The Ultimate Guide to New York 2025
I’ve been to New York twice for a girls trip and currently planning my third trip! Known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” NYC is the perfect place for a getaway with your besties. From iconic landmarks and world-class shopping to rooftop bars and Broadway shows, New York has it all. This guide to New York covers everything you need to plan your trip, from how long to stay and where to stay, to the best things to see and do.
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Flight Overview
Travel Time: Flights from London to New York take approximately 7-8 hours.
Average Flight Cost: You can find round-trip flights from £350-£550 on average, depending on the season. Using platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find the best deals.
Best Time to Visit New York
Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
If you’re visiting during the holiday season (December), you’ll experience the magic of NYC at Christmas, but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Summer (July-August) is warm and lively, though it can be quite hot, while winter (January-February) brings chillier temperatures but cheaper accommodation.
How Long Do You Need?
A long weekend (3-4 days) is ideal for a short getaway to experience the highlights. However, if you want to dive deeper into the city’s endless offerings, 5-7 days would allow for a more relaxed and thorough exploration. If you are going for your first visit, we would recommend 5-7 days to make the most of your time and explore the city to the fullest.
Where to Stay
No matter your budget, NYC has an array of amazing hotels, from budget-friendly finds to luxurious splurges. Here’s a list to suit every type of trip:
1. Budget
Pod Times Square
Prices start from £100
Pod 51
Prices start from £134
Moxy NYC Times Square
Prices start from £151
Radio Hotel
Prices start from £101
2. Moderate
Arlo SoHo
Prices start from £146
Hyatt Place Chelsea
Prices start from £178
Arlo NoMad
Prices start from £142
Paramount Hotel
Prices start from £146
The Standard, East Village
Prices start from £225
The Williamsburg Hotel
Prices start from £256
3. Luxury
The Plaza Hotel
Prices start from £875
The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park
Prices start from £731
The St. Regis New York
Prices start from £694
The Langham, Fifth Avenue
Prices start from £720
Things to Do
New York is bursting with exciting activities, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Here are some of the best things to do, mixing both free and paid experiences:
Top Free Things to Do in New York
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge
- The High Line
- Chelsea Market
- Times Square
- Grand Central Terminal
- New York Public Library
- Bryant Park
Read the full blog post on the Free Things to do in New York here
Museums
1. Met Museum
Home to over 5,000 years of art, The Met is where you can get lost in galleries filled with masterpieces. From ancient Egypt to modern works, it’s a place for endless exploration. It’s perfect for an afternoon of culture and fun with your besties, plus the rooftop views are a must-see!
2. MoMA
A world-renowned museum filled with groundbreaking modern art, including works from artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse, MoMA is an inspiring experience.
3. American History Museum
One of the most iconic museums in New York, featuring impressive collections of fossils, dioramas, and space exhibits, perfect for anyone who loves science and history.
4. Ground Zero Museum
A heartfelt tribute to the events of 9/11, the Ground Zero Museum offers an intimate look at the lives affected by the tragedy through powerful photographs and personal stories.
5. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim is a masterpiece of architecture and art, featuring a stunning spiral design and a collection of modern art that’s as impressive as the building itself.
Observation Decks
1. Empire State Building
Visitors can experience the views from two main observation points: the 86th floor open air deck and the 102nd floor indoor observation deck. Both provide panoramic views of the city, with the higher level offering a more elevated perspective.
2. The Edge
This stunning observation deck at Hudson Yards features a glass floor and unparalleled views of the city skyline, making it an exhilarating spot for taking in New York from above.
3. One World Observatory
A powerful tribute to the city’s resilience, One World Observatory provides breathtaking views and an immersive experience of New York’s history and skyline.
4. Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt offers stunning views and interactive art installations, making it stand out from other observation decks. The experience goes beyond the typical visit with multi-sensory exhibits spread across three levels. It’s a unique blend of breathtaking views and immersive art that creates a memorable experience for all visitors.
5. Top of the Rock
This iconic observation deck provides one of the best views in the city, allowing you to capture stunning photos of the skyline and surrounding areas. In addition to stunning views of the city’s skyline, Top of the Rock has introduced its latest attraction – the SkyLift. This thrilling experience lets you soar up to 30 feet above the rooftop deck in a glass elevator, offering a whole new perspective of the iconic views.
