Holidays to New York

The label ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ has never been more fitting as there’s simply no limit to the amount of things to do in New York, no matter the hour! Bursting at the seams with a mix of cultures and ethnic diversity, New York’s sights and attractions will keep you entertained to no end. Whether you’re after architecture, museums, art galleries, top cuisine or a place to shop to your heart’s content, New York has the entire package.  It’s finally time to visit in person all those places you’ve seen on t-shirts and episodes of Friends; Central Park, Fifth Avenue and Times Square all await you. But don’t be blinded by all the dazzling top attractions and be sure to use the handy subway system to seek out all the hidden gems the city has to offer! New York is a city with so much to offer, and the best part is that you can visit any time of the year, with many even favouring a winter trip to avoid the sweltering NY summer.

A visit to Ellis Island should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do on your holiday to New York. As the nation’s chief gateway for the 12 million immigrants that entered during the years 1892 to 1924, it’s a fascinating voyage of discovery for you and your family. After being restored in the eighties, Ellis Island reopened as an immigration museum as a symbol of the diverse melting pot of people that made this great city what it is today. Interactive exhibits also give voice to the immigrants themselves, and incredibly emotional stories reflect the overall theme of courage and determination when setting off for an unknown land. Today, the museum proudly enables over 100 million Americans to trace their ancestry to the immigrants who crossed this island before dispersing to points all over the nation. If you want an insider tip from us, avoid the queues and hassle of trying to book a tour of the Statue of Liberty as the boat over to Ellis Island will give you a marvellous view of Lady Liberty anyway, as well as plenty of photo ops!

As colourful and multi cultural as its residents, New York cuisine ranges from top class Michelin-grade restaurants in Uptown Manhattan to humble street food found on the sidewalks of Brooklyn. Ranging from cupcakes and classic NY hot dogs, to lobster rolls and grilled cheese, some of these food carts even outdo the restaurants. You’re sure to build up an appetite walking around all day, so why not sample it all? Greenwich Village still displays traces of Bohemia with classic jazz bars and upholding the traditional deli culture that New Yorkers hold so dear. Get served by an out of work actor in a Broadway diner, who may even sing to you or dance on your table. Or head down to Brooklyn’s super trendy Williamsburg to check out some organic hipster cafes and some good old-fashioned burgers and beers. In New York you’ll see many places claim to serve the best coffee in the world, so you’ll just have to try them all to see for yourself! 

We’ve already established that New York is the City that never sleeps, so there’s certainly no shortage of nightspots to keep you going. The only trouble you’ll have is choosing from the endless number of options as you bar hop across the city. New York is often a trendsetter when it comes to nightclubs, and currently popular are retro-themed cocktail bars built inside of repurposed Art Deco spaces, as well as quirky tiki lounges serving a variety of fruity cocktails. But who knows, by the time your trip comes around, there could be a new style of bar in vogue. New York has a rich cultural history and this is no better reflected than in its music scene, catering for a wide variety of tastes. Indie kids will be delighted to check out the array of local dive venues that keep the spirit of CBGB’s alive. While jazz fans and folk lovers alike will be itching to head to Greenwich Village and soak up the atmosphere in venues previously played by greats like Bob Dylan and Miles Davis.

For a fun-filled day of interactive adventure, our pick for those travelling with kids is the American Museum of Natural History; sure to delight and capture imaginations the whole day long. With dozens of floors and countless exhibitions and theatre shows, it truly is one of the most enjoyable educational experiences the USA has to offer, the museum is beloved by residents and visitors alike for this reason! With something for kids and adults alike, the museum acts as a microcosm for life itself, from space exploration to the dinosaurs and early hominids, with a highlight being the gigantic squid and whale diorama in the Hall of Ocean Life. With the recent blockbuster franchise Night at the Museum using it as its setting, the American Museum of Natural History has never been more popular, and its close proximity to Central Park means that you can tick two big attractions off in one go.

Often depicted as one of the most romantic places on earth, New York is the perfect setting for that romantic getaway you’ve been dreaming of for ages. From shopping sprees and top class restaurants to breath-taking scenic views and stunning backdrops in which to spend quality time together. One of the most classic romantic experiences NYC has to offer is a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Simply head to the Plaza Hotel, or venture into the park itself, and you’ll quickly find one of these Hansom Cabs. It’ll feel just like in the movies!

No romantic holiday to New York City would be complete without a visit to one of America’s most important landmarks, the breath-taking Empire State Building. As The tallest building in New York City, the view from the top can make anyone fall in love with the city. Such is the Empire Stare Buildings romantic affiliations that many couples take their vows atop the ‘Cathedral of the Skies’ every year in NYC. For an unbeatable view of the actual tower itself at night time, also consider a visit to the neighbouring Rockefeller centre!

New York is known for its cosmopolitan vibe and fast paced lifestyle, but for thrill-seekers, there’s a totally different way to get the heart pumping than a typical New York designer fashion sale! Sure, Central Park is well known for its leisurely strolls and horse drawn carriage rides, but did you know it also offers a number of top-range climbing and bouldering spots like the ingeniously named Rat Rock, Wave Rock and Cat Rock? These spots of extreme pleasure offer instructors for all levels, so don’t be afraid to try something new! If that hasn’t sated your need for speed, why not check out some urban water sports at the Bronx River? These activities are sure-fire ways to inject some adrenaline into your trip as you cruise along the downstream rapids. Also on offer are sailing lessons at Corona Park in Flushing Meadows, or canoe hire along the Gowanus canal in Brooklyn. It’s an urban jungle out there!

If getting cultural is your thing, the birthplace of New York intellectualism and movements like Pop Art will not disappoint. Get inspired by NYC’s melting pot of galleries, museums, iconic Broadway theatres and timeless mix of architecture. Fall in love with art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Albright Knox Art Gallery for classic pieces from lasting visionaries. Or if you prefer art that’s sure to raise a few eyebrows by being slightly more unique, don’t miss the Museum of Modern Art. As the birthplace of hip-hop and the graffiti scene, New York is also home to a wide range of impressive street art pieces and tours.