Things to do in New York
Skyscrapers, world-class museums, a brunch on every corner and a skyline you have seen in a thousand films. New York never runs out of things to do.
The Plaza
The Plaza on Fifth Avenue is one of New York's most famous hotels and has appeared in countless films and series.
The best things to do in New York
New York is a city of neighbourhoods, and the best way to see it is on foot and by subway. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, spend an afternoon in Central Park, see the city from the top of a skyscraper and take the free Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty.
The museums are among the best in the world, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA to the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History. In the evening, catch a Broadway show or explore the bars of the West Village and Williamsburg.
Brunch, New York style
Weekend brunch is a New York institution, and the best places fill up fast.
Brunch and food in New York
New Yorkers take brunch seriously, and so should you. Here is Picolo's guide to the best brunch spots in New York, from neighbourhood cafés to classic French brasseries.
Beyond brunch, try a slice of New York pizza, a bagel with lox, dumplings in Chinatown and a pastrami sandwich from a traditional deli. Food halls and markets such as Chelsea Market are great for a quick bite.
Succession
The Roy family's New York is full of real locations you can visit, from restaurants to grand hotels.
New York on screen: Succession filming locations
Few cities appear on screen as often as New York. Fans of HBO's Succession can follow the Roy family around Manhattan and beyond. Here is where the popular series Succession was filmed, including the hotels and restaurants you can visit yourself.
For more ideas across the country, see our USA holidays guide.
Best time to visit New York
Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to early November, are the best times to visit New York, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of events. Summer is hot and humid, but the city has rooftop bars, parks and outdoor concerts.
December is magical, with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and festive window displays, but also busy and expensive. January and February are cold, but you will find lower hotel prices.
New York: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in New York?
Four to five days is a good length for a first visit, giving you time for the main sights, a museum or two, Central Park, Brooklyn and a show. A week lets you explore more neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace.
How long is the flight from London to New York?
A direct flight from London to New York takes around seven to eight hours, while the return is usually an hour or so shorter thanks to the jet stream. There are many daily flights to both JFK and Newark.
Where should I stay in New York?
Midtown is central and convenient for first-time visitors, while Lower Manhattan, the West Village and SoHo have more character. Brooklyn, especially Williamsburg and Dumbo, is a good alternative with great restaurants and views of Manhattan.
Why is New York called the Big Apple?
The nickname became popular in the 1920s through a newspaper column about horse racing, and was later adopted by the city's tourism campaign in the 1970s. Today it is used all over the world.