The first timer's guide to New York
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New York travel guide
One of the greatest cities on the planet, New York City has got pretty much everything you can think of and more. From the towering skyscrapers that adorn its skyline to the bustling streets of Manhattan abuzz with yellow taxis, the so-called 'City That Never Sleeps' promises to be an unforgettable trip. If you're heading to the Big Apple for the first time, here are the key things you need to know. For those looking to experience this vibrant city without breaking the bank, our cheap holidays to New York offer the perfect opportunity.
Q&A for first timers
What's New York like?
In a few words, New York is busy and brash with iconic landmarks, superb nightlife, an incredible park and an energy like no other city.
- In terms of size, it's not as big as London. London is almost twice as big in terms of size, but in terms of population, they are about the same.
- Famously, the buildings are extremely tall and there are more than 7,000 high-rise buildings.
- Traffic is often at gridlock so just go for a wander round – you're best off exploring on foot.
When to go to New York
Now! The city is truly wonderful throughout each of the seasons. But if we had to pick a favourite time to go, New York is particularly special around Thanksgiving (the last weekend in November) and the run-up to Christmas. This is when Central Park's famous outdoor ice skating rink opens and you can really feel the magic of the city and its snow-lined streets. Having said that, the city really comes alive during the summer, with outdoor festivals, street fairs and unbeatable rooftop bars. Whether you choose to explore during winter, summer, spring or autumn, we guarantee it will be unforgettable.
What’s the weather like in New York?
New York can be a city of extremes and the weather fits in perfectly with that. When it's hot, it's sweltering and when it's cold it's freezing.
- Summer temperatures hit the late 20s and early 30s – a good excuse to spend a lot of time in Central Park.
- In the winter months, pack the thermals: it often can drop below freezing.
- Spring and autumn are as changeable as they are in the UK, so check the latest weather forecast before you shut your suitcase.
- If you're after a cheap flight then go in late winter (February) or the early part of spring (March/April).
How long do you need?
"How long have you got?" might be a better question.
- A short weekend trip: this isn't really going to cut it, unless you have something very specific in mind. It's too big and there's too much to see.
- 3-5 days: you'd manage the main sights, but might still leave wanting more (a good excuse to return).
- 1+ week: probably your best bet if you want to see the major landmarks, hit the shops and really experience the city at a more leisurely pace.
Is there a time difference?
Yes. The UK is five hours ahead of New York – our afternoon is their morning. Some people might experience a little jetlag as they're heading west. If your body clock wakes you up at 5am, think about going out for a walk or run. It's a great time to catch the city when it's quiet, see the sunrise and take some pictures before everyone is out and about. You can always go back to bed.
Getting there
Which airlines fly to New York from the UK?
Good news. There's really good competition among the airlines taking you across the pond.
- British Airways, Virgin, American Airlines, Delta, Air India, Norwegian and United are among the carriers flying directly to NYC.
- Flights depart from UK cities including London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
- The average price of a New York flight is around £450.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
New York has three major airports:
- John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is the closest to New York itself and the biggest.
- If you're shopping around, look at flights to Newark Liberty International. Although it's in New Jersey, it's only a couple of kilometres further out and has decent transport links into New York.
- There are no direct flights from the UK to La Guardia at present, but it could be an option if you're travelling from another city in the US.
How long's the flight to NY?
This is a medium-haul trip. Expect an average flight duration of eight hours from London, Manchester or Edinburgh. You could also take a small detour en route. Flights via Iceland and Dublin often offer stopovers at no extra cost.
How to get from the airport to the city
Be aware that on the way back, recommended check-in times are around 3 hours before the flight, so leave plenty of time to get to the airport.
- From JFK: The cheapest way is to take the AirTrain (free) which then connects you to public transport. You can reach Manhattan and Brooklyn in 50 minutes for less than ten dollars by subway, or get the train: it's double the price but takes half as long. Taxis will have a flat rate of $56.50 to get to Manhattan at peak times.
- From Newark: You can also get the AirTrain here to connect and be in New York in around half an hour for less than $8.25 - find out more here.
- From La Guardia: This is the closest airport to New York, it's only eight miles from Manhattan - here's how to get from here to NYC.
Where to stay
You'll probably want to stay close to the main action in Manhattan. This is the heart of the city and it promises a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. But don't forget that there are other great places to explore in the city. Brooklyn is known for its trendy, artsy vibe and its foodie scene, while Queens offers more affordable options for those who don't mind being away from the main attractions.
Our top hotels in New York
Getting around New York
New York is built on a grid. Numbered streets run east to west, and avenues run up and down. Fifth Avenue divides the city into east and west.
