New York confidential: a season-by-season guide to the city that never sleeps
WHY: New York City in spring bloom is glorious. As the Big Apple thaws from the big chill of winter, it fills with the brilliant colours and sweet scent of cherry blossoms, magnolias and tulips. The parks are full of picnickers and cyclists (join their ranks on a Citi Bike), enjoying the warm but not-yet-sweaty temps.
HOW: To do spring like a local, track the progress of seasonal blooms online. Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden provide daily updates on their websites. If peak bloom arrives on a sunny day, run - don't walk - to the parks to enjoy the flowery spectacle and blue skies. The annual Sakura Matsuri festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is inspired by Japanese traditions. Stay at Loews Regency New York, where some of the largest suites in the city are within a few steps of Park Avenue's gorgeous tulip and cherry blossom displays, as well as a changing roster of public art. Time your spring visit to coincide with the Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival, held along Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday. It's a spectacle that dates back to the 1870s. The St Patrick's Day Parade along Fifth Avenue is also a rollicking good time. April heralds the start of outdoor dining season, so if the weather's nice, reserve a sidewalk table at classic bistro Pastis or the rooftop bar, Magic Hour, at Moxy NYC Times Square. Spring is also a fun time for sports fans, with the kick-off of baseball season and the thrilling basketball play-offs taking place. Cheer for the home teams, if you know what's good for you.
Average temperature: 20 / 30 degrees
WHY: If you don't mind the heat and humidity, summer is a great time to get out and about in NYC at parades, dance parties, free concerts, beer gardens and music festivals. Temps range from pleasant T-shirt weather in early June to melt-your-face-off on the devil's front porch by late July.
HOW: Feel free in summer, with terrific public programming that doesn't cost a cent. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City festival puts on outdoor discos, concerts and theatre, while in Central Park there's SummerStage and free-of-charge Shakespeare performances. Cool down in public pools throughout the city, or head out to Rockaway Beach in Queens for surf, sun and boardwalk fun. It's a smart move to book a hotel with a great pool if you're visiting in summer. The William Vale in Brooklyn has one of the best in town, plus a great location and a very popular rooftop bar, Westlight. If you do start to melt, head indoors to air-conditioned museums and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("the Met") and MoMA are worthy classics, or venture somewhere less obvious, like the Museum of Ice Cream or the Tenement Museum. Blockbuster summer celebrations include the NYC Pride March on the last Sunday in June, and the 4th of July Independence Day fireworks. As many New Yorkers leave the city on August weekends for the Hamptons or European holidays, it can be easier to score hard-to-get reservations at the most popular restaurants. Try your luck - in advance, online - at Tatiana or The Polo Bar.
Average temperature: 11 / 11 degrees
WHY: One of the prettiest times of the year to visit New York, autumn has feel-good weather, lower humidity, still-warm temps and plenty of sunny skies. During fall, as it's known in the US, leaves are changing colour, there are Halloween and Thanksgiving parades to look forward to, and the New York City marathon inspires the city.
HOW: There's a buzz in the city in September, when the kids go back to school and residents return from summer travels. The weather cools down and the social calendar heats up. Fun can be found at Oktoberfest, the West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro. Pack a few layers, though you probably won't need the thermals. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, there are pumpkins and spooky decorations all over town. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the Annual Village Halloween Parade on 31 October, a bucket-list experience. For a quieter outing with kids in tow, head to Jackson Heights for the Children's Halloween Parade. "Leaf peeping" is a popular pastime, as punters marvel at the spectacular seasonal changing of colour. Wander through Central Park or take a leaf-peeping cruise on the Hudson River. Book a hotel with park views to fully appreciate the colours: Park Lane on Central Park South is a good choice. Its rooftop lounge, Darling, boasts knockout views and delicious bites. If the cooler weather has you craving a substantial meal, try Korean fried chicken hotspot Coqodaq or the steakhouse fare at Carne Mare.
Average temperature: - 1 / 5.5 degrees
WHY: Holiday decorations, window displays and festive markets can make it feel like you've stepped into a romantic Hallmark movie. Cue the ice-skating and hot cocoa. While December reigns supreme, January and February still hold appeal with lower hotel prices, snowfall and cosy bars to snuggle up in.
