Ultimate Travel Guide: Visiting New York City from the UK

New York City: the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and a dream destination for many UK travellers. Whether you're drawn to its iconic skyline, Broadway shows, or world-class shopping, NYC delivers an unforgettable experience. But before you hop across the Atlantic, here’s everything you need to know to make your trip smooth and spectacular.

✈️ Booking Your Flights

Flying from the UK to NYC is straightforward, with daily departures from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and other major airports. Nonstop flights * typically land at JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia airports and take around 7–8 hours.

Top tip: Try to book your flights * at least 6–8 weeks in advance to get the best prices. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) can also save you money.

👉 Use our flight search tool below to compare airlines and find the best fares in real time.

Book Flight & Hotels To New York City From London

Flights Leaving London for New York City.

🗽 Must-See Attractions

You’ll never run out of things to do in NYC, but some essentials include:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Book in advance for pedestal or crown access.

• Empire State Building: Go early or late to avoid crowds.

• Central Park: Ideal for a scenic walk, bike ride, or even a picnic.

• Broadway: Catch a world-famous musical or play — tickets can often be found at a discount via TKTS or online.

• Museums: The Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History are must-visits for culture lovers.

🧳 Travel Tips for UK Visitors

• Currency: US dollars ($). Use a travel * card like Revolut * or Monzo for good exchange rates.

• Tipping: Standard practice — 15–20% in restaurants, $1–$2 per bag for hotel porters.

• Weather: NYC experiences all four seasons. Pack warm layers in winter and light clothes in summer.

• Transport: The subway * is fast and budget-friendly. Buy a MetroCard at any station.

London Flight Map

New York City Hotels

🏨 Where to Stay in NYC

New York City offers accommodation for every taste and budget. From trendy boutique hotels in SoHo to luxury stays in Midtown Manhattan, choosing the right location is key. Here are a few top areas to consider:

• Midtown Manhattan: Ideal for first-timers — close to Times Square, Broadway, and Central Park.
• Lower Manhattan: Great for exploring Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty.
• Brooklyn: A bit more relaxed, with a growing food scene and amazing skyline views.

Use our hotel search feature below to browse and book hotels based on your budget, travel * dates, and preferences.

🌐 Hotel Map

To make planning even easier, use the interactive hotel map at the bottom of this page to explore hotel options by neighbourhood and proximity to top attractions.

🎟️ Booking Activities & Tickets

Want to pre-book tours, show tickets, or attraction passes? You can easily do so via Trip.com * — a trusted platform for seamless travel bookings * around the world.

Planning your New York getaway just got easier. With our integrated flight and hotel search, plus a handy hotel map and booking tools, you're only a few clicks away from the trip of a lifetime.

Start planning now — NYC is waiting for you! 🗽

✅ Final Tips

Don't get stuck without Mobile Data, Calls or SMS texts, with your own esim!

When traveling abroad, staying connected is essential, but making calls from your usual UK mobile plan can quickly become expensive due to roaming charges. This is where an eSIM (embedded SIM) offers a major advantage. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM allows you to activate a local or international data plan digitally without swapping physical cards. This means you can easily get a local number in Athens or anywhere else, enjoy cheaper call rates, and have reliable internet access on the go. Plus, eSIMs free you from the hassle of carrying multiple SIM cards or worrying about losing them, making your communication seamless and more cost-effective while traveling.