New York accommodation from NZ$199

NYC is full of people, sure, but there’s always room for travellers in New York City accommodation. If you want easy access to the entire city, then book accommodation near Central Park. If you stay south of “the Park”, you’ll be mere blocks from Grand Central Station and major attractions, like Times Square, the Theatre District and Rockefeller Center.

Things to Do in New York City

What can’t you do in “The City That Never Sleeps”, besides sleep? The answer is nothing, that’s what. You’ll still want to reserve a hotel in New York City, though, for wardrobe changes. Speaking of wardrobes, shop off the beaten rack in vintage stores and boutiques in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

But fashion isn’t NYC’s only photo-ready feature. The best cityscape views can be found from the lush High Line Park, a repurposed portion of elevated rail line tracks in Lower Manhattan. While you’re in the area, pause at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum or catch the ferry to Staten Island to greet Lady Liberty as you float by…then grab an ice cream cone and float right back. In Manhattan (aka “The City”), load up on street food (bagels, anyone?) or fine dining on every corner.

Museum-hoppers can go a little bonkers in NYC, too, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Central Park to the tiny Mmuseumm, a gallery of artefacts in an old elevator in Tribeca. And let’s not forget our four-legged and feathered friends at The Bronx Zoo. If you’re feeling knackered near the northern borough, you can always relax in accommodation in New York City’s Hudson Heights neighbourhood, with views of an idyllic monastery on the Hudson River.

Getting To & Around New York City

NYC is serviced by two major airports—John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia International (LGA)—both located in Queens. You can also fly in to Newark International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. All three airports connect with public transport via the free AirTrain shuttle —and you thought NYC would be expensive. With an extensive subway and bus system and taxis galore, you can reach your New York City hotel and all the stops on your itinerary without your own set of wheels, though you may want to look into one of Wotif’s car hire options.

Upcoming Events

If a lot can happen in a New York minute, it’s no surprise that NYC’s events calendar is always quadruple-booked. Summer is warm and balmy—the best time to be out in the streets for a festival. Get the season off to a big start at the annual Pride Week parade, which dances its way down Fifth Avenue the last Sunday of June.

Speaking of dancing, SummerStage—a free concert series with international headliners—kicks off in Central Park each June and runs through September. As summer turns into autumn, the whole city puts its best foot forward in designer pumps for New York Fashion Week. If you’re planning your holiday around the best food in New York City, then visit in time for the Feast of San Gennaro; for 11 days you can eat your weight in cannoli and other Italian delights.

Get Outside!

You’ve probably heard a thing or two about Central Park. From the iconic Bethesda Fountain to mellow Sheep Meadow and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park makes all the other green spaces jealous. When you want to put your feet up on a bench and chat with squirrels, you’ll run right into this grassy oasis smack dab in the middle of upper Manhattan.

You don’t have to be uptown to get your tranquil on, though. If Brooklyn is more your scene, then check out Prospect Park. Tromp through The Long Meadow or float outside The Boathouse during the warm months. Here’s a local tip, too: Prospect Park is a great place to slice across an ice rink without the crowds of onlookers at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park.

If your double axel is more of a bunny hop, no worries!

Not really the outdoorsy type at all? Stay above the tree line with a Helicopter Tour of NYC Landmarks. You’re welcome.

Must-See Spots

If you’ve got just one day in New York City, well, good luck. Haha, sorry. NYC bucket lists can get lengthy, but if you have to be picky, go straight to the top. No, not at the Empire State Building—you can’t admire it if you’re standing on it. Instead, look out over Manhattan from the Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. Take a turn around the deck to see a panorama of the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Theater District and the Empire State Building. You can even see New Jersey and Queens, depending on where you’re standing.

This isn’t the only landmark you’ve got to add to your itinerary, but it’s an awesome place to start. Just look out over the city, point and say, “That’s next”!

Any time is a good time to take a New York City holiday —and you’ll save extra on hotels and flights when you mix and match with Wotif. There are so many great places to stay in New York City—take advantage of our awesome deals and you can holiday in style, without having to call in any favours on Wall Street.