood steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building, the hotel offers magnificent city views along with its convenient location.

Best Restaurants

Katz's delicatessen.

Address: 205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002

Phone: (212) 254-2246

Founded in 1888, this kosher-style deli sits underneath an iconic old-school sign. The casual, bustling space is known for its pastrami on rye — considered to be one of the city's best — as well as for its corned beef. It's likely to look familiar — Katz's was the backdrop for Meg Ryan's fake orgasm scene in "When Harry Met Sally."

Eleven Madison Park

Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Phone: (212) 889-0905

Regularly on lists of the world's top fine-dining establishments, Eleven Madison Park is best known for its multi-course tasting menu. The Michelin three-starred restaurant also serves up beautiful views, given its location overlooking Madison Square Park.

Address: 138 Lafayette St., New York, NY, 10013

Phone: (212) 271-4252

Le Coucou was the first U.S. establishment for head chef Daniel Rose, who hails from two successful restaurants in France. Reopened in November 2021 after more than a year closed, the Michelin-starred French restaurant still offers an a la carte menu, as well as a new four-course tasting menu priced at $185 per person. While jackets are not required, the dress code is still listed as "elegant."

Keens Steakhouse

Address: 72 W. 36th St., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 947-3636

Keens is the rare restaurant that has survived more than a century in the Herald Square section of Midtown Manhattan. It opened in 1885 and was a favorite among stage actors in the early days. Now, it's a carnivore's paradise known around the world for its whiskey and gigantic mutton chop. The restaurant previously allowed patrons to store their clay pipes, allowing it to build a collection from legends such as Babe Ruth, Theodore Roosevelt, J.P. Morgan, and Albert Einstein.

Gage & Tollner

Address: 372 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY, 11201

Phone: (347) 689-3677

Originally open for 125 years from 1879 to 2004, Gage & Tollner reopened in April 2021 as a modern oyster and chop house. Now, once again, the cornerstone of Downtown Brooklyn's restaurant scene, Gage & Tollner gives plenty of nods to its history, through both the food and largely Gilded Age-inspired design . Looking to stray from the classic '40s martini-and-steak vibes? There's a tiki bar called Sunken Harbour Club upstairs.

Joe's Shanghai

Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013

Phone: (212) 233-8888

The original Joe's Shanghai opened in Flushing, Queens, paving the way for future locations in Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant is known for its authentic Shanghainese food, specifically its pork and crab xiao long bao. This variety of Chinese steamed bun is cooked with soup inside the dumpling, creating a simple culinary experience like none other.

Totto Ramen

Ramen is everywhere these days and Totto Ramen doles out some of the best in New York City. Its restaurants are small, lines can be long, and reservations aren't an option. But don't worry — this ramen is worth the wait. Totto is known for using a rich, chicken-based broth instead of a more traditional pork-based version, and for serving up some of the best noodles in Manhattan. There are now three Totto Ramen locations in Midtown Manhattan. The 52nd Street location is the original.

Address: 240 Central Park S., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 582-5100

Marea is one of the city's top seafood restaurants. This high-end spot at the edge of Central Park has earned two Michelin stars and the 2010 James Beard Award for best new restaurant. Chef Michael White gets his inspiration from coastal Italy — don't miss the branzino, Adriatic seafood soup, or the stuffed calamari. Can't decide? Opt for a multi-course prix-fixe menu or a chef's tasting menu.

Address: 385 9th Ave., New York, NY, 10001

Phone: (212) 219-6559

The newest restaurant from famed New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer, Ci Siamo, which translates to "here we are" or "we've finally arrived," brings a bit of Italian flair to Hudson Yards on the west side. With plush leather and velvet seating, plus subtle midcentury modern decor touches, the interior of the restaurant is meant to evoke the comfortable feeling of dining in someone's home. Chef Hillary Sterling even has a custom-built grill to accommodate various temperatures at once, as she cooks up selections like wood-fired whole trout.

H&H Bagels

You can't visit New York without eating an iconic NYC bagel. But why not eat that bagel where Seinfeld 's Kramer used to work? H&H was once the largest bagel maker in New York and one of the largest bagel manufacturers in the world, making an estimated 80,000 rounds per day. Nowadays, its two locations feed New Yorkers on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan.

Bonnie's

Address: 398 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11211

Phone: (914) 875-3709

Named after chef Calvin Eng's mom, Bonnie's, in Brooklyn, is self-described as Cantonese American cuisine, with a varied menu that includes nods to some of Eng's favorite food memories, including glazed pork served on a sesame milk bun, mimicking a high-end McRib sandwich. The popular Williamsburg restaurant is closed on Mondays and offers reservations from Tuesday to Sunday, though they leave a few tables and seats at the bar open for walk-ins.

Dominique Ansel

Address: 189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 219-2773

This Soho bakery is perhaps best known for creating the cronut, a magical blend of croissant and donut in new flavors revealed each month. But Dominique Ansel offers so much more. Among the treats not to miss: torched-to-order frozen s'mores with a vanilla ice cream center covered in chocolate wafer crisps and honey marshmallows.

Dowling's

Address: 35 E. 76th St., New York, NY, 10021

Phone: (212) 744-1600

This new, fine art-covered restaurant located within The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is under the guidance of executive chef Sylvain Delpique — previously of 21 Club — with a menu nearly as timeless as New York itself. The throwback favorites, including wedge salad, shrimp cocktail, and steak, are sure to be crowd favorites, though there are distinctly modern sections of the menu, too. Jackets are recommended for dinner service, though if you prefer to dine sans sport coat, Dowling's does an impressive lunch service complete with mini-martinis .

Address: 70 Pine St., New York, NY, 10005

Phone: (212) 339-3963

Perched atop the 63rd floor of a landmark Art Deco tower, SAGA offers a modern European tasting menu from acclaimed duo James Kent and Jeff Katz, known for building their careers at top New York City institutions like Eleven Madison Park and Del Posto. At this modern fine-dining spot, reservations are hard to grab; lucky diners who do snag one will need to prepay the full nonrefundable menu price of $245 each, with a minimum reservation for two.

Serendipity III

Address: 225 E 60th St., New York, NY 10022

Phone: (212) 838-3531

This is a place guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The legendary sweet shop and general store opened in 1954 and has since become a go-to for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Cher, and Beyonce. It's known for its Frozen Hot Chocolate, creative savory dishes such as shrimp-stuffed avocado, and for creating both the world's most expensive dessert and most expensive burger. The restaurant has made appearances in the movies "Serendipity," "One Fine Day," and "Trust the Man."

Xi'an Famous Foods

With several locations across New York, this chain of family-run restaurants specializes in authentic western Chinese food. The company's CEO was born in Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities. Fun fact: Its dishes were a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's.

Tanner Smith's

Address: 204 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (646) 590-2034

Located just south of Central Park, Tanner Smith's is the perfect place to go for a classy tea that doubles as a tipsy brunch. It's part speakeasy, part cocktail bar, part restaurant, and 100% authentic New York. This is a place whose roots stretch back to the 1800s and whose Tipsy Tea Brunch will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Laser Wolf Brooklyn

Address: 97 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249

Phone: (718) 215-7150

Located on the roof of The Hoxton, Williamsburg , Laser Wolf Brooklyn offers Manhattan skyline views almost as delightful as its Israeli cuisine. Cooked over live coals, the food at this "shipudiya" (or skewer house) from legendary chef Michael Solomonov offers the luxury of simplicity: simply choose from three main dish categories (meat, fish, or veggies) and then prepare to be whisked away on a culinary journey. The wide selection of salatim (Israeli side dishes) and the brown-sugar soft serve for dessert are included in the price.

Things to Do

Times square.

Times Square is the pulsing heart of the city that never sleeps, but it isn't actually a square. In fact, it looks more like a bow tie and covers an area from West 42nd to West 47th Streets along Broadway and Seventh Avenues. This commercial intersection is where the city's world-famous New Year's Eve celebration is held. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through it even on a slow day, and visitors should not be surprised to catch impromptu concerts, yoga classes, and street performances here.

Theater District

New York's Theater District is home to Broadway, the collection of Midtown Manhattan theaters that comprise one of the world's top live performance hubs. This area between West 40th and West 54th Streets, and between Sixth and Eighth Avenues, is where most of the city's Broadway theaters are located. Some offer discount tickets through lotteries, and even walking through the area provides ample opportunity to spot celebrities. Performers often take the time to sign autographs and snap photos with audiences outside of stage doors after shows. For discounted same- and next-day tickets, check out the TKTS booth in Times Square.

Central Park

Central Park is an 840-acre urban oasis separating the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. The park draws more than 35 million visitors a year and is one of the most filmed locations in the world. It is home to the Central Park Zoo, the expansive Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the John Lenon tribute Strawberry Fields, and Delacorte Theater, home of Shakespeare in the Park. Spend some time soaking in the sun at Sheep Meadow and wandering through the Conservatory Garden, and be sure to check the schedule for special events.

Empire State Building

Address: 20 W, 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 736-3100

This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper is a cultural icon in Midtown Manhattan that's appeared in more than 250 movies and TV shows. The Empire State Building is the second-tallest building in New York City and the 45th tallest building in the world. It's an office building with public observation decks offering some of the best views in Manhattan. Tip: Splurge for the skip-the-line tickets, especially during the spring and summer.

Top of the Rock

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

Phone: (212) 698-2000

Sitting at the top of Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock is home to three of the best observation decks in the city, which offer unobstructed views of Central Park and the towering skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. Observation decks are located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of the building, which also happens to be the iconic 30 Rock.

One World Observatory

Address: One World Trade Center, 117 West St., New York, NY 10006

Phone: (844) 696-1776

One World Trade Center's elevators whisk visitors up 102 stories in just 47 seconds, delivering them to an expansive observation deck that offers a bird's-eye view of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. This observatory is located farther south than the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, making for a completely different way of experiencing New York City from above.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Address: 1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028

Phone: (212) 535-7710

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

The Met, as it's known to most, is the largest art museum in the U.S. and was the third most-visited art museum in the world in 2018. The Met's collection includes more than two million pieces spread across three Manhattan venues, the largest of which sits on Fifth Avenue and overlooks Central Park. Don't miss the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple that dates back to the first century B.C. or the rooftop.

American Museum of Natural History

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Phone: (212) 769-5100

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the world. The Upper West Side space has 28 interconnected buildings and 45 permanent exhibition halls, as well as a planetarium, library, and the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. If dinosaurs are your thing, plan to spend most of your time in Dinosaur Hall, home to a massive T-Rex made almost entirely of real fossil bones from the museum's collection.

