New York Holidays

With so many amazing sights, the biggest challenge on holidays to New York is deciding what to do first. Check out some of our favourite activities below or take a look at our handy New York itinerary.

• Visit Times Square: This bustling area is a classic symbol of New York and a must-visit. Head for the bright lights, and you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars and Broadway shows.
• Climb the Statue of Liberty: Climbing the steps up to Lady Liberty’s crown on Liberty Island is a pinch-yourself New York moment. Make sure you book early, as tickets can sometimes sell out. The attraction is only accessible by ferry, and the ticket includes a stop at Ellis Island, where you can enter the National Immigration Museum for free.
• See spectacular city views: Admire the stunning skyline from the top of the Empire State Building, or head to the Top of the Rock observation deck at the Rockefeller Center and look out over the city’s iconic landmarks.
• Discover Grand Central Terminal: It may primarily be a train station, but it’s well worth a visit. This grand station is a little slice of NYC history with its marble floors and a vaulted ceiling adorned with thousands of stars. Once inside, visit the Whispering Gallery or the Oyster Bar.
• Spend some time in Brooklyn: If you haven’t booked a stay at one of the borough’s boutique hotels, head to Brooklyn to see a different side of New York City. Walk over the famous Brooklyn Bridge, visit eclectic art galleries or grab a slice at one of the popular pizzerias.

From cruising along the Hudson to cycling through Central park, there are lots of exciting outdoor adventures to be had on holidays to New York.

• Central Park: This huge man-made park spans over 3.4km2 and offers much more than most city parks. There are playgrounds, lush gardens, works of art, fountains, a zoo and a lake. Renting a bike will make it easier to see the sights.
• Staten Island Ferry: If you’re hoping for a cheap New York holiday, you'll be glad to know it’s free to ride the Staten Island Ferry. This is a unique and budget-friendly way to take in views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as you glide along the Hudson River.
• The High Line: When you fancy a break from sightseeing, find a space to relax along the High Line, an elevated walkway and community park built on an old railway track. Grab a coffee and take your time strolling past its art installations.
• City tours: One of the best ways to learn more about New York City is to book a place on a guided tour. Venture out on foot for a tour of the boroughs, a food-tasting trip or a visit to film and TV locations in Central Park. If you want to give your feet a rest, hop on an open-air bus tour or a river cruise.
• Coney Island: Often described as a ‘concrete jungle’, you may be surprised to find that the city has a collection of sandy beaches. If you’re visiting during the summer, head to Coney Island in Brooklyn to soak up the warm weather. Don’t forget to try the fun amusement rides and an iconic Nathan's Famous hot dog.

When it comes to food, New York City has an incredible offering. You’ll find everything from upmarket restaurants to street food stalls which are perfect for cheap eats.

• Local food: NYC holidays wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the city’s most popular foods. New York bagels are in a league of their own, and pizza, pretzels, hot dogs and tasty cookies also make it onto our must-try list. Head to Katz’s Deli for lunch to savour their famous pastrami sandwich.
• Neighbourhood specialities: Explore different areas of NYC to find delicious food from around the world. Little Italy is the place to go for authentic Italian pasta and a well-made Negroni, while Chinatown has amazing dim sum and bubble tea.
• Themed restaurants: Make your meal one to remember with a standout dining experience. Ellen’s Stardust Diner comes with a side of entertainment from Broadway hopefuls, Rolf's specialises in German cuisine and is known for its dazzling display of Christmas decorations, and Max Brenner is a chocolate emporium serving deliciously sweet treats.
• Food markets: These are ideal for cheap eats or grabbing a quick bite in between sightseeing. Chelsea Market is the place to go for gourmet fast food – think tacos, falafel, gelato and doughnuts. Smorgasburg is an open-air food market open during spring and summer. Burgers, bao buns, oysters, tacos, cookies and cupcakes are all on the menu.
• Dinner with a view: Treat yourself to a mouth-watering meal at the aptly named ‘The View Restaurant & Lounge’. This revolving eatery is on the 48th floor of the New York Marriott Marquis, and boasts vistas over Midtown Manhattan. 230 Fifth is a rooftop restaurant and bar offering casual bites and overlooking the Empire State Building.

After a day filled with sightseeing adventures, relax with a drink in hand at one of the city’s chic bars, or enjoy entertaining shows, sporting events and stand-up gigs – the choice is yours.

• Broadway: The bright lights of Broadway are world-renowned, and if you’re looking for some evening entertainment, you can’t go wrong with a dazzling show. Chicago, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton are just a few to consider. Sometimes, celebrities take to the stage, starring in shows for a select time.
• Madison Square Garden: Locally known as ‘The Garden’ this multi-purpose arena is one of the most famous in the world. Check what’s on in advance, and you might be able to see a concert with your favourite artist, or catch a basketball or ice hockey game. The atmosphere is fantastic, and there’s often pre-show entertainment.
• Nightlife: The affectionate nickname ‘the city that never sleeps’ is the best way to describe nightlife in the Big Apple. You’ll never be far from a bar, and Midtown Manhattan is a great place to start. It has lots of Irish pubs hosting live bands, as well as sports bars and rooftop lounges. Mingle with tourists and New Yorkers in the East Village over craft cocktails at casual dive bars, or choose the Meatpacking District for trendy venues and exclusive nightclubs.
• Comedy clubs: For a hilarious night out, head to one of the city’s lively comedy clubs. Comic Strip Live is one of the oldest in NYC and is where many celebrities started their stand-up career. Check what’s on in advance so you don’t miss out.
• Rooftop bars: New York’s spectacular skyline makes these a hit with tourists. Rooftop bars are dotted around the city and are the ideal place to enjoy a drink with a view. They’re popular all year round, too, as you can soak up the sunshine in the summer or, in the colder months, unwind in heated outdoor areas or Instagram-worthy igloos. 230 Fifth and the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge are some of the most popular.

