New York Holidays

New York City is a place that never stops surprising. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore new corners, the city’s energy is contagious. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the neighbourhoods across the boroughs, you can expect incredible sights, great bars and restaurants, and top-class entertainment everywhere you go. 

Manhattan is the heart of it all - home to iconic landmarks, world-famous museums, and neighbourhoods that each have their own personality. From the neon lights of Times Square to the peaceful paths of Central Park, there’s always something to see or do. Don't forget to take in the skyline - and a cocktail or two - from a rooftop bar, or simply admire a stunning sunset from the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Beyond Manhattan, explore Brooklyn’s trendy streets and food scene, Queens’ diversity, The Bronx’s rich history, and Staten Island’s laid-back vibe. Plus, getting around is easy with the subway - just hop on and let the city open up. 

But, be sure to plan your days around what you want to see most, whether that’s visiting a museum, catching a Broadway show, meeting friends in a lively Irish bar, shopping on Fifth Avenue, grabbing a hot-dog on the go, or simply people-watching from a sidewalk café.  

Be ready for a city that’s constantly changing, full of surprises, and packed with experiences that are definitely going to leave a lasting impression for years to come. And yes, it's true, New York is the city that never sleeps. 

Before you set out to explore New York's famous, and not so famous landmarks, we recommend that you start the day with breakfast at a typical NYC diner (try the Townhouse Diner - 696 2nd Ave - just like a movie set). Once you've had your coffee, pancakes, eggs and bacon, it's time to hit the streets. Oh, and don't forget to wear some super comfortable walking shoes. 

If you're based in Manhattan, your first choice will be where to start - uptown, midtown, or downtown - but that's up to you. Hopefully, by now you'll have picked the things you want to see and do most, but just in case you haven't, let's pick a few to get you started. 

If you really want to get that New York vibe early into your trip, take a ride to the top of the Empire State Building. It may not be the tallest building in the city, but it's certainly one of the most iconic (queues can be long in summer). Next it's on to Times Square where the giant billboards and bustling crowds let you know exactly where you are - yes, you're in New York. 

If you haven't had enough of city views, the Rockefeller Centre and it's famous Top of the Rock give you a great view of the city skyline - you can even see the Empire State Building from here. After that you can bring yourself down to earth with a cab or subway ride to Central Park - you'll be amazed how such a quiet place can exist in the middle of the bustling city. If you like all things arty, stop off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History located right next to the park. 

If all the sightseeing has left you hungry, indulge in New York’s legendary food scene - grab a slice of authentic New York pizza, or visit a classic deli like Katz’s for a hearty, and delicious,  pastrami sandwich. 

After lunch visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for a moving reminder from history, or take a quick ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - the first landing-site for so many Irish immigrants. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the High Line park, a beautifully transformed elevated railway with art installations and great city views. 

If shopping is your thing, take a walk down Fifth Avenue and create your own wish-list. (Top Tip: don't go shopping on your first day - you might just run out of money for the rest of your stay). If you want to lose some of the craziness of midtown, take a ride down to Greenwich Village to see its famous brownstone buildings, cool cafes, boutique art galleries, and great neighbourhood bars. 

There are so many sights to take in, it would be impossible to list them all; Grand Central Station; the 9/11 Memorial Site and Museum; Madam Tussauds, The Harry Potter Store, St. Patrick's Cathedral and catacombs - the list goes on, and the choice is yours. 

To finish your day why not enjoy dinner and drinks at a cosy Irish pub (The Dead Rabbit on Water Street, or the famous McSorley's Old Ale House). Depending on what floats your boat, New York has something for everyone. The best advice from us, is to do your homework before you go and plan your perfect holiday in the City That Never Sleeps

If you've got money in your pocket, you won't go hungry in New York for sure. The city - as the world's melting pot - boasts a world-class dining scene that's second to none. Of course, everybody knows the New York classics like pizza, pretzels with cream cheese, sidewalk hot-dogs, or the famous pastrami on rye sandwich, but there's a whole lot more. 

Head to Chinatown or Korea Town (between 5th and 6th Avenue) for some authentic dim sum or Asian street food, or visit Little Italy for a cosy pasta dinner like 'Momma used to make'. For a super trendy atmosphere, check out the food halls like Chelsea Market, Union Square Market, or the Time Out Market, where you can sample a little bit of everything all in one place.   

If you want to try something more upmarket - for a special occasion maybe - New York City, including the Boroughs, has over 70 Michelin Star restaurants, like La Bernardin, Per Se, or the affordable JeJu Noodle Bar in the West Village. One thing you can be sure of is that you'll be spoiled for choice and quality whatever part of the city you choose.  

Despite the gleaming high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, culture runs deep in Manhattan. Art lovers can explore the treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or catch an award-winning Broadway show that will have you cheering in the aisles. History fans might want to visit the city's famous neighbourhoods of Harlem, Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side, and the Stone Street district, each with their own stories and vibrant street life. For a more local experience, wander through neighbourhood markets, discover quirky shops in Soho, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of Times Square at night. If you can imagine it, you can probably do it in New York. 

What are the most popular attractions for Irish visitors to New York? That's a tough one to answer. Everyone has different tastes, but thankfully the Big Apple really does have something for everyone 

While it would be impossible to list them all, there are some firm favourites, especially with Irish visitors, that you might not want to miss. 

For some of the best views of the city skyline try one, or all, of the following tourist hotspots. 