HOW: Celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons all the way through December with a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show, a visit to Bryant Park's holiday markets and a wander along Fifth Avenue to marvel at the window displays. Visit Santa at Macy's for a photo opportunity and shopping temptation. Ice-skating is a fun and inexpensive way to get yourself in a jolly, rugged-up mood (Rockefeller Center's rink is small but charming, while Central Park has a larger rink space), and all eyes are on the grand Christmas trees throughout the city. Splash out on a stay at an iconic hotel such as The Plaza, where great care and expense is given to the festive decorations and Gatsby-era design nods. A decadent 16-scoop ice-cream sundae, created in honour of the film Home Alone, is made to be shared. Score a deal in January and February with NYC Winter Restaurant Week, which actually lasts for several weeks and promises deep discounts at popular eateries. Try a classic, storied restaurant like Delmonico's or Gramercy Tavern. Follow lunch with a discounted show: Broadway Week is the time to nab 2-for-1 tickets and half-price promotions.
Average temperature: 7 / 17 degrees
WHY: New York City in spring bloom is glorious. As the Big Apple thaws from the big chill of winter, it fills with the brilliant colours and sweet scent of cherry blossoms, magnolias and tulips. The parks are full of picnickers and cyclists (join their ranks on a Citi Bike), enjoying the warm but not-yet-sweaty temps.
HOW: To do spring like a local, track the progress of seasonal blooms online. Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden provide daily updates on their websites. If peak bloom arrives on a sunny day, run - don't walk - to the parks to enjoy the flowery spectacle and blue skies. The annual Sakura Matsuri festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is inspired by Japanese traditions. Stay at Loews Regency New York, where some of the largest suites in the city are within a few steps of Park Avenue's gorgeous tulip and cherry blossom displays, as well as a changing roster of public art. Time your spring visit to coincide with the Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival, held along Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday. It's a spectacle that dates back to the 1870s. The St Patrick's Day Parade along Fifth Avenue is also a rollicking good time. April heralds the start of outdoor dining season, so if the weather's nice, reserve a sidewalk table at classic bistro Pastis or the rooftop bar, Magic Hour, at Moxy NYC Times Square. Spring is also a fun time for sports fans, with the kick-off of baseball season and the thrilling basketball play-offs taking place. Cheer for the home teams, if you know what's good for you.
Average temperature: 20 / 30 degrees
WHY: If you don't mind the heat and humidity, summer is a great time to get out and about in NYC at parades, dance parties, free concerts, beer gardens and music festivals. Temps range from pleasant T-shirt weather in early June to melt-your-face-off on the devil's front porch by late July.
HOW: Feel free in summer, with terrific public programming that doesn't cost a cent. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City festival puts on outdoor discos, concerts and theatre, while in Central Park there's SummerStage and free-of-charge Shakespeare performances. Cool down in public pools throughout the city, or head out to Rockaway Beach in Queens for surf, sun and boardwalk fun. It's a smart move to book a hotel with a great pool if you're visiting in summer. The William Vale in Brooklyn has one of the best in town, plus a great location and a very popular rooftop bar, Westlight. If you do start to melt, head indoors to air-conditioned museums and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("the Met") and MoMA are worthy classics, or venture somewhere less obvious, like the Museum of Ice Cream or the Tenement Museum. Blockbuster summer celebrations include the NYC Pride March on the last Sunday in June, and the 4th of July Independence Day fireworks. As many New Yorkers leave the city on August weekends for the Hamptons or European holidays, it can be easier to score hard-to-get reservations at the most popular restaurants. Try your luck - in advance, online - at Tatiana or The Polo Bar.
Average temperature: 11 / 11 degrees
WHY: One of the prettiest times of the year to visit New York, autumn has feel-good weather, lower humidity, still-warm temps and plenty of sunny skies. During fall, as it's known in the US, leaves are changing colour, there are Halloween and Thanksgiving parades to look forward to, and the New York City marathon inspires the city.