From gourmet restaurants to romantic date nights and unforgettable proposals, there are plenty of fun things to do in New York for couples.

• Brooklyn Botanical Garden: With more than 12,000 plants, this garden is beautiful at any time of year, but it's a particularly lovely spot to stroll hand-in-hand beneath the cherry blossoms in the spring.
• Live jazz music: Nothing says New York like a night at a jazz club. Village Vanguard in the West Village is the oldest jazz club in NYC and has hosted plenty of famous faces over the years. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra plays every Monday night.
• Date night: There are countless restaurants to choose from with lots of high-end options that are perfect for a fancy meal. For something different, book a romantic dinner cruise along the Hudson River. You’ll be able to admire spectacular views of the city, a delicious 3-course meal and live jazz onboard.
• Spend the day in SoHo: Treat yourself or your loved one to something special at one of the high-end boutiques or chic pop-up shops in the SoHo neighbourhood. Stroll the cobblestone streets before stopping for lunch at one of the upscale restaurants.
• Marriage proposals: Thinking of popping the question on your holiday? There are great places to propose in NYC, from a quiet spot in Central Park to the top of the Empire State Building. If you want to go all out, you can even arrange to propose via the big screen with a message that will appear on one of the huge billboards in Times Square!

With a bit of planning, New York can be a brilliant destination for a family city break, where you can fill your days with fun activities.

• Beach days: If you fancy a slower-paced day, head to Coney Island. Little ones can play on the sandy beach, eat ice cream and take a spin on the rides at the amusement park.
• Sporting events: There are lots of opportunities to watch a game in New York City, with basketball, baseball and ice hockey all on the list. Book tickets to see world-famous teams up close, like the New York Yankees. The impressive Yankee Stadium is located in the Bronx and can seat more than 50,000 spectators.
• Child-friendly museums: Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum is the perfect place to while away a rainy day. There’s a sensory room here and hands-on science exhibits as well as more traditional collections. The American Museum of Natural History is another top choice for families.
• Outdoor activities: Get active on your New York holiday by embarking on fun outdoor adventures. If you’re visiting during the summer, hire bikes and cycle through Central Park together, or set sail on a sightseeing cruise. If you’ve booked a Christmas holiday in New York, go ice skating under the iconic Rockefeller tree.
• Family-friendly shows: The Lion King, Aladdin and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are some of the best Broadway shows for families. Be mindful that the minimum child age limit can vary for shows, so it’s important to check before booking. If you’re planning a last minute holiday and haven’t had time to book in advance, you can get same-day tickets at a reduced price from various booths around the city – the main one is in Times Square.

If you’d love to visit the Big Apple but want to keep the costs down, we have some handy tips that will help make your getaway more affordable.

• Spread the cost: When you book with loveholidays, you’ll be able to secure your dream holiday with a low deposit and then pay the rest off in budget-friendly instalments. This can help you manage your money and takes away the stress of having to pay for everything in one go.
• Dine for less: While the city isn’t known for being an all inclusive holiday destination, most New York hotels still have restaurants on-site. Some of our holiday packages include breakfast which will save you money and give you the energy you need for a day of sightseeing. You can also reduce the cost of your meals by stopping at food markets or street food stalls to savour cheap eats.
• Make the most of free activities: If you’re planning a cheap holiday to New York, it’s a good idea to research the city’s free attractions. There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a cent, like walking tours, riding the Staten Island Ferry, strolling along the High Line and visiting museums. Even walking around the city in search of iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Centre is fun itself, as you can admire the incredible architecture.
• Save money on transport: One of the best ways to get around New York City is on foot. You’ll be able to miss the traffic, and there’s so much to see as you go. If you’re travelling further, take the Subway as this will be cheaper than a taxi. You can pay per ride or purchase a 7-day Unlimited MetroCard to travel as much as you like for 1 set price.
• Visit the outlets: If shopping in NYC is at the top of your list, you can keep costs down by heading to outlet stores like Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. It’s just over an hour from Midtown Manhattan, but you can book tours that include round-trip bus transportation and discount booklets. You’ll find big designer brands at lower prices, including Dior, Fendi, Jimmy Choo and Mulberry.

With world-class art collections, iconic architecture and child-friendly exhibits, New York’s impressive museums really are some of the best in the world.

• The Met: You’ll find one of the world’s best fine art collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a landmark since it was founded in 1870. It’s located on the edge of Central Park on a section of Fifth Avenue known as ‘Museum Mile’. There are hundreds of events hosted throughout the year, including the exclusive celebrity Met Gala, and public events like music performances, behind-the-scenes tours and storytime sessions for children.
• American Museum of Natural History: This amazing museum isn’t just for the kids, although the dinosaur skeletons will certainly keep little ones entertained. Temporary exhibitions shine the light on everything from space exploration to climate change. This is a great choice for a cheap day out as the museum operates a ‘pay-what-you-wish’ system.
• MoMA: Head to the Museum of Modern Art to see more than 200,000 works of contemporary art from around the world. Glimpse masterpieces by Monet and Vincent van Gogh, as well as paintings by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
• Guggenheim Museum: It’s worth visiting the Guggenheim Museum to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s magnificent architecture alone. Other must-see works include pieces by Vasily Kandinsky, Jeff Koons and Jackson Pollock.
• 9/11 Memorial Museum: This poignant museum tells the story of 9/11, acting as a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy. There’s a beautiful memorial outside the museum which is free and open to the public 7 days a week.