New York Holidays
New York is a timeless city alive with amazing things to see and do making any city break in the Big Apple a truly memorable experience.
Holidays in New York
You’ll be surprised just how much you can pack into a New York City break. It’s not called the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ for nothing! From delicious street food and gorgeous green spaces to world-class Broadway shows and galleries, a trip to the Big Apple is sure to make lasting memories. Whether you’re wanting to visit for a long weekend, or planning a longer stay, New York has hotels and activities to suit any holiday needs.
Experience Times Square’s bright lights, the latest musicals on Broadway, and dive into the bustling culture of the city. With so much on offer it’s no surprise holiday makers often keep going back time and time again! After all, soaking up New York’s stunning skyline is truly addictive.
Why Visit New York?
- Marvel at the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and breathtaking skyline views from observation decks including at the Rockefeller Centre and the Empire State Building
- Explore world-class museums, Broadway shows, and vibrant neighborhoods rich in history, music, and artistic expression.
- Indulge in diverse cuisines, from classic New York pizza slices to Michelin-starred dining experiences everywhere.
Featured New York Holiday Offers
As one of the most popular destinations in the United States, New York has a range of hotels, resorts and package experiences available that cater to any budget. Explore through some of our best offers and discover the perfect option for your next adventure in the Big Apple.
Best sellers: New York
Want to stay in one of the most popular places in New York? Explore our range of options and find the best accommodation for your city break. Our options include hotels with Bed 7 Breakfast offerings and with flights departing from London Gatwick Airport.
New York Holidays
Best areas to stay in New York
In New York, no matter what area you stay in you'll be close to all the attractions and find plenty happening on your temporary doorstep. The best area to stay in will depend on your budget, needs and what you want to get out of your city break or extended holiday.
Manhattan Holidays
If its's your first time visiting the Big Apple then staying in midtown Manhattan is an ideal choice. You'll be based close to tourist icons including the Empire State Building, Times Square and quick access to the shopping and food scenes. You'll have a choice of smaller budget-friendly hotels, or a range of boutique and luxury accommodation options.
SoHo & TriBeCa
For those looking for the perfect fine dining and nightlife experience in New York, SoHo & TriBeCa boasts an array of high-end boutiques and some of the best rated restaurants in the Big Apple. You'll enjoy a relaxed and trendy atmosphere and find plenty of moments for those dream holiday photos.
Brooklyn
If you're looking for a cheaper holiday to New York, Brooklyn features plenty of budget-friendly hotels and is only a short subway ride away from Manhattan. You'll find a wealth of local eateries and restaurants all serving up some of the finest cuisine New York has to offer.
Days of Exploring
Sightseeing, shopping, wandering around taking it all in... New York is an action-packed destination. Stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge, visit the Statue of Liberty, or simply relax in Central Park. If you’re looking for a culture fix, you’ll find the best museums and galleries in the world – The Museum of Modern Art and The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Go to the massive flagship stores of Times Square, visit iconic department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, or head into Soho or over to Williamsburg for cutting-edge fashion and thrift store chic. A New York holiday is whatever you want it to be. Contact us today to arrange tickets to the best attractions in New York!
Star-studded Skyline
An image straight from the Big Screen, seeing the New York skyline in style is a must when travelling to the Big Apple. The Empire State Building offers iconic skyline views with a journey through New York's past with appearances from iconic construction men and King Kong. One World Trade Centre has clear views of Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Ground Zero. The Edge’s glass bottom platform is a unique take on seeing the skyline, just don’t look down if you’re scared of heights! Alternatively, head to the Rockefeller Centre just before sunset, for clear views of the Empire State Building as it lights up the dazzling skyline.
Food in New York
New York’s rich cultural heritage means the city has restaurants from anywhere in the world. You can taste the best pasta in Little Italy, or amazing noodles in Chinatown. For a real culinary treat, book a table at one of the city’s top-notch, celebrity chef-owned eateries. Or for a brunch with a musical twist, Ellen’s Star Dust Diner is a popular one for families. From Joe’s famous pizza and Magnolia Bakery’s sweet treats to hot pretzels from a street cart, you’ll never go hungry in New York.
Where to Stay
Stay close to the action in Manhattan, home to favourites like the Empire State Building, One World Observatory and Fifth Avenue. For trendier vibes, head to Brooklyn for rooftop views and riverfront photo spots, or explore Queens for some of the city’s most diverse food scenes. For a peaceful moment, enjoy waterfront strolls or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for beautiful, free harbour views.
