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Whether you've been there once, twice or more times that you can count, New York is a must visit (and re-visit) holiday destination for all. In fact, a record breaking 61 MILLION tourists visited New York just last year, and unsurprisingly it's thought to be the most photographed city in the world. So your Instagram feed will definitely benefit from your visit too.
Don't worry about any language barriers you may face either, as near on 800 languages are spoken in New York. A fact you won't find too shocking once you learn that over 3 million people born outside the United States of America now live there.
So if you do decide to book a holiday to NYC next year, here's what we recommend putting on your agenda.
Why go to New York?
The easier question to answer would be why not go to New York (though we're guessing a certain President Donald Trump popped into your mind then). But here's why we think you should go:
The view from the Empire State Building
The view from the top of the Empire State is well worth the queues it takes to get there, whether you go day or night (or both!). Fair warning though, if you go early morning or before closing expect heavier queues.
Lunch at Grand Central Station
If you're a fan of Gossip Girl then we definitely recommend going to the place where it all began. We are, of course, talking about Grand Central Station. Whilst you're there make sure you head downstairs to the food hall - we challenge you to find something you won't want to eat!
Ice skating at The Rockefeller Centre
Lucky enough to visit New York over winter? Then Ice skating at the Rockerfeller around THAT Christmas tree from Home Alone is mandatory. If you really can't handle the ice then at least pop down and observe with a hot chocolate in hand.
Shopping. Shopping. Oh, and more shopping.
If there's one thing New York is know for, it's the shops! From Time Square to 5th Avenue, we dare you to go home empty handed. If you really want to treat yourself to the New York shopping experience then why not travel luggage free on your outbound and pick up a suitcase and everything to fill it with during your stay?
The Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island
Can you really go to New York and not visit her Lady Liberty? The Statue of Liberty is a historic landmark in NYC, after the people of France gifted it to America back in 1886. Be warned though, there is also a ferry that takes you to Staten Island and if you're not careful you may just end up on that one by mistake.
Central Park
Spanning over 800 acres, you can easily spend a day exploring Manhattan's iconic urban park. You'll find plenty of places to eat and drink and may even be surprised by pop up fairgrounds and the like!
Do you really need more? Ok fine. Whilst in NYC there are also a host of museums to check out, including but not limited to the MOMA and The Met. You'll also want to make sure you catch a show or two whilst you're in town as the NYC theatre experience is like nothing you've ever experience before - and if you head to the theatre early doors on the day of the show you can get cheaper tickets (bargain!)
Stay here
If you're visiting New York then you're probably going to want a hotel that's in walking distance to many of the Manhattan's main attractions (we're talking the likes of Central Park, Time Square and the Empire State Building here), but somewhere that isn't bang in the middle of a tourist hot spot. After all, New York is known for being the city that never sleeps.
For that we highly recommend checking yourself into the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, based in the heart of radio city. The Hilton Midtown is just a five minute walk from Central Park, and if you walk a mere 10 minutes in the opposite direction you'll find yourself bang in the middle of Time Square. Other landmarks near the hotel include The Rockefeller Centre (perfect if you're visiting over Christmas) and The Museum Of Modern Art.
Although the hotel offers over 1,900 rooms, these span across 43 floors (New York is full of skyscrapers after all) so you need not worry about noisy neighbours. The hotel also boasts exclusive signature mattresses that will whisk you away into the land of nod in just a blink of an eye - that's if you can take your eyes off the truly stunning city views, though.
You'll also find a fully docked out fitness centre, and plenty of 'relaxation rooms' to unwind in after a hard day seeing the sites. During your stay make sure to also check out the Hilton's minus 5 ice bar experience, where EVERYTHING inside is literally minus 5 degrees. We're talking walls, chandeliers and even seats made of ice. Fear not though, you won't freeze as you'll be fully kitted out in a faux fur parka coat, hats and gloves before you enter this winter wonderland.
Don't miss
If you find the time it's well worth getting tickets to see at least one New York sports game, be it baseball or ice hokey at the Maddison Square Gardens. And if you fancy a day away from the bright lights of NYC then hop on the metro and give Coney Island a visit, based in Brooklyn you'll fun for all the family at this famous fairground.
In the words of one Taylor Swift, welcome to New York.
