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When's the best time to visit New York?
New York is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Our favourite time of year is early Autumn - it's perfect for slightly warm weather without being in peak tourist season.
Spring
March to May
Spring in New York is a great time to visit, with mild weather, blooming cherry blossoms in Central Park, and plenty of outdoor festivals. It’s an ideal season for sightseeing, walking tours, and experiencing the city’s parks at their best.
Summer
June to August
Summer brings a lively atmosphere with free concerts, rooftop bars, and outdoor movie screenings. Enjoy ferry rides, visit Coney Island, or take advantage of extended opening hours at many attractions. However, it can be hot and humid, and popular spots will be crowded.
Autumn
September to November
Autumn is one of the most picturesque times to visit, with crisp air and beautiful autumn foliage in Central Park. The city hosts plenty of seasonal events, including food festivals, Halloween celebrations, and the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Winter
December to February
Winter transforms New York into a festive wonderland. The Christmas lights, ice skating rinks, and holiday markets create a magical atmosphere. It’s also the best time to experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square. However, temperatures can drop below freezing, so warm clothing is essential.
Sights to see in New York City
Iconic landmarks
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take a ferry for an up-close view of this famous symbol of freedom. Ellis Island also offers fascinating insights into the history of immigration in the United States.
Empire State Building and Top of the Rock
These observation decks offer incredible skyline views. Top of the Rock provides a particularly good vantage point of Central Park.
Take in the sights from Brooklyn Bridge
It wouldn't be a visit to New York without taking a walk across the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. Or better yet, join a bike tour and cycle across with your very own guide too.
Museums and experiences
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world’s most renowned museums, featuring art spanning thousands of years.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Famous for its dinosaur skeletons, space exhibits, and interactive displays.
Parks and outdoor spaces
Central Park
A peaceful retreat in the heart of Manhattan, perfect for walking, cycling, or a picnic. Highlights include Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Zoo. If you're looking for more celebrity gossip, book a ticket for a walking tour of movie and TV filming sites within Central Park.
High Line
The High Line used to be a railway line that has been carefully transformed into a raised garden, offering great views with lots of opportunities to take a seat and watch the world go by. There are often events happening so you can join in with the local culture.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a a charming spot with outdoor seating, a winter ice rink, and a summer movie series.
It offers a wide range of different activities, events and entertainment throughout the year.
Entertainment and shopping
Broadway shows
You haven't seen a theatre show until you've seen one in New York's Broadway. Top-hitters include The Lion King, Moulin Rouge and Wicked, and neither will fail to impress. If they don't take your fancy, you'll be spoilt for choice with everything to choose from.
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue has been around for 200 years and that's for good reason. It has a variety of fine dining restaurants, cocktail bars and just about every designer retail store you've heard of, all in one place. It's best to keep your budget in mind when visiting!
Chelsea Market
If you love good, fresh food and washing it down with a selection of speciality drinks, this is the place for you. Head down at lunchtime to explore the food hall and all it has to offer. Once you're full, there'll be plenty of opportunities to shop for things to take home with you.
What should I know before going to New York City?
Getting around
A great way to get around the city is by public transport (managed by the MTA) and it's often a lot cheaper than using taxis.
Buses and the subway are the common options and usually only cost $2.90, with express buses costing $7. What's even better is that, much like the London Underground, you can use your contactless debit or credit card (or smartphone) to tap when paying your fare.
We recommend purchasing the MetroCard if you plan to extensively travel while in the city, but its price is very high (c$180) so it can be cheaper to use other forms of transport, or consider walking instead and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds. Plus, it's a good reason to find a good spot for a long lunch!
Where to stay in New York
Midtown Manhattan
Ideal for first-time visitors, close to Times Square and Broadway.
- We love Hilton New York Times Square because it's right in the action. It's only a stone's throw from Madame Tussauds and Times Square.
- This luxury hotel not only has incredible views of the city and designer rooms but it has its own nightclub too!
Upper West Side
A quieter, residential area near Central Park and museums.
- If you're looking for complete and utter luxury, the Mandarin Oriental, New York hotel is 5-star from the moment you arrive.
- You'll be very close to Central Park but not too far from the centre of Manhattan, so its location is perfect for a quieter stay or for those looking for the best of the best.
- The hotel offers rooms with views of the Hudson River or Central Park.
Greenwich Village
Great for those who enjoy boutique hotels, independent cafés, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- We think The Marlton Hotel is stunning and it's ideally placed for you to either go north towards the Empire State Building or south to popular places like the Ghostbusters Headquarters.
- Unlike a lot of hotels in New York, this one includes breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Especially if you're out sightseeing until nighttime.
The best places to eat and drink
Pizza
The 4.5* reviews on Tripadvisor of Joe's Pizza (of which there are multiple stores) suggest it's the place to go when you're craving a slice of pizza.
Fun fact: Joe's Pizza was the takeaway store that Peter Parker was fired from in the movie Spiderman 2 (2004).
Bagels
Russ & Daughters is a very popular bagel shop that has been around for more than 100 years.
They have a huge selection of bagels and extras to go with them but you may want to check the prices before you go, to avoid an unplanned surprises when you get there and see how much they charge for some items. Others are more reasonable though.
Fine dining
Treat yourself to some world-famous restaurants like:
- Jungsik that offers innovative Korean cuisine
- Eleven Madison Park that offers contemporary American food with its own plant-based tasting menu.
- Le Bernardin, a renowned French seafood restaurant led by Chef Éric Ripert.
What should I know before visiting New York?
Stay safe
It's a busy and bustling city and not unlike any other city in Europe or further, it's a good idea not to carry too many valuables on your person and instead make use of the hotel safe wherever possible. Avoid travelling on the subway late at night and consider using something like Uber to get around in the evenings.
Tipping is common practice
While us Europeans don't usually indulge in tipping as much as they do in America, for them it's part of their way of life so you should expect to tip 15% to 20% on most things you buy. From hotel staff to restaurants, withholding a tip may be considered rude as tips usually make up a large part of staff salaries.
Budget well
Major cities around the world command higher prices, especially in touristy areas, so prices will be higher. We recommend budgeting at least $100 a day per person for general sightseeing but if you'd like to go to a Broadway show, you may need 2 or 3 times that figure.
While many places in New York are using contactless payments, it isn't accepted everywhere so you should expect for restaurant servers to take your card off with them to process the card payment, for which you'd normally sign a receipt.