Why Visit New York? Your Guide to an Amazing City Break!
26/02/2026
New York, New York so good they named it twice! And, of course, this amazing metropolis is also famously known as the Big Apple and the City That Never Sleeps! Where else in the world can you start the morning with a full breakfast in a friendly diner; spend the day exploring famous sights; greet the sunset with a Manhattan cocktail gazing out across the city; and then take your seat to watch one of the latest musicals on Broadway! Our latest Destination Guide turns the spotlight on our top five reasons to put New York at the top of your holiday list and the top three must-visit sights and attractions.
Top Five Reasons to put New York at the Top of your Holiday List in 2026
1. Visit Iconic Landmarks
When it comes to iconic landmarks; you’re spoilt for choice. From capturing a selfie with the Statue of Liberty or Grand Central Terminal’s four-faced Tiffany clock and riding a carriage through Central Park to wandering through the neon-lit Times Square and strolling across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. And, if you’re looking for cityscape views; you really must whizz to the top of Art Deco skyscraper Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory atop Rockefeller Center, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
2. Enjoy World-Class Museums and Galleries
New York is a diverse, global hub and home to world-renowned cultural institutions. Gaze in wonder at over two million works of art from around the globe at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” painting at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Admire the night sky at the planetarium and get up close to dinosaurs at American Museum of Natural History and learn about the horrific 2001 attacks and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
3. Sports and Entertainment
New York’s calendar is packed with entertainment and sports year-round. Experience top-class theatre productions and shows in the Theatre District and live music at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Bowery Ballroom, The Rooftop at Pier 17, and the legendary Carnegie Hall. Watch the US Open Tennis Championships in August/September at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; November’s TCS New York City Marathon; New York Yankees Baseball at Yankee Stadium; New York Knicks Basketball at Madison Square Garden; and New York Rangers Hockey at Madison Square Garden.
4. Diverse Boroughs and City Life
New York has 300+ neighbourhoods across five boroughs. The Bronx’s Fordham is your gateway to New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo and South Bronx’s Yankee Stadium. Brooklyn leads to DUMBO’s picture-perfect views of Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg’s trendy artistic vibe. Discover Greenwich Village’s tree-lined streets and bohemian atmosphere and SoHo’s amazing shopping in Manhattan. Queens’ Astoria boasts international cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Hop on the complimentary ferry past the Statue of Liberty to Staten Island’s Snug Harbour Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and historic Richmond Town.
5. Food and Drink
Tuck into New-York-style pizzas at Mama’s Too! and Joe’s Pizza and feast on Russ & Daughters Café’s lox and cream cheese bagels. Try Katz’s Deli’s legendary thick-cut hot pastrami sandwiches, Junior’s Cheesecake’s creamy cheesecake on Times Square, or food-on-the-go with a NYC hot dog from a hot dog stand. Drinks-wise - unwind with a craft beer like Other Half Brewing’s Hazy IPAs and Grimm Artisan’s ales; a sophisticated Manhattan or Cosmopolitan or a cosy Hot Toddy or Irish Coffee cocktail; or a glass of Finger Lakes, Long Island, or the Hudson Valley wine.
Top Three Must-Visits in New York
Central Park
The sprawling urban oasis of Central Park is spread across 843 acres in the centre of Manhattan. Make sure to seek out Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, get up close to the friendly penguins and sea lions at Central Park Zoo, and explore Belvedere Castle atop Vista Rock. Go in search of Strawberry Fields’ John Lennon memorial and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Dip into nature at its best as you wander through the Conservatory Garden’s 200 species of birds and local wildlife. Take a break with lunch of American favourites like sandwiches, burgers, and salads at Tavern on the Green Monday through Friday.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
On Liberty Island; you can enter the pedestal or climb to the crown of the famous 305-foot-tall Statue of Liberty and view the original 1886 torch at the Statue of Liberty Museum. Ellis Island is famed as the USA’s premier immigration station and processing 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 19% - this history is brought to life at The National Museum of Immigration and The Wall of Honor. The best way to visit the islands is to book official tickets with Statue City Cruises from both New York’s Battery Park and New Jersey’s Liberty State Park – with early morning departures avoiding the crowds.
Times Square
And last but by no means least - no visit to New York is complete without experiencing the neon-lit Times Square! Also known as “The Crossroads of the World”, it’s not only the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection and brightly lit with countless digital billboards and advertisements; but it’s also the heartbeat of the Theater district with its Broadway theatres and vibrant entertainment. Add into the mix flagship stores like M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World, Madame Tussaud’s and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions, and dining venues like Carmine’s Italian Restaurant and Hard Rock Café and this is definitely one place not to be missed!
If we’ve inspired you to book a New York holiday so that you can experience this amazing destination for yourself, why not check out our latest deals!