Michele Herrmann

New York is treasure trove of trendy boutiques, iconic department stores, must-shop vintage haunts and quirky thrift shops. People come from all over the world to browse the aisles and showrooms of NYC’s very best. But to find the best deals on everything from clothing to home goods, electronics and more, head to the best outlets near New York. From New Jersey to Connecticut, these outlets have everything you need, all in one mega location. Most have decent food options and even entertainment like comedy shows or ice skating. These outlets are within a few hours drive of the city, and you can make it a day trip by checking out nearby must-visit attractions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in New York

There’s no time quite like the festive season to visit New York—the already twinkly city will be draped in endless lights, red ribbons will be wrapped around banisters and the parks will be glazed over with ice rinks. Hell, you might even get some snow. But, it’d be a shame to find yourself in a hotel which isn’t giving it’s all to the Christmas spirit, and that’s why we’ve done some digging to compile this ‘nice’ list of top places to stay in the month of December. New additions ahead of winter 2025 include the Park Terrace Hotel, Loews Regency New York and voco The Franklin, but there’ll be merriment spreading all over the city, so check out the full list below. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.🛏️ Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

The Big Apple is pricey, and any traveler paying this marvelous city a visit will soon find that the bagels, pizza slices, museum tickets and cab fares add up to a fair amount of cash—but you don’t have to throw loads away on your hotel just to avoid breaking the bank. In fact, quite the opposite.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? New York City has many wonderful qualities, but being easy on the wallet is not one of them. Hotel prices can be steep even if you are pretty organised when it comes to booking, but we’re here to help. What you’ll find on this list is hotels which have not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but which cost no more than $215 per night—no horrid dorms or leaky showers here.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

If you’re looking for a quintessentially New York City getaway, you could do a lot worse than booking a hotel right in the middle of the concrete jungle. Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood is perfectly placed for sightseeing—you’re just a stroll away from cinematic sights like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and Broadway. That’s not to mention all of the shops, bars and world-class restaurants right at your fingertips. This part of town is home to some of the city’s most iconic hotels—we’re talking luxurious properties like Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt—as well as its fair share of boutique and more affordable properties. We’d especially recommend booking a hotel in Midtown if you want to see many of the main sights in one trip, or if it’s your first time visiting the city. With great transport connections, you’re also well placed to explore the rest of New York with ease. Enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. F

Those lucky enough to live close to a state fair know the appeal of these massive annual gatherings. Rooted in agricultural fairs, state fairs showcase not only farm animals, feats of skills and fun activities but just about everything that their destination has to offer visitors. These seasonal events draw in audiences to watch nostalgic performers and judging contests, and the most popular ones feature miles of exhilarating carnival rides and midway games, where it's impossible to go home without a (cumbersome) souvenir to lug around. Mark your calendars and make a plan to road trip or fly, the best state fairs in the U.S. are calling.  RECOMMENDED: The best amusement parks in the U.S.

National parks get a lot of well-deserved recognition, and definitely continue to need our public support, but state parks in the U.S. also have much to offer, with amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife and interesting geology. With over 6,000 state park units across the country, these designated spaces can hold their own in terms of basking in their scenic beauty, spotting animals out and about, getting in science or history lessons or heading along trails leading to some pretty cool endpoints or markers. They can provide staycation ideas for locals, itinerary stops for travelers, fascinating educational immersions, moments for reflection or solitude or even a fun day outing.  Even more so, their offerings can be experienced on foot, via your vehicle, or even by venturing across marked routes or along adjacent waters. Please note that state parks may require an entrance fee or booking advance reservations for access to certain areas, so budget that into your trip planning. So go ahead and pay a visit to some of the best state parks in the U.S. Here are 13 to choose from.

