New York is one of the most popular city break destinations in the world, attracting over 60 million visitors every year. A city synonymous with stylish hotels, designer stores, and living the high life, the Big Apple is a fantastic choice for a high-end vacation. If you’re planning a weekend away to celebrate an occasion, or you’re eager to treat yourself to a luxury break, this guide is packed with handy tips to elevate your NY trip.

There are hundreds of hotels scattered around New York City. Accommodations suit every traveler, with options to cater to all budgets. The good news for those keen to sample the high life and enjoy premium experiences in the city that never sleeps is that New York excels when it comes to 5-star hotels.

There’s an extensive selection of high-end lodgings to choose from, but some areas are particularly well-known for their lavish hotels. It’s wise to focus your search on Central Park, Midtown, the Upper East Side, Chelsea, and Downtown, or snap up a hotel in Upper West Side, NYC, one of the most sought-after locations for travelers. You can opt for decadent serviced apartments, penthouses with spectacular views, sumptuous suites, or luxurious rooms with all the mod cons. It’s beneficial to search online, read reviews, learn more about hotel features, facilities, and amenities, and look for ways to enhance your stay. You could organize drinks on arrival or private dining on your balcony, for example.

If you’ve watched movies or TV shows set in New York, you’ll know that high-fliers travel in style. From chauffeurs and luxury cars to helicopter tours and private river cruises, there are many alternatives to walking, hailing cabs, and using the subway. To take your trip to the next level, it’s well worth researching private excursions and getting quotes for driver services. If you have a driver, you can get from A to B, hop between tourist attractions, or arrive at dinner in pristine condition, with no need to worry about dodging the rain, navigating busy stations, or waiting for a cab to appear.

Seeing New York from above is captivating. You can enjoy incredible vistas from viewing decks at the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, but nothing compares to the experience of flying high above the bustling city streets. Helicopter tours treat you to unbeatable city views and enable you to appreciate the scale of the city and its unique identity. You can also gaze upon famous landmarks, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, appreciating different angles and perspectives.

Back at sea level, exclusive boat tours offer a brilliant way to see NYC and enjoy the luxury of sailing down the river with drinks and delicious food.

New York is home to more than 70 restaurants with Michelin stars, making it a paradise on Earth for food lovers. If you’re looking for something special, booking the best restaurants in town is a good idea. The demand for tables is high, so it’s wise to do your research and make reservations as early as possible. You can filter search results and narrow down your options based on location and cuisine. Restaurants in New York offer a smorgasbord of flavors, from traditional American classics to groundbreaking fusion dishes.

If you’re a foodie or you’re desperate to capitalize on the availability of top-tier dining experiences, it’s worth looking for options, such as private dining, tasting menus with matched wines, and Chef’s table bookings.

It’s natural to want to see the sights and check off the must-do attractions when visiting the Big Apple. Crowds and queues can taint your experience and waste time. Organizing private tours is an excellent way to make the most of sightseeing adventures, enhance the experience, and eliminate waiting in line. You can also gain a huge amount in terms of information and insights  by taking a tour, especially when visiting historic landmarks, museums, and galleries. Examples you may wish to add to your itinerary include Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, curator tours at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), and guided tours of Central Park.

Seeing a show on Broadway is on many peoples’ bucket lists. Every trip to the theatre can be magical, but treating yourself to a VIP package can take the experience to the next level. As a VIP, you can expect perks, such as premium seats with the best views of the stage, private lounge access, refreshments delivered to your seat, and dining options.

You can check what’s showing on Broadway during your visit by looking at listings online. When you book, there’s a choice of ticket options and packages. You can also use specific vendors or travel agencies to curate bespoke, VIP tours.

New York is an exciting, vivacious city that encourages action and adventure, but it’s also an ideal base to relax, unwind, and enjoy some pampering. The city boasts incredible spa hotels and salons designed to deliver the best treatments available. From indulgent facials and revitalizing massages to hotels with rooftop pools and loungers to take in the views and the rays, nothing beats a spa day.

It’s a good idea to consider booking a hotel with a spa if you’re eager to access treatments during your stay. You can also look for independent spas and exclusive leisure clubs that grant day passes. You may need to book a time slot or treatment in advance, especially during peak times and at sought-after locations. If you’re staying at a 5-star hotel, the concierge service can often arrange treatments for you.

New York is a city famed for its designer stores and 5-star hotels, but you can go above and beyond a luxury city break to plan an extraordinary stay in the Big Apple. If you’re eager to elevate your trip, there are multiple options to explore. Examples include booking accommodation in the most exclusive parts of town, planning private tours and excursions, traveling in style via helicopter, chauffeur services, and private river cruises, reserving tables at the best restaurants, and treating yourself to some well-earned pampering.