HOW: There's a buzz in the city in September, when the kids go back to school and residents return from summer travels. The weather cools down and the social calendar heats up. Fun can be found at Oktoberfest, the West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro. Pack a few layers, though you probably won't need the thermals. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, there are pumpkins and spooky decorations all over town. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the Annual Village Halloween Parade on 31 October, a bucket-list experience. For a quieter outing with kids in tow, head to Jackson Heights for the Children's Halloween Parade. "Leaf peeping" is a popular pastime, as punters marvel at the spectacular seasonal changing of colour. Wander through Central Park or take a leaf-peeping cruise on the Hudson River. Book a hotel with park views to fully appreciate the colours: Park Lane on Central Park South is a good choice. Its rooftop lounge, Darling, boasts knockout views and delicious bites. If the cooler weather has you craving a substantial meal, try Korean fried chicken hotspot Coqodaq or the steakhouse fare at Carne Mare.
Average temperature: - 1 / 5.5 degrees
WHY: Holiday decorations, window displays and festive markets can make it feel like you've stepped into a romantic Hallmark movie. Cue the ice-skating and hot cocoa. While December reigns supreme, January and February still hold appeal with lower hotel prices, snowfall and cosy bars to snuggle up in.
HOW: Celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons all the way through December with a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show, a visit to Bryant Park's holiday markets and a wander along Fifth Avenue to marvel at the window displays. Visit Santa at Macy's for a photo opportunity and shopping temptation. Ice-skating is a fun and inexpensive way to get yourself in a jolly, rugged-up mood (Rockefeller Center's rink is small but charming, while Central Park has a larger rink space), and all eyes are on the grand Christmas trees throughout the city. Splash out on a stay at an iconic hotel such as The Plaza, where great care and expense is given to the festive decorations and Gatsby-era design nods. A decadent 16-scoop ice-cream sundae, created in honour of the film Home Alone, is made to be shared. Score a deal in January and February with NYC Winter Restaurant Week, which actually lasts for several weeks and promises deep discounts at popular eateries. Try a classic, storied restaurant like Delmonico's or Gramercy Tavern. Follow lunch with a discounted show: Broadway Week is the time to nab 2-for-1 tickets and half-price promotions.
Average temperature: 7 / 17 degrees
WHY: New York City in spring bloom is glorious. As the Big Apple thaws from the big chill of winter, it fills with the brilliant colours and sweet scent of cherry blossoms, magnolias and tulips. The parks are full of picnickers and cyclists (join their ranks on a Citi Bike), enjoying the warm but not-yet-sweaty temps.
HOW: To do spring like a local, track the progress of seasonal blooms online. Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden provide daily updates on their websites. If peak bloom arrives on a sunny day, run - don't walk - to the parks to enjoy the flowery spectacle and blue skies. The annual Sakura Matsuri festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is inspired by Japanese traditions. Stay at Loews Regency New York, where some of the largest suites in the city are within a few steps of Park Avenue's gorgeous tulip and cherry blossom displays, as well as a changing roster of public art. Time your spring visit to coincide with the Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival, held along Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday. It's a spectacle that dates back to the 1870s. The St Patrick's Day Parade along Fifth Avenue is also a rollicking good time. April heralds the start of outdoor dining season, so if the weather's nice, reserve a sidewalk table at classic bistro Pastis or the rooftop bar, Magic Hour, at Moxy NYC Times Square. Spring is also a fun time for sports fans, with the kick-off of baseball season and the thrilling basketball play-offs taking place. Cheer for the home teams, if you know what's good for you.
Average temperature: 20 / 30 degrees
WHY: If you don't mind the heat and humidity, summer is a great time to get out and about in NYC at parades, dance parties, free concerts, beer gardens and music festivals. Temps range from pleasant T-shirt weather in early June to melt-your-face-off on the devil's front porch by late July.
