New York City
New York is the UK's favourite transatlantic city break: Manhattan's skyline, Broadway, world-class museums, Central Park and food from every corner of the planet. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, December brings shop windows and the tree at Rockefeller Plaza, and January to early March has the cheapest hotels if you can face the cold.
Overview
Most first trips last four to six nights in Manhattan, where Midtown puts the Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway theatres and Fifth Avenue within walking distance. The subway runs around the clock and reaches Brooklyn's food scene, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and the boardwalk at Coney Island. Repeat visitors often stay in Brooklyn or Queens for lower prices and a more local feel. Late April to June and September to early November bring the best walking weather; July and August are hot and sticky, and midwinter can stay below freezing for days, though crowds and hotel rates fall with the temperature.
Map of New York City
Highlights
- 1Nature
Central Park
Some 840 acres of lakes, lawns and woodland laid out by Olmsted and Vaux from the late 1850s. Walk from the Mall to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, or hire a bike for the six-mile loop road.
- 2History
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Statue City Cruises runs the only ferries that land on both islands, leaving from Battery Park. Book pedestal or crown access weeks ahead, and allow time for Ellis Island's immigration museum, where millions of arrivals were processed.
- 3Culture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's great museums, from the Egyptian Temple of Dendur to Vermeer, Rembrandt and Tiffany glass. Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see it all, and finish on the seasonal roof garden.
- 4Architecture
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
The 1883 suspension bridge carries a raised walkway with skyline views all the way across the East River. Walk over from Manhattan early in the morning, then explore DUMBO's cobbled streets and Brooklyn Bridge Park on the far side.
- 5City
The High Line
A disused elevated freight railway turned into a planted walkway, running about 1.5 miles along Manhattan's West Side from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Combine it with Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum at its southern end.
Where to stay
Midtown Manhattan
First-timers wanting to walk to Times Square, Broadway shows and the big landmarks; noisy and pricey, but with subway lines on every corner.
Lower Manhattan
Quieter in the evenings, with lower weekend hotel rates and the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street and Statue of Liberty ferries close by.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Repeat visitors and food lovers: independent shops, bars and restaurants, with the L train reaching Manhattan in about ten minutes.
Long Island City, Queens
Good-value hotels with Manhattan skyline views, a stop or two from Midtown by subway; quieter after dark but kind to budgets.
When to go to New York City
Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in New York (Central Park)
How much does New York City cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £420 off-peak and £850 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for New York City
Shown for a British passport.
Apply online before you go (travel authorisation)
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.
The US State Department has more information on visas.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Rabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in United States
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 11 Nov 2026 | Veterans Day |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 18 Jan 2027 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Mon 15 Feb 2027 | Washington's Birthday |
| Mon 31 May 2027 | Memorial Day |
| Fri 18 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day (observed) |
| Sat 19 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Sun 4 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Independence Day (observed) |
| Mon 6 Sep 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 11 Oct 2027 | Columbus Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Tap a contactless bank card or phone at subway turnstiles and on buses using OMNY. Fares cap automatically: after 12 paid rides within seven days on the same card, further rides are free.
- Hotel rates are usually quoted before roughly 15% tax plus a nightly occupancy charge, and some still add a 'destination' or 'facility' fee, so compare final totals rather than headline prices before booking.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our United States guide.
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