If you hire a car in New York, you’ll have a chance to explore the whole of this storied city. You'll find a comprehensive network of roads that will allow you to easily navigate your way round NYC and, if you wish, head out into neighbouring states and cities.

Welcoming 56 million visitors a year means large parts of the city, across all five boroughs, are pedestrianised. So due to the amount of tourists out and about on the city's streets, a 25mph speed limit has been set.

The city's streets are generally laid out in a numbered grid pattern, with smaller streets joining onto the main routes through the city. Due to this layout, you may find the roads can become quite congested at peak times of the day, usually during the rush hour period.

If you're looking to tour the five boroughs during your stay, the major routes are easy to find and drive along. The I-278 offers you the best road into Staten Island, as well as into Brooklyn. Take the I-495 to head into the heart of Queens and the I-698 north-bound is the perfect route for the Bronx. As arguably the city's most popular borough, you'll find it simple to navigate your way into Manhattan from wherever you are based in NYC.

There are a whole host of parking spaces across the different areas of the city – Manhattan alone has around 1,000 car parks – so you needn't worry about finding somewhere to stow your hire car in New York. You can find out more about parking in the Big Apple on the local government website.

Being such a built up city means that New York has stringent guidelines and regulations for when you’re taking to its roads – familiarise yourself with them before heading out in your hire car by reading here. It’s worth noting that turning right on a red light is not allowed in New York City.

From the hustle and bustle of Times Square to the tranquillity at the heart of Central Park, New York City is a contrasting hub of vibrant culture and peaceful relaxation. Whether you're visiting the Big Apple on business, or heading over the pond for a holiday, you'll never be short of things to do.

Concrete Jungle

From skyscrapers to monuments and shopping plazas, New York City is renowned for the sheer density of its concrete jungle, making it a perfect place to visit for architecture enthusiasts and tourists like.

Take yourself up into the sky by riding the elevator up the 102-storey high Empire State Building and gaze out over the breathtaking views of the Big Apple's skyline. Or, if 102 sounds too dizzying for you, visit the observation balconies at the Rockefeller Center, found between 48th and 51st Street, which take in the amazing views from 70 storeys up.

Embrace the bustling atmosphere of NYC at Times Square, the city's major intersection and the heart of the theatre district. The perfect place to capture that holiday snap, you'll find the area is packed with performers entertaining crowds.

Inner-city greenery

No trip to New York City is complete without taking in the world renowned Central Park, offering everything from chic cafes to testing trials if you're looking for an active adventure on foot or bike. Covering more than 840 acres, you'll never be short of places to explore in the park.

Spend an afternoon leisurely strolling the beautiful Conservatory Garden and its year-round botanic displays, or sit amid the tranquil setting on The Loch and relax with the sound of running water flowing from waterfalls. The quaint Shakespeare Garden is a must too, showcasing only the plants and features mentioned within his works.

For a family-filled excursion, the Central Park Zoo is perfect, and if you're fortunate enough to experience NYC during the winter months, get your skates on and glide across Wollman Rink as the snow falls from above.

Waterfront

The New York City waterfront and skyline looks sensational by day or night, whether you're out on the River Hudson, or gazing across it from the shoreline. How about a trip to the Statue of Liberty from New York Harbour? Take a boat tour to learn all about this iconic monument, and capture the perfect picture of the statue herself.

Or if you're looking to learn more about the roots of New York City, visiting Ellis Island is a must. Steeped in heritage, it’s here where all those looking to move to New York from Europe first landed back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A museum now showcases a fantastic range of exhibits telling the island’s story and explaining all about those who passed through it.

Meals in Manhattan

Away from the towering buildings of midtown, the borough offers a whole host of places from which you can get a real taste of New York City. Try one of the finest baked "cronuts" in NYC on Manhattan Avenue at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, before heading to the Little Italy district, famed for its American twists on European delicacies. If you're lucky enough to be visiting in September, make sure you're there for the Feast of San Gennaro, as the deep-fried-zeppole carts take to Little Italy's streets.

For seafood fanatics, head to Lower Manhattan and sample a fine spread of fish dishes. Formerly home to Fulton Fish Market, the area has embraced its historic roots with some of NYC's top seafood restaurants. The Oyster Bar in the basement of the stunning Grand Central Station should also be on your list.

Whether you’re in the Big Apple on business or have the time to explore its famed buildings, irresistible restaurants and legendary galleries and theatres, hiring a car in New York City means you can pack as much into your break as possible.