Car RentalNew York City

Car rental in New York is the perfect way to tour the city and its five boroughs. Much of the city is pedestrianised due to the volume of tourists who travel here at all times of the year, but you can still get around in your rental car – especially if you want to leave Manhattan.

It’s worth noting the city has implemented a maximum speed limit of 25mph (40km/h) – unless stated otherwise. This limit is strictly enforced, so be aware when driving around New York City.

Like many other busy cities, NYC has a lot of congestion, especially in peak times. Be sure to plan extra travelling when you’re heading out to take in the sights.

To get a real feel for New York, take your rental car out into the suburbs. The NY-9A runs along the western side of Manhattan, while the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive runs along the eastern side. For the likes of Staten Island and Brooklyn take the I-278, or if you want to visit Queens, drive along the I-495.

By taking the I-95 southbound, you’ll be able to reach cities like Philadelphia in around two hours and Baltimore in around three hours. Heading north along this route will lead you into Connecticut. 

New York City is exactly how you imagine it will be - a concrete jungle packed full of bustling city workers, iconic landmarks and yellow taxis. That doesn’t mean a visit here won’t blow you away - this metropolis is a hive of activity, filled with legendary monuments, a renowned history and plenty of cultural activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Tour the sights

A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without taking in some of the famous landmarks. Time Square, the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Centre are all worth a visit.

One of the most recognisable buildings on the New York skyline is the Empire State Building. Found in the heart of Manhattan, this impressive feature of engineering was built in 1930. Take a trip to the 86^th and 102^nd floors for 360° views across the whole of the area.

Another architectural gem worth a visit is the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, this bridge has been synonymous with NYC – there’s even a film detailing its construction. Walk across the bridge on a guided tour or drive along it in your rental car if you want to explore neighbouring Brooklyn. 

Catch a show

New York is known around the world for its performances on the Broadway stage, so why not see what’s on while you’re visiting? Broadway is home to everything from world-famous musicals like The Lion King and Wicked to plays like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and To Kill a Mockingbird.

For something more intimate and avant-garde, take in an Off-Broadway show in one of the city’s hundreds of smaller venues. These can be found in places like arty Greenwich Village, the rich Upper East Side and hip Brooklyn. You’re more likely to secure a ticket and could catch the next big thing.

If you don’t want to be in the audience for a theatre show, how about the audience for a TV show? Get up close and personal with some of TVs biggest shows by sitting in the audience for things like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and even Good Morning America.

Take a New York minute

No trip to the City of Dreams would be complete without a pit stop in one of its many parks.

Spend sometime relaxing on the 55-acre Great Lawn of Central Park or take a visit to its very own zoo. Animals such as grizzly bears and snow leopards calling it home.

Across the water, Prospect Park in Brooklyn also has a zoo as well as it’s own forest and plenty of regular live events. Head to Queens for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to tennis tournaments, botanical gardens and the remains of two World Fair’s.

Explore everything the city of New York has to offer and make the most of your visit with car rental from Hertz.