With its vibrant energy, multi-cultural and densely packed population and some of the most magnificent sights in the world, New York is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The action never stops and whatever you're looking for you'll find it in the city's five boroughs - the only problem you'll experience is regaining your energy and trying to fit it all in. Temperatures vary widely, peaking around 30°C in the summer and dropping to around 5°C in the winter. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the soaring prices of the summer season. Flights from the UK usually take between six and seven hours.
Best for...
New York City has something for everyone with museums, galleries, shopping and some of the most famous sights in the world...
Perhaps more than any other location in the world, New York City has not just something for everyone... but a LOT for everyone. With museums, galleries, theatre and some of the most dazzling sights in the world there's plenty for culture buffs; partygoers will be spoilt for choice with numerous trendsetting bars and clubs; the city is certainly a shopper's paradise and those seeking a quieter break can enjoy the leafy National Parks or the beaches of Long Island.
What to do...
Many holidaymakers in New York City never leave Manhattan and it's unsurprising with everything there is to discover. Times Square is the centre of New York City's shopping and entertainment district. This is where you will find the Broadway theatres, the most famous stage shows in the world, and the prestigious Metropolitan Opera. There are landmarks galore in the area including the world famous Empire State Building, with its incredible panoramic views, the Chrysler Building, the site of the former World Trade Center and Central Park, which has appeared in many films and television shows.
In Manhattan there is so much packed into a relatively small space including some fabulous eating spots like the 24hr pasta restaurants in Little Italy and the eastern cuisine of Chinatown. From Manhattan you can take a trip on the Staten Island ferry for an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty. It is also the home of some of the world's most famous art galleries including the Guggenheim, Noma and the Metropolitan.
New York is a shopper's paradise, with tourists flocking in droves, particularly in the lead up to Christmas, to stock up with some comparatively cheap prices in some of the largest stores in the world. With Macy's, Barney's, Bloomingdale's and Saks to discover you'll be carrying big brown bags galore and that's without even venturing into the numerous hip boutiques. Make sure you have plenty of room in your suitcase!
With a bit of time it's well worth heading out of Manhattan and discovering what the other boroughs have to offer. The Bronx has a reputation for violence, but there's plenty to see there too including Yankee Stadium, home to the New York Yankees, the Bronx Museum of Arts, The New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. Western Queens is a hub for art with numerous museums and Socrates Sculpture Park. It's also the location of the Unisphere, a 12-storey high replica of planet Earth, in Flushing Meadows Park.
Coney Island is the place to go if you want to relax by the shores. It's also the home to theme parks including more than 50 rides and attractions. Long Island's South Shore in particular is a hotspot for tourists, while The Hamptons is a playground for the rich and famous. Long Island also offers numerous golf courses.
By night you might wish to see if you can run into a celebrity or two at New York's infamous nightlife hotspots. Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction is a combination of restaurant, cocktail lounge and cabaret area, while Pravda is famous for having New Yorkers lined around the city. Many bars are neither gay nor straight and instead cater to both orientations, with different themes on different nights.
New York City is also a gateway to many other US states, perfectly situated between New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Trips to Boston are particularly popular and it's worthwhile discovering the rest of New York state, including Albany, the state capital, which offers the Empire State Plaza and its numerous rock and blues festivals, as well as Buffalo with the Museum of Science and fabulous architecture.
Accommodation in NY $20
