If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting the Big Apple, you’ve no doubt been concerned about the cost. But there really is no need, thanks to the great range of budget-friendly New York hotels available. While it may cost you a few hundred pounds for a flight to the US, it’ll be worth it almost as soon as you step off the plane at the world-famous JFK Airport.
Shop till you drop at any one of New York’s top department stores, or behave like a real tourist, grab your camera and visit all the city’s iconic sights. If shopping is your thing, head straight to Barneys on Madison Avenue for some designer fashion.
No trip to New York is complete without a day exploring some of its most famous sights. And if your feet can’t take a daily beating from all the walking around, you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of hotels in New York that are reasonably close to all the action.
First stop, the Empire State building. Avoid the headache of staring up at the whopping great landmark and see the New York view in style from the top of this popular sight. Skip the queues by booking your tickets online in advance.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift to the US in honour of the friendship established during the French Revolution, is not to be missed. It’s appeared in countless films and TV programmes and now you can see it too. An American symbol of freedom and a welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life, this is one New York landmark you absolutely must put on your sightseeing to do list.
Known for its Christmas tree and festive ice skating, there’s no better time to visit midtown Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center than right before Christmas. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities here, too, the perfect excuse to go treat yourself!
A free ferry from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, the Staten Island Ferry (featured in Sex and the City, no less) is used regularly by commuters and tourists wanting a view of the harbour and Statue of Liberty. Hop on, but don’t forget your woollies in winter!
Love nothing more than a spot of fresh air? Then head straight to Central Park for a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Enjoy a relaxing stroll, a boat ride or a picnic in the park. Get saving for your New York trip of a lifetime and make the most of money-off coupons and discounts for the city’s popular attractions.
After all that arduous sightseeing, you’ll no doubt be ready to tuck into a hearty dinner. Want a quick bite to eat? You’ll find every eaterie you can imagine in the US, from big fast food chains to top restaurants for a more sophisticated dining experience. And you can’t go to the US without taking advantage of their all you can eat buffets; pay a set price and you can enjoy as much delicious food as you like. Choose a breakfast buffet to really fill you up for the day and save money by skipping lunch!
Log online and check out travel forums to see what others are saying about New York. You’ll probably pick up hints and tips of the best times to visit, cheapest places to eat and fun attractions to visit that are off the beaten track.
If your budget won’t extend to a trip to the US, there’s a wealth of vibrant, fun cities to visit right here in the UK. Jump on the train and take in the stunning Scottish scenery en route to Edinburgh. There are loads of cheap hotels in Edinburgh that don’t compromise on quality. Steeped in history and with a thriving social scene, the Scottish capital offers the very best in UK shopping, dining and entertainment.
Known across the UK for its popular Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is a hive of musical entertainment, with top national touring bands performing at various gig venues dotted around the city. Visit the city in the summer to take advantage of its festivals and outdoor concerts, or head to Edinburgh in the winter for a spot of Christmas shopping. With a trip in the UK, there’s no need to panic about passports and foreign currency; just book your hotel and grab your suitcase for a stress-free holiday on home soil.
