You might arrive in New York wide-eyed and a bit intimidated by the skyline, but you are sure to leave abuzz from the energy of the Big Apple and with memories to last a lifetime. In New York, the notion that there is something for everyone is more than just a cliché. From Broadway shows and live music at Madison Square Garden to thoughtful walks through Central Park and ice skating at Rockefeller Center—any type of traveller will feel like the world is their oyster in New York City. Whether you are on a couples’ retreat, family holiday, or adventure seeking with friends, visit the five boroughs for the trip of your life.
Things to Do in New York
Arguably the most influential metropolis in the modern world, New York City is an incredibly diverse area that’s truly unlike anywhere else on the planet. With more than eight million people residing within nearly 800 square-kilometres, there’s so much to see and do in the Big Apple, that even a week of sightseeing would only scratch the surface of what’s available. Among some of the top destinations in the city are the iconic Statue of Liberty, the towering Empire State Building, and sprawling Central Park. Times Square is another must-see destination, which is guaranteed to induce an experience of sensory overload with its neon billboards and buzzing energy.
New York City is also famous for having one of the most diverse cultures in North America. The Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum are three of the top spots to check out if you’re interested in art. And the Bronx Zoo, home to more than 4,000 creatures from around the world, is another big draw in NYC, as is the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Weather in New York
Although the majority of New York state is subject to atmospheric conditions consistent with a humid continental climate, New York City itself is subject to a weather pattern that more closely resembles a humid subtropical environment. This is largely because the city experiences a phenomenon known as “urban heat island,” which occurs when concentrated human activity generates an increased amount of heat in an otherwise cool area. Depending upon which borough of the city you’re spending time in, the weather could be quite different from a neighbouring area. In general, though, the summer months in NYC are warm and humid, and occasionally reach temperatures around and above 40 degrees Celsius. In winters, alternatively, thermometers will read single digits on most days with lows regularly dipping well below zero.
Hotels and Accommodation in New York
Hotels in New York span a wide range of prices and styles. From elaborate, 5-star high rises to affordable hotels in outer boroughs, you can find a New York accommodation that meets your needs. Enjoy the charm and character at New York boutique hotels, or relax in the comforts of a brand hotel you have grown to trust. Whatever your preferences, your next stay in New York accommodation starts right here on Expedia.com.au, where our travel experts have found the best hotel deals for you.
Travel Basics
You can fly into New York City via John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or New Jersey’s La Guardia Airport (LGA). Once you’ve landed, take a yellow cab to your hotel. As you explore NYC, you can use the subway system, cabs, and walk around on foot between attractions and activities.
Plan Your Getaway to New York
Whether you love adventure, culture, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, trekking it to New York for your slice of the Big Apple is never a bad decision. From New York Hotels to New York apartment accommodation you can find your ideal home away from home right here on Expedia.com.au today. Our passion for travel means we always track down the best deals, and Expedia never charges a booking fee.
Sensory stimulation
It's natural to feel a little overwhelmed on a first visit to New York. The city can overload the senses: the smell of sizzling gyros from Midtown street vendors' carts, the sound of a subway musician's saxophone during the crush of a rush-hour commute, and the neon lights of Times Square flashing at all times of day and night.
This stimulation from all sides is what makes New York so dynamic. You'll soon realize it's the sheer sense of possibility that has everyone jumping. You can do anything here, whether it's catching a long-running show like Phantom of the Opera on Broadway or crashing a loft party in the newest alternative art space. Shop 'til you drop in SoHo like the 'Sex and the City' cast or hobnob with the literati at West Village wine bars.
You can even enjoy some nature, and not only in Central Park. The East Village has many community gardens and Brooklyn's Prospect Park is a real delight. Head north to the Bronx Botanical Gardens or to Washington Heights' Fort Tryon Park, which towers over the Hudson River with views of the Palisades - you won't believe you're still in the city.
The whole world is here
To get your bearings in such a large city, it's a good idea to start with an overview. A hop-on, hop-off bus tour will help you learn the lay of the land. Or, for a different vantage point, try a helicopter ride over the five boroughs or sail by Manhattan's monuments on an elegant dinner cruise. Sure, it's a bit extravagant and certainly bold, but hey, that's New York.
Really, though, New York is a series of neighborhoods-it's not all that intimidating. From Little Italy to Chinatown, the Lower East Side to Chelsea, New York houses several communities, each with their own distinct flavor. Despite this, there are no artificial boundaries-the daily mix of millions of different people is what makes the city's story so great. Perhaps that's why New Yorkers think they live in the center of the world-it seems the whole world is here. Hide
