20 New York images that will make you want to go now
We recently asked you, our members, which places you most wanted to visit - the answer was, unequivocally, the US. And there's still nowhere that's quite so irresistible as New York - it has glamour, excitement and style in spades, culture and counter-culture, gastronomic delights seemingly on every corner, and an inexhaustible supply of shopping opportunities. And that's just the start.
Here we celebrate all that's great about New York in a handful of pictures.
The Manhattan skyline: there’s just nowhere quite like it.
Steam actually comes out of the sidewalk (as you probably know, that’s their word for pavement) – just like in the movies. Why? It’s an underground heating system that delivers steam around the city.
Rat's-eye view of the city streets. Verdict: classy, even from down here.
Look familiar? Like a deli straight out of the movies? That’s because it is a deli straight out of the movies. This is Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side, filming location for that Meg Ryan scene in “When Harry Met Sally”.
And this is what you order when you go there. It’s called a reuben. Just make sure you leave plenty of room.
You should have at least one old fashioned while you’re in New York, and speakeasy-style cocktail bar Raines Law Room is just the place to do so. You could be forgiven for thinking Don Draper will walk in at any moment.
Ask a native New Yorker and they’ll tell you: the place for authentic Italian food is not Little Italy, but Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
Ready to try the best cookies you’ve ever tasted? Then get yourself to the Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side.
Credit card at the ready, aaaaaaaaaand go.
How did this picture of a serene Japanese garden slip in here? Oh hang on, sorry, it's the Brooklyn Botanic Garden...
Welcome ot the High Line - an unlikely park built into a disused section of elevated railroad.
Make sure you check out at least one rooftop bar at cocktail o'clock to fully appreciate the Manhattan skyline. The Skylark is a good place to start.
But for the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the city (providing you’re feeling flush) a helicopter ride is the way to see the Big Apple.
The views from ground level aren’t so bad either. Anyone for a stroll along the Hudson?
You could even try it in winter, if you dare.
There’s a good chance you don’t know about Roosevelt Island, a little spit of land on the East River, between Manhattan and Queens. Worth it for the tram ride over alone.
The Mast Brothers Chocolate Makers factory in Williamsburg. They’ll even show you around if you like – it’s all very Willy Wonka, in a hipster (but good) kind of way.
Speaking of indulgent foodstuffs of questionable nutritional value… you should definitely eat a hot dog or two.
The Chrysler Building: still the undisputed king of stately skyscrapers.
Ready to book? Check out Travelzoo’s latest hotel deals for New York. Alternatively, see below for a selection of our favourites in the city…
5 Hotels we Love in New York
The Roosevelt Hotel New York
Where: Near Grand Central Terminal; within walking distance of Times Square
Why we love it: It’s worth visiting just to see the ornate jazz-age lobby (as featured in movies such as “Wall Street”). Be sure to check out the rooftop lounge, Mad46, which serves cocktails and small bites under the city lights from May-October.
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Hotel Mela Times Square
Where: In New York's Theater District, near Times Square & Rockefeller Center
Why we love it: This cosy boutique hotel is surrounded by Broadway theatres. The shops on Fifth Avenue are a 5-minute walk away. Bedrooms are small but chic, and there’s a Zagat-recommended French restaurant on site.
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San Carlos Hotel
Where: Quiet stretch of 50th St, Midtown East
Why we love it: Conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Rockefeller Center, this place has a residential ambiance similar to an NYC apartment building. Rooms are huge by city standards. Continental breakfast and Wi-Fi are always included.
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Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel
Where: 5-minute walk from Wall Street & South Street Seaport
Why we love it: This chic downtown hotel, slightly outside the traditional tourism centre, can be blissfully quiet at the weekends. Swanky guest rooms have 12-foot ceilings and antique chandeliers. The wine lounge buzzes during its weeknight happy hour, from 4-7pm.
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The Paramount - A Times Square, New York Hotel
Where: One block from Times Square
Why we love it: Once a haunt for artists like Andy Warhol, The Paramount is in the heart of the Theater District. The impressive 2-storey lobby is the eye-catching centrepiece, and there’s also a well-reviewed restaurant, Italian coffee shop and fitness centre on-site.
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