Subway
- Get a MetroCard – there are three to choose from depending on how often you'll use it.
- A one-way ticket is currently less than $3.
- Check whether your train is express, if it is, it misses out lots of stations, so you could find yourself having to double back.
Buses
- They're really cheap, but you must have a Metrocard (see above) or cash change.
- You can get a day pass and ask for a free transfer if you're jumping from one bus to another.
Yellow taxis
- You can hail them in the street, just raise your arm and shout "Taxi!" (you've seen it in films).
- It's paid for by the meter so you can keep an eye on costs, remember to tip at least 15%.
Boat trip
- Take a boat trip around Manhattan to see the skyline and sights.
- You can also get a free ferry over to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty.
Things to do in New York
New York's top attractions
With so many films and TV shows made about New York - you'll be familiar with many of the major sights, but it's different seeing them for yourself.
- The Empire State Building - no longer the tallest, but still the most romantic. The sunset is really special.
- The best view of New York is probably from the Rockefeller Centre.
- The Statue of Liberty - one of the most recognisable sights in the world.
- Find out if any of your relatives settled in America by visiting the Ellis Island museum, where immigrants were processed.
- Brooklyn Bridge - head onto the walkway for sunset.
- Times Square - technically not a square, very busy, but worth getting a selfie.
- 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero
- United Nations Visitors Centre - go inside the UN headquarters
- St Patrick's Cathedral
Shopping
Lots of people come to New York purely to hit the major department stores, bargain outlets, electrical superstores and vintage markets.
- You can find goods and clothing at sometimes a fraction of the price you would do in the UK or Europe, hence why a trip to New York is so popular pre-Christmas.
- Have a potter around Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Barney's, it's an experience in itself.
- Fifth Avenue and 34th Street are probably the closest equivalents to Regent Street and Oxford Street you'll find in New York.
The great outdoors
- Central Park is often top of people's NYC list. You can take a guided tour around the park if you want to learn more, or we recommend just wandering around. Especially in the autumn when the colour of the leaves and trees change. You can rent a bike, a boat (April-October) and on Memorial Day, Labor Day and th 4th of July you can barbecue.
- Coney Island was where New Yorkers first escaped to the seaside from the city in the 1800s, get the train over and check out one of the oldest resorts in North America. While you're there, visit Luna Park for fairground rides and rollercoasters.
- The Hamptons are a posher version of a seaside resort. The great and the good head out there for their summer vacations. There are public beaches and surfing to so on a day trip, if your budget doesn't quite run to taking a house in this most exclusive of neighbourhoods.
- The High Line is a rather unusual public park, its built in the air on an old freight line. Wander along it and stop off in the cool bars and cafes they have here.
New York's art scene
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - If you go to one museum or art gallery, make it this, it's truly exceptional.
- The Guggenheim Museum is excellent too and the building is a work of art in its own right.
- Broadway, along with London's West End, is where you''ll see the best musicals and plays in the world. There are 40 theatres in total to choose from - although only four are actually on the street itself. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running Broadway show of all time.
- Visit Madison Square Gardens for gigs, concerts and major sporting events like boxing.
Sport in New York
Time it right and you'll be able to catch one of New York's famous sporting teams in action.
- American Football - The New York Giants and the New York Jets share a stadium.
- Baseball - Decide if you're a New York Mets or New York Yankees fan.
- Basketball - New York Knicks
- Ice Hockey - The New York Rangers
Eating out in New York
- Pizza slices, hot dogs from a stand and giant pretzels - they might be stereotypes, but isn't that the fun of being a tourist?
- Super posh is Eleven Madison Park - but you've got to book months in advance.
- Get a pricey porterhouse steak (but pay in cash) at Peter Luger in Brooklyn.
- Sardi's is a legend for pre or post-Broadway show dining.
- Go to brunch at Balthazar.
- Train station food. Really? Yes. Grand Central Oyster Bar.
On the move: The fast food is good because a lot of New Yorkers don't have time to sit down for lunch. Join in grabbing some food on the go - the pizza slices are epic.
Tipping: This is probably the most important thing to get to grips with - it's a huge part of American culture. The standard tip is 15-20% of your bill.
Going out in New York
- Have a drink in a rooftop bar like La Birreria or Roof at Park South.
- Sip a beer in an historic bar - try Fraunces Tavern (1762) or perhaps The Ear Inn (1817).
- Try a Manhattan in a cocktail bar. Bemelmans Bar in the Upper East Side is a good shout if you're looking for somewhere sophisticated!
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