Yankee Stadium

Address: 1 E 161 St., Bronx, NY 10451

Phone: 646-977-8400

Yankee Stadium is the home to the world-famous New York Yankees. The stadium is located in the Bronx and easily accessible by the New York subway. This is an iconic place to catch a baseball game while on vacation. Not traveling in season? Try a tour. Yankee Stadium tours include stops at the on-site New York Yankees Museum and in the 27-time World Series champions' locker room. Some pregame tours during baseball season include opportunities to sit in on batting practice.

Brooklyn Bridge

This iconic neo-Gothic bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and offers visitors the chance to walk between boroughs on a piece of literal history. The Brooklyn Bridge was the world's first-ever steel-wire suspension bridge. It once carried horse-drawn carriages, but now serves as a way for cars, pedestrians, and bikes to cross the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge is also known for its pointed arches and stone towers, and offers excellent views of the Financial District skyline and Brooklyn.

Washington Square Park

Address: Washington Square

This nearly 10-acre park in Greenwich Village is a hotbed of cultural activity. The park has a gateway reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and has long served as a place to celebrate nonconformity. Expect to find artists, musicians, and other types of performers here every day, and spend some time people-watching around the park's iconic fountain.

Statue of Liberty

Phone: (212) 363-3200

Lady Liberty is an icon of freedom that sits in the harbor just off the coast of Manhattan. Visitors can either schedule a visit to the statue and Ellis Island from Battery Park City in Manhattan, or hop on the free Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty from the water. Visits to the Statue of Liberty's pedestal and the top of her crown require visitors to pass through airport-like security. Tickets to the crown should be booked months in advance.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Address: 180 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10007

Phone: (212) 312-8800

The World Trade Center museum and memorial site honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on New York City. Two memorial pools stand where the World Trade Center's iconic towers once did, inscribed with the names of those killed. Museum tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance.

Best Shopping

Saks fifth avenue.

Address: 611 Fifth Ave., New York, NY, 10022

Phone: (212) 753-4000

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store that anchors New York's Fifth Avenue shopping strip, an area known for its designer names and sky high prices. The shopping experience at Saks is like none other, especially during the holidays, when the building's facade becomes part of one of the best holiday light shows in the world.

Macy's Herald Square

Address: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 695-4400

Anchoring the Herald Square section of Manhattan, this flagship Macy's store is among the largest in the world. It covers nine levels and has been in operation since 1902. It's also known for its animated holiday window displays and for hosting the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But tucked into its sixth floor is Stella, a peaceful oasis of Italian food in a neighborhood where quiet restaurants are few and far between.

Bergdorf Goodman

Address: 754 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 753-7300

This is the kind of New York department store high-dollar dreams are made of. Bergdorf isn't just a place to shop for designer bags, clothes, and beauty products — it's also a great place for tea. Make time for tea at Bergdorf Goodman's BG restaurant on the top floor, and watch the movie "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's" before you go. It'll give you an idea of how this department store became the retail icon it is today.

Sabyasachi New York

Address: 160 Christopher St., New York, NY 10014

Phone: (646) 799-9400

Kolkata-based couturier Shabyasachi Mukherjee's first U.S. store in the West Village is arguably one of the shopping wonders of the world. This 5,800-square-foot ode to maximalism is decked out in priceless kilims, art, and crystal chandeliers, these a backdrop to the mega-luxe fashions for men and women, jewelry, and collectibles. The designer, known abroad for his elaborate bridal wear, dressed Priyanka Chopra for one of her ceremonies to Nick Jonas honoring her Indian roots. While many of his clients prefer wearing head-to-toe ensembles from the brand, Mukherjee expects visitors to this store to take a more high-low approach, perhaps pairing one of his opulent creations with jeans and a t-shirt.

Olde Good Things

Olde Good Things is an architectural salvage shop that offers visitors the opportunity to quite literally take home a piece of old New York. Much of this store's inventory won't fit into an overhead compartment, but there is no more interesting place to browse for one-of-a-kind New York souvenirs. Olde Good Things sources from pre-Depression and late 19th-century buildings, including some with very famous names. Want to take home a piece of the Waldorf Astoria hotel or the J.P. Morgan empire? Olde Good Things has you covered with furniture, accessories, and more.

Take the N, R subway to Prince or Canal Street stations

This is where to find designer boutiques, sample sales, and the occasional bargain. This area in Lower Manhattan is also home to retail chains such as AllSaints, Madewell, Nike, and REI; resale shops; and a number of unique boutiques. While you're here, take a stroll through Chinatown for affordable souvenirs and accessories.

Harlem Haberdashery

Address: 245 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027

Phone: (646) 707-0070

This Harlem boutique has been dressing American hip-hop royalty for years. It has outfitted celebrities like Will Smith, LeBron James, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams, and is said to be a favorite of Jay Z's. The store carries both men and women's clothing, as well as household items.

Artists & Fleas

Artists & Fleas operates a collection of sprawling indoor markets across New York City. New merchants selling arts, crafts, clothing, and more cycle out every couple of weeks, making each a spot to consistently find new things.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Neighborhoods to Know

Financial District : This is where you'll find the New York Stock Exchange and the iconic Charging Bull statue that's become a symbol of Wall Street. Visitors can no longer enter the stock exchange, but they can take photos outside with the Fearless Girl, a controversial New York statue that once stared down the Charging Bull. Cruises to the Statue of Liberty leave from Battery Park City in this area.

Midtown : This is the heart of Manhattan. It's where you'll find Times Square, Broadway, Bryant Park, and the gargantuan Macy's store in Herald Square. It's also home to Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Museum of Modern Art. If you're looking to shop, head to Fifth Avenue, where you'll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's.

Chinatown : This neighborhood of narrow streets not far from City Hall is where you'll find some of the city's best Chinese restaurants and bargain prices on accessories, souvenirs, and more.

Little Italy : Little Italy sits in Lower Manhattan near Chinatown. It was once known for its large Italian-American population, but these days, it houses a small collection of Italian stores and restaurants. Don't miss Ferrara, a bakery that traces its New York City roots to 1892, or The Feast of San Gennaro, a one-of-a-kind food festival that takes place each September.

Williamsburg : Known for its independent shops, cute cafes, and abundant street art, this hipster paradise is especially popular among European tourists. Visit the Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn Brewery, and East River State Park, which offers some of the best Manhattan skyline views and an international food market on Saturdays.

Astoria : This former Greek enclave was America's original motion picture capital, and it still houses several film and TV production studios. It's home to the Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios, and some excellent views of the Manhattan skyline. Several scenes from Orange Is the New Black were filmed in this neighborhood.

Greenwich Village : This is where you'll find New York University, Washington Square Park, and some of the city's top comedy and jazz clubs. It's known for its intimate restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. It's also home to the historic Stonewall Inn.

Harlem : Harlem sits in northern Manhattan above Central Park. It was a hub for jazz musicians in the 1920s and the birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance, an outpouring of artistic work that stretched into the 1930s. Nowadays, it's a great place to catch a jazz show or have a decadent Southern meal. Harlem is also home to the iconic Apollo Theater.

Upper West Side : This largely residential area is home to the American Museum of Natural History and to Strawberry Fields, a tribute to former resident John Lennon. This neighborhood is also a great place to gawk at gorgeous townhouses and spot celebs.

Upper East Side : This posh residential area is home to a number of the city's top museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York. It's bordered by Central Park to the west and home to a number of foreign embassies.

Summer days are long and can be either beautiful or sticky and sweaty. Winters are relatively mild, with January and February offering the coldest temperatures.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January: 26°F to 39°F February: 29°F to 42°F March: 35°F to 50°F April: 44°F to 60°F May: 55°F to 71°F June: 64°F to 79°F July: 70°F to 85°F August: 69°F to 83°F September: 61°F to 76°F October: 50°F to 65°F November: 41°F to 54°F December: 32°F to 44°F

Apps to Download

OpenTable : Restaurant reservations iOs | Android

MyMTA : Trip planning, service updates iOs | Android

TodayTix : Last-minute discounted Broadway show tickets iOs | Android

For the best hotels, restaurants, shops, and more in Brooklyn, visit our full Brooklyn travel guide .

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

{"canada":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"YUL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Montreal","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YYZ":{"region":"Toronto","city":"Toronto","dropDownDisplayValue":"Toronto, CA"}}},"YVR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Vancouver","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"WHI":{"region":"Whistler","city":"Whistler","dropDownDisplayValue":"Whistler, CA"}}},"WHI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Whistler","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YVR":{"region":"Vancouver","city":"Vancouver","dropDownDisplayValue":"Vancouver, CA"}}},"YYZ":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Toronto","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YUL":{"region":"Montreal","city":"Montreal","dropDownDisplayValue":"Montreal, CA"}}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"arizona":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"PHX":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"SDO":{"region":"Sedona","city":"Sedona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sedona, AZ"}}},"SDO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Sedona","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PHX":{"region":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","city":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","dropDownDisplayValue":"Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ"}}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"hawaii":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"HNL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Oahu","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"LIH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Kauai","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"KOA":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Hawaii Island","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"OGG":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Maui","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":true,"multiCity":false},"california":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"SVV":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Napa Valley/Sonoma","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"SFO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"San Francisco","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"texas":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"SAT":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"San Antonio","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"AUS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Austin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"europe":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"PAR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Paris","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"},"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"}}},"AMS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Amsterdam","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"GWY":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Galway","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"JTR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Santorini","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"}}},"JMK":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Mykonos","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"LON":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"London","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"},"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"}}},"EDI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Edinburgh","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"BCN":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Barcelona","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"WSI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"West Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"FLR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Florence","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}},"RRO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Sorrento","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"EIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"East Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"SVQ":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Seville","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"DUB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Dublin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"MAD":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Madrid","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"MIL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Milan","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"ROM":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Rome","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"SCB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Scottish Countryside","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"}}},"HER":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Central Crete","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"KIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Killarney","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"ATH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Athens","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"VCE":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Venice","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}}},"defaultChecked":true,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true}}

• Vacation Packages  
• Hotel + Flight  
• Hotel + Flight + Car  
• Hotel + Car  
• Hotel Only  

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

New York City

Vacation packages, the city that never sleeps, big apple, bigger adventures..

From exploring New York City's world-famous dining scene, Times Square, Top of the Rock, museums and more, there's so much to do and see in this city you might need to extend your stay.

New York City Hotels

Costco Member Reviews

The Costco Star Rating assigned to each hotel is only intended as a guideline. The rating is based on information that has been compiled by Costco Travel buyers and might differ from other references.

Property offers the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, with highly personalized service and hospitality.

Property offers upscale design and decor, superior dining venues, manicured grounds, and a high level of service and hospitality.

