New York & Washington Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

If you’re keen to explore these landmark cities without the buzz of tourism that the summer brings, then the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months. The weather will be warm enough to wander between iconic sights in light layers, and both seasons turn the city into a natural spectacle - from the bright springtime blooms, to crisp autumnal foliage.

While it has an undeniable big city ambience, New York is definitely kid-friendly. In fact, little ones will be mesmerised by the bright lights and constant excitement that the city is synonymous with. There’s no end to the family-oriented activities on offer, from exploring interactive exhibitions in the many museums, to enjoying a picnic and a trip to the zoo in Central Park, visitors of all ages will find a way to have fun. Many popular eateries have children’s menus, and there’s plenty of accommodation options to consider if you’re visiting with kids.
 

New York is known for its jam-packed, diverse theatre schedule, so there’s no excuse not to see your favourite Broadway production. It’ll be the cherry on top of the cake for your New York multi-centre holiday, and there’s an extensive selection of productions to choose from - so you can pick something that suits the whole family. 

There are 41 theatres on Broadway, and they all showcase their own unique offering - from world-renowned shows to dipping into the imagination of some extremely niche playwrights. You’ll definitely need to plan your visit to Broadway in advance, and you can make an evening of it by dining at a nearby restaurant with a pre- or post-theatre menu

New York and Washington D.C. are in the same time zone, which is Eastern Time (ET) - as a result, there is no time difference between the cities. Both cities observe Daylight Savings though, so you may be affected by this depending on when you’ll be visiting.

The price of your multi-centre holidays to New York and Washington D.C. with us is guaranteed for up to 36 months prior to departure. This gives you the option to secure your holiday in advance, covering the remainder of the cost over the course of a monthly payment plan. 

If you have any more questions about our booking process, get in touch with us and a member of our expert team will be happy to assist.

The main airport for New York International arrivals is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with UK airports including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester offering direct journeys.

For your Washington D.C multi-centre, the primary airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), but you can also consider Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Our team of travel experts can provide guidance on choosing the right arrival airport for your Washington D.C. holiday, just contact us to find out more. 

The average flight duration from JFK to IAD is a swift 1 hour 30 minutes.
 

There’s so much to see and do in New York, but to give you a teaser of how your itinerary could take shape, we’ve shared some of the most popular attractions we think should sit atop your list:

Times Square is one of the most bustling commercial intersections in New York City. Famed for its towering electronic billboards, neon signs, and a lively atmosphere, the square itself is located on the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It’s a prime spot for souvenir shopping, with an extensive selection of gift stores to choose from. Street performers often add to the magical ambience, but the street really comes to life on New Year's Eve for the ball drop celebration, attended by thousands of revellers all braving the cold.

Central Park is an inner-city oasis in the middle of Manhattan, providing a serene escape from the non-stop nature of life in NYC. It spans an immense 843 acres, and the park has served as the backdrop for a string of major Hollywood films - including Elf, When Harry Met Sally, and Enchanted. In amongst this impressive green space, you’ll stumble upon everything from family-friendly outdoor activities to open-air yoga classes and HIIT classes. The park even has a zoo, where you can have some up-close encounters with your favourite animals.

A visit to see Lady Liberty in all of her glory is a quintessential part of any visit to NYC. This towering symbol of freedom and democracy is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, and many excursion providers run regular routes to and from the island - as well as the nearby Ellis Island. If heights don’t phase you, book advance tickets for a trip to Lady Liberty’s crown, where you’ll have breathtaking views over the city below. Many excursion tickets include access to an audio guide too, so you can learn all about the statue's history and its significance in American culture.

Carving out an impressive space in New York City's iconic skyline, The Empire State Building has stood tall since its 1931. It’s a major architectural and engineering wonder, best experienced from the observation deck on the 86th floor. Time your trip up this hulking building to coincide with sunset, and watch the city illuminate after dusk.

You’ll find one of the world's most renowned art museums, the Museum of Modern Art - commonly known as MoMA - on Fifth Avenue. It features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. The architecture of the building is just as remarkable as the contents inside, and it’s the perfect place to stroll around after doing lots of window shopping

Yes, Washington, D.C. is a family-friendly destination. The city has a multitude of attractions suitable for all ages, but it’s ideal for wannabe historians - Washington D.C. played a huge role in American history, and it continues to do so. You’ll find a selection of tours and free experiences at the Smithsonian Museums that cater to kids, fuelling their sense of curiosity and encouraging some ‘holiday learning’! Enjoy a different kind of excitement with a trip to the National Zoo, where you’ll find pandas, elephants, and fierce big cats. 

The National Mall is also an all-rounder for families. Located in the heart of the city, it’s an immense open space, perfect for picnics, kite flying, and long family strolls. It's also within easy reach of lots of other attractions, so it’s the perfect setting for some downtime in between touring around historical sites. If you want to see the city from a different perspective, book tickets for a boat tour. The kids will love being on deck, and the views from the Potomac River are incredible!

Washington, D.C. is home to an array of seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, so it’s always worthwhile checking what your trip coincides with. A highlight from our travel team is the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in late March.

If you’re visiting during the spring or in autumn, make sure you’ve packed plenty of lightweight layers. While the weather will still be warm, temperatures can fall in the evenings, so this will keep you feeling comfortable. Both destinations on your multi-centre holiday will warrant a lot of exploration too, often by foot, so a pair of comfy shoes won’t go amiss. If Broadway is part of your plans for NYC, remember to pack your finery!