New York Travel Guide

Perhaps no city on the planet mixes old and new world, cultures and activities better than New York City. Whether it's seeing a show on Broadway, exploring Ellis Island and learning about the city's multicultural foundation, or strolling through the woods in Central Park, New York will never leave any visitor bored.

Things to Do in New York

Aside from the previously mentioned activities, many visitors check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art, head to the observation deck at 30 Rock for incredible views of the city, and visit the 9/11 memorial and museum to learn about the events that gravely wounded, but ultimately strengthened the city. Don't forget to do some culinary exploring as the city has an excellent restaurant reputation. If you're up for it, hit some of the clubs downtown and keep your eyes open for celebrities. The people of New York are proud of their city, but have a reputation for being helpful and welcoming to visitors. Asking for directions will almost always be met enthusiastically.

Best Time to Visit New York

The best time to visit the city is in the late spring and early fall. Temperatures are mild (the city heats up in the summer and gets freezing cold in the winter) and the crowds thin out somewhat.

A Local's Guide to New York City

New York City -- the city that never sleeps -- is the most populated city in the United States and attracts millions of visitors every year. With more than 8.5 million inhabitants, this city is a buzzing metropolis of arts, culture and history.

The fast pace of life in this mega city has coined the phrase “New York Minute” and travelers here may struggle to find enough time to squeeze in everything this city has to offer. From the welcoming sight of the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the skyscrapers dominating the skyline and the green oasis of Central Park, New York is crammed full of sights, sounds and experiences. Visit one of the many parks, eat in one of thousands of restaurants, visit some filming locations for movies and TV and soak up everything that makes this city great. Take in a Broadway show, climb to the top of the Empire State Building or hit the sales in some of the major shopping malls and department stores -- there's something for everyone.

Getting around is easy, the New York City Subway is the largest single-operator rapid transit system worldwide, with 472 rail stations.

New York City is also home to more than 120 colleges and universities and the financial district makes the city one of the most economically powerful in the world.

Take a trip over to Ellis Island and visit the Statue of Liberty. This huge gift from France symbolizes freedom and justice. The copper statue is 305ft tall and sits on a pedestal which houses an exhibition, shop and café. Visitors have to climb 354 stairs to reach the statue’s crown and there are around five million tourists to the landmark every year.

For another huge monument, tourists can climb to the top of the Empire State building. This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan is one of the most recognizable on the New York City skyline.

Another must-see attraction is the world famous Times Square. Most famous for the New Year’s Eve celebrations which see around one million people crowd the area to watch the “ball drop”, this Theater District is the teeming heart of Midtown West. Formerly known as Longacre Square, Times Square was renamed in 1904 after The New York Times moved its headquarters there. Times Square is the most visited place in the world with more than 131 million people arriving every year. Scores of brightly lit commercial signs line the buildings around the whole square with advertising messages, videos and even news bulletins played 24/7. Attractions include hundreds of theaters and music venues, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

To escape the hustle and bustle of city life, take a stroll through Central Park or head into the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view some incredible artworks.

A trip across to Staten Island, the southernmost of New York City's five boroughs, gives vacationers the opportunity to visit Staten Island Zoo, home to kangaroos, birds of prey and snakes. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden or the Staten Island Children’s Museum.

Vacationers can stay in a range of locations in New York City, from Midtown Manhattan, the Upper West Side, Long Island, Upper East Side or the East Village to be never far from the action. And with New York apartments available all year round, it's never difficult to find perfect vacation rentals in New York City.