We’ve all flirted with the idea of a glamorous urban adventure in New York City. It seems ever-present in the eye of the modern media, and it’s packed with countless cultural icons. This essential travel guide to NYC will help newcomers and veterans alike navigate these legendary cityscapes.
New to NYC?
Here’s the essential groundwork for any holiday to New York City, so you can know before you go.
So Good They Named It Twice
New York City in the flesh is inseparable from the New York City of the silver screen. It’s full of one-off diners, cultural hubs, and world-famous monuments, and everything from the smallest nook to the tallest skyscraper is imbued with an indescribable, effervescent New Yorker spirit. It’s a city that lends itself well to retail retreats owing to an abundance of major shopping outlets, but it also has an endless capacity to woo and astonish couples and honeymooners with romantic surprises. A holiday in New York City is about seeing the sights, sampling the food, and feeling star-stuck by the lights and sounds of this timeless metropolis.
Weather & When to Go
New York City enjoys the full force of every season. Prices tend to be cheapest January – March, when the winter weather is in full swing. It’s a world away from a Caribbean holiday, but a January escape to New York City opens up a world of amazing shopping in the new year sales. If you want to see New York City as it appears in the movies, travel September – November. Prices are higher, but you’ll be rewarded with a crisp sun and clear skies – perfect for sightseeing.
Things to Do
Everything in the city has been seen across the world in films, books and magazines, and the list of highlights is nearly endless:
• The staple of any New York City escape is a promenade around Central Park. The art, architecture, and landscaping constitute one of America’s most filmed locations.
• See all of New York City from the The Top of the Rock observation deck. Soak up 360-degree open-air cityscapes from the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Centre.
• Lap up the landmarks of Manhattan with a harbour cruise. Highlights include the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty
• Walk the High Line. This paragon of urban renewal forms an elevated green walkway, ideal for romantic strolls and picnics in the warm lights of the city.
• Become a culture vulture. See a Broadway show, indulge in some shopping, or take a walk around the The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Top Tip: Get yourself a New York City Pass. Pay once and gain access to the city’s best attractions.
Getting around
There are three excellent methods of transportation around New York City: taxi, subway, and walking. Common wisdom suggests that taxis are the most efficient method of transport, especially if your travelling party consists of 4 or fewer persons – but it’s also one of the most expensive. A combination of the subway and your own two legs is the best balance of economy and expediency. You can plan your routes in advance using this handy subway map. Use the subway network to get as close as possible to your destination, and walk the rest of the way. Easy.
Essential Knowledge
Currency
The classic American Dollar is all you’ll need, and it’s easy to obtain from most currency exchanges around the UK. At American ATMs you’ll need to pay a small charge to draw out funds as dollars from your bank account, but some UK banks have mutual agreements that remove the withdrawal fee. It’s worth checking with your bank before you leave.
Emergency Numbers
Most of America is generally well policed and safe to explore. If you find yourself in need of help, use one of these phone numbers:
• Emergency number: 911
• Criminal hot-line: 212-577-7777
• TravelMD Medical service: 212-737-1212
FCO Advice
Stay up to date with the latest USA travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office here.
The City Pass
This tip is so savvy it’s worth saying twice. A City Pass grants you access to the best attractions in New York City, and will supercharge your holiday with a variety of fascinating urban curiosities. Here’s what the City Pass places at your feet:
Big City Lights
New York City is a flexible destination for any holiday agenda. If you’d like to venture into the legendary city streets, have a tap of that blue button and start your journey.
Live a weekend as a film star, Holidaymaker.