Property offers above-average accommodations, service, comfort, facilities and grounds.

Property offers basic accommodations, decor, facilities and grounds.

Featured Deals

New york city: omni berkshire place.

New to Costco Travel Costco Member Savings Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection By Hilton Package

Waived Daily Amenity Fee Private Round-Trip Transfers Costco Member Savings

New York City: New York Marriott Marquis Package

Costco Member Savings Daily Destination Fee Included Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue Package

Costco Member Savings Waived Daily Destination Fee Welcome Amenity

New York City: New York Marriott Downtown Package

Digital Costco Shop Card Daily Destination Fee Included Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: Lotte New York Palace Package

Costco Member Savings Complimentary Room Upgrade Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: JW Marriott Essex House Package

Welcome Amenity $50 Resort Credit Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: INNSIDE New York NoMad with Airfare Package

Complimentary Bicycle Rentals 10% Discount on Food and Beverage Welcome Amenity

New York City: New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge Package

New york city: the times square edition package.

Complimentary Room Upgrade Late Checkout Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: InterContinental New York Barclay Package

Costco Member Savings Late Checkout Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: Sheraton New York Times Square Package

Early Check-In Late Checkout Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: The Towers at Lotte Palace Package

Costco Member Savings Food and Beverage Credit Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York Package

New york city: the muse new york hotel package.

Costco Member Savings Waived Daily Destination Fee Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: InterContinental New York Times Square Package

Costco Member Savings Daily Amenity Fee Included Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: Kimpton Hotel Eventi Package

Costco Member Savings Waived Daily Amenity Fee Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: The Shelburne Sonesta New York Package

Waived Daily Hotel Facilities Fee Early Check-In and Late Checkout Digital Costco Shop Card

New York City: voco Times Square South New York, an IHG Hotel Package

Complimentary Room Upgrade Food and Beverage Credit Early Check-In and Late Checkout

New York City: The James New York NoMad Package

Food and Beverage Credit Late Checkout Private Round-Trip Transfers

New York City: W New York Times Square Package

Complimentary Room Upgrade Digital Costco Shop Card Private Round-Trip Transfers

More About New York City

New York City is traditionally broken up into five-boroughs: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. To the west, there's the island of Manhattan where you'll find most of the iconic attractions like Central Park, The Empire State Building and Times Square. It might be a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to explore this borough. To the north of Manhattan is the Bronx, known for Yankee Stadium and famous Bronx Zoo. Over on the eastside is Queens where you can explore a variety of museums off the beaten path like MoMA PS1, Queens Museum and New York Hall of Science. Over in Brooklyn, look out for the famous Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island, both have been featured in countless movies and TV shows. Down south is Staten Island connected to Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry, which gives you a scenic ride of New York Harbor.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 44° to 43° (Winter)
• March through May: 52° to 72° (Spring)
• June through August: 80° to 84° (Summer)
• September through November: 76° to 55° (Autumn)

Top Experiences

Central Park : You could easily spend all day at this park. It's home to numerous movie filming locations like Wollman Rink, known for most ice-skating scenes in New York City and Bethesda Terrace, that gorgeous arched terrace with the fountain outside of it with the angel on top, popular with romcoms. Just walk around the park and you'll get a sense of deja vu. The park is also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Statue of Liberty : A gift from the French, she's become a symbol of America. You can only reach her by ferry so make sure to book your ticket in advance to get an up-close and personal look and learn more about this piece of American history.

Empire State Building : Songs have been inspired by this building, the New York skyline wouldn't be quite as stylish without it. While not the tallest building in the city, this 102-story art deco inspired building still offers an amazing view of the city.

Times Square : If you're brave enough come for the epic New Year's Eve ball drop, otherwise come to marvel at the brightly lit square in all its glory on any other day of the year. It's located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Ave and is surrounded by popular attractions, restaurants and shops.

Explore More Travel

Hidden gems.

Discover What Lies Beyond the Ordinary

Off-the-Beaten Path Vacation Packages and Cruises

Experience the Disney Difference

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

Member Value in Every Disney Vacation

Rental Cars

One Additional Driver Fee Waived

Executive Members Earn an Annual 2% Reward

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Spotlight on New York City Holiday

About this tour.

Experience the “the Big Apple” alive with the holiday spirit on this spectacular tour. From Rockefeller Center to Greenwich Village, New York City shines even brighter during the holiday season. Spend four nights in the heart of Midtown close to Central Park’s skating rink and Times Square all dressed up for the holidays. Take your seat and watch the curtain rise for an exciting Broadway show. See the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the world-famous Rockettes! Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. See the Empire State Building and Central Park. Visit the poignant 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy plenty of free time on your own to shop and see the elaborate 5th Avenue holiday window displays and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Get ready to “start spreading the news!”

Your Tour Includes

• 1 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Greenwich Village
• Wall Street
• Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
• Statue of Liberty

Your Tour at a Glance

3 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $99.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Embark on a voyage to experience "Lady Liberty" up-close.

Experience the incredible Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

Venture out to Times Square to experience a Broadway show.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Museum.

Experience the streets of New York City like a native when you walk to dinner and a Broadway show.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Experience breakfast and a taste of NYC diner culture in the city's staple eateries.
• Ellis Island
• 9/11 Memorial
• 9/11 Museum
• Broadway Show

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Sheraton New York Times Square

Leave the hustle and bustle of Midtown behind for a true local experience. Board the subway to Greenwich Village and emerge from the station into a different world of sidewalk cafes, parks, art galleries, museums and trendy restaurants. Join a local guide to discover the rich history of the neighborhood and hear stories of its bohemian reputation. Get to know the artsy culture and eclectic architecture that has defined the neighborhood. Encounter specialty shops, hidden gardens and the narrowest house in NYC along the way. Then sit down for a traditional Italian “family style” dinner at a local restaurant. Sample an array of tasty appetizers and hearty main courses. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a world-famous Rocco’s cannoli before returning to the subway for your ride back to Midtown.

Embark on a voyage to experience "Lady Liberty" up-close.

Experience breakfast and a taste of NYC diner culture in the city's staple eateries.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Sheraton New York Times Square From $220 per night

Sheraton New York Times Square

Stay longer.

Post Night: Sheraton New York Times Square From $220 per night

Trip Reviews

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, america's music cities tour just got an upgrade, keep the summer spirit alive with collette’s season 106 sale, awe-inspiring alaska: beyond cruising, let the national parks of utah pull you in, quick tips for spotting the northern lights in finland, alaska, and iceland, tap into nature and discover more of america’s national parks, similar tours, spotlight on new york city.

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah

Islands of New England

Pacific Northwest & California featuring Washington, Oregon and California

America's National Parks & Denver

National parks of america.

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

12 things to know about spending the holidays in NYC

Nov 19, 2021 • 12 min read

The Macy's window (like this from 2020) is always a draw, the store offers Santas of different ethnicities ©Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

Who does holiday cheer better than New York? The famous poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' was supposedly inspired by the festive atmosphere in one of the city’s downtown markets in 1822, and, according to Miracle on 34th Street , yes, there is a Santa Claus – and he presides at Macy’s.

But it’s not all yuletide cheer: Across the five boroughs, there are Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations too, and let’s not forget, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. From outdoor skating rinks to sprawling gift markets to the brightest lights in the city, here are some of the best things to do in New York during the holiday season. 

Kick off the festivities on the right foot

The holidays seem to start earlier and earlier each year, but for many people, the season doesn’t officially begin until Santa Claus makes his appearance at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s extravaganza features more than a dozen character balloons, including new faces (Baby Yoda!) and old favorites alike, as well as Broadway performances, floats, inflatables and marching bands galore. 

The parade may be the main event, but you can also head to the Upper West Side (Columbus Avenue and 72nd Street) the night before to see the giant balloons being inflated. Once a more word-of-mouth situation, it’s become a full-blown affair (ahem) in recent years, with people turning out in droves to watch their favorite characters come to life. 

Given the pandemic, however, the 2021 celebration should be a bit more restrained: Capacity is limited, masks are required and those 12 and up will be asked to show proof of vaccination along with a photo ID matching their CDC card. Negative tests won’t permitted as a substitute, though kids ineligible for the shot can get in with a vaxxed adult.  

Window-shop on Fifth Avenue

The window displays in the shops lining Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue are a near-legendary holiday attraction, and this year’s efforts promise to be as impressive as ever. Start at 49th Street with Saks Fifth Avenue and cross over to Bergdorf Goodman at 58th, then hit the other side of the street on your way back down. 

The Tiffany & Co. flagship at 57th usually shows off something special, and near Rockefeller Center, the Godiva store – which has been known to flaunt hundreds of pounds of the signature product in its displays – is sure to give chocoholics a thrill. Don’t forget the outliers: Further south, Lord & Taylor (5th Avenue at 38th Street) and Macy’s (34th Street and Broadway) are both worth a visit.

The sidewalks can get crowded, so mornings are your best bet if you want to check out the scenes without having to jostle for position. 

6 reasons New York City is a great winter destination

See the lights in southwest Brooklyn 

New Yorkers and tourists alike travel deep into Brooklyn to gawk at the spectacularly excessive lights on the homes in Dyker Heights, a residential neighborhood that takes its Christmas decorations very, very seriously. Book a guided tour, or wander the streets on your own – walking the blocks between 7th and 13th avenues and 76th and 86th streets should put you in the middle of the action. 

It’s a trek via public transit, but if you drive, traffic can be a nightmare, so you’ll have to pick your poison. For best results, visit when a high concentration of people are likely to have their decorations up – say, mid-December to early January – and get there before 9pm, when most of the lights go out for the evening.  

New York City's 8 neighborhoods to experience in winter

Take to the ice in Midtown Manhattan

The ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center is perhaps the city’s most famous seasonal spot, and although gliding by that giant tree is a lovely experience, it’s also tiny, expensive (from US$20 to $54, depending on the time of day, plus $10 for skate rentals), and the lines regularly drag on for hours. 

Instead, there’s Central Park's Wollman Rink , which is bigger, mostly cheaper (from US14 to $23 for adults, plus $11 rental) and equally atmospheric, thanks in part to a recent refurbishment, which added a new clubhouse, murals from local artists and concessions from Harlem restaurant Melba’s. 

For an even better deal, reserve ice time at Bryant Park ’s Winter Village, where admission is free, though rentals range anywhere from US$15 to $45 (shoot for off-peak hours to get the lower end of that scale). Unsteady on those blades? There’s street curling here too, as well as private igloos accommodating up to eight people, for those who prefer to come in from the cold. 

