The concrete jungle. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. Holidays to New York are good vibes all around; it's cooler than the friends from Friends, and it has more landmarks per square mile than anywhere else.
Holidays to New York 2026 / 2027 Highlights
Whether you're planning New York holidays in 2026, or looking ahead to your 2027 holidays, prices and availability are moving fast - here's everything you need to know.
The Iconic Skyline - you’ve seen the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade on screen for decades. Pick the right hotel base, and you can tick off these legendary views right from your window.
Broadway Nights - Times Square boasts 41 world-class theatres with tickets from €95. Want a pro tip? Hit the local TKTS booth on the day to bag huge 20% to 50% discounts on the biggest shows.
Central Park Oasis - this is 843 acres of pure main-character energy. Expect tranquil lakes, woodlands, a zoo, and a winter ice rink smack-bang in the middle of the Manhattan madness.
Views for Every Budget - scale the heights of the Edge at Hudson Yards or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt for the ultimate sky-high selfie. On a budget? The Staten Island Ferry gives you iconic Lady Liberty views for absolutely free.
The Subway Secret - Manhattan looks small on a map, but it's massive in practice. Skip the blister plasters, plan your itinerary by neighbourhood, and use the 24/7 subway - it’s cheap, fast, and effortless.
Good to Know
Fun Fact - New Yorkers fold their pizza slices. It’s not rude; it’s tradition.
Best Park (a city’s version of a beach!) - Central Park – over 800 acres of iconic green space.
Cost of a pint - around $8–10 (approx. €7.50–€9.20), but dive bars are your friend if you're after a cheap holiday.
Local Lingo – Talk Like a New Yorker
Visiting New York City? You’ll notice the locals have their own way of talking. Here are some classic phrases and words to help you fit right in:
“Cabbie” – taxi driver. You’ll hear this everywhere, especially when hailing a yellow cab
“Hero / Sub / Hoagie” – what locals call a sub sandwich. Don’t ask for a “sub” unless you want a confused look.
“The City” – New Yorkers often mean Manhattan when they say this, even though NYC has five boroughs.
“Regular coffee” – in NYC, this usually means drip coffee, black or with milk. If you ask for a “coffee,” you might get an espresso instead.
“Bodega” – a small corner store open late, perfect for snacks, sandwiches, or that emergency bottle of water.
"Schmear" - a generous, thick spread of cream cheese on your bagel.
"Pie" - a whole pizza, not a single slice. (e.g., "Let's order a pie for the table.")
"The Grid" - the numbered street and avenue layout covering most of Manhattan above Houston Street, making navigating the city straightforward.
"Stand in Line" - New Yorkers stand in line, never on or at line—and definitely not "in a queue."
What are the best sights to see in New York?
There's loads to do on a New York city break, but we've taken the liberty of sky-scraping together some of the good stuff. (Not sorry).
Empire State Building - duh, it's (almost) the title of an Alicia Keys song for a reason. Apart from being an iconic landmark from the outside, this Art Deco skyscraper has some seriously fun exhibits (so you can see what it'd feel like to star in King Kong), and it serves up some of the best views in New York, which you can cut the queue to if you bag an express pass straight to the top.
Brooklyn Bridge - you can see this whopping bridge from loads of places across the city, but if you'd rather be close to the action, then you can pop your comfy shoes on and follow the walking route. It takes about an hour to walk the full bridge, and you can go from either Brooklyn to Manhattan or Manhattan to Brooklyn - although we recommend starting in Brooklyn so you can admire the skyline along the way. Don't forget - you don't have to walk the full thing, and you can turn back and go the way you came if you want to experience the bridge from both directions!
Statue of Liberty - for the best view of this famous landmark, you'll need to hop on a ferry across the water. You can either just ride past the island if you're only interested in snapping a few far-off photos, or, if you want a closer look, you can take a ferry over to Liberty Island, where the statue lives. Spoiler: it's bigger than you think! There's a museum there too, in case you fancy grabbing a souvenir.
Central Park - that's right, it's not all concrete and skyscrapers - there are a few trees knocking about. Loads in fact, if you head to Central Park. Quite fittingly, this place is pretty central, so it's easy to get to from most points in the city, whether you walk, hop in a cab or take the subway. Once you're there, you'll have over 800 acres of pathways, woodlands and lakes to explore. It's even got an ice skating rink, outdoor yoga classes, and - get this - its own zoo. Talk about everything but the kitchen sink.
