NEW YORK CITY

Halal-friendly holidays

With an estimated 9% of New York residents being Muslim, New York City is one of the most welcoming places for Muslims in the United States. This Muslim-friendly city also has a growing Muslim population from around the world and is home to numerous mosques, restaurants serving halal food, and alcohol-free hotels.

With a quarter of American Muslims living in NYC and its diversity and multiculturalism of different nationalities, there are numerous restaurants and cafes that serve halal food.

Many hotels in New York City are alcohol free and some hotels serve halal food on request.

Statue of Liberty - Located on Liberty Island, New York's most famous icon and one of the world's most famous monuments was gifted by the French in 1886 and represents the land of the free in all its glory.

Times Square - Times Square is famous around the world for its giant video billboards, shops and restaurants, as well as Broadway, one of the world's most famous theatre districts with massive department stores, street performers and restaurants galore.

Empire State Building - The iconic Empire State Building in Manhattan is a 102-story skyscraper that is visible throughout the city. Enjoy breathtaking views of the hustle and bustle of New York from the top of the world's most famous skyscraper.

Central Park - Central Park covers more than 800 hectares and is a green oasis in the middle of the city. It is home to numerous attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, the Bow Bridge, the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

New York City has more mosques than any other US state with the majority in Brooklyn and Queens. Here are some:

Islamic Cultural Center of New York - Located in Upper Manhattan, the centre opened in 1991 as one of the city's most important mosques. It is open for daily prayers and offers weekend school, nikah services, funerals, counselling and a bookstore.

Islamic Society of Mid-Manhattan - The Islamic Society of Mid-Manhattan is located on the East Side of Manhattan and is open for daily prayers and Jumu'ah Khutbahs.

Masjid Al-Hikma - Masjid Al-Hikma in Long Island serves the Indonesian community of New York. It is open for daily prayers and the Jumu’ah Khutbahs are delivered in Indonesian and English.

Islamic Council of America - Madina Masjid - Better known as Madina Masjid, it is a well-known mosque for Muslims throughout New York. It is open for daily prayers and offers Islamic classes, Quran reading and Arabic courses.

Islamic Center at New York University - Located in Lower Manhattan, this centre serves the Muslim community in New York and the Tri-State area. It is open for daily prayers and Jumu'ah prayers, offers Quranic courses and a space for socialising with fellow Muslims.