How to actually save money while visiting New York City

Attend a massive outdoor Hanukkah party 

The Jewish festival of lights begins early this year, and there’s no better way to welcome in the holiday’s eight days and – in the immortal words of Adam Sandler – eight crazy nights than with a big ol’ party. 

Kicking off November 28 with live music and the lighting of what’s billed as the world’s largest menorah, a 32-foot-high, 4000-pound steel behemoth, the festivities take place daily through December 5 at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza , with lightings at 6pm on weeknights, 3:30pm on Friday, 7pm on Saturday and 5:30pm on Sunday. (There’s also a similar event at Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza, but you’ll only find the concerts – and the hot latkes – across the East River.) 

Join in the Kwanzaa festivities 

This seven-day celebration of African-American culture is observed annually from December 26 to January 1, and there are plenty of options within the city limits to explore the holiday’s principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. 

Chief among them is the celebration that’s been held at Harlem’s iconic Apollo theater since 2006. Titled Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration, this year’s event will be virtual (pay what you wish; available to watch live on December 26 or on demand through January 3), hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd and featuring performances by Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, a local troupe that mixes contemporary modern, West African, house and hip-hop dance styles. 

Across the river, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is marking its twelfth year of Kwanzaa festivities with a five-day family event highlighting the holiday’s culture, including programs dedicated to storytelling, djembe drum, African dance and artist-led mural- and gift-making. Museum admission is free on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm; otherwise, it costs US$13 for anyone over one year old. 

Visit the world’s most famous Christmas tree

Rockefeller Center is the capital of NYC Christmas, and its massive tree has been a mainstay since 1931. This year’s Norway spruce is 79ft tall and 46ft wide, weighing in at 12 tons – and that’s before you factor in 50,000-plus LED lights and the 900-pound (408.23kg) Swarovski star capping it all off. Yes, the plaza is almost always packed, but it’s worth fighting your way through to snap a few pics, particularly after dark when the lights bounce off the bare shoulders of the golden Prometheus statue. 

The annual lighting ceremony takes place on December 1, and the tree remains lit daily from 6:00am to midnight through New Year’s Eve, except on Christmas Day, when it shines for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, when the lights click off at 9:00pm.

Been there, done that? Head uptown to Central Park  on December 2, where there’s carol-singing and ice-carving before a flotilla of trees is lit on the Harlem Meer. 

When is the best time to go to New York City  

Catch a classic holiday show, or one with a twist

The Winter Solstice celebration at St John the Divine is a beloved, and rather secular, concert series (live-streaming this year from December 17 to 18; also available on demand), while Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular (on now through January 2) is the show every New York kid sees growing up, with dozens of dancing Santas and that amazing line of Rockettes’ legs a-kicking.

Up at Lincoln Center , New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker is making an in-person return, kicking off November 26 and running through January 2 with a cast and crew of hundreds – not to mention a much-beloved score by Peter Tschaikovsky and ​​choreography by the legendary George Balanchine.

Too conventional for your taste? Try the Hip Hop Nutcracker instead, a touring show melding that classic Tschaikovsky score with modern dance, touching down in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on December 19.

For all indoor activities in NYC, proof of full vaccination is required for those ages 12 and up, along with photo ID. Mask mandates vary from venue to venue, so check on the specifics before you go. 

16 things you have to do in New York City

Get your shopping done outdoors

By November, quite a few of New York’s parks and public spaces have been transformed into hotly anticipated holiday marketplaces. Through December 24, more than 160 vendors set up shop in Union Square, hawking arts and crafts, while 170-plus feature at the market at Bryant Park’s Bank of America Winter Village (open through January 2). 

Situated on Central Park West, the Columbus Circle holiday market runs from November 29 to  December 24, and the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair is open now through Christmas Eve. 

Say hi to Santa at Macy’s

Macy's elaborate Santaland is a stunner of a scene, full of Christmas trees, elves, toy trains and snow-filled wonder. Still, visiting the big guy looks a little bit different this year: for social-distancing purposes, he’s available by reservation only, which open at 5:30am for visits five days out, and masks are required for everyone, even Mr. Claus himself. 

Special-needs accommodations are available upon request, as are Santas of different ethnicities – as the store’s site proclaims, “We believe that Santa is all things to all people who find joy in his kindness.” 

Visit a botanic garden for a COVID-friendly holiday experience

Four of the city's five boroughs have spectacular garden-centric light shows this year.

It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx has one of the city's great Christmas traditions. Now in its 30th year, 2020’s Holiday Train Show features a model-train track winding its way past 175 iconic sites in miniature, from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, made from natural materials like cinnamon sticks and lotus pods.

As an accompaniment, an after-hours event called NYBG Glow also takes place on select nights. A colorful installation covering 1.5 miles of ground, it also includes music and dancing, plus food and drinks courtesy of the garden’s outdoor bars and the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up, a local favorite for artisan cuisine from 20-plus countries. 

The train show is now open and runs through January 23, while NYBG Glow begins November 24 and runs on select nights through January 22.

New this year is Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden , an immersive outing that involves, among other things, a mile-long trail with illuminated with art installations, light sculptures, and projected poems by Jacqueline Woodson; colorful displays augmenting the surrounding landscape and a 98-foot long cathedral-style tunnel, all set to music and featuring more than a million lights. Lightscape is now open and runs on select evenings through January 9.

Fully vaccinated visitors don’t have to wear masks outside, and those who aren’t fully vaxxed must wear them inside and out, while everyone over the age of 2 has to wear them indoors. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter indoor areas for those 12 and up.

Staten Island

Running through January 9 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden , the NYC Winter Lantern Festival boasts projection-mapping, food vendors, a DJ, and, of course, dozens of handcrafted and painstakingly painted lanterns – peacocks, dragons, caged birds and more – across eight acres of ground. To enter any indoor spaces, face masks are required and those ages 12 and up must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

It’s not technically a botanic garden, but the lantern festival also has a holiday-lights event at the Queens County Farm Museum , with lanterns shaped like flowers, tractors and farm animals. It opens November 25 and runs through January 9. Proof of vaccination is required for any indoor activities; outside, unvaccinated guests must wear masks and practice social-distancing. 

Best things to do in New York City with kids  

Cram in with the Times Square crowds on New Year’s Eve

The Times Square ball drop is just one of many options here for ringing in the New Year here, famous though it may be. But if you’re determined to join the masses and check it off your bucket list, there are a few things you should know. 

First things first: The perimeter of Times Square is barricaded for the evening, and there are no bathrooms inside – space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are so many people you’ll lose your spot if you leave. Once you’re in, you’re in, so plan accordingly. The ball drops just before midnight at Broadway and 43rd Street, and performances begin at 6pm; revelers tend to start rolling in a few hours in advance.

This year, proof of full vaccination is required for everyone ages 5 and up; younger unvaccinated kids need to be accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Those ineligible for the vaccine due to disability must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours and wear masks for the duration. 

You might also like: More kids in the US can now get vaccinated: here's what that means for holiday travel 8 Christmas traditions from around the world Europe's best Christmas markets: 10 that are delightfully different The 9 best holiday celebrations around the world  

This article was first published November 2017 and updated November 2021

Explore related stories

Family Travel

Jun 14, 2023 • 6 min read

NYC has something for kids of any age. Explore a museum or run wild at a city park: the Big Apple is filled with family-friendly activities.

Sep 19, 2019 • 2 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 10 min read

Oct 6, 2023 • 3 min read

Apr 4, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 4, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY.

• Accessibility
• Adirondack Attractions
• Spotlight: Adirondacks
• Spotlight: Lake George
• Family Guide
• Lake Placid City Guide
• Central NY Attractions
• Spotlight: Cooperstown
• Binghamton City Guide
• Greater Niagara Attractions
• Spotlight: Buffalo & Niagara Falls
• Buffalo City Guide
• New York City Attractions
• Capital Saratoga Attractions
• Spotlight: Albany
• Albany City Guide
• Chautauqua-Allegheny Attractions
• Spotlight: Jamestown and Chautauqua-Allegheny
• Hudson Valley Attractions
• Spotlight: New Paltz
• Spotlight: Hudson Valley
• Thousand Islands Attractions
• Catskills Attractions
• Spotlight: The Catskills
• Finger Lakes Attractions
• Spotlight: Rochester
• Spotlight: Syracuse
• Spotlight: Finger Lakes
• Syracuse City Guide
• Rochester City Guide
• Long Island Attractions
• Spotlight: Long Island
• New York Blooms Report
• Spring Flower Shows & Festivals
• Maple Sugaring
• Land Adventures
• Whitewater Rafting & Tubing
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Excursions by Boat
• Motorcoach Tours
• Motorcycling in New York
• Scenic Byways
• Scenic Train Rides
• Weekend Getaways
• Black History & Culture
• History Museums
• Underground Railroad
• Path Through History Weekend
• Architecture and Design
• Art Museums
• Covered Bridges
• Drive-In Movies
• People and Cultures
• Performing Arts
• Buffalo Wings
• Cideries and Distilleries
• New York Pizza
• Restaurants
• Amusement Parks
• Animals & Zoos
• Indoor Water Parks
• Outdoor Water Parks
• Kids' Museums
• Special Events
• Wedding Guide
• LGBTQ Resources
• Shop LGBTQ New York
• New York State Recipes
• Affordable Getaways
• Watchable Wildlife
• Natural Wonders
• Nature Centers
• State and National Parks
• Caverns and Mines
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Auto Racetracks
• Horse Racetracks
• Arts and Crafts
• Farmers Markets
• Flea Markets
• Malls and Outlets
• Senior Travel
• Romantic Getaways
• B&B / Inns / Farm Stays
• Dude Ranches
• Cabins / Cottages
• Hotels / Motels / Resorts
• 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
• Sports & Gaming
• Festivals & Annual Events
• Food & Drink
• Film Festivals
• Arts & Culture
• Expos / Shows & Sales
• Coronavirus Resources for Travelers
• Amtrak Discount
• Travel around New York State from NYC
• Trip Planner
• New York State Welcome Centers
• Travel Guides
• Offers & Deals
• I LOVE NY Mobile App

13 New York Towns that Go All Out for the Holidays

Credit: @roddypittman on instagram.

New York State is full of charming towns that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark holiday movie. Have a holly jolly time as you take an enchanting ride in a vintage train car on the Polar Express, explore Santa’s Workshop, step back in time to celebrate Christmas the Dickens way, see the world’s largest menorah, commemorate Kwanzaa with song and dance, and more. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Come celebrate at these 13 New York towns that go all out for the holidays.   

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per  New York State guidelines . Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.