Rockefeller Centre - every ice-skating scene you've ever seen in a Christmas movie set in America happened here. Probably. Just trust us, it's iconic. While the rink and famous Christmas tree are the stars of the show in winter, in the warmer months, you'll usually find pop-up bars and seating areas so you can enjoy a cocktail or a bite to eat in the heart of it all.
Times Square - it seems like a no-brainer that you're gonna wanna pound the pavement on your New York holidays, and where better to get your steps in than the iconic Times Square? The screens light up the night and no matter what time you're strolling through, there's guaranteed to be a buzz; we're talking street performers, food vendors and the hubub of chatter from people going here, there and everywhere. Try some of the bars nearby for a tipple or two, hit up a restaurant for some delish food, or make your way to Broadway and catch your next fave show.
Where to stay on your holidays to New York
New York’s packed with buzzing boroughs, boujee hotels, and hidden-gem neighbourhoods – but choosing where to stay can make or break your Big Apple jollies. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to the best areas to stay in New York for every kind of traveller:
Midtown Manhattan - Best for first-timers
Smack bang in the heart of it all, Midtown is the classic choice. You’ve got Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway, Rockefeller Centre – the whole New York bucket list within walking distance. Yes, it's busy, touristy, and never sleeps, but that's half the charm. Great for short stays and first-timers who want it all on the doorstep.
Downtown Manhattan - Best for culture & cool vibes
Slightly less hectic but still buzzing, Downtown has a more local feel. You’re near Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, SoHo, and the ferry to Lady Liberty. Hotels are often better value than Midtown, and there’s a gorgeous mix of rooftop bars, indie boutiques and classic NY delis. Proper New Yorker energy without the tourist crush.
Brooklyn - Best for trendsetters on a budget
Across the river but still just a short subway ride away, Brooklyn brings that cool-kid energy. Think brunch spots, food trucks, and warehouse art galleries. It’s ideal for longer stays or anyone who wants value without sacrificing style. Plus, walking the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan? 10/10 moment.
Central Park Area – Best for peace & green space
Want a calmer city break with leafy views and morning strolls? Stay near Central Park. You’ll be steps from the park itself, world-class museums (hello, MET), and high-end shopping on Fifth Ave. It’s more boujee than budget, but perfect for couples or families looking for space to breathe.
New York Holidays are Perfect for You If...
You've watched so many movies set here that stepping onto the Manhattan grid feels like walking onto a film set.
Broadway shows, skyline rooftop cocktails, and a legendary pastrami sandwich from Katz's Deli sound like your perfect weekend.
You thrive on high-energy city breaks where you can fit three weeks' worth of iconic sightseeing into a single five-day trip.
You want to experience the magic of New York in winter firsthand - from the Rockefeller ice rink to the festive avenue lights.
You love a city that never hits pause, where you can catch a midnight comedy set, grab a 2 a.m. slice of pizza, or watch the sunrise over the East River.
You're after a long-haul destination that delivers an equally unforgettable trip, whether you're going solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.
New York on a Budget: How to Experience the Big Apple for Less
You don’t need a massive bank balance to enjoy New York. With smart planning, you can experience the city’s top highlights without overspending:
Free Iconic Sights - walk the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll the High Line, ride the Staten Island Ferry for free views of the Statue of Liberty, and explore Central Park.
Eat Like a Local - skip pricey hotel breakfasts for classic NYC bagel spots, grab a pastrami sandwich from legendary delis, or sample slice shops across Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Discounted Broadway & Museums - visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for up to 50% off same-day theatre tickets, or look out for pay-what-you-wish museum hours.
Top hotels for New York holidays 2026/2027
Whether you're planning ahead for your holidays or you've had some last-minute inspo, we've got a hotel for that. You can see all hotels in New York or browse a few of our favourites below:
👨👩👧👦 What are the best family hotels for a New York holiday?
Arthouse Hotel New York is an Upper West Side base two blocks from the American Museum of Natural History and the Central Park West edge of the park, with strong subway links and zero "are we there yet?" drama on the way to the big attractions.
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan Central Park is the reliable family choice, with a complimentary hot breakfast including proper New York bagels and city views from the upper floors.
Hotel Beacon is an Upper West Side classic with genuinely oversized suites, two blocks from Central Park one way and the Hudson the other. Room for the whole crew to spread out after a 20,000-step day.
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown puts you in Lower Manhattan within walking distance of the Staten Island Ferry terminal, so the free Statue of Liberty views are on your doorstep. The real parenting win is the warm chocolate-chip cookie handed to everyone at check-in.
