New York Vacation Rentals

Whether it's the ubiquitous hot dog vendor, the Middle Eastern food stands, Chinese takeaway to eat at your New York apartment rental, or a swanky meal in a Michelin-star restaurant, the Big Apple doesn't disappoint.

While the Big Apple teases international palates galore, the real pleasure is in its classic specialties. Try New York-style pizza, characterized by a thin crust and sold in large slices to go; a cream cheese bagel, pastrami sandwich, or matzo ball soup; or just a simple hot dog (a staple since the 1860s). For dessert, tuck into a classic NYC black-and-white cookie or creamy cheesecake pie, best had at Eileen's Special Cheesecake or Carnegie Deli.

Absolute musts are the New York-style bagels. They might sound cliche but they are favourites for a reason. Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for with many options readily available across the city. For drinks, Greenwich Village is the perfect choice with its Latin Quarter vibes and suave clientele. Brooklyn also makes a great base as an up-and-coming destination for bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues that shouldn't be missed.

Arguably, the best times to book a rental in NYC are during fall and spring when the weather is pleasant and the city full of atmosphere. Winters get chilly but in the run-up to Christmas, the city offers magical, festive vibes. Summer's soaring temperatures are perfect for those who like it warm and it's a perfect time for outdoor activities like strolling through Central Park and Coney Island.

What to do in New York City

New York's greatest icon is the Statue of Liberty, which certainly merits a visit. The nearby Ellis Island is an informative site on the history of America's immigrants. Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange as well as Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as America's first president.

While in NYC, it will be hard to miss the Empire State Building and the nearby Chrysler Building that dominate the city's skyline. Times Square beckons with its 24/7 flashing billboards and neon screens while Central Park holds the promise of a wonderful afternoon snooze, an outdoor performance, or horse and carriage ride by night.

NYC is home to world-class museums, galleries, and performing arts spaces. The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as Islamic, European, and American oeuvres. The Guggenheim Museum stuns visitors with its architecture and swirling staircases. For contemporary American art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and MoMA are fine options — the latter houses Van Gogh's Starry Night and Picasso's Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

No one should leave New York without experiencing its Broadway culture. As well as the hit plays and musicals on Broadway, catch a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall, or Metropolitan Opera.

Take the kids to the One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center to take in mesmerizing views of the cityscape. Children are sure to be thrilled by the futuristic high-speed elevators in New York's tallest building, that ascends 102 stories in only 47 seconds!

A sure-fire hit with kids of all ages, the American Museum of Natural History is packed with awesome dinosaur fossils, including a mighty T-Rex. Explore its jaw-dropping collection before heading to the fun, hands-on Discovery Room where kids can touch the fossils and learn lots of cool facts.

Over at the Museum of Modern Art, you can take the 'A Closer Look for Kids' tour which includes activities based on the works they see, including colourful pieces by Warhol, Pollack, and Matisse. Children are encouraged to share their ideas about the artworks in this world-class collection.

After touring the city's museums and galleries, Central Park is the perfect place for children to let off some steam. There are wide open lawns, 21 playgrounds, a lake for boating in the summer, and ice rinks for skating in the winter. The park is also home to the popular Central Park Zoo, which additionally features the Tisch Children's Zoo, complete with a petting zoo, a theatre, and an 'Enchanted Forest'. Elsewhere in the park, the Kid's Adventure Theatre thrills children with its interactive shows, while the fairy tales at The Marionette Theatre are ideal for smaller children.

New York's electrifying after-dark entertainment extends beyond DJ nights – burlesque acts, dive bars, ghost tours, costume parties, happy-hour cruises, and more await. Eager to show off your general knowledge? Participate in a trivia night, regularly hosted at bars across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for spectacular views of Manhattan's skyline, which has been immortalized in popular culture. See NYC by night from the observation decks of the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building.

From NYC, it's easy to plan a day trip to the casino town of Atlantic City in New Jersey, where intriguing public art installations await. Less than 100 miles from NYC is Philadelphia, known for its historic sites, cheese steaks, and famed beer halls. Anglers should definitely fish at Freeport in Long Island, known for its fluke, bluefish, and flounder. A ferry ride will get you to Governors Island, a great spot for alfresco picnics.

Empire State Building

Standing tall even among the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan, this iconic Art Deco building is a must-see for awe-inspiring views.

Broadway

Arguably one of the most famous theater scenes in the world, this array of theaters staging world-class musicals and plays is situated just a stone's throw from Times Square.

Statue of Liberty

Right in the Hudson River is another iconic piece of architecture. This colossal sculpture on Liberty Island offers great views as well as an education in the city's history.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The largest art museum in the United States, the Met's collection spans from ancient Egyptian artifacts to 20th-century modern art.

Central Park

Right in the heart of Manhattan, juxtaposed against the cityscape, you'll find a vast, green haven perfect for bike rides, walking, or relaxing after a busy day.