New York vacation rentals

The city that never sleeps is also a showcase of the best the United States has to offer. Manhattan’s bustling, gridded streets are home to some of the nation’s most famous landmarks, such as Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, as well as neighborhoods made famous by TV shows, such as the West Village and the Upper East Side. But there’s more to New York City than Manhattan. Explore the other four boroughs, too: the Bronx (home of the New York Yankees and Italian-infuenced Arthur Avenue), Staten Island (a free ferry ride away and a world all its own), Brooklyn (a mix of trendy eateries and family-friendly communities), and Queens (including the waterfront Long Island City and the culturally diverse Astoria).

All four seasons bring their own special touch to the Big Apple. Summer highs are in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, the perfect weather for a cooling riverfront stroll or drinks at a rooftop bar. Once the high temperatures fall into the brisk 50-to-70-degree range in September, the fall colors, especially in Central Park, paint the city in cozy hues. While winter can bring chills, with highs in the 30s and 40s, there’s nothing more magical than the city draped with a layer of snow. Springtime offers its own brand of hope, as the urban jungle blooms again, and temperatures rise into the 50s, 60s, and 70s. But as fast as the city moves, so does the weather, so plan ahead and be prepared for quick changes.

Central Park

As the rapid urbanization of New York City surged in the 1800s, the 843-acre Central Park was carved out in 1858 to ensure Manhattanites had their own backyard. Now they share it with 43 million visitors a year. No agenda is needed to explore the wonders of the green space, but among the highlights are the Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields’ Imagine sign.

Empire State Building

While plenty of city skyscrapers offer sprawling views — including the One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, and Hudson Yards’ Edge — the classic New York City aerial view is still from the top of this 102-story building, completed in 1931.

Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island in the Hudson River, the 22-story copper Lady Liberty is accessible via ferry from Battery Park or New Jersey’s Liberty State Park, and includes a visit to Ellis Island.