💑 What are the best hotels in New York for a couples' city break?
Hard Rock Hotel New York City Times Square does rock and roll romance properly, with music-themed rooms, a yoga kit delivered to your room, and RT60, a rooftop bar hanging directly over the Broadway neon.
Hotel Belleclaire is a Beaux-Arts landmark on the Upper West Side that has been open since 1903 and has hosted Mark Twain and Babe Ruth. Classic architecture, an on-site bakery for morning pastry runs, and a quieter, more local New York than Midtown.
The Knickerbocker Hotel sits between Times Square and Bryant Park with skyline views from St. Cloud, its rooftop bar. It is one of several places that claim to have invented the martini, which is exactly the sort of argument to have on a rooftop.
CIVILIAN Hotel is a boutique in the Broadway district built for theatre lovers, with rooms styled like backstage dressing rooms and a disco-themed restroom, steps from the West Side stage doors.
✨ What are the best luxury hotels for a New York holiday?
The Plaza Hotel is the Fifth Avenue landmark, open since 1907 and host to everyone from royalty to Hollywood. Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is still running and is still a bucket-list hour.
The New Yorker, A Lotte Hotel brings Art Deco glamour to Midtown: there is a genuine 24-hour American diner attached, the Tick Tock, and a steakhouse called Butcher & Banker hidden inside an old bank vault.
🎉 What are the best hotels in New York for a group city break?
Moxy NYC Downtown is the social base in Lower Manhattan, with modern rooms built for pre-drinks, a rooftop bar, and easy walking access to Tribeca, Chinatown and One World Trade Center.
Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan solves the group logistics: five minutes' walk from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, about twelve from Times Square, with spa-style showers to recover in.
💰 What are the best cheap hotels for a New York city break?
Pod Times Square Hotel is the budget answer in Hell's Kitchen, trading floor space for savings with clever, compact rooms and soundproofed windows a short stroll from Broadway and Bryant Park.
Pod Hotel 39th Street runs the same formula in Murray Hill with a bit more neighbourhood feel, an Italian restaurant and a rooftop bar on site, and the Empire State Building about twelve minutes' walk away.
Broadway Plaza Hotel is a high-value boutique on the Flatiron and NoMad border, recently refurbished, with 24-hour reception, in-room food delivery, and a facility fee that is a fraction of the Manhattan norm.
New York holidays 2026/2027 travel guide
💑 What are the best things to do in New York for couples?
Catch golden hour on the Brooklyn Bridge - at sunrise for a peaceful, crowd-free walk, or at sunset for the romance. Start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan so the skyline is in front of you the whole way.
Row a boat on Central Park's Lake - grab a rowboat from the Central Park Boathouse, drop the oars and pretend you are in a film. First come, first served, and the season runs from the start of April.
Sip rooftop cocktails at Hudson VU - the rooftop at Ink48 in Hell's Kitchen, with uninterrupted views over the Hudson and the skyline. Go for sunset and stay for the lights coming on.
Escape to The Met Cloisters - the medieval-monastery branch of The Met, tucked into Fort Tryon Park at the top of Manhattan. Total fairytale vibes, a million miles from the streets, and criminally underrated.
Dinner at Le Bernardin - if you want the blowout, this three-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant is the one. Book at least a month ahead and treat the tasting menu as the main event of the trip.
👨👩👧👦 What are the best things to do in New York with the family?
American Museum of Natural History - a blue whale the size of a bus, proper dinosaur fossils and a planetarium that will keep everyone quiet for an hour. General admission does not need a timed slot, but book ahead for the planetarium and the butterfly vivarium.
Day trip to Coney Island - jump on the D, F, N or Q and head for the coast. Ride the Cyclone, eat a Nathan's hot dog on the boardwalk, and take a bracing paddle in the Atlantic. Luna Park runs seasonally from spring into late autumn, so check the calendar if you are going out of season; Nathan's is open all year.
Say hello to Lady Liberty - take the ferry to Liberty Island to get up close, and book well ahead if you want to climb the crown, which is open and limited. On a budget, the Staten Island Ferry is free and sails right past her.
Central Park Zoo and Billy Johnson Playground - the zoo is compact enough to do in a morning before anyone loses interest, and Billy Johnson Playground is right beside it on the East Side for burning off whatever energy is left.
