How to enjoy autumn in New York - top tips on where to stay, eat and play from the CTM Meetings & Events team

This October, the BTN Group will launch Business Travel Show in America. Taking place on October 15-16, 2025 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, it’s a must-attend event for corporate travel professionals in North America and will bring together hundreds of key players including travel buyers, suppliers, and procurement specialists.

If you’re attending, you can expect to engage with industry-leading suppliers – including CTM, of course, explore the latest innovations in travel technology, and participate in expert-led sessions that address today’s most pressing challenges in corporate travel management.

Whether you’re attending as a hosted buyer or an industry professional, the event offers unrivalled opportunities to network, collaborate and shape the future of business travel. New York in mid-October is generally crisp and vibrant, with autumn foliage beginning to appear in the parks and a full calendar of cultural events, so we can understand how the temptation to tag a leisure trip to the beginning or end (or both!) of your trip may be too much to resist. So, here are some top tips to help you decide where to stay, where to eat and what to do in your time away from the show floor.

Where to stay:

For Midtown & Times Square convenience . Midtown is a great option for Business Travel Show America – it’s convenient for the Javits Center during business hours, but also within walking distance of Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, Empire State and Rockefeller Center making it the perfect location for exploring the city.

• InterContinental New York Barclay: The Westin New York Grand Central
• Hyatt Grand Central New York
• New York Hilton Midtown
• Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South
• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Avenue
• InterContinental New York Barclay
• Hotel NH Collection New York Madison Avenue
• Sofitel New York

For luxury and Central Park access:

Who wouldn’t want to visit Central Park in the ‘fall’ and stop off at the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel: A classic luxury experience on the Upper East Side, known for its iconic Cafe Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar.

Park Lane New York: Relish timeless Central Park views from the intimate rooftop bar at this stunning hotel

For a boutique/lifestyle feel:

Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York: Offers a trendy, fun vibe and a good feel for the rapidly gentrifying Lower East Side, if your business takes you downtown.

Where to Eat:

You’re never short on delicious dining options in New York. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to wow your guests or want to try local favourites, here are our top picks.

For business dinners in Midtown and Uptown Manhattan:

Cafe Carlyle (at The Carlyle): For a sophisticated dinner with live jazz, offering a quintessential New York experience. Dress code is typically smart.

The Modern (at MoMA): For a high-end dining experience with an art museum connection. Reservations are essential.

For business casual dining in the financial district downtown:

Fraunces Tavern: A historic landmark offering a unique atmosphere and American fare. Good for a business casual lunch or dinner downtown.

Delmonico’s: A classic New York steakhouse, perfect for a traditional business dinner in the Financial District.

La Marchande: Offers a modern French brasserie experience, suitable for a business lunch or dinner.

The Malt House: Offers a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere with good food and drink options.

If it’s that quintessential NYC food experience you’re after, then these are a must:

Absolute Bagels: Voted one of the best for authentic New York bagels. Perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch.

Joe’s Shanghai: Famous for its soup dumplings, a fun and delicious casual dining experience.

Katz’s Deli: New York’s oldest delicatessen – famous for its salt beef sandwiches, and ‘that’ scene from When Harry Met Sally.

What to do when the show is closed, business is done and you can spend time exploring the city:

Experience Broadway: Catch a world-class Broadway show in the Theater District. Make sure to book ahead.

Explore Central Park: Enjoy a leisurely walk or run through Central Park to experience the beautiful autumn foliage. You can also rent a rowboat or visit Bethesda Terrace.

Visit a museum: New York boasts world-renowned museums.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Check their October 2025 exhibitions: Allegory and Abstraction and Divine Egypt are slated to open in September/October 2025.
• Guggenheim Museum: The world famous art deco building with the circular atrium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is an absolute must see, as is the museum’s collection, which includes the Robert Rauschenberg exhibition opening in October 2025.
• The Frick Collection: This is the place to go for an intimate viewing of Old Master paintings, sculptures and decorative arts in a mansion setting. They have ongoing exhibitions like Vermeer’s Love Letters and Porcelain Garden in October 2025.

Go to a sporting event: Depending on the schedule, you might catch a Knicks (NBA) game at Madison Square Garden or a Rangers (NHL) game, or even a Yankees/Mets (MLB) playoff game (if they make it). Scheduled games:

• New York Rangers (NHL): October 13, October 14 (Madison Square Garden)
• New York Islanders (NHL): October 13, October 16 (UBS Arena, Long Island – accessible by LIRR)
• New York Knicks (NBA): October 13 (Preseason – Madison Square Garden)
• New York Jets (NFL): October 19 (MetLife Stadium, NJ – accessible from NYC)
• New York City FC (MLS): October 18 (Home game, likely within NYC)

Wander through the New York neighbourhoods: Exploring different parts of the city on foot is such a great way to discover New York. Greenwich Village has a bohemian charm, SoHo is great for shopping and architecture, walk across the bridge to Brooklyn for its unique ‘hipster’ vibe and unrivalled views of Manhattan.

Take the ferry to Staten Island: Enjoy free, iconic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the ferry.

Visit Top of the Rock or Empire State Building: If it’s breath-taking panoramic views of the city you’re after – which are especially stunning at sunset – these are the places to visit.