• Top of the Rock - Everyone knows the iconic photo of workers having lunch suspended on a steel beam high above the city. From the Top of the Rock observation deck - located in the Rockefeller Centre - you can recreate that famous scene. 
• The One World Observatory - Take the super-fast lift (60 seconds - an experience on its own) to the 102nd floor where you'll get a multi-media show depicting the changing New York skyline over the past 500-years. 
• The Edge Sky Deck - This is regarded as one of the best (and the newest) vantage points to take in the stunning views of the whole city. 1,000 feet above the ground, the Sky Deck also features a glass floor section for those brave enough. 
• Summit One Vanderbilt - Visitors flock here for more than the breathtaking views 1,200-feet above Madison Avenue. Again, if you have a head for heights, the glass lift taking visitors to the Summit it's an experience out on its own. 
• The Empire State Building - Sure, there are lots more modern city viewing options, but a visit to the New York's crown jewel, The Empire State Building always makes for a great story to tell your friends back home. 

When you've seen the city from above, it's time to check out the other major attractions New York has waiting for you. 

• Central Park - Try boating in summer or skating in winder, a picnic by the lake or brunch in the Boathouse, Central Park offers a break from the hustle and bustle  of the nearby city streets. 
• The Statue of Liberty - Combine a visit to Lady Liberty - you can even view the city from her crown if you book in advance - with an historic trip to Ellis Island, the spot that welcomed millions of immigrants to the country's shores.  
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum - The 9/11 Museum can be an emotional and thought-provoking place, but it is one of the most visited places in Manhattan. The whole area has been repurposed as a place of tribute for all who lost their lives on that fateful day. 
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge - If you want to leave Manhattan and make your way to Brooklyn, there's no better way of doing it than walking across the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Plus, you'll get some of the best views of the city skyline. 
• Go Shopping - What's New York without the shopping, and it doesn't have to cost the earth? Regular busses run to the many Outlet Centres in Woodbury Common. Of course you also could stick to the old favourites like Macy's and Bloomingdales. 
• Escape on The High Line - If you don't want to make your way to Central Park, the High Line is an elevated green park and art space built on a disused freight train line high above the city. 
• A Broadway Show - How do I get to Broadway? Practice! In Manhattan, Broadway is right on your doorstep offering visitors some of the top theatrical entertainment anywhere in the world. But, be sure to book well in advance, if you can. 
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour - A great way to get to know the city quickly  is by taking one of the many Hop-on Hop-off tours. You'll get to experience all the major city sights, and save your feet a lot of discomfort. 
• Times Square - The beating heart of New York, Times Square; some love it, some hate it, but you just have to see it for yourself. If you don't like it, you can always pop into the famous Hershey's Chocolate World. Sweet! 
• Explore the West Village - The West Village really is like an upmarket New York movie set (home of Sex and the City). We think you'll love the beautiful brownstone buildings, cute boutiques, cosy restaurants, great nightlife, and fashionable bars. 
• Intrepid Air & Space Museum - Have you ever wondered what it's like to set foot on a giant aircraft carrier? The Intrepid Air & Space Museum let's you do just that. The museum is also home to thousands of US navy and military artefacts. 
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art - The 'Met' is more than an gallery, it's a beautiful public space containing over 2-million pieces of art dating back thousands of years across multiple civilisations. 
• Wall Street - If you're taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty you might want to stop off at Wall Street for an Instagrammable photo opportunity with the famous Wall Street bull. That's sure to impress your buddies back in the office. 
• Visit an Irish Bar or Two - It's true, the Irish were the backbone of New York City's foundation, so why not visit one or two of the city's most famous Irish Bars, including The Dead Rabbit, Molly's Shebeen, or the iconic McSorleys. 
• St. Patrick's Cathedral - St. Patrick's Cathedral has been the spiritual home for generations of New York-based Irish-Americans. Plus, as a New York architectural landmark, the Cathedral stands out in classic gothic contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and glass towers. 

It goes without saying that there are literally thousands of attractions, sights, and events throughout all of New York's Boroughs, so the best we can do is offer a selection of the most popular. But, if you're a little more adventurous, or have your own particular interests - whether that happens to be botany or 19th century medical science - the city is stuffed with strange and unusual offerings; you'll just have to dig a little deeper. 

Planning a trip to New York from Ireland is pretty straightforward, especially when you have experts like Cassidy Travel on hand, but there are still a few things you need to know. 

In general, Irish tourists visiting New York do not need a visa for short visits, but they must get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before travelling. This is part of the Visa Waiver Programme that allows Irish citizens to the U.S.A. for up to 90 days without a visa - check with the relevant US authorities to apply online. You'll also need proof that you have a return ticket. 

Thankfully, pre-immigration clearance is carried out in Ireland at both Dublin and Shannon airports. This makes sure that you can get through U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing before you even board your flight, and saves you from long queues on your arrival in the U.S. And, be sure that you have a valid electronic passport that's valid for more than 3 months after your departure. 

Money-wise, it's smart to carry some US dollars for cash expenses and tipping, but credit cards are widely accepted. The best advice is to stock up on notes in $1 and $5 denominations (tip money) before you go. Also, make sure to notify your bank before travelling to avoid your cards being blocked. Finally, consider the exchange rate and possible fees for currency conversion.  

Accommodation should be booked early, Cassidy Travel can arrange all of that for you, especially if visiting during peak seasons like summer or the Christmas Holidays. Public transport in New York is extensive, so getting a MetroCard for subway trips can save you a fair bit of money and time. If you have a favourite restaurant or activity you want to enjoy, book as far in advance as possible. Once you're there, be prepared for busy streets and crowded tourist spots, and always - like for all major cities - keep your belongings secure at all times.  

Finally, pack appropriate clothing for the weather, which can vary from freezing cold winters to scorching hot summers. Planning ahead will help you enjoy your trip smoothly, avoiding the most common issues and making the most of your stay in the Big Apple.