HOW: Feel free in summer, with terrific public programming that doesn't cost a cent. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City festival puts on outdoor discos, concerts and theatre, while in Central Park there's SummerStage and free-of-charge Shakespeare performances. Cool down in public pools throughout the city, or head out to Rockaway Beach in Queens for surf, sun and boardwalk fun. It's a smart move to book a hotel with a great pool if you're visiting in summer. The William Vale in Brooklyn has one of the best in town, plus a great location and a very popular rooftop bar, Westlight. If you do start to melt, head indoors to air-conditioned museums and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("the Met") and MoMA are worthy classics, or venture somewhere less obvious, like the Museum of Ice Cream or the Tenement Museum. Blockbuster summer celebrations include the NYC Pride March on the last Sunday in June, and the 4th of July Independence Day fireworks. As many New Yorkers leave the city on August weekends for the Hamptons or European holidays, it can be easier to score hard-to-get reservations at the most popular restaurants. Try your luck - in advance, online - at Tatiana or The Polo Bar.
Average temperature: 11 / 11 degrees
WHY: One of the prettiest times of the year to visit New York, autumn has feel-good weather, lower humidity, still-warm temps and plenty of sunny skies. During fall, as it's known in the US, leaves are changing colour, there are Halloween and Thanksgiving parades to look forward to, and the New York City marathon inspires the city.
HOW: There's a buzz in the city in September, when the kids go back to school and residents return from summer travels. The weather cools down and the social calendar heats up. Fun can be found at Oktoberfest, the West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro. Pack a few layers, though you probably won't need the thermals. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, there are pumpkins and spooky decorations all over town. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the Annual Village Halloween Parade on 31 October, a bucket-list experience. For a quieter outing with kids in tow, head to Jackson Heights for the Children's Halloween Parade. "Leaf peeping" is a popular pastime, as punters marvel at the spectacular seasonal changing of colour. Wander through Central Park or take a leaf-peeping cruise on the Hudson River. Book a hotel with park views to fully appreciate the colours: Park Lane on Central Park South is a good choice. Its rooftop lounge, Darling, boasts knockout views and delicious bites. If the cooler weather has you craving a substantial meal, try Korean fried chicken hotspot Coqodaq or the steakhouse fare at Carne Mare.
Average temperature: - 1 / 5.5 degrees
WHY: Holiday decorations, window displays and festive markets can make it feel like you've stepped into a romantic Hallmark movie. Cue the ice-skating and hot cocoa. While December reigns supreme, January and February still hold appeal with lower hotel prices, snowfall and cosy bars to snuggle up in.
HOW: Celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons all the way through December with a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show, a visit to Bryant Park's holiday markets and a wander along Fifth Avenue to marvel at the window displays. Visit Santa at Macy's for a photo opportunity and shopping temptation. Ice-skating is a fun and inexpensive way to get yourself in a jolly, rugged-up mood (Rockefeller Center's rink is small but charming, while Central Park has a larger rink space), and all eyes are on the grand Christmas trees throughout the city. Splash out on a stay at an iconic hotel such as The Plaza, where great care and expense is given to the festive decorations and Gatsby-era design nods. A decadent 16-scoop ice-cream sundae, created in honour of the film Home Alone, is made to be shared. Score a deal in January and February with NYC Winter Restaurant Week, which actually lasts for several weeks and promises deep discounts at popular eateries. Try a classic, storied restaurant like Delmonico's or Gramercy Tavern. Follow lunch with a discounted show: Broadway Week is the time to nab 2-for-1 tickets and half-price promotions.
Average temperature: 7 / 17 degrees
WHY: New York City in spring bloom is glorious. As the Big Apple thaws from the big chill of winter, it fills with the brilliant colours and sweet scent of cherry blossoms, magnolias and tulips. The parks are full of picnickers and cyclists (join their ranks on a Citi Bike), enjoying the warm but not-yet-sweaty temps.
HOW: To do spring like a local, track the progress of seasonal blooms online. Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden provide daily updates on their websites. If peak bloom arrives on a sunny day, run - don't walk - to the parks to enjoy the flowery spectacle and blue skies. The annual Sakura Matsuri festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is inspired by Japanese traditions. Stay at Loews Regency New York, where some of the largest suites in the city are within a few steps of Park Avenue's gorgeous tulip and cherry blossom displays, as well as a changing roster of public art. Time your spring visit to coincide with the Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival, held along Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday. It's a spectacle that dates back to the 1870s. The St Patrick's Day Parade along Fifth Avenue is also a rollicking good time. April heralds the start of outdoor dining season, so if the weather's nice, reserve a sidewalk table at classic bistro Pastis or the rooftop bar, Magic Hour, at Moxy NYC Times Square. Spring is also a fun time for sports fans, with the kick-off of baseball season and the thrilling basketball play-offs taking place. Cheer for the home teams, if you know what's good for you.
