New York
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Our guide to New York
New York City, The Big Apple, NYC. Whatever you want to call it, this is the city that never sleeps and where you'll feel like you've been transported into a film set. Yellow cabs queue over steaming grates, neon signs advertise Broadway shows and huge department stores await your credit card. Skycrapers soar towards the clouds and the Statue of Liberty keeps a watchful eye over the ferries that zip past, cameras clicking in her direction. We love New York and try and visit every year, so we can tell you about Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. We also know the most welcoming hotels (and cool boutique finds) in the city.
Ayn RandThe skyline of New York is a monument of a splendor that no pyramids or places will ever equal or approach.
Top sights
Top of the Rock or Empire State Building
You have to book a trip up the Empire State Building if it is your first visit to New York. But, if you have been before, you'll find an even better view from the 'Top of the Rock'. Get your camera ready, as you'll be able to capture the city skyline - including the iconic Empire State Building.
Central Park
Where Manhattan's buildings stop and a vast expanse of green starts, you'll find Central Park. Walk for miles, get lost, find the locations of iconic movie scenes or grab a picnic and walk to the 'Sheep Field' to lay on the grass in the sunshine. In winter, wrap up warm and take a ride in a horse and carriage.
Times Square
Times Square is bright, loud and absolutely amazing. It is close to Broadway's theatres and, on New Year's Eve, this is where the world-famous ball drop happens. We recommend staying in a quieter area but, if it's your first time, we know of a great hotel in the centre of the madness.
Statue of Liberty
One of the most iconic sights in New York City, the Statue of Liberty has a fascinating history and you can book an experience to stand inside her crown. You can take a boat tour past but we actually recommend the free Staten Island Ferry!
Brooklyn Bridge
This is the link from Manhattan to Brooklyn, a very popular walk to get a view of the Manhattan skyline. It takes you across to 'Brooklyn Heights', which gives you a great view of the lower Manhattan skyline and is the place where we got engaged. You will see that lots of couples have locked padlocks to the bridge.
Ground Zero - 9/11 Memorial
This is a very sombre reminder and tribute to those who lost their lives in the terror attacks on September 11th 2001. Although these serve as a memorial for the victims, it is a very peaceful place and a beautiful, tasteful tribute to those who died.
The High Line
What do you do when you can't find enough space at street level for a city garden? You build one on a disused elevated rail line. Walk through the gardens, experience a live performance and gaze up at incredible street art. It's a great place to people watch, so grab a coffee and enjoy the unique perspective over the city.
Chelsea Market
This is a great place to come and get coffee, pastries or just enjoy one of the many food outlets under this one magnificent roof. One of our personal favourites is the Fat Which Bakery. Enjoy one of their brownies and then buy a couple of bags of their brownie mix, as they make great gifts for those back home.
Grand Central Station
This rail station is absolutely stunning. Take your camera and capture the grand architecture and admire the Beaux-Arts design and the works of art. Find the Whispering Gallery and you can take your turn to whisper into the acoustic archway and be heard on the other side of the gallery. It's definitely worth a visit.
Ben says...
"When you arrive at JFK, instead of booking a transfer or struggling with your luggage on public transport, jump in a yellow cab. Not only do you get to tick off a ride in a yellow cab off your to-do list, but it will also drop you right at the door of your hotel. It is a set fee from JFK airport into Midtown Manhattan, so you don't have to worry about the meter."
Hugh says...
"We can book holidays for everyone but we are proud to specialise in LGBTQ+ travel advice. If you want to find the most gay-friendly hotels in New York or tips for the best bars, just ask."
Our hotel of choice
InterContinental New York Barclay
This elegant hotel has been welcoming guests since 1926 and is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square. We love the comfortable rooms, glistening chandeliers, grand fireplaces and great service. We also love the gin bar in the hotel! Ask us for the best room types and we'll get you booked up.
If you want to travel to New York in style, you can also add on a Cunard cruise from Southampton to NYC.
How long does it take to fly to New York?
Getting to New York is easy. With British Airways flights from all areas of the UK, you will be on your way to the city that never sleeps in no time. The flight takes around 8 hours and can be as quick as 5.5 hours on the way home. This means it can actually become a great option for a long weekend away.
There are often great flight deals on this route, including Business and First Class, so get in touch and we can tell you all about them.
Get in touch
We're here seven days a week to help you plan a holiday, so get in touch today.
- Call us on 0203 443 8969
- Chat with us online
- Email us
Love,
Hugh & Ben x
