The 'Must Do' list for New York, especially if you are a first-timer, is mind-boggling but don't panic as you can always come back!

The Districts
Upper Manhattan is the cultural heart of the city, home to Carnegie Hall and Metropolitan Opera House, whilst Midtown is all about Broadway and Central Park, the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall.

If Wall Street's not your cup of tea, take a meander through Greenwich Village or hop over the bridge to Brooklyn and Williamsburg. For supper eat at one of the tiny establishments in Little Italy or at the iconic River Café in Brooklyn.

The Park
Explore the beloved, natural gem, Central Park, home to 843 acres of verdant views, vibrant flora and hidden histories.

The best way to see it all? By bicycle. Head to the park anytime after 6 a.m and rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely cycle on the well-marked routes.

Art & Culture
We all know that MoMA is home to the modern masters. But head to MoMa's cutting-edge kid sister across the East River - P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center - to see the virtuosos of tomorrow. Located in a refurbished public school, P.S. 1 consistently mounts challenging exhibitions from the world's most provocative artists.

Get a culture fix at the Guggenheim or MoMa, the Met or Museum of Natural History, featuring some of the most progressive and varied exhibitions in the world, before making the short voyage to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.

Shopping & Entertainment
Bowery Ballroom is the Mecca for any visiting music-lovers' first stop. New up-and-coming acts with indie-rock leanings occupy the two-level music venue, home to the city's best sound system.

Shopaholics head to Fifth Avenue & Madison for the designer boutiques and big-name department stores; Wall Street heads up the appeal of Lower Manhattan and there’s historic Battery Park and trendy SoHo.

Christmas
Christmas is a spectacular time to visit. In the lead up to the big day, New York transforms into a magical wonderland. Christmas trees are lit, department stores deck their windows with lights, and visitors and locals alike strap on their skates and hit the ice at the Rockefeller Center under the colossal tree.

From low-key to all-out luxury, there is a holiday in this vibrant city to suit all tastes. Choose a New York City break for a dose of culture, shopping, nightlife and excitement.

Browse our amazing range of holidays in New York

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  Intercontinental Times Square

  from £93

  In the heart of the action, the Intercontinental New York provides a calm, luxurious retreat from the exciting bustle of Times Square.
  
  With ...see more

• 

  Millennium Broadway

  from £81

  The Millennium Broadway is a luxurious hotel with a fantastic location in the heart of Manhattan, overlooking Times Square.
  
  Rooms are elegant ...see more

• 

  Paramount New York

  from £91

  In the midst of the busy theatre district, The Paramount Hotel is a striking, ornate hotel with a modern, elegant interior.
  
  Rooms are contemporary ...see more

• 

  Row New York City

  from £63

  Super-stylish with a fantastic location, Row is an excellent value hotel for your stay in the city.
  
  Rooms are fresh and modern with splashes ...see more

• 

  The Manhattan at Times Square

  from £71

  The Manhattan is a good hotel with an excellent location in the city, within walking distance of many attractions and just steps from the vibrant Times ...see more

• 

  Warwick New York

  from £95

  A grand and elegant hotel, The Warwick New York has a rich history with many famous residents including Cary Grant and Elvis, and is a welcome retreat ...see more

• 

  Toronto & New York

  from £459

  Two classic city breaks in one holiday starting with the exciting and cosmopolitan city of Toronto where you can indulge in some world class shopping, ...see more

• 

  Niagara Falls, New York & Toronto

  from £519

  Niagara Falls is a stunning and romantic sight. You will never forget the experience of hearing the roar of the water and seeing the sheer force of the ...see more

• 

  New York & Boston

  from £729

  There is never a bad time to visit New York, a city so famous they named it twice. Home to some of the worlds most iconic and cherished landmarks and attractions, ...see more

• 

  American Historic Highways

  from £1,135

  Drive a combination of two countries in this North American cocktail of iconic cities, blended with beautiful scenery and topped off with some good old ...see more

Don't be overwhelmed by the city that never sleeps; follow our tips for having fun, staying safe and finding the best attractions in New York.

Top tips for visiting New York

1. Navigating

• Fifth Avenue divides Manhattan into the east and west sides. Building numbers increase as you go farther east or west.

2. Taxis

• If the number on a taxicab’s top light is lit, it indicates that the cab is available. (On the other hand, a non-lit number or a lit "off-duty" means you're out of luck.) Taxis are available all day and night. Tolls are extra and added to the metered fare. All taxis accept cash and most accept credit cards.

3. Metro

• An MTA MetroCard can be used for both subways and buses, and transfers between the two modes of transport—which run 24 hours a day—are free.

4. Blocks

• In Manhattan, if you walk 20 blocks north or south, you've walked one mile. Locals call the north-south blocks “short blocks” or "street blocks" and the east-west blocks “long blocks” or “avenue blocks.”

5. Directions

• When getting directions, always ask for the cross streets (for example, 810 Seventh Ave., the location of the Official NYC Information Center, is between West 52nd and West 53rd Streets). That way, it will be easier to find your destination and for locals to guide you should you need additional assistance.

6. Tipping

• It is customary to tip 15% to 20% of the total bill to waiting staff, bartenders and taxi drivers. Restaurants sometimes automatically add the gratuity, especially for parties of six or more. Check your bill carefully before adding a tip to make sure one isn't already part of the total.