Skyline gazing at Top of the Rock - the best view of the Empire State Building anywhere, across three levels with open-air terraces, so nobody has to be lifted up to see over the glass.
🎉 What are the best things to do in New York for groups?
Laugh your head off at the Comedy Cellar - the legendary Greenwich Village basement where megastars drop in unannounced to test new material. It fills up fast every night of the week, so booking ahead is non-negotiable.
A Hell's Kitchen rooftop crawl - why settle for one view? Start at Hudson VU, cross to 230 Fifth, finish at Bar 54. All walking distance, all skyline, all night.
Catch a game at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center - a Knicks or Nets game, or the Rangers on the ice. Even if you do not know a single rule, the atmosphere, the hot dogs and the crowd make it a proper group night.
Liberty and Ellis Island group tour - one ticket, round-trip ferry and a timed audio tour, two bucket-list landmarks in a single morning. Dead easy with a big crew.
Bag cheap Broadway tickets - skip full price and hit the TKTS booth in Times Square on the day for up to 50% off, then eat around the corner before the curtain.
New York package holidays - What's included?
Booking a New York package holiday with OTB means flights and hotel all wrapped up in one booking - none of the faff of cross-referencing flight times with hotel check-in, and no nasty surprises when the total comes in higher than the sum of the parts.
Here's what a standard New York package holiday with us includes:
Return flights from your local airport - we work with airlines flying direct from Dublin, Shannon, and major airports across Ireland.
Hotel accommodation - from budget-friendly stays in Midtown to boutique hotels in the West Village and swanky options in SoHo, your hotel is booked and confirmed as part of the same package. No separate reservation to manage, no hoping the rates haven't moved.
Deposits from €10pp - you don't need to pay the full amount upfront. Lock in your New York holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost, so you can get something in the calendar before prices move.
Whether you're after a long weekend city break or a full two-week East Coast adventure with New York as the centrepiece, a package holiday takes the stress out of the planning and keeps everything in one place. And frankly, with a city this big and this busy, one less thing to think about is always a win.
More Places to Visit in America
If you’re planning a US adventure in 2026, there’s a ton to explore beyond New York. Here’s a quick guide to the main regions and what makes them special:
East Coast
Florida – theme parks, beaches, and year-round sunshine. Home to Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys.
Boston – historic charm, Fenway Park, lobster rolls, and stunning autumn colours.
West Coast
California – road trips, beaches, and Hollywood glamour. Includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
Las Vegas – neon lights, casinos, pool parties, and world-class shows in the Nevada desert.
Arizona – the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, desert stargazing, and classic Wild West vibes.
The South
New Orleans – jazz, Mardi Gras, incredible Creole food, and nightlife on Bourbon Street.
Texas – big skies, bigger steaks, live music in Austin, and proper cowboy culture.
Popular New York hotels
More New York hotelsWeather in New York
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New York runs a full four seasons with real extremes.
Summer (June to August) gets hot and humid, consistently 26 to 32°C, with occasional heatwaves pushing 35°C+. The concrete holds the heat overnight; air-conditioned bars, museums and hotel lobbies become genuinely welcome.
Autumn (September to November) is the sweet range, crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons at 15 to 22°C, and the foliage turns Central Park and the Hudson Valley postcard-golden through October.
Winter (December to February) is properly cold. Daytime highs of 2 to 7°C, lows well below freezing, and snowfall is reliable (the city handles it well, but pack a proper coat and waterproof footwear).
Spring (March to May) starts cold and warms into the high teens and low twenties by May. Cherry blossoms hit Brooklyn Botanic Garden mid-April; Manhattanhenge (the sun lining up along the street grid) in late May is a genuine spectacle.
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FAQs
What currency do they use in New York?
What currency do they use in New York?
The official currency in New York is the American Dollar.
What language do they speak in New York?
What language do they speak in New York?
No need to fork out on international dictionaries or language classes - the official language spoken in New York is English.
How long does it take to fly to New York?
How long does it take to fly to New York?
Around eight hours from London to JFK or Newark, and a little under from Dublin, which is nothing a neck pillow and a few downloaded movies can't sort. Coming back is roughly an hour quicker with the jet stream behind you.
If you're flying from Dublin there is a real bonus: Terminal 2 has full US preclearance, so you clear American immigration and customs before you board and walk straight out at the other end like a domestic passenger. Get to the airport earlier than you normally would, because the morning US departures all go through the same hall.
What's the time difference between the UK and New York?
What's the time difference between the UK and New York?
