Posted on Friday, 2 November 2018

Enjoy fabulous skyscraper vistas from the Empire State Building, stroll across the mighty Brooklyn Bridge, sip coffee in Greenwich Village, go shopping mad on 5^th Avenue, nibble on rainbow-coloured bagels, board the Wonder Wheel on Coney Island - and relax among the meadows and lakes of Central Park. It can only be New York City.

Eye-popping skyline

Boasting one of the world's most iconic skylines, you'll find yourself gazing upwards a great deal while in New York: Legendary towers like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Freedom Tower dominate views of Manhattan.

Cuisine capital

But down at ground level is where the real New York magic is found - mostly concerned with breakfast, lunch and dinner: from mouthwatering street-stand bagels to fabulous NYC pizza, from pastrami sandwiches to gourmet burgers of all kinds - New York is a highly calorific foodie heaven.

Art, theatre & music

And there's food for your mind and soul, too - lots of it. Make time for a trip to the MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you'll discover priceless works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso and Pollock. On Broadway you can bag a cut-price ticket to see a show, a play or a musical performance, often delivered by world famous singers, actors and musicians.

Exploring the Big Apple on foot

But perhaps the greatest pleasure of New York is pacing the streets and exploring at your own speed. From hidden bookshops to hipster coffee houses, from antique markets to world-class parks, New York is a city to wander around and to wonder at.

Best time to visit

With summer temperatures comparable to those of Rome, it's a good idea to avoid July and August unless you really love the heat, opting instead for spring or autumn. Winters can be surprisingly cold, although a Christmas shopping to trip to the Big Apple is unlike any other. With 50 million visitors heading here each year, it pays to avoid the peak periods - and the associated crowds. All that said, whenever you decide to visit, you're sure to have an unforgettable time.

Getting around

Subway

Metrocard: For $32 (£25) you can enjoy unlimited travel for a whole week on the city's 24-hour Subway. The Metrocard pays for itself after 12 trips and includes access to the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

Cabs, ferries - and helicopters

While the Subway offers one of the most economical and convenient ways to get around, you can also hail a famous yellow New York cab. Other ways to travel include the Staten Island ferry (free), which present views of the statue of liberty and Manhattan skyline. You can even enjoy a helicopter ride over the city.

Bicycle tours and rentals

There are numerous bicycle torus available, but if you want to go your own way, why not rent a bike from CitiBikeNYC.com - short term passes are available to tourists. This system is similar to London's bicycle rental network.

Classic, not-to-be-missed attractions

Some might turn their noses up at the following attractions, but if you've never visited NYC before, they are quintessential Big Apple experiences, and must-see items to add to your itinerary.

Empire State Building - 102nd floor

Incredible views over Manhattan, from what is arguably the most famous building in New York.

Rockefeller Center

Developed during the dark days of the Great Depression in the 1930s, you can enjoy art, shopping and great views in this stunning Art Deco building.

Grand Central Terminal

 You don't need to be going anywhere to enjoy the fabulous Main Concourse of this world-famous commuter rail terminal.

5th Avenue shopping

For all its art and culture, nowhere does consumerism quite like New York. Whether you're a material girl or boy, you'll be awe-struck by this shopping Mecca. Tiffany & Co; the Apple Store; Louis Vuitton; Bergdorf Goodman; Prada and many other legendary brands operate