When to Visit
The best times to visit are April–June and September–October, offering comfortable weather for exploring. Winter brings its own magic, with festive lights, ice rinks and a classic New York Christmas atmosphere. And in 2026, major events like the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations make it an especially exciting year to travel. The Big Apple is the perfect place for a dream winter holiday, especially in the Christmas season when the holiday spirit takes over. Equally, New York is a popular summer destination when relaxing in Central Park is just as thrilling as any beach holiday.
Travel Guide
New York is a magical destination all year-round. With a climate perfect for city breaks. Spend sun-kissed summers in Central Park or a snowy Christmas watching the Radio City Rockettes.
- Average temp: 13°C/55°F
- Average flight time: 8 Hours from the UK
- Most suited for: Couples, Families and Adventure Seekers
- Currency: US Dollar
- Time Difference: -5 Hours
Weather in New York
Average monthly temperature in New York (°C)
- Jan 2°C
- Feb 2°C
- Mar 4°C
- Apr 11°C
- May 16°C
- Jun 22°C
- Jul 25°C
- Aug 24°C
- Sep 20°C
- Oct 14°C
- Nov 9°C
- Dec 9°C
What currency is used in New York?
New York uses the us dollar as its currency. As of May 2026, the current exchange rate with the pound is $1.34. This is subject to fluctuation so be sure to check before you travel. Visit the Hays Travel Money page for more information.
What is there to do in New York?
- The answer here is lots! One of the main attractions of New York is the wealth of activities you can do, sights you can see and food experiences you can enjoy. Explore our list of some of the top must-see things to do below.
- Visit the Statue of Liberty. When visiting New York city, you should go visit this amazing statue as it is well known around the world and something you should tick off your bucket list. You can also visit the Ellis Island located right next to the statue of liberty which is home to the Immigration Museum.
2. See the view from the top of the Empire State building. This iconic should be on your next stop when exploring the city. At the top of this building, you can see the breathtaking New York skyline and see places such as the Chrysler Building and Central Park.
3. Relax on Coney Island. A fun filled place for all the family at the beach. Famous Hot dogs, Ferris wheels, an aquarium and luna park await for you to have an amazing break away from home. This long seaside beach is a perfect spot to relax when visiting New York city.
4. Explore Central Park. This amazing park is made up of 843 acres of preserved greenery. There are many things to do here with activities such as having a nice scenic walk, bike ride around the park, stop the restaurants, skate and visit the fountains.
Best time to visit New York?
New York’s climate has clearly defined seasons, with hot summers and chilly winters. Visit in spring and autumn for warm days. A summer adventure in the Big Apple features long days, bustling street festivals, spectacular outdoor performances and concerts and is the perfect time to for a beach trip to Coney Island.
Perhaps the most magical time to plan your visit is in the build-up to Christmas and New Year. A time when strings of lights decorate 5th Avenue and Christmas trees adorn Manhattan, the atmosphere of New York at Christmas is unlike any other. Wrap up warm, you may even see Manhattan dusted in snow.
Where is the best place to stay?
When people think of New York, they usually just think of the neighbourhood known as Manhattan. The most popular place to stay for tourists visiting the city, if you want easy access to the top sights, Manhattan is the place to be. For quieter residential areas near Central Park, stay in Uptown. For tons of attractions and hotels right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, stay in Midtown. However, if you’ve visited the city before and are looking for a change of scene, why not check out Brooklyn?
How long should I stay in New York?
New York has lots to offer meaning that no matter how long you stay there will always be something to do or explore.
A long weekend break of around 3-4 days is considered to be an ideal length of time if you just want to explore Manhattan and visit the most famous attractions.
However, a longer stay of between 7-10 days allows you to truly take in all the Big Apple has to offer, and even leaves time to explore the explore outer boroughs.
Before you book your trip, consider what you want to do and what sights you want to see. From there you can select the best area to stay in and work out how many days you’ll need to complete your bucket list.
Can you have a cheap holiday to New York?
It is possible to enjoy a cheaper New York holiday experience. Budget-friendly hotel options are available in most areas and there are plenty of free activities on offer. Travel outside of the peak summer and winter seasons (between February and April) when prices are lower due to less demand, and stick to budget-friendly eateries to keep costs down.
Can you book a last-minute trip?
Yes! New York has lots of accommodation available. This means even if you’ve left it to the last minute to book, there will still be many options available.
Visit our last minute holidays page for more information.
Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
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Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching - our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
Call our experts
Contact the Hays Travel long-haul holiday experts today for personalised advice and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.
Enquire today
Submit an enquiry today and one of our experienced Hays Travel holiday experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit us in branch
Visit the Hays Travel holiday experts in branch today for personalised advice, inspiration, and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.