New York holidays

New York’s the city that never sleeps, so it’s only right that it’s got a solid nightlife scene.

• Rooftop bars – The best way to soak up the skyline is from a rooftop bar with a cocktail in your hand… we don’t make the rules. The ones in Manhattan have a high-end vibe, or try the edgier spots in Brooklyn. Many rooftop bars are open all year round, with cosy winter setups like heated igloos to keep the fun going.
• Speakeasies – These hidden bars are a major throwback to Prohibition-era New York. Step through secret entrances, like a phone booth or a hot dog shop, and you’ll find yourself in a moody vintage bar.
• Nightclubs – Want to go out out? Pick from cool lounges with chilled beats to full on EDM raves. Clubs on the Upper East Side feature international DJs and a glam crowd, while venues in Brooklyn are more raw and underground, often with multiple rooms for different genres and open-air rooftops.
• Comedy clubs – New York’s comedy scene is legendary – some of the biggest acts started their careers here. The Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village is a must-visit for everything from rising stars to established comedians, and some of the bigger acts often do surprise drop-ins, too.

From sticking to a budget to getting a table at that restaurant that’s all over socials, here’s everything you need to know about eating out in New York…

• Make reservations ASAP – With a world-famous foodie scene, New York’s restaurants can be pretty tricky to book… For places you know you want to try, your best bet is to make a reservation as soon as you’ve booked your trip. If the restaurants are showing no availability, a good hack is to check for bar seating options. You’re welcome.
• Avoid the busiest dining times – If you’re struggling to get a table or want to swerve the crowds, consider eating between 2-6pm, which is the quieter period between lunch and dinner. You’re much more likely to get a reservation, and some restaurants will let you walk straight in without one.
• Carry some cash – Most places accept credit and debit cards, but lots of smaller vendors and eateries, like food trucks, street food stalls and independent restaurants are cash-only. It’s a good shout to change some money into dollars before you arrive to save on ATM charges. Find out more about our foreign exchange service.
• Find the BYOB spots – AKA Bring Your Own Bottle. Some restaurants in the less touristy boroughs let you bring your own bottle of alcohol, which is much cheaper than ordering it when you’re there. They might just charge you a small corkage fee.

Summer in the city is elite. Picnics in the park, evenings out on the rooftop and urban beach days… say less.

• Free outdoor cinemas, July and August – Catch your fave classics and the hottest releases on outdoor screens in parks like Bryant Park, Hudson River Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• SummerStage, May-September – A line up of free concerts and performances in Central Park, featuring big-name acts and up-and-coming artists from live DJs to entire orchestras.
• Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, July – There are firework displays, then there’s 4th of July in New York… It’s the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the US, and you get the best views from Manhattan’s East River and nearby rooftops.
• Coney Island – Spend days on the beach, ride the historic Cyclone rollercoaster in Luna Park and attend fun events like the Mermaid Parade in June.
• Governors Ball Music Festival, June – A weekend music festival held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The line up is always mega – acts like Post Malone, The Killers and Sza have performed the last few years.

New York looks extra fine once that autumn aesthetic hits – get ready for cosy cafés, pretty park strolls and spooky season fun.

• Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, October – Americans go all out for Halloween, so get ready to see the scariest costumes, marching bands and elaborate puppets and floats.
• Thanksgiving Day Parade, November – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a yearly tradition, featuring giant character balloons, Broadway performances and high-energy bands.
• Open House New York Weekend, October – This one’s for the nosey neighbours out there… Go behind the curtain for free and gain access to some of NYC’s coolest and most historic buildings, which are normally closed to the public, on this weekend dedicated to opening up the city.
• New York Comic Con, October – Calling all nerds… This huge event draws in fans from all over the world who want to share their love of all things comics, films and pop culture. The costume commitment is real, so walk around and see which of your fave characters you can see.

The iconic yellow taxis are everywhere in New York City and can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi stands. Taxis are a convenient option for short distances or for getting from A to B without any stops, but they’re deffo the most expensive way to get around. It can be a challenge to hail one in a busy area, too – channel the locals’ assertive energy and don’t be shy when you’re trying to get their attention.

Brands like Uber and Lyft are available all over the city and are a good option for booking in advance or fixing the price of your ride upfront. Just FYI, they get more expensive at peak times, like on weekends or late at night.