Destination spotlight: New York

Ah, New York, the city that never sleeps. If you’re looking for the ultimate city break, then check out our guide to the Big Apple for all the best tourist spots, rooftop hangouts and all-American food.  

New York is a dazzling hub of culture, history and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a short city break or are planning on a multi-trip around the USA, New York must be on your bucket list. And there’s something for everyone all year round. Broadway shows, cycling in central park, mouth-watering food and breath-taking views are all on the agenda when you visit New York.

Not everything in New York needs to be super expensive. In fact, there are plenty of budget hotels in New York to choose from. If you want to be in on all the action, Moxy’s Times Square is a trendy hotel located on the edge of Times Square, just 200 yards from Macy’s and 3 minutes from Penn Station. With its very own rooftop bar, you’ll have fantastic views of the Empire State Building and the bright lights of Times Square.

For those wanting to go for all-out luxury, the St Regis hotel looks as spectacular on the inside as it does on the outside. This building was once the tallest in the city and is a Forbes 5-star and AAA Five-Diamond rated hotel. You’ll notice the grandeur the minute you step inside, with its marble pillars, sparkling chandeliers and fantastic artwork. Here you can relax in the King Cole bar, where the first ever Bloody Mary was poured, and chat to the doorman for some top tips during your stay.

St Regis New York is located just four blocks from some staple tourist hotspots such as Central Park, Times Square and Broadway, and you’ll be in shopper’s heaven with Fifth Avenue directly adjacent to you! Have a chat with your Personal Travel Expert to find the best hotel for you!

Where do we begin? There are so many brilliant things to see and do in New York. For epic views, you of course mustn’t miss a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. The Rockefeller Centre is also a great contender when it comes to checking out the city’s skyline, so we recommended checking out one during the day and one a night to really get the best viewing experience.

A show on Broadway is a once in a lifetime experience, so if you’re a bit of a theatre buff, you’ll be in your element. From musical classics to Broadways adaptations, speak to your Personal Travel Expert and arrange tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

A visit to the 9/11 memorial and museum is a truly sobering experience and really worth a visit, and those who want to learn more about the history of the city should head over to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty for an interactive museum experience.

Sports fans should head up to the Bronx to catch a Yankees Baseball game, while those looking for a bit of R&R can take a day trip to Long Island and soak up the fresh coastal air, and depending on the time of year, you can even relax on the beach!

New York is known for its fantastic shopping, and if you visit at Christmas, you’ll be in for a treat. Fifth Avenue is the go-to place right in the heart of Midtown for shopping, with big names such as Saks, Tiffany & Co, Armani and plenty more. The flagship Macy’s store is located on Herald Square in Midtown, and is a shopper’s haven, offering hundreds of fashion, jewellery, gadget and accessory departments, not to mention possibly the world’s best food court (because you’re bound to work up an appetite after you’ve shopped ‘til you drop).

Top TIP: If you want to bag a real bargain, you could choose to brave the streets of New York during Black Friday, which is usually at the end of November after Thanksgiving! You’ll see some major price drops and you’ll also get to witness the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree which is usually revealed during this time.

You won’t be short of places to eat in New York. Whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy, you’ll be able to get it in New York. Bagels for breakfast and boozy brunches and sushi come as standard and you’ll be able to find some fantastic places on every block, but for some fine dining experiences, we’ve got a couple of options.

Fig & Olive offers a vast menu with dishes inspired by cuisine from the French Riviera. This is a lively restaurant which attracts the after-workers and the brunchers with their extensive list of seasonal cocktails and fine wines.

One of New York’s recent additions to the scene is Manhattan. With a set menu filled with culinary delights and the Empire State Building as your backdrop, it’s quickly making its way to the top of the list for the best place to eat in New York. Head Chef Jason Pfeifer has said he has been inspired by French flavours and serves up seasonal and soulful food, and there’s a comprehensive wine menu to compliment it, too. Manhattan is probably one of the only non-tipping restaurants in New York City. All hospitality is included which makes for a simple dining experience.

If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists and experience New York from the other side (quite literally), head over to Brooklyn where the rooftop bars offer uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline. You can also grab a packed lunch, hop on the Staten Island Ferry which is free, sit back and take in your surroundings. The ferry passes by the Statue of Liberty, so if you aren’t fussed about going to Ellis Island, you can still get those insta-worthy snaps without the added cost.

Fifth Avenue is home to one of the best rooftop bars in Manhattan. 230 on Fifth is free to enter, and you can head on up to the terrace where you’ll have the Empire State Building right under your nose. This is perfect for pictures, and during the winter they have colourful igloos you can warm up in while sipping on some hot apple cider.

Ready to discover New York? Get in touch with your Personal Travel Expert today!