Originally published 12/09/2022

JUMP TO: North Pole |  Skaneateles | Seneca Falls | Cooperstown | East Aurora | Lake George | Manhattan | Brooklyn |  Ellicottville | Kingston | Corning | Saratoga Springs  | Rhinebeck

1. North Pole (Adirondacks)

Credit: @northpoleny on instagram.

It turns out you can find everything in New York—even the North Pole ! This quaint hamlet of Wilmington nestled in the shadows of Whiteface Mountain is home to Santa’s Workshop , where the man in the big red suit, his helpers, and team of trusty reindeer are ready to make your holiday wishes come true. Drop off your wishlist at Santa’s house, hop on the steam train, carousel, and other kiddie rides, and see the vintage amusement park shine during the Village of Lights . There will be caroling, roaring fires, plenty of shopping, and even a Nativity Pageant. Don’t forget to stop by the U.S. Post Office to send a letter postmarked from the North Pole! Make it an Adirondack winter adventure with a stay at a cozy cabin at The Wilderness Inn and a visit to nearby Lake Placid , where you can ride down the toboggan chute , explore Olympic history , and more.

2. Skaneateles (Finger Lakes)

Credit: @matt.champlin on instagram.

Skaneateles goes all out for the holidays, going so far as to even dress up a lone tree perched at the end of the town’s pier. As you take in the sights of the season, celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens Christmas . The Ghost of Christmas Past along with other familiar characters from “A Christmas Carol” (and even Charles Dickens himself!) take to the streets, delighting holiday shoppers while they explore the town’s stores and restaurants as the smell of roasting chestnuts hits your nose. Carol sing-alongs, horse-drawn wagon rides, a snowman building contest, storytime with Mother Goose, and more jolly events will make you feel merry and bright at this lakefront town. Don’t forget to budget in time for yourself. Treat yourself to a massage at Mirbeau Inn & Spa before retiring to your room and cozying up to the fireplace.

3. Seneca Falls (Finger Lakes)

Fans of the beloved Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” will want to plan a trip to Seneca Falls, also known as “The Real Bedford Falls” — the fictional setting of the iconic Frank Capra film. The town hosts an annual festival in honor of the movie’s release with events and appearances by cast members, plus the traditional ringing of the bells to close out the ceremonies. The It’s a Wonderful Life Museum is open year round so you can see its vast collection of film memorabilia. You can also pay a visit to the bridge that was the inspiration for the film’s famous opening scene. Immerse yourself in Victorian splendor with a stay at Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast , an 1860 Colonial Revival home, while you explore the area’s many wineries, cheese farms, craft beverages, and Seneca Falls’ role in the women’s rights movement .

4. Cooperstown (Central New York)

Credit: @thefarmersmuseum on instagram.

Christmas in Cooperstown is sure to be a homerun! Its downtown looks as pretty as a greeting card as its 18th-century buildings are set aglow with twinkling lights. Find Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Cottage in Pioneer Park , where there’s a mailbox to drop off letters to Kris Kringle. The Farmers’ Museum gets into the holiday spirit with their new Glimmer Nights holiday light show. The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad runs Santa Claus Express and North Pole Express trains that are so popular they tend to sell out each year. Even the National Baseball Hall of Fame hosts an annual holiday party that doubles as a food and toy drive. Cooperstown makes for a great spot all winterlong . Enjoy ice fishing at Otsego Lake, 300 miles of snowmobiling trails, as well as good beer and good times at Brewery Ommegang and Cooperstown Brewing Co . The Otesaga Resort Hotel , White House Inn Bed & Breakfast , Landmark Inn , and The Inn at Cooperstown all make for cozy stays.

5. East Aurora (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @vidlers_5and10 on instagram.

Still need to finish up that holiday shopping list? Head over to East Aurora, where buying local has never been easier. Find artisan wares, boutique clothing, home goods, and gift shops along its historic Main Street that gets all decked out for the holidays. Its vintage movie theater is known for taking movie theater popcorn to a whole new level and Vidler’s 5&10 is your one-stop-shop for old school candy, vintage collectibles, traditional toys, and other unique finds. Known as the Largest "5 & 10" Variety Store in the world for over 90 years, Vidler’s is also a bit of a celebrity having been featured in several made-for-tv Christmas movies . The sounds of the season fill the air as carolers from near and far gather in front of Vidler’s every year for Carolcade , celebrating its 51st year. Stay overnight at the historic Roycroft Inn , built in 1895. Nearby Buffalo , which hosts one of the largest Juneteenth festivals in the country, is also known for its big Kwanzaa celebration, featuring a flag raising, the lighting of City Hall, and nightly festivities during the weeklong observance.

6. Lake George (Adirondacks)

Credit:  @jameskblundell on instagram.

Take a stroll down Canada Street and admire tens of thousands of holiday lights and decorations adorning the famous lakeside Shepard Park. Transport yourself to a true winter wonderland at Lake George’s newest snowy season experiences the enchanting displays of  Winter’s Dream  at the historic Fort William Henry Museum  and the arctic magic of  Winter Realms at Charles R. Wood Park , from the makers of the awe-inspiring Ice Castles. Let the holiday spirit consume you all season long with Winter Carnival weekends throughout February. A tradition since 1961, this family-fun attraction features the infamous outhouse races, where teams construct hilariously artistic, and hopefully aerodynamic outhouses that race across the frozen lake. Warm up with a chili cookoff and fireside s’mores or chill out with make-your-own sundaes. Stay for fireworks every Saturday night and spend the night at the Inn at Erlowest , a mansion built in 1898 offering 10 unique suites overlooking the lake. Looking to add to your arctic experience? Dine inside a glowing and heated igloo , right on the grounds of the inn, and enjoy superb farm-to-table dining and an extensive wine list.

7. Manhattan (NYC)

New York City in December... as if that phrase doesn’t speak for itself, everywhere you look is a wintry spectacle. Manhattan serves as the backdrop for countless holiday movies and TV shows, often easily identifiable by the holiday markets at Union Square , Columbus Circle , and Grand Central Terminal , to name a few. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center , Bryant Park and Holiday Market , and Central Park will have you feeling like the main character in your own movie. Stroll down Fifth Avenue and let the magnificent holiday window displays stop you in your (snow) tracks, or visit Santaland at Macy’s famed Herald Square location. Manhattan is also home to iconic holiday traditions including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree , Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, and NYC Ballet’s Nutcracker .

A lot more wintry decor can be discovered at Lotte New York Palace , which Forbes magazine listed as having one of the top five Christmas trees of any hotel. The Palace (to Gossip Girl fans) offers an array of holiday delights in a stunning courtyard, a lively outdoor bar, and Gold Room serving specialty holiday cocktails, and a special area for children and the young at heart to send letters to Santa. Another can’t miss hotel is The Plaza , where the winter wonderland of Central Park meets fantastic Fifth Avenue. You can even take the city by storm, Kevin McCallister-style and live out your “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” dreams with an exclusive Plaza Hotel holiday package .

8. Brooklyn (NYC)

Credit: phoebe baker.

No neighborhood does outdoor home decor and holiday lights quite like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The charming neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top light decorations, with larger than life Santas, sleighs, snowmen, and Christmas carols taking over lawns from 11th to 13th Aves (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd.) This spectacle has been a tradition for over 30 years and brings holiday cheer to tens of thousands of visitors every season.

New York City also goes big for Hanukkah , holding menorah lighting ceremonies at Grand Army Plaza in both Brooklyn and Central Park, with the latter being home to the world’s largest menorah. The Brooklyn event is celebrated with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for kids. There are also celebrations for Kwanzaa, including a day of festivities honoring African American heritage, culture, and community at the Apollo Theater and five days of music, dance, art-making, and more at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum . After all that excitement, Glide on over to the brand new ice rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park alongside the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy spectacular views of the magical Manhattan skyline as you skate the day away!

9. Ellicottville (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Credit: @visitellicottville on instagram.

Ellicottville is the perfect holiday destination for wintertime adventure seekers. There’s lots to love in this one-square mile village, which has more than 24 shops, 23 bars and restaurants, and two ski slopes all within walking distance. Enjoy skiing, tubing, and a thrilling mountain coaster at Holiday Valley Resort . HoliMont Ski Resort is North America's largest private ski area devoted to family skiing adventures. Enjoy a seasonal brew like the peppermint bark stout or the ski bum winter ale at Ellicottville Brewing Company , take a horse-pulled wagon ride along the snow-covered rail in nearby Salamanca with Crosspatch Horse Ranch , and embark on a snowshoeing excursion through picturesque Allegany State Park . The streets of Ellicottville are also brightly lit for the holidays, with each tree wrapped in lights and shops boasting elaborately decorated windows. Join in the jubilance with events all season long, including: A Christmas Stroll, Winter Blues Weekend, and Winter Music Jam. Make the Inn at Holiday Valley your basecamp for a memorable family getaway during this magical time of year.

10. Kingston (Hudson Valley)

This adorable town on the Hudson River, located about 90 miles north of New York City, welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on an antique fire truck and lights up their holiday tree at its annual Snowflake Festival , which features holiday-themed performances, fire twirlers, jugglers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, tree lighting, and so much more throughout the Historic Stockade District. You can also experience movie magic with a train ride up to the North Pole in a vintage 1950s coach on the Catskill Mountain Railroad ’s Polar Express . Be sure to head over to “Santa Claus Lane,” or Derrenbacher Street, where residents hold nothing back with their incredible light displays that would make Clark Griswold proud. Book a stay at the cozy, colorful, and upscale Hotel Kinsley , located in a restored 19th-century New York State Bank building. While you’re nearby, take a 20 minute drive to Woodstock, a quirky and quaint village that embodies festive grandeur during the holidays. On Christmas Eve , the village green transforms into a holiday postcard scene with a huge tree full of lights, music in the air, and Santa on-site to give a stocking to every child! Woodstock’s beloved Tinker Street is energetic every day, but especially so during the holidays.

11. Corning (Finger Lakes)

Once ranked one of the “ “Best Christmas Towns” in the USA by Country Living, you better believe Corning is worth a visit. The appropriately named “Crystal City” resembles a winter postcard with shimmering lights decorating the famous Gaffer District . Make sure to check out the massive Christmas tree covered in hand-blown glass ornaments in Centerway Square. Spend the night and get cozy at the Corning Staybridge Suites , less than one mile from the renowned Corning Museum of Glass , where you can make your own glass ornament for that special someone in your life this holiday season. The cheerful centerpiece of the museum is the holiday ornament tree that has now become a holiday tradition—and the perfect background for a holiday photo. The 14-foot tree is decorated with more than 2,000 handmade glass ornaments and is joined by other wonders in glass, including a holiday feast made entirely of glass as well as a life-sized glass snowperson family, the Tree of Life Menorah, Advent Wreath, and Kwanzaa Setting. Embark on an enchanting holiday horse & wagon ride through the sights, sounds, snowflakes, and twinkling lights of this snowglobe of a town!

12. Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga)

Credit: @saratographer on instagram.

Recently featured as one of the best small towns to visit during the holidays in Travel Awaits , there is endless merriment in downtown Saratoga Springs. Festive events include: the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony , Victorian Streetwalk , Festival of Trees , SantaCon , and New Year’s Fest . Wreaths, lights, patio igloos for dining, and festive decor adorn  boutiques, unique shops, lively restaurants and bars on Broadway for picturesque holiday strolling. And what’s better than a visit with one Santa? Hundreds to thousands. At SantaCon , the can’t-miss massive pub crawl downtown, swarms of Santas celebrate the holiday spirit, with all proceeds going to a great cause, the Franklin Community Center . Broadway isn’t the only street to go all out during the holidays, check out some more notable Saratoga streets for mesmerizing light displays. And in nearby Albany, Hanukkah celebrations include a menorah lighting at the Colonie Center and Kwanzaa kicks off with a grand celebration at the New York State Museum .

13.  Rhinebeck (Hudson Valley)

Credit: @corinyc on Instagram

This charming historic town nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the “ most Christmassy ” towns in the U.S. Its decked out downtown will fill your heart with holiday cheer but the annual Sinterklaas Festival is the shining star of the season. Honoring Rhinebeck’s Dutch roots, this centuries-old event is held every year on the first Saturday in December and features the lively Children’s Starlight Parade led by Sinterklaas himself riding his trusty white steed. The festive fun continues at the Wonderland of Lights holiday drive-thru light show and within the elaborately decorated halls of grand historic estates like the Wilderstein and Staatsburgh (pictured).

Share New York State adventures with us on  TikTok ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on  Facebook !

Author: Marta Zielinska and Rachel Dymond

Marta Zielinska is Managing Editor of ILOVENY.com; Rachel Dymond is the Editorial Project Manager of ILOVENY.com.

• Adirondacks (108)
• Arts & Culture (27)
• Capital-Saratoga (95)
• Catskills (99)
• Central New York (90)
• Chautauqua-Allegheny (85)
• Events (26)
• Family (35)
• Finger Lakes (118)
• Food & Drink (26)
• Greater Niagara (100)
• History (14)
• Holidays (14)
• Hudson Valley (119)
• Itineraries (36)
• Long Island (104)
• New York City (94)
• Outdoors (26)
• Romantic Getaways (16)
• Shopping (8)
• Thousand Island-Seaway (73)
• Winter (20)
• February (18)
• January (23)
• December (19)
• November (31)
• October (26)
• September (13)
• August (18)
• February (8)
• January (12)
• December (4)
• November (2)
• October (3)
• September (7)
• February (3)
• January (1)
• November (1)
• October (1)
• September (1)
• February (2)
• January (3)
• December (1)
• November (7)
• October (4)
• February (5)
• January (4)
• December (2)
• September (3)
• February (1)
• January (2)
• November (5)
• Aliza Kibel and Marta Zielinska (1)
• Anna Pakman (18)
• Anna Pakman and Ross Levi (1)
• Cory Lee (1)
• Danielle Lee (8)
• David Contreras Turley (3)
• David Contreras Turley and Ross D. Levi (1)
• Don Wildman (6)
• Emma Frisbie (36)
• Eric Scheffel (18)
• Erin Faherty (18)
• Ethan LaCroix (2)
• Gavin Landry (1)
• I LOVE NY Staff (161)
• Karen Kirchofer (3)
• Katherine Dunn (13)
• Katherine Dunn and Ross Levi (1)
• Lisa Soto (3)
• Mark Hamilton (1)
• Marta Zielinska (19)
• Marta Zielinska and Rachel Dymond (2)
• Maya Yegorova (1)
• Megan Dority (1)
• Megan Rooney (1)
• Michele DeBella (7)
• Michele Herrmann (13)
• New York Kitchen (16)
• Phoebe Baker (5)
• Rachel Dymond (29)
• Rachel Dymond and Emma Frisbie (1)
• Richard Martin (17)
• Ross D. Levi (12)
• Ross D. Levi and Emma Frisbie (1)
• Ross D. Levi and Richard Martin (1)

Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our  privacy policy .

Holidays in New York

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for holiday package deals in new york.

Let KAYAK do the searching

Save on your next holiday

Search and compare hundred of travel sites at once for holiday packages in New York

We’re completely free to use - No hidden charges or fees

Filter by free cancellation, free breakfast and more

ATOL Protected: All packages are ATOL protected

Cheap New York package deals

Most popular new york flight and hotel deals, last minute holiday packages to new york, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a holiday in new york, tips for finding cheap holiday packages new york.

• There are loads of types of holidays in New York and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travellers: Top holiday £552; Family holiday £490; Romantic holiday £610; Luxury holiday £662; Budget holiday £381.

Where to stay in New York

New york holiday information, other popular package holiday destinations.

• Nevada package holidays
• New York City package holidays
• Arizona package holidays
• Long Island City package holidays
• Hawaii package holidays
• Niagara Falls package holidays
• Buffalo package holidays
• Utah package holidays
• Albany package holidays
• Maryland package holidays
• Massachusetts package holidays
• Flushing package holidays
• Georgia package holidays
• East Syracuse package holidays
• Lake Placid package holidays
• Minnesota package holidays
• Rochester package holidays
• Mississippi package holidays
• District of Columbia package holidays
• Horseheads package holidays

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

• Hometown tour

Most viewed

Change location

• Call us today until 8pm 01993 838 925 01993 838 866 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Visit New York, USA

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Along with the more traditional attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge, we can suggest a host of alternative ways to soak up the culture and history of New York. Learn all about the millions of immigrants who set up new lives in the city at the Tenement Museum and Ellis Island, relax in Washington Park while listening to a live jazz performance, taste your way through the multicultural streets and markets, and gain a different perspective of the Manhattan skyline from a bicycle, boat or helicopter.

Every time I arrive into New York, I'm met with the feeling of visiting somewhere so familiar on the one hand and so alien on the other. There's always somewhere new to explore and somewhere familiar to return to.

Things to see and do in New York

Visit the tenement museum.

Set in restored tenements (small apartments that housed waves of immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries), this eye-opening museum in Lower East Side is a testimony to the lives of immigrants who travelled from many different countries to make a new life in New York.

The 19th-century building was once home to 7,000 immigrants of various faiths and nationalities, many of whom faced prejudice and economic hardship. You can explore how they’d have lived and worked through touring the building’s restored apartments and businesses and taking a guided walking tour around the local area.

Take in views of the skyline

The One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center also offers sweeping views from the 100th floor. It looks out over the Hudson River below, or you can admire the twinkling lights of the Manhattan skyline from the river itself on an evening boat trip. For a bird’s eye view of the city, take to the skies for an exhilarating 20-minute helicopter ride.

Enjoy live music in Washington Square Park

Most recognisable for its marble arch monument, Washington Square Park is also a green space in the city filled with the sound of music as artists from the nearby New York University music department use the grounds as a performance space. On a sunny day, it’s well worth strolling around the park’s lawns and enjoying a picnic under the shade of the trees while listening to a performance. Musical acts can range from banjo-playing duos and solo pianists to full jazz bands complete with drum kits.

An annual music festival is also held in the park each summer in June. It offers a varied programme of free musical performances, including classical orchestras and jazz bands.

Soak up culture at The Highline

Part park, part art gallery, The Highline is where New York's past meets the modern day. Opened in sections between 2009 and 2014, The Highline is a 2.3 km (1.5 mile) green space that runs along a disused rail track in Manhattan. The elevated track, which once served the meatpacking district, has been repurposed into a quirky park where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and the Hudson River.

Planted with over 200 species of flora, including meadow flowers, grasses and birch trees, the park also presents cultural attractions such as modern art installations in the form of photographs, audio clips and sculptures. Taking a stroll through this creative space provides welcome relief from the city’s bustling streets. Guided tours give an insight into The Highline’s history and design.

Sample the food

In New York, food is everywhere you look. The Smorgasburg outdoor food market in Brooklyn, taking place every weekend between April and October, allows you to sample a cross-section of the food on offer throughout the city. More than 100 local vendors serve up a variety of gourmet food, including oysters, tacos, roast meats, ramen (Japanese noodle soup) and all manner of sweet treats, demonstrating the ethnic diversity of the city’s cuisine.

If you’re a fan of Italian food, head to Eataly on Fifth Avenue — a huge complex that’s home to a wide selection of Italian food stalls and restaurants. For a quintessential taste of New York, The Pickle Guys set up shop daily on the Lower East Side, serving all things pickled. The friendly staff love to chat and will let you sample their produce before you decide what to buy.

Explore the history of Liberty and Ellis Islands

Now a museum, you can look around the former station and learn about the historical immigration process and the immigrants’ lives. Their descendants make up nearly half of the USA’s current population.

In the same tour you’re able to visit Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty proudly stands. Here, you’ll have wonderful views over New York Harbor and the city’s distant skyscrapers.

Get lost in the American Museum of Natural History

Familiar from so many films, the American Museum of Natural History delights visitors of all ages with its interactive and informative exhibitions. In one day you can learn about the infinite universe, see reconstructed dinosaur skeletons hanging from the ceiling, peer at age-old fossils and discover how the Earth’s wildlife has evolved over time.

Regularly changing temporary exhibitions mean that no visit is ever the same. Interactive spaces give children a fun, hands-on learning experience, as do activities such as digging for fossils in a sand pit and hunting for wildlife in a replica baobab tree.

Cycle around Central Park and over the Brooklyn Bridge

If the weather is pleasant, cycling is one of the best ways to explore Central Park. Pedalling your way around at a leisurely pace, you’ll be able to cover most of the 3.4 sq km (1.3 sq m) park in an afternoon, although some parts of the trails are surprisingly hilly. There are several routes to choose from, ranging between 2.7 km (1.7 miles) and 9.8 km (6.1 miles). All the paths are well-maintained, if a little busy during the summer.