Nowadays, you'll see almost everyone on the streets with their phones out, thinking they're professional photographers, trying to capture the perfect foodie pic or landmark landscape for their Insta'. No shade though, smartphone cameras are pretty good when it comes to photo quality, and many of us are talented enough to get a great shot - even if we use filters that fix everything (no judgment here).  NYC is a photographer's wet dream. Whether it’s iconic buildings, stunning city views, beautiful churches, pretty parks or even incredible dishes and cocktails at the best restaurants and best bars in the city, you can get great shots of them all to share on social media. But for those who want to learn how to really capture the best pics, here are the best photography classes in NYC to get you started. Lights, camera, action.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best hotels near the Empire State Building may not be in the ‘trendiest’ of New York neighborhoods, but they are certainly at the heart of the city. Situated along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in Midtown, these choice spots are within walking distance of Herald Square, Macy’s, Bryant Park, Madison Square Garden and Korea Town, as well as NYC’s more iconic landmarks. Not to mention the Empire State itself, one of the best Manhattan attractions. Opened in 1931 as an office tower, this location has been the subject of movies and must-visit lists ever since—and it’s easy to see why. Tourists can get breathtaking 360-degree views of NYC from its open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck. Or go up 16 more flights to get to the 102nd level Top Deck. Down below, the building’s lobby captivates with its golden Art Deco-inspired murals. And with most subway lines just a few blocks away in any direction, a stay near the Empire State Building will put you everywhere you want to be. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Looking for the best hotels near Rockefeller Center? Nice choice! Staying close to this Midtown epicenter puts you within spitting distance of one of New York's best attractions. Known for its holiday season theatrics, Rockefeller Center is home to the enormous, world-renowned Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which towers over the outdoor ice rink. But unbeknownst to most, this Manhattan venue was designed to be more than just a tourist attraction and home of major NYC events. Envisioned by financier and philanthropist John D Rockefeller Jr, this site was originally supposed to house the Metropolitan Opera. However, the stock market crash in 1929 nixed that idea. Instead, Rockefeller went with Plan B: he funded the entire project himself. This commercial complex holds 19 original buildings, various shops and eateries, all of which operate around 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and is home to NBC Studios. Stop inside for a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a show taping. Don’t miss the Rainbow Room or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, plus a performance at Radio City Music Hall. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see

About a three-hour ride from New York City, Montauk hotels make for readily accessible weekend getaways to an oceanfront playground. Finding a place to stay in this Long Island village that’s close to pristine New York beaches or even the downtown area is just as stress-free. From chic motels to iconic resorts, here are some top-rated Montauk lodgings with the right balance of relaxation and recreation. Just don’t wait too long to book them. Here are our picks of the best hotels in Montauk. You're welcome.  RECOMMENDED:🚗 Underrated weekend trips from NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Since the days of Bing Crosby, Christmas specials have been a television staple. Whether it’s an established program deviating from the narrative to spread some seasonal cheer or a variety show hosted by the pop star du jour, if you turned on the TV and saw tinsel, peppermint print and elf hats, you knew Santa, Rudolph and your problematic Aunt Cathy were already making their way to your house. It’s a tradition that perseveres even in the streaming era. Over the last few years, the likes of Netflix have commissioned holiday-themed specials from big names like Kacey Musgraves, Mariah Carey and Sabrina Carpenter, having them sing, joke and sip eggnog with a long list of special guests. Most of them melt from memory as soon as the season ends. Others are entertaining enough to become holiday perennials. Here are 16 of the best. Recommended: 🎅 The 50 best Christmas movies of all-time🎄 The best kids Christmas movies to watch this year✍ The best animated Christmas movies the whole family will enjoy

The adage of feeling like a kid in a candy store is reminiscent of simpler times, but who says that we can’t re-experience this nostalgia by heading to these shops? The best candy stores in the U.S. are places of sweet joy for not only getting a sugar fix but also for coming across childhood favorites. Even more so, there are candy shops that have been around for years yet still provide childlike wonder in our tech-savvy world. It can be hard to resist shelves of gummies, chocolates, candy bars, and other delicious rediscoveries in different shapes, sizes, flavors and colors. Satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the best candy stores across the country. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas candy in the U.S.The best chocolate shops in America

This hotel really blends into its setting on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Situated on a sleepyt side street, the voco The Franklin New York is the first voco property in the United States, but its building dates back to 1929 and its past life has always involved hosting guests before becoming an IHG hotel property in 2021.  With its name in bright red, capital letters on exterior signage looking like a movie marquis, walking inside this hotel is like stepping into a high end New York City apartment building, smack dab in the glamorous Upper East Side. Here’s why. Why stay at voco The Franklin New York?  Upon entering The Franklin, you’ll spot two framed versions of blueprints of the building hung on each side of the inner walls, but it otherwise feels not like a hotel, but instead, a private, classy New York City residence.  Adjacent to the reception desk, the hotel’s lounge area has two large street facing windows amid soft couch seatings. A large white display case is adorned with books and home decor reflecting the voco brand’s mascot birds theme (a finch, an owl and a flamingo). Framed wall art of black and white New York scenes coincide with vibrantly colored furnishings, and it feels clean, and welcoming.  But the hotel’s Old New York vibe mingling with current New York City is the bedrock of this place. The building still has its original Otis elevator, with an elegant chassis and riding up as far up as the ninth floor. Upon check in, you’re given a coupon for your fir

