7 of the best New York holidays 2025: City break and adventure holiday ideas

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The dazzling metropolis of America’s east coast, New York is home to a legendary food and drink scene, iconic landmarks and attractions and wild nightlife, so it’s no surprise that the most populated city in the US is an in-demand destination for short breaks and urban escapes.

A thriving epicentre of US life, New York’s famed skyline, world-class museums and all-singing, all-dancing Broadway shows line the five boroughs, meaning even short trips can be packed with cultural big-hitters.

What constitutes the perfect NYC adventure is open to interpretation but, with some of the world’s finest art galleries, indie shopping districts and transport networks, everyone from history buffs to shopaholics will find something to enthral in the Big Apple.

From hipster Williamsburg to the buzz of Manhattan and exploring the Upper East Side, here’s a selection of the best holiday deals to inspire a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York and spend a few days on the other side of the pond.

Best New York holidays

Best for: Bucket list landmarks

Four-night NYC break

The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park are all popular attractions (Getty Images)

Famed for its iconic sights, New York is synonymous with world-class museums, larger-than-life landmarks and soaring skyscrapers. Tourists flock to the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building that rise above the busy streets, and a New York trip wouldn’t be complete without exploring the wonders of sprawling Central Park.

Trailfinders provides a five-day, four-night New York City Break holiday package for a fast-paced introduction to the classic highlights of the American metropolis, including a cruise around Manhattan, shopping in Soho and a visit to Central Park. From £495pp, based on two adults sharing, including three-star accommodation, airport transfers and a Manhattan Harbour Lights Cruise. Return flights from London start from £308 in April 2025.

Best for: Foodies

12-day self-drive tour

New York is the perfect place for feasting (Getty Images)

Taking inspiration from every corner of the globe, New York is rightly listed in the same breath as Paris and Tokyo when it comes to the world’s best cities for food. Whether you’re craving a 99-cent slice of pizza or seeking a fine-dining experience for a special occasion, the Big Apple can cater for all tastes and budgets. Foodies will love Travelbag’s Discover the Taste of New York State trip, a 12-day self-drive tour that includes three days in New York before heading inland to spend time at The Culinary Institute of America. After this, the tour takes in wineries in the Hudson Valley and Seneca, before ending in Greater Niagara, the home of the humble Buffalo wing. Priced at £1,299 pp, the trip includes flights, accommodation and nine days’ car hire.

Best for: Rail fans

East Coast by rail

Reduce your carbon footprint and see New York by rail (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Reduce your carbon footprint and take to the tracks on a multi-city train tour of the US. From Grand Central in New York City to 30th Street in Pennsylvania and South Station in Massachusetts, the impressive architecture of iconic transport hubs are all a part of this bucket-list journey with window seats a must to view the dynamic landscape along the way.

Audley Travel’s Cities of the East by Rail tour takes in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. This 13-day trip is priced at £4,340pp and includes international flights, destination transfers, excursions and all accommodation. New York highlights include the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline and Chelsea Market, and includes a three-night stop in the city.

Best for: Originality

Camp on Governors Island

Governors Island is located just an eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If the prospect of camping in the city that never sleeps fills you with horror, think again. Collective Retreats at Governors Island – a 172-acre island floating just 800 yards away from Manhattan Island – offers a truly unique way to experience New York. In this “village”, guests can stay at a range of properties, including villas and suites, but we like the look of the Summit Tents. These stylish shelters feature wood-panelled baths, king-sized beds, walk-in showers, custom lighting and – the pièce de résistance – a private waterfront deck with stellar views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Rates start from $339 (£267) per night from May 2025 onwards. Walk, don’t run.

Best for: Budget city breaks

Package holidays... in New York?

Bag a bargain with cheap eats from NYC street food vendors (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

While a package holiday might not immediately spring to mind when thinking of a New York trip, there are some excellent deals available and big savings to be had. Opting for a package that includes flights and accommodation can end up saving travellers a fortune – and there’s plenty to discover in this city that doesn’t break the bank.

British Airways offers a three-night package to New York travelling in May 2025 for a bargain £798pp based on two people sharing. This includes three nights' accommodation at Pod Times Square and return flights from London Heathrow to JFK, including checked baggage. If that doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of other accommodation options available to choose from, including properties in Brooklyn, NoMad, Soho, Chelsea and beyond.

Best for: Relaxed travel

Southampton to New York seven-night cruise

Escape the airport hustle as you cruise into New York (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

What better way to travel stress-free than arriving by cruise ship to Manhattan Cruise Terminal? Enjoy a seaborne holiday before you even reach your city break destination on a journey to the Hudson River from the UK, and say goodbye to airport annoyances, intense jetlag and a long-haul flight with the kids. Dine on salmon and soufflés at elegant onboard restaurants and retire after an evening’s entertainment to comfortable suites with a book from the ship’s library.

A 14-night cruise with Cunard from Southampton to New York on Queen Mary 2 departing in June 2025 is priced at £2,669pp, excluding flights.

Best for: Gen Z

Uncovered New York

Contiki tours include bicycle rides in Central Park (Getty Images)

Contiki specialises in travel and tours around the globe for 18-35-year-olds, making it an excellent choice for Gen Z travellers. Their Best of USA tour includes bicycle rides in Central Park, an LGBTQ+ history tour of the city and a Manhattan sunset sail on the Hudson River on a “Gatsby-esque 1920s-style yacht”. Priced at £2,968pp and including 12 nights’ accommodation, public transport costs, five breakfasts and one dinner, you’ll need to sort your own flights for this one.

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