Another option is to cycle along the Hudson River  and over the Brooklyn Bridge, formerly the largest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge has a walkway running down its centre designated for pedestrians and cyclists. Along the route, you’ll have views of the Hudson River Park, Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Best time to visit New York

New York is a fantastic city to visit year-round, but it transforms into a Christmas wonderland throughout December. From the historic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center to the numerous outdoor ice skating rinks and the Christmas light displays, it’s a dazzling place to get into the festive spirit.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• The annual Macy’s Day Parade is on the last Thursday of November and has become synonymous with celebrating Thanksgiving. One of the biggest holiday spectacles in the US, over three million people arrive to watch huge decorative floats, cheerleaders and marching bands parade through the streets.
• New Year’s Eve in New York sees fireworks fill the sky and crowds of partygoers celebrating in Times Square, creating an electric atmosphere.
• The baseball season runs across the country from April to September. Catching a Yankees or Mets game in New York makes a good introduction to this quintessential American experience.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to New York by contacting one of our USA specialists

• 01993 838 925 01993 838 866
• Make an enquiry

Suggested itinerary featuring New York

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in New York, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Cities of the east by rail

13 days from £3,905pp

Map of New York

Places & hotels on the map, places near new york.

• Philadelphia 83 miles away
• Stockbridge 113 miles away
• Lenox 118 miles away
• Lancaster 132 miles away
• Albany 133 miles away
• Sturbridge 137 miles away
• Newport, Rhode Island 149 miles away
• Saratoga Springs 163 miles away
• Baltimore 172 miles away
• Manchester 174 miles away
• Ithaca 176 miles away
• Martha's Vineyard 180 miles away
• St. Michaels 180 miles away
• Annapolis 181 miles away
• Gettysburg 183 miles away
• New York State 183 miles away
• Falmouth 185 miles away
• Lake George 187 miles away
• Boston 189 miles away
• Bennington 190 miles away
• Hyannis 203 miles away
• Washington D.C. 206 miles away
• Nantucket 207 miles away
• Woodstock 214 miles away
• Provincetown 218 miles away
• Vermont 218 miles away
• Chatham 220 miles away
• New Hampshire 221 miles away
• Cape Cod 224 miles away
• Lake Placid 245 miles away
• Rochester 251 miles away
• Kennebunkport 256 miles away
• Lincoln/North Woodstock 257 miles away
• Front Royal 257 miles away
• Burlington 262 miles away
• Sugar Hill 265 miles away
• North Conway 272 miles away
• Bretton Woods 276 miles away
• Richmond 289 miles away
• Virginia Beach 290 miles away
• Buffalo 293 miles away

Photos of New York

Our expert guides to exploring New York

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting New York, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate New York at its best.

The boroughs of New York City

Whether you're planning a trip to New York to see its architecture, to go shopping, take in a Broadway show or visit one or more of its museums and galleries, the five boroughs that make up the 'Big Apple' have something to offer everyone.

New York City & Capital Region

This region includes New York, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Whether you want to visit coastal settlements, discover Virginia's history, or drive through New York state's magnificent scenery, we can provide detailed advice and plan a trip to suit you.

Accommodation choices for New York

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit New York. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Bryant Park Hotel

TBA Times Square

Distrikt Hotel

Ink 48 Hotel

The Langham

Hotel Beacon

Ideas for experiencing new york.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting New York, and which use the best local guides.

Bike the Brooklyn Bridge

This is a wonderful opportunity to pedal on a traffic-free bike path along the Hudson River, past famous landmarks and over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Bike the Greenway & Central Park Tour

Join a small group of fellow cyclists for an afternoon of exploring the sites of New York's Central Park.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Discover New York from 70 storeys up in the city's only crystal-clear 360° observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Building.

Financial District Walking Tour

This two-hour Saturday afternoon walking tour takes you through the oldest parts of New York City.

Empire State Building Observatory Ticket

Located on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet (320 metres) above the city's bustling streets, the Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade.

• STORE & CONSULTANT FINDER
• My Wishlist

• Cheap Flights
• Destinations
• Storefinder

Latest deals to

Central & South America

Cook Islands

Egypt & Morroco

North America

Pacific Islands

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Ski Holidays

All on sale

As Advertised

Gold Coast Free Nights

New York State

Luxury Fiji

Pacific Hidden Paradise

Small Group European Adventures

Europe 2024 on sale

Spoilt for Choice Princess Cruises

Cruise holidays – amazing value!

Drive the Dream in Western Australia

South Australia & Adelaide

Disney Magic at Sea New 2024 Season!

2024 ‘BOOK IT’ LIST

All Inclusive Phuket family holidays

European Christmas Markets River Cruise

Our favourite European train journeys

All Inclusive Holidays

Online Brochures

Travel Articles

Inspire Magazine

Discover a Different Australia

Holidays@Home

Make Travel Matter Journeys

Face2Face Video Appointments

New Zealand

South Pacific

Asia flights

UK & Europe

USA & Canada

South America

South Africa & Middle East

Business Class flights

Book online.

Special needs or children (2-15yrs) travelling alone?

Stopover or Multi-city? Please fill in this enquiry form .

• Destinations /
• North America /

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises from New York

Cruise from New York to Bermuda, The Bahamas & more from $919 per person share twin Flights Additional Multiple Departures available

New York City

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan ★ ★ ★ ★

Flights, 4 nights & sightseeing from $3985 per person share twin Flying Air New Zealand

Discover Waterfalls, Wine & Wonder - Self Drive

10 Day / 9 night package from $2995 per person share twin Flights are additional

Discover Catskills - Self Drive

3 nights & rental car from $755 per person share twin Flights are additional

New York City to Niagara Falls - Self Drive

4 Day /3 night accommodation and rental car package from $1099 per person share twin Flights are additional

12 Movie Landmarks in New York City

The Big Apple. The City that Never sleeps. However you call it, New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the most touted in pop culture.

Trans Atlantic Event Voyages

7 night Trans Atlantic voyages from $1,465 per person Classic Luxury Cruising Multiple departure dates available Flights Additional

The Sights & Stories of Northern State New York - Self Drive

8 nights & rental car from $1905 per person share twin Flights are additional

New York return

New England & The Hudson Valley with Globus

12 day / 11 night tour from $8,569 per person share twin Flights are additional

Norwegian Cruise Lines

NCL Freestyle Cruises from New York

Freestyle cruising roundtrip from New York to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada & more from $1,897 per person. Free at Sea Includes Free Drinks, Free Wifi & more. Choice of 5 - 15 night cruises, Flights Additional

INSPIRE ME New York holiday planning articles

Are you planning your next trip to New York?  Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on New York.

WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY

This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants. Enquire below or pop in-store  and talk to one of our travel experts today. The best holidays are created together.

We are currently experiencing high call volumes with longer than usual wait times. Please allow up to 24 hours for a callback during regular business hours. Save time and book online! Learn More

Departures Added

Explore Here

Immerse Yourself in

Timeless France

Discover the Itinerary

Earn FREE Travel

with Our Group Travel Program!

INTRODUCING

New 2024 Tours

Explore New Tours

• Find Your Trip
• Local Station Keyword

‐ or ‐

Ready to Book?

Holiday Vacations guided tours include airfare from more than 100 conveniently located U.S. airports, great hotels, delightful meals and interesting sights. Our expert Tour Directors are quite simply the best in the industry. They handle all travel details to ensure that your vacation is happy and carefree.

We are proud to be one of America’s most reputable tour companies, producing unparalleled travel experiences since 1973. Discover for yourself the many benefits of traveling with Holiday Vacations!

The Holiday Advantage

Airfare Included

Professional Tour Directors

Exceptional Accommodations with Baggage Handling

Premier Attractions

Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs

Motorcoach & Professional Driver

Your Resource for Upcoming Holiday Vacations Travel

For your convenience, we invite you to utilize our travel planning hubs for guidance during your planning and packing process.

View our Travel Planning Hubs

" London, Normandy, Paris was a fabulous trip, especially the year of the 75th anniversary of D-Day! That was our 7th trip with Holiday Vacations. Loved every one of them. The national parks are well worth seeing, as were Hawaii and Cuba. "

– Judy Kelly D. - Via Facebook

" My third trip with HV was to Austria and Germany in 2014. This included the bucket list of experiencing OKTOBERFEST. Looks like I’m doing a beer commercial with the Alps as a backdrop. Also notice my pinkie extended. This is due to 2 years of charm school (REALLY). Thank you HV for all the amazing memories. "

– Katie H. - Via Facebook

" Jackson Hole, WY while on the Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons trip last year. We just completed our 6th trip with Holiday Vacations last month and are now discussing which tour we will take next. Only way we wish to travel and Holiday Vacations tours are the best! "

– Elaine G. - Via Facebook

" Athens, Greece at the Parthenon. My first trip. Everything about it was great! "

– Yvonne C. - Via Facebook

" October 2019 trip to Italy—Venice, Florence and Rome. This was taken in front of the Coliseum in Rome. Such a fantastic, memorable trip! Looking forward to our next adventure with Holiday when we go to Iceland in October. "

– Mary F. - Via Facebook

Stay Informed

Be the first to know about exclusive opportunities or departures from your area.

Stay Connected

Activity levels.

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

• southwest airlines

Southwest Airlines flight comes close to LaGuardia control tower during landing attempt: FAA

NEW YORK -- An investigation is underway after a Southwest flight veered off course and came extremely close to a control tower at New York's LaGuardia Airport during a landing attempt last month.

The close call happened during extremely poor weather around 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

The FAA says Southwest Airlines Flight 147, which had veered off course due to inclement weather, was instructed by an air traffic controller to perform a go-around at LaGuardia.

They say the incident happened on the flight's second attempt to land. During that attempt, Southwest Airlines says the flight ended up diverting to Baltimore after encountering turbulence and low visibility.

The aircraft later returned to LaGuardia after a brief layover in Baltimore.

It's unclear if a strong gust of wind shear pushed them off course during the landing.

The FAA is investigating and will determine if the plane flew over the tower at LaGuardia.

The airline also said it's "reviewing the event as part of its safety systems."

Related Topics

• NEW YORK CITY
• LAGUARDIA AIRPORT
• SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines plans to offer red-eye flights

Southwest reaches labor agreement with flight attendants

Christmas travel tips: Best and worst days to fly or drive

Southwest hit by record $140m fine for 2022 holiday service meltdown, top stories.

Pedestrian hit and killed by off-duty HPD Lt. on I-610, police say

• 39 minutes ago

Undercover sting nets mom, daughter accused of illegal butt injections

Woman gets 50 years in prison for 2019 killing of 4-year-old girl

Sunny skies and pleasant weather continue; Rain returns Sunday

• 2 hours ago

4 arrested in FBI raid, hostage rescue in Houston rental home: Video

W. Houston restaurant celebrates opening day, burglarized hours later

Texas National Guard soldier accused of human smuggling, DPS says

Federal lawsuit filed over abuse allegations at FBISD

Travel deals to take you to Japan, New York, Alaska and more

Share this article

The Diamond Princess will cruise through Japan’s coastlines and the Kanmon Straits. Photo / Princess Cruises

Fancy a holiday? Here are some ideas to get you started.