The local time in New York is 5 hours behind the UK - but, hey - that just means that once you arrive, you'll have even more of the day to spend exploring.
How many days do I need in New York?
How many days do I need in New York?
Four to five days is the magic number for first-timers. You'll have time to hit all the major landmarks, catch a Broadway show, explore a few neighbourhoods, and actually enjoy yourself without feeling like you're on a military operation. Got less time? Three days works if you're efficient. Got more? Lucky you – you can really dig into different boroughs and hidden gems.
What's the best way to get around New York?
What's the best way to get around New York?
The subway, hands down. It runs 24 hours, it costs $3.00 a ride, about £2.20 / €2.60, and it goes almost everywhere.
Forget the MetroCard, it is gone. Just tap your own contactless card or your phone straight on the reader, the same way you would at home, and it works. If you'd rather not use your bank card, an OMNY card costs a dollar from a station machine or a corner shop.
The bit nobody tells you: fares cap at $35, roughly £26 / €30, over any seven days on the same card or phone. Twelve journeys and the rest of the week is free, so there is no reason to buy a pass.
Walking is brilliant too, and many attractions are closer than they look. Yellow cabs are iconic and pricey, so save them for when your feet are screaming or you're late for a show.
Is New York good for families?
Is New York good for families?
Absolutely! Kids love it – think massive museums (the Natural History one has actual dinosaurs), Central Park playgrounds and boat rides, Coney Island for beach and fairground fun, and the Statue of Liberty ferry ride. Loads of Broadway shows are family-friendly too. Just be prepared for a LOT of walking – comfortable shoes for everyone and maybe a good baby carrier if you've got little ones. New York doesn't really do buggies well with all the subway stairs!
Can you do New York on a budget?
Can you do New York on a budget?
You definitely can! Loads of top attractions are free or cheap – Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, walking tours, the High Line, Staten Island Ferry, Times Square. Skip the pricey restaurants and hit up food trucks, delis, and pizza joints instead. Many museums have "pay what you wish" hours. Book Broadway tickets on the day for discounts. January through March sees hotel prices drop by loads. You just need to be a bit savvy about where you splash the cash.
Is New York safe?
Is New York safe?
New York is generally very safe for tourists, especially in the main areas you're likely to visit like Midtown, Times Square, Central Park and the major attractions. Like any big city, it pays to keep your wits about you – don't flash expensive items, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas at night. The subway is safe to use but can get quiet late at night, so taxis or rideshares are a good shout if you're out in the early hours.
Do I need a visa to visit New York?
Do I need a visa to visit New York?
Not a full visa. Passport holders from the UK & Ireland travelling for tourism need an ESTA, which you apply for online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. It currently costs a little over $40, about £30 / €35, lasts two years and covers multiple trips.
Apply at least 72 hours before you fly, and honestly, do it the day you book. Your passport needs to be valid for your stay; there is no six-month rule for passports from the UK & Ireland, whatever you may have heard.
The part people get caught by: an ESTA is not available to everyone. If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or to Cuba since January 2021, or if you have a criminal record or have previously been refused entry to the United States, you need a full visa instead. That means an embassy appointment and weeks of lead time, so check before you book, not after.
An approved ESTA lets you board. The final decision is made by the border officer when you land.
How does tipping work in New York?
How does tipping work in New York?
Tipping is not optional in New York the way it is at home. The norms are: 18% to 20% on restaurant bills (many bills now show a suggested tip calculation at the bottom), a dollar or two per drink in bars, 15% to 20% on taxi and Uber fares, a couple of dollars per bag for hotel porters, and three to five dollars a night for housekeeping left on the pillow. Service workers genuinely rely on tips as a core part of wages, this is the single biggest cultural difference from the UK and if you don't tip, the servers will not be happy.
What is New York like at Christmas?
What is New York like at Christmas?
It is the version of the city everyone has in their head, and it genuinely delivers. The Rockefeller Center tree goes up at the end of November and stays lit into early January, the rink underneath it opens in November, and the Fifth Avenue store windows turn into a walking route of their own.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs from early November to early January and is the show to book if you are only booking one. The Bryant Park and Union Square holiday markets run through December, and Central Park under snow, if you get lucky with it, is worth the cold on its own.
It is cold, at 4 to 7°C in the day and around freezing at night, and it is the busiest and priciest few weeks of the year. Book flights and hotel early, wear a proper coat, and accept that you will be sharing the tree with several thousand other people.
