On May 9th 2023 Delta Air Lines will restart direct flights between Prague and New York.
These daily flights on Boeing 767-300 aircraft will continue until October 28th 2023.
Flight times are relatively convenient. Departing Prague at 12:10, arriving New York JFK 15:25. Returning from JFK at 19:30 and landing in Prague at 10.00.
Whether you’ve never visited The Big Apple of go there every year, here are recommendations from the EliteVoyage team.
Explore Beyond Midtown & Manhattan
New York is a thousand cities in one. It’s a collection of boroughs, or neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere. Private Consultant Tomas Safarik visits New York at least once every year. He says:
Manhattan is what most people think of as New York and it has the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and things to see. But I think Midtown Manhattan is far too touristy.
If it’s your first time in New York, Tom’s recommendation is to spend a couple of days in Manhattan, to experience the famous places. Then also explore some of the local areas as well.
Most tourists never leave Manhattan. They might make it to Brooklyn Bridge but not cross the bridge to Brooklyn, believing it to be unsafe.
Williamsburg in Brooklyn is a great example of exploring a local side to New York, says Tom. It’s very safe, cleaner than anywhere in Manhattan, and has a very youthful and creative atmosphere.
Getting around New York is easy. The famous yellow taxicabs are ubiquitous and will efficiently take you between neighbourhoods. Fully chauffeured services are available too.
Overview of the Best New York City Hotels
The Peninsula New York is the landmark property in Midtown, offering classical old-world luxury for first-time visitors.
Another of our top ten hotels in the USA is Equinox. It’s bold and contemporary, in the hip Hudson Yards area. Great for return visitors to the city.
On the Upper East Side you’ll find The Carlyle, a classy grand dame that’s been revitalised after a 2021 Rosewood renovation and takeover. A sophisticated stay for couples and families alike.
The Baccarat Hotel is another Midtown New York icon, loved by jetsetters and socialites. It’s a hotel to see and be seen at, although it is somewhat overhyped and overpriced.
Spending a night at The Plaza is a bucket list experience for many. It’s one of the world’s legendary hotels and the Central Park location is unbeatable for shoppers.
Away from the marble and bling, Crosby Street Hotel is a more unpretentious option on the cobblestone streets of trendy SoHo. An artsy and down-to-earth five-star hotel for couples and families alike.
If you don’t need glitz and glamour then The Mark Hotel is another good option. It’s very discreet and tranquil, despite the central Upper East Side location. One of our top picks for families.
For comfortable old-fashioned luxury you can try Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. But of the big hotel brands we’d usually point you towards the Mandarin Oriental, two enormous towers with the ultimate views over Manhattan.
Continuing Your Holiday in the USA
The Delta flight to New York is the only direct connection to the USA from Prague. It’s a codeshare with KLM and Air France, who can offer two-leg flights to dozens of American destinations from Prague.
The USA is a patchwork of contrasting destinations. So how about exploring New York and then exploring somewhere completely different?
Like the red deserts of Utah, combined with Las Vegas and a spa stay at Amangiri.
Experiencing ranch culture in Montana then the wilderness of Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.
Flying to the West Coast and seeing some of California, which offers more than most countries, nevermind most other states.
Or flying south to Florida if you’re travelling with kids. It’s not for everyone but for amusement parks and beaches it’s a world beater.
And if you really want to go somewhere different, how about Hawaii? It’s a very long way from home, so the combination with New York and possibly also California is an efficient use of time.
Will You Visit New York This Summer?
Now the direct flights are resuming, will you visit New York this spring or summer?
We’ve been there many times, so whether you want a classic experience or something unusual and different, we have recommendations for you.