Average temperature: 20 / 30 degrees
WHY: If you don't mind the heat and humidity, summer is a great time to get out and about in NYC at parades, dance parties, free concerts, beer gardens and music festivals. Temps range from pleasant T-shirt weather in early June to melt-your-face-off on the devil's front porch by late July.
HOW: Feel free in summer, with terrific public programming that doesn't cost a cent. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City festival puts on outdoor discos, concerts and theatre, while in Central Park there's SummerStage and free-of-charge Shakespeare performances. Cool down in public pools throughout the city, or head out to Rockaway Beach in Queens for surf, sun and boardwalk fun. It's a smart move to book a hotel with a great pool if you're visiting in summer. The William Vale in Brooklyn has one of the best in town, plus a great location and a very popular rooftop bar, Westlight. If you do start to melt, head indoors to air-conditioned museums and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("the Met") and MoMA are worthy classics, or venture somewhere less obvious, like the Museum of Ice Cream or the Tenement Museum. Blockbuster summer celebrations include the NYC Pride March on the last Sunday in June, and the 4th of July Independence Day fireworks. As many New Yorkers leave the city on August weekends for the Hamptons or European holidays, it can be easier to score hard-to-get reservations at the most popular restaurants. Try your luck - in advance, online - at Tatiana or The Polo Bar.
Average temperature: 11 / 11 degrees
WHY: One of the prettiest times of the year to visit New York, autumn has feel-good weather, lower humidity, still-warm temps and plenty of sunny skies. During fall, as it's known in the US, leaves are changing colour, there are Halloween and Thanksgiving parades to look forward to, and the New York City marathon inspires the city.
HOW: There's a buzz in the city in September, when the kids go back to school and residents return from summer travels. The weather cools down and the social calendar heats up. Fun can be found at Oktoberfest, the West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro. Pack a few layers, though you probably won't need the thermals. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, there are pumpkins and spooky decorations all over town. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the Annual Village Halloween Parade on 31 October, a bucket-list experience. For a quieter outing with kids in tow, head to Jackson Heights for the Children's Halloween Parade. "Leaf peeping" is a popular pastime, as punters marvel at the spectacular seasonal changing of colour. Wander through Central Park or take a leaf-peeping cruise on the Hudson River. Book a hotel with park views to fully appreciate the colours: Park Lane on Central Park South is a good choice. Its rooftop lounge, Darling, boasts knockout views and delicious bites. If the cooler weather has you craving a substantial meal, try Korean fried chicken hotspot Coqodaq or the steakhouse fare at Carne Mare.
Average temperature: - 1 / 5.5 degrees
WHY: Holiday decorations, window displays and festive markets can make it feel like you've stepped into a romantic Hallmark movie. Cue the ice-skating and hot cocoa. While December reigns supreme, January and February still hold appeal with lower hotel prices, snowfall and cosy bars to snuggle up in.
HOW: Celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons all the way through December with a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes show, a visit to Bryant Park's holiday markets and a wander along Fifth Avenue to marvel at the window displays. Visit Santa at Macy's for a photo opportunity and shopping temptation. Ice-skating is a fun and inexpensive way to get yourself in a jolly, rugged-up mood (Rockefeller Center's rink is small but charming, while Central Park has a larger rink space), and all eyes are on the grand Christmas trees throughout the city. Splash out on a stay at an iconic hotel such as The Plaza, where great care and expense is given to the festive decorations and Gatsby-era design nods. A decadent 16-scoop ice-cream sundae, created in honour of the film Home Alone, is made to be shared. Score a deal in January and February with NYC Winter Restaurant Week, which actually lasts for several weeks and promises deep discounts at popular eateries. Try a classic, storied restaurant like Delmonico's or Gramercy Tavern. Follow lunch with a discounted show: Broadway Week is the time to nab 2-for-1 tickets and half-price promotions.
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