New York City Holidays 2025 & 2026

UK visitors travelling to New York for tourist reasons do not need a visa if their stay is under 90 days. However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your New York holiday. This is part of the US Visa Waiver Program and can be easily applied for online. Ensure you apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any last-minute complications and to guarantee it arrives in time before boarding.

New York City might be known as ‘The City that Never Sleeps’, but even if some of your group have 8pm bedtimes, there’s still plenty to explore. New York family holidays promise cultural finds, hands-on exploration and outdoor fun.

We recommend the iconic Central Park for young families, featuring not only natural beauty but 21 playgrounds, including the Ancient Playground, an Egyptian inspired complex. Central Park Zoo will also delight all ages with snow leopards, grizzly bears, and more than 70 penguins spread across the 7-acre site. It also wouldn’t be a holiday to New York without visiting the Statue of Liberty. It’s even fun to get there. You can take the family on a ferry ride across to Liberty Island for the best views from the ground up (Just make sure to book your tickets well in advance).

Check out more things to do in New York here.

Yes, tipping is customary in New York and is an essential part of the service industry. For restaurants, it’s typical to tip between 15-20% of your bill before tax. Taxi drivers usually expect 10-15%, and hotel staff such as bellhops or housekeeping appreciate tips ranging from $1-$5 depending on the service. Be prepared to account for these expenses in your New York City break budget.

New York is 5 hours behind the UK, following Eastern Standard Time (EST). For example, if it’s 3 PM in London, it will be 10 AM in New York. During daylight saving time (March to November), this time difference remains the same, but the clocks change on slightly different dates in the US compared to the UK.

New York is served by three major airports:

● John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located in Queens, JFK is the primary international gateway for most UK flights.
● Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located in New Jersey, Newark is another popular option with easy access to Manhattan.
● LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Primarily serving domestic flights, LaGuardia is an option if you’re connecting to other US destinations.

We offer holidays to New York that include flights to and from these airports, ensuring convenience for your travel plans.

New York is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences:

● Spring (March-May): Ideal for mild weather and blooming parks.
● Summer (June-August): Vibrant events, though temperatures can be hot and humid.
● Autumn (September-November): Cooler temperatures and stunning autumnal foliage make this a poular time to visit.
● Winter (December-February): Perfect for holiday decorations and ice skating, but be prepared for cold weather.

We can help you tailor your visit based on your preferred activities and budget.

Absolutely! While most visitors focus on Manhattan, New York has five boroughs to explore: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

We also offer New York multi-centre holidays, allowing you to combine your New York trip with other destinations, such as Boston, Washington, or even an extended stay in Florida.

To see the key attractions, we recommend staying for at least 4-5 days. This gives you enough time to explore landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, while also enjoying some of the city’s world-class dining and shopping. For a more in-depth experience or to explore beyond Manhattan, a 7-day stay would be ideal.

If you’re ready to book your holiday to New York, get in touch and we will assist with flights, accommodations, and bespoke itineraries tailored to your preferences.