If you’re planning a trip to Asia, America and beyond, this week’s best offers are worth considering.

Sail through South Korea and Japan

Experience the best of Japan and savour a little taste of South Korea along the way, as Diamond Princess cruises Japan’s coastlines and through the Kanmon Straits. This 10-day round-trip departs from Tokyo on Sunday, August 25. Ports of call include Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, then Busan in South Korea, Sasebo, and Shimizu – below Mt Fuji. Shore excursions will take in the fascinating Himeji Castle and Ryugado Cave, the Peace Memorial Park and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Priced from $2199 each, share twin, for your cruise fare. Flights from New Zealand are additional.

Contact: Princess Cruises, freephone 0800 780 717 or check out princess.com

Take a trip to Thailand

Immerse yourself in the scents, sounds and sights of Thailand’s Club Med Phuket, with a seven-night package for families, priced from $3565 each, family-share. This is based on a holiday by two adults and two children aged between 2 and 11 years. You’ll get return Singapore Airlines fares, seven nights in Phuket, with daily meals, Kids’ Club, and an open bar that includes cocktails, beer and wine. Book by close of business Friday, April 5. Travel between October 6 and 13.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 080 713 715 or check out hot.co.nz

Cruise the coast of Queensland

Eight nights on board Ovation of the Seas will gently nudge you into supreme relaxation mode as she sails from Sydney to Queensland’s Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island – and back. Priced from $1340 each, book by close of business on Sunday, April 7. This package offers savings of up to $5018 on each Stateroom. Departure is on November 13. Flights from New Zealand are additional.

Contact: Helloworld Travel, freephone 0800 758 787 or check out www.helloworld.co.nz

Take a bite out of the Big Apple

Five-star luxury in New York is a three-night stay at The Plaza, timed to get away from New Zealand’s winter. Priced from $1755 each, double share for a Plaza King Room, this deal must be booked by April 30. Wi-Fi and daily breakfasts are included, as is a room upgrade if better rooms are available. And a US$100 Hotel Credit with your room is applicable for the hotel’s Guerlain Spa, The Palm Court, The Champagne Bar or in-room dining. Travel between July 1 and August 29.

Contact: Travel Associates, freephone 0800 951 655 or check out travel-associates.co.nz

Explore the far, far North

Cruise the spectacular Inside Passage, heading north to Juneau, Alaska , then on to Skagway, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, and Vancouver – a seven-night, truly memorable journey, departing from Vancouver on August 27 this year. Savings of up to 40 per cent have been built into fares, starting from $1779 each. Staterooms come with US$300 Onboard Spending Money. An upgrade to a Balcony Stateroom is $135 a night for each passenger. Book by close of business on April 9. Airfares from New Zealand are additional and there are gratuities to be paid onboard, from US$16 a night each.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 427 555 or check out flightcentre.co.nz

Latest from Travel

Expert reveals how to spot a 'tourist trap' restaurant in Italy

The Italy travel consultant shares four 'red flags' to avoid.

Travellers blast overpriced airport food in angry social media post

New cities are terrifying, here's how you navigate Mexico City like a pro

Dad booted off Jetstar flight for breaking this simple rule

Me Today set for bright tomorrows

Police investigating string of carjacking attempts at rest stops on I-95 in Conn.

By lynda baquero • published march 28, 2024 • updated on march 29, 2024 at 7:34 am.

Police are warning drivers to be on alert as they travel this holiday weekend after a string of carjacking attempts at rest stops along I-95 in Connecticut.

The most recent incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday at a stop in Milford, as police said a woman was walking into the building at the stop when she was approached by someone wearing a mask who demanded the keys to her car. The suspects then took off her her Acura RDX.

An hour before that, there was a separate attempted carjacking at a rest stop on the northbound side of the highway in Darien. The victim in that incident was getting out of his car when he said two young men approached from behind, according to police.

The pair tried to pull him away from the vehicle, but he was able to hit one of them in the face, get back in his car and take off.

Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.

Just ten minutes prior to that, police said a driver was fueling up their vehicle at the rest stop in Milford and, similarly to the other incident, was approached by someone wearing a mask. The major difference this time: The suspect displayed a firearm.

The quick-thinking victim sprayed gasoline on the suspect, who ran off, according to police.

Another person said something similar happened to his brother recently as well.

Violent thunderstorms cause chaos across NYC area; nearly 50K without power

Powerball jackpot jumps to $1.23 billion after another drawing without a big winner

"My dad was warming up my car for my brother, it was like 6 in the morning. And somebody literally just came [and] jumped into the front seat and took the car," said Matt Dilieto, of Shelton.

Connecticut State Police are warning drivers to be aware of their surroundings if traveling for the holiday weekend.

The stolen Acura that was taken from the Milford rest stop was was later found in Hamden, where the car crashed. the occupants inside ran off on foot from the scene and are still at large.

No arrests have yet been made. Police are asking anyone with information or video to contact them

This article tagged under:

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Girl, 8, Is Sole Survivor of Bus Plunge: ‘No One Can Explain This Miracle’

Forty-five church pilgrims from Botswana, along with the driver, were killed when the bus plunged off an overpass into a rocky ravine in South Africa. The only survivor was a little girl.

By John Eligon and Yvonne Mooka

Reporting from Molepolole, Botswana

Lauryn Siako is the rare 8-year-old who springs out of bed to get herself ready for church, her family said. She loves the singing, the dancing, the worshiping.

So when leaders of her church announced that they were resuming the enormous annual Easter pilgrimage to church headquarters in South Africa this year, after a four-year hiatus for Covid-19, Lauryn pleaded with her mother to let her go for the first time.

Lauryn and her grandmother boarded a bus in their home village of Molepolole, Botswana, on Wednesday night with 43 fellow members of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church, excited for the experience of a lifetime.

But by the following morning, Lauryn was the only one of the 45 passengers still alive.

The driver lost control of the bus on a sharp turn, and it careened off a high overpass on Mmamatlakala Mountain in northeastern South Africa, plunging 165 feet into a rocky ravine and bursting into flames. The driver and all of his passengers perished, except, inexplicably, the stringy girl who had just received her passport a week before the trip and had guarded it closely. She escaped with minor lacerations, South African health officials said.

“How did she come out of that bus?” Lauryn’s tearful mother, Gaolebale Siako, said on Friday, sitting in the modest home where Lauryn had lived with her grandmother in Molepolole, repeating a question she has been asking herself over and over.

“It’s hard to explain,” she added. “I’m hurt that I lost my mom and other people, but I’m also comforted knowing that my child is alive.”

As investigators continued searching for remains and answers as to what happened on Friday, church members questioned how the bus ended up on a treacherous, winding mountain road that they had never taken before in many journeys to the church headquarters in Moria, South Africa.

DESTINATION

Johannesburg

south africa

Kabelo Joseph Selome, a local ward councilor and a cousin of Lauryn’s mother, said in an interview in Botswana that the bus had been following two cars carrying church elders. But when the cars took a turn, the bus failed to follow — suggesting that the bus driver was lost, said Mr. Selome, who had spoken with the elders.

The police were investigating the crash as a case of culpable homicide, according to a statement, though they did not provide further details.

Emergency responders found Lauryn outside the bus with minor lacerations to her arms, legs, head and back, said Thilivhali Muavha, a spokesman for the chief health official in Limpopo Province, where the crash occurred. She was in stable condition on Friday, Mr. Muavha said.

Mr. Muavha said the authorities had not yet determined how the girl was able to survive such a devastating crash.

“All we can say is that we are happy that she was found alive,” he said.

The family has been speculating about how Lauryn survived, said Ms. Siako, 38. They wonder whether Lauryn’s grandmother, Onkemetse Siako, 61, threw her out of the window before the crash.

“No one can explain this miracle,” said Mr. Selome, the cousin.

The family learned at a briefing with police officials from Botswana on Friday, Mr. Selome said, that Lauryn had provided a lot of information to the South African authorities. She told them where the bus was coming from and where it was going, and even gave them her mother’s phone number.

The family now wonders whether God saved the young girl so that she could assist the authorities.

Lauryn was her grandmother’s favorite because she was so obedient, relatives said. The two lived together while Lauryn’s mother was away working, and they were inseparable. She got her cooking skills and independent mind from her grandmother, they said. She would wash and iron her own clothes and cook for the family — she baked bread the morning of the trip.

Lauryn was ranked second in her class, relatives said. She wanted to perform in a beauty pageant at school, but she was not picked because she walked too slowly and with her shoulders slumped, said her mother, who works as a safety and health official at a construction site.

Her mother told her to prepare not to sleep much at the Easter gathering. The praying, singing, dancing and prophesying happens on a field at night, and the energy is so high that the congregants rarely go to bed.

Ms. Siako said there was always a lot of excitement in simply traveling to the Easter gathering, which attracts millions of worshipers, and in seeing all the buses gathered at Moria.

The Zion Christian Church split into two branches in the middle of the 20th century after a dispute between the founder’s sons. Members of the St. Engenas branch wear a badge with a dove, while the other, larger branch, simply called the Zion Christian Church, wear a star. Their beliefs are virtually the same, said Joel Cabrita, a history professor at Stanford University in California, who has written a book about the church. They belong to a broader Zionist Christian movement in Africa that counts around 15 million members, the largest denomination in southern Africa.

While the St. Engenas branch decided to restart its pilgrimage this year, the other branch still has not.

The South African police confirmed on Friday that the passengers on the bus, along with the driver, were citizens of Botswana making the journey from Molepolole, a village that is considered the gateway to the vast Kalahari Desert.

As of Friday afternoon, 34 bodies had been recovered, the police said. Only nine of them were identifiable, with the others burned beyond recognition.

The tragedy cast a cloud over Botswana, a heavily Christian nation of about 2.5 million that was preparing to celebrate the Easter weekend.

Ms. Siako and other relatives said they worried about how this tragedy would affect Lauryn’s mental state. It is unclear when family members might be able to travel to South Africa to visit her in the hospital, or when she will be able to return home.

“I cry a lot,” Ms. Siako said. “I’m just worried, how is she right now?”

She said she pictured her daughter alone at the bottom of the ravine after the crash, and wondered whether she was scared and crying. “I’m asking myself,” she said, “did she even see what really happened?”

Ultimately, though, the miracle of Lauryn’s survival might be all this devastated community has to help it heal right now.

“This girl, just her being alive, is comforting the whole family,” Mr. Selome said. “This girl is giving us strength.”

John Eligon is the Johannesburg bureau chief for The Times, covering a wide range of events and trends that influence and shape the lives of ordinary people across southern Africa. More about John Eligon