Holidays in New York City

Possibly the best bargain in all of New York City, the free Staten Island Ferry links Manhattan to the metropolis’ least-known borough in a speedy 25 minutes. It’s a service that has existed for over 100 years, so you’re cruising on a piece of history as well as hopping to an untapped corner of New York. Staten Island is the city’s greenest borough, riddled with leafy parks that are a joy to stroll, while Historic Richmond Town recreates periods of American everyday life through the centuries. With the highest percentage of Italian-Americans in USA, Italian food is found everywhere here – some say the pizza here can’t be beat! Perhaps the ferry’s best-kept secret is the incredible views of the Statue of Liberty it gives en route as it makes its way along the Hudson River. Get that camera ready…

New York City has many icons, but none provide the kind of sensory overload that Times Square does. You’ll get a stiff neck from staring up at the vertiginous towers adorned with the bright lights of billboards, your ears pricked up at the sound of yellow cabs honking their horns in the intersection, while you’re gently pushed by the throngs of passing people. You could spend all day and night ogling New York’s neon-lit heart but with Broadway cutting through it, a pre-show dinner and a night at the theatre awaits!

Wandering New York City’s forest of skyscrapers is mesmerising but it can also be exhausting. That makes the rectangular oasis of Central Park such a sanctuary for those seeking a break from the frenetic concrete jungle that encases it. It’s a green space that you could easily lose a day in, with 843 acres packed with rolling meadows, elm-flanked paths, British and European-inspired country gardens and a bird-rich lake. If it wasn’t for the vertiginous towers peeking above the trees, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were right in the heart of possibly the planet’s busiest city.

Shopping is something you just have to do while you’re in the Big Apple. The shops that line Fifth Avenue speak for themselves and Macy’s, the USA’s largest department store, is a New York institution. Historic Bloomingdale’s shouldn’t be missed either and if you’re after something a little bit different, Brooklyn Flea Market is great for browsing handmade and vintage goods.

While Central Park is perfect for getting away from it all, you don’t always have to leave the skyscrapers behind to find some tranquility. An incredible transformation of a dismal old freight train line, the High Line is a delightful elevated stroll through Manhattan 30ft above the pavements below. Wildflowers and greenery make the High Line appear like an emerald serpent snaking through the concrete undergrowth, while art installations make for interesting landmarks along the way. It’s also a great vantage point, with particularly stunning views of the Hudson River.

No vaccinations are recommended for New York City. Despite this, we’d recommend that you consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -5 hours.

The flight time from London to New York City is around eight hours.

The currency is the US dollar.

British passport holders don’t need a visa but need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) prior to your holiday. It costs US$14.