The clue is in the name, but voco Times Square South New York is perched in an optimum Midtown location. Around six blocks away from the eponymous, billboard-filled junction, this place offers a brilliant middle ground between being close to the action but not in the midst of it completely.  Cool neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen and the Garment District close by, Penn and Moynihan Stations aren’t too far away, and neither is the Theatre District, Hudson Yards or the High Line. Can you tell we’re crazy about the location?  This IHG property, under the voco brand, doesn’t do flashy or over-the-top. Instead, it gives off a laid-back, contemporary vibe of natural finishes with the occasional bold accent. The hotel has a sleek glass facade and metal awning over its entrance, where you’ll enter into the lobby to the pulsing rhythm of a high-energy playlist and overhead lighting reminiscent of a theater marquee.  In the far right corner, past the concierge desk, there’s an inviting cocktail bar where you can grab a drink or dinner and perch at the countertop. It’s linked to the hotel’s Finches Den Restaurant & Outdoor Patio, but across the way is where you’ll find various seating options for guests grabbing a bite to eat or working on their laptop. Along with work pods and tables and chairs with a flatscreen TV, an impressive lounge resembles a home living room with couches, a large TV set and bookcases for chilling after a day out.  Head onto the back outdoor courtyard where a vib

At this downtown Brooklyn shop, manager and piercer Richard Alexander tells customers to come back within a week for a checkup to make that their new piercing is getting the proper TLC. Needle newbies can also get some consultation on what they want to have done—whether it's traditional or exotic—plus some calming words about the procedure from Alexander. To make the process smoother, the shop primarily adorns clients with high-rate, surgical steel jewelry. Overall, you'll leave with an understanding about showing your skin some love (and getting the right cleanser).

This Greenwich Village shop/spa gets its name from a fine jewelry retailer and designer who wanted to open a place specializing in fine body art with sanitary and stylish accessories to match. Its jewelry selection consists of precious metals and stones—and offerings of both true fit naval and internally threaded jewelry plus clicker rings—that will make your new embellishment both comfortable and chic. As for piercings, this Maria Tash location centers mostly on the ear and nose, but if your area of anatomy of interest is suitable enough for some needlework, then consider it done.

This Elmhurst studio might feel like you’ve stepped inside a gallery or a museum, as its interior reflects the image of body piercing as art. Overseen by head piercer Paul Fox, this fully disposable shop practices sterile and aseptic techniques with precise aftercare instruction and free checkups. Its nickel-free jewelry extends to threadless or internally threaded and is made from implant grade titanium (F-136), niobium, medical grade solid gold and lead-free borosilicate glass. If you’re thinking of doing a daith, rook or conch (all ear piercing terms), or a nostril or nipple, it's all popular here. You decide.

Since 2016, the Williamsburg location of this high-end U.S. brand operates on a walk-in basis on weekends but does take foot traffic and appointments on weekdays. Plus, the studio has quite the line of fine designer jewelry. Pieces consist of 14k solid gold with genuine and synthetic gemstones from labels such as SHIVA, an Istanbul brand, Suzanne Kalan of Los Angeles and Pupil Hall of Brooklyn. Imagine getting your daith, ear, lip, navel, nostril or septum pierced with these exquisite pieces, perhaps done by head piercer Casey Nichols.

Sharing space in Soho with Sacred Tattoo, this shop specializes in nipple, symmetrical facial and dainty or statement ear piercings. However, its overall stance is that as long as it’s a viable option for proper healing, just about any body part can be done. Consultations are taken on a walk-in basis, but owner and piercer Brian Decker and piercers Starr Belew and Tobias Vallone will stick by you throughout the placement and healing process with honest feedback. Jewelry comes mainly in impact grade titanium and various solid gold and precious gemstones, from simple pieces to full-on adornments.

Everything you need to know about visiting Grand Central Terminal, Main Concourse (89 E 42nd St, NY 10017). Grand Central Terminal is more than a stop: It’s a destination. Since opening in 1913, this iconic Beaux Arts landmark gets about 750,000 people passing through every single day. Along with servicing Metro North Railroad commuters and connecting to the MTA Subway, this terminal has more platforms than any railroad station in the world (44, to be exact). Over the past two decades, Grand Central Terminal has also emerged as a dining and shopping entity. Apple, Swatch and Warby Parker are a few of the 60-plus shops featuring big-brand names or specialty items. The New York Transit Museum has an annex location there, selling NYC transit–related merchandise and displaying rotating exhibits. As for dining, find 35 restaurants to choose from. For to-go orders or sit-down meals, head to the lower level Dining Concourse. There, savor oysters and catches of the day at Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant—in business for as long as Grand Central Terminal has existed—or bear the line at Shake Shack. On the upper level, buy edibles from Grand Central Market or taste some Nordic fare at Great Northern Food Hall. Take in the architectural splendorWithin the Main Concourse, gaze upward at the massive constellation ceiling. Said to have been put on backward, allegedly the Vanderbilt family (the original owners) claimed it was meant to be viewed from a divine perspective. Also, you can

Following a $180 million, top-to-bottom renovation, The InterContinental New York Barclay reopened in 2016 with more than 420,000 square feet of redesigned interiors. Established in 1926 as one of the original “railroad” hotels, the revitalized property now features a more open and inviting lobby, leading to a new Carrara marble grand staircase; 704 spacious guestrooms and suites reminiscent of a classic Park Avenue home; and a Gin Parlour, offering 88 premium gins alongside preferred wines and spirits and a locally sourced menu. Artwork reflects the hotel’s 1920’s legacy, as well, with antique maps and early 19th century Hudson River School landscapes featured throughout public spaces and guestrooms.

With 67 guestrooms and suites, The Gotham Hotel exudes urban luxury, with a flair for the dramatic. Soaring 25 stories above the bustling streets of Manhattan are expansive accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to private balconies with views of the city below. Guestrooms feature lavish amenities such as Molton Brown apothecaries, Dean & Deluca delectables, and Nespresso coffee/espresso stations. Tucked away from the hotel’s modern lobby furnishings is Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, where guests can enjoy an intimate restaurant setting with seating for 50. Complementary services include high-speed wireless internet and accessibility to the property’s business center, as well as access to Equinox Gym at 5th Avenue/43rd Street, and five public balconies located on the 19th-23rd floors.  

W New York’s 696 rooms and suites are equipped with W-standard amenities, such as a W Mixbar, minibar, 24-hour in-room dining, and Bliss bath products. For fans of Bliss, the property contains Bliss 49 Spa, which is stretched over two floors and offers perks like mani/pedi stations with personal headsets, movie-while-you-mani services, and a spa snack buffet. Its Heartbeat Restaurant puts its spin on classic American dishes by giving them a cuisine with breakfast, lunch, and dinner servings in a casual setting. For a pre-dinner drink, Whiskey Blue provides a candlelit atmosphere and a small bites menu with its swanky cocktail lounge vibe, while The Living Room Lounge allows for some good people watching. Open 24/7, the W New York’s FIT Gym sports a wide array of fitness and cardio machines and has available personal training services.

At this hotel chain’s Midtown location, guests can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, recently renovated guest rooms, specialized services including private in-room spa experiences. Each guest room features a marble bath, 37-inch HDTV and on-demand HD entertainment, and a work area. The property’s modern suite accommodations are on the higher floors, and also have access to the hotel’s private Executive Lounge. This Hilton also contains accessible rooms, with ease-of-use features like remote controlled curtains, raised beds, or either tubs or roll-on showers. With eating, Herb N’ Kitchen, Hilton’s latest dining concept, infuses fresh, local gourmet food into an upscale restaurant, and convenient culinary market with selections like seasonal salads, artisanal sandwiches, and brick-oven pizzas. For drinks, Bridges Bar is designed in honor of Manhattan’s seven bridges, with a rotating selection of regional wines and cocktail offerings like the classic martini. Meanwhile, the Lobby Lounge makes for the space for people gazing or a meetup spot before heading out on the town.