Other Attractions
1. Broadway Show
Experiencing a Broadway show is a quintessential New York moment. Whether you love musicals or plays, Broadway offers world-class performances with jaw-dropping talent and production. Top tip: If you’re looking for discounted tickets, head to the TKTS Booth in Times Square on the day of the show, where you can score great seats at up to 50% off!
2. Basketball Match at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks, and watching a live basketball game here is an adrenaline pumping experience. The energy in the arena is electric, and even if you’re not a sports fan, the atmosphere and crowd make it a memorable part of your New York adventure.
3. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
If you want to see the New York skyline from the water, then you need to book a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Whether you choose a daytime or night cruise, this experience provides panoramic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building, all from the comfort of the boat.
4. Madame Tussauds New York
Get up close with life-size wax figures of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds New York. Take photos with stars from the world of music, film, sports, and pop culture.
5. NYC Helicopter Tour
For those who aren’t scared of heights, experiencing New York City from above is an absolute must! You’ll get breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. A 15 minute tour starts from £197.
6. Bike Rental in Central Park
One of my favourite things to do in New York is taking a bike ride through Central Park. It’s one of the quickest ways to explore the park’s stunning landscape and gardens. Plus, it allows you to cover more ground, seeing everything from the serene lakes to the famous bridges, in just a few hours.
7. The Vessel
The Vessel is one of New York’s most unique landmarks, offering a stunning, spiral staircase structure in the Hudson Yards area. It’s an interactive experience where you can climb to various viewing points for a different perspective of the city. The views are incredible, and the open design makes it a fun spot for photos and to simply explore.
Areas to Explore
1. SoHo
A stylish neighbourhood packed with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cobblestone streets. Perfect for a day of shopping, brunching, and admiring street art with your besties.
2. Dumbo, Brooklyn
This trendy neighbourhood offers some of the best skyline views in the city. Whether you’re gallery hopping or just soaking up the cool, urban vibes, Dumbo is the place to be in Brooklyn.
3. Chinatown
Full of colourful streets, unique shops, and some of the best dumplings you’ll ever have, Chinatown is a bustling, vibrant spot that’s perfect for a girls’ day out.
4. Little Italy
The perfect place for an authentic Italian experience in NYC! Stroll the streets, enjoy a cappuccino, and indulge in some delicious pasta or pizza in this charming neighbourhood.
5. Wall Street
The heart of the Financial District and home to the famous Charging Bull. A must-see for anyone wanting to capture the energy of New York’s financial powerhouse.
6. Greenwich Village
One of NYC’s most charming neighbourhoods, the Village is full of artistic spirit, leafy streets, and local boutiques. It’s the perfect place to take it easy and enjoy a casual, carefree day with your girlfriends.
Where to Eat in New York
New York has endless dining options, whether you’re after a quick bite, brunch with the girls, or a fancy dinner. Here’s a mix of spots you can try:
1. Bagel Spots
- Liberty Bagels
- Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
- Brooklyn’s Bagel and Coffee Company
- Tompkins Square Bagels
- Murray’s Bagel
2. Cafe and Coffee Spots
- Blank Street
- Hungry Ghost
- Maman
- One Thousand
- Cha Cha Matcha
3. Brunch Spots
- Sarabeth’s
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Sadelles
- Sunday in Brooklyn
- Hole in the Wall
4. Quick Eats
- Joe’s Pizza
- Shake Shack
- Los Tacos No. 1
- The Halal Guys
- Katz Deli
5. Restaurants
- Buddaken
- Carbone
- Catch
- Tao
- BoCaphe
6. Rooftop Bars
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
- Mr Purple
- The Crown
- The Rooftop at Nearly Ninth
- Westlight
7. Desserts and Bakery
- The Doughnuttery
- Magnolia Bakery
- Levain
- Funny Face Bakery
Getting Around
New York City is big, but it’s easy to get around thanks to the subway and taxis.
- Subway: It’s the fastest and most affordable way to get around the city.
- Taxis & Uber/Lyft: Convenient for late nights or when you’re carrying all those shopping bags!
Final Tips for a Girls’ Trip to NYC
- Plan ahead for reservations at popular restaurants, bars, and attractions as New York gets super busy!
- Pack comfy shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing, but don’t forget to bring your heels for those nights out.
- Stay safe by keeping your belongings secure and always traveling together when possible.
I hope this guide on New York was useful! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Mandeep
Founder of The Girls Trip To
I love every step of the travel planning process and ensuring that the girls’ trip ACTUALLY happens. My mission is to help you get that girls’ trip out of the group chat by providing everything you need to plan your next getaway with your besties.
