New York Holidays

Cheesecake and pizza by the slice against a backdrop of skyscrapers and high-end boutiques – holidays to New York dish up all those United States hallmarks in generous portions.

Manhattan and more

The bright lights of Times Square, the hustle of Wall Street and the effortless cool of SoHo are just some of the unforgettable sights you'll see on a city break to New York, on the USA's east coast. Shop as you've never done before, then flag down a yellow taxi and catch a world-class show on Broadway.

Iconic buildings

New York’s architecture is second to none. Brooklyn Bridge is straight out of a Hollywood film, and the Flatiron Building looks younger than its 100-odd years. When you've snapped your Empire State selfie, head to Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side – home to the recently revamped Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Green machine

Yes, you'll see skyscrapers towering overhead, but New York also has acres of parkland. Central Park's the biggest, sitting right in the middle of Manhattan, and small but mighty Prospect Park has a weekly farmers' market. Battery Park's a stopping point for popular ferries – hop on board for a trip to the Statue of Liberty.

At a glance

Throw your hands up on Coney Island's rollercoasters
Cycle around famous Central Park
Browse the luxury shops on Fifth Avenue

On the seashore

Manhattan may be a concrete jungle, but its island location means you're only an hour's subway ride from some pretty famous beaches. If you're after boardwalks selling ice-cream and mop-the-grease-with-a-napkin pizza, head to Coney Island or Rockaway Beach. A trip to sandy Fort Tilden on the edge of town can be a low-key alternative to the urban beat.
The big beach

Throngs of daytrippers gather at Coney Island on summer days, sunbathing on the sand and riding the retro wooden rollercoasters at Luna Park. The sizzling sounds of hot dogs frying and shouts echoing from the funfair create a proper holiday buzz for tourists and locals.
The secret beach

An hour's water taxi ride from Wall Street's Pier 11, Fort Tilden has Atlantic Ocean views on lock. Ruined bunkers dot the sandy shoreline, and there are loads of nature trails to explore. If you're making a day of it, bring a picnic – there aren't any shops nearby.

Bargain Buys

New York's the place to pick up all sorts of great items at bargain prices. Brooklyn Flea Market's a vintage-lover's paradise, and the East Village's thrift shops are definitely worth a rummage. For discount designer clothing, check out Century 21 – there's an outlet just off Wall Street.
Mid-Range Buys

Just west of the Empire State Building is Macy’s department store, the largest in the United States. This mega shop sells everything from coats to cookers. If you're here with kids in December, make an appointment to meet Father Christmas in person – you'll find him in the shop's magical pop-up Santaland.
Designer Buys

Historic Fifth Avenue's the place to splurge. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn at Tiffany & Co., then go two steps further and browse Cartier and Gucci. Prada and Coach are one block east on Madison Avenue, where ad execs dream up jingles in the offices towering above.

Laid-back evenings

New York's famed for its upmarket hotel bars. Settle back in a plush armchair at one of the city's smart venues, soak up the classic mid-century surroundings and sip a chilled Manhattan to the soft sounds of live jazz. If you're after excitement with a historic twist, hunt out a secret speakeasy.
Lively evenings

With a skyline this famous, you'll want to make a beeline for a rooftop bar with a panoramic view. It's even better when it comes with a swimming pool. The city comes alive after dark, so throw on your dancing shoes and hit up the Meatpacking District. An ever-changing list of trendy clubs and bars means there's always something going on.

Pizza

New Yorkers love a good wedge of pizza, sold out of hole-in-the-wall shops city-wide. Think super saucy and dripping with cheese and you're on the right track.
Bagels

Stop by a bagel stand for lunch – they're a staple of every New Yorker's diet. Opt for smoked salmon and cream cheese, or test your taste buds with a chocolate and jalapeño mix.
Pastrami

Jewish delis in New York have been layering pastrami beef with pickles on rye bread for over a century. Slather on a healthy dollop of mustard, and you're good to go.
New York cheesecake

The original NY cheesecake's thick, creamy and topped with icing sugar. For a twist on the classic, try one with chocolate or mango syrup.
A Manhattan

This cocktail's bold and impressive, just like the district it's named after. Get sophisticated with this drink of rye, vermouth and bitters that's topped with a cocktail cherry.