Where to stay
You have so many options, so deciding where to stay in New York depends on your budget and what you wish to be close to. Finding the best areas to stay in New York means having an idea of the type of holiday you want to have, or perhaps being willing to spend a little time travelling each day.
Whether you want to be close to the action in Midtown West, or you’re looking for boutique charm in SoHo, there’s no shortage of great hotels on offer.
Things to do
When planning things to do in New York, there are some quintessential sights and New York attractions you can’t miss. The shopping and dining is sublime, the arts scene edgy, the parks and gardens stunning. Deciding what to see in New York can feel overwhelming, but with a little bit of planning and a dose of free time to explore, you’re bound to uncover experiences that have you falling in love with the Big Apple.
Travel tips
As with any international holiday, it helps to know a few New York travel tips before heading away. Once you’ve booked your trip, you’ll need to apply for a visa and become familiar with transport options from the local airports.
Don’t forget to change your money into the local currency, and make sure you’re up to date with any vaccinations before travelling. It also helps to seek out New York travel advice from someone who has recently been, so speak with an Flight Centre Travel Expert to ensure you’re ready to go.
Getting Around
As you would expect in a city of this size, New York transport has to be pretty efficient. There are many options available to help you get around Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, from New York taxis and the subway to ferries, buses and bicycles.
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes if you plan on walking New York – there’s a lot of ground to cover! If you’re heading to Staten Island or Ellis Island, enjoy the sights while you ride the ferry. Getting around is affordable and relatively easy, even if you’re not sure where you’re going.
Where to eat
There are endless places to choose from, so finding the best New York food and drink is largely down to your budget and preferences. In a city where nothing is ever still for long, there’s always new places to eat, new bars and nightlife to experience, and up-and-coming New York restaurant precincts to find. The range of cuisine on offer is astonishing, from fine-dining to fast and cheap restaurants or food trucks. Australian baristas have well and truly infiltrated the city too, so you’ll never be too far away from a decent flat white either.
Shopping
One of the best cities in the world for a dose of retail therapy, the New York fashion scene is constantly evolving. Outdoor malls and shopping centres, New York markets and boutiques are spread throughout the city; head to trendy spots such as Soho or the Lower East Side if you want something edgy, or visit 5th Avenue for luxury boutiques and designer gear. If department stores are more your style, try Midtown for a little bit of everything.
Best time to travel
Don’t be put off by New York weather when deciding when to travel to this vibrant city. There’s always something happening, regardless of how hot or cold it may be. If you’re prepared and have allowed for a little flexibility in your sightseeing, the weather shouldn’t be a huge factor.
Spring and autumn tend to be quite busy for tourists, as the weather tends to be more predictable. New York rainfall is most common during the fall, but be prepared for summer showers as well, and of course some snow during winter.
Parks
In a city that moves this fast, New York parks are a welcome break. Adding some greenery and open-air spaces to the city, many of the parks have recreational or sporting facilities for visitors and New Yorkers to take advantage of.
Visit the world-famous Central Park, complete with lakes, gardens, monuments, and many walking tracks. Stroll through The High Line on Manhattan’s West Side and grab some sunshine, or visit Prospect Park for some live music. During a visit to one of the parks, you’ll find some of the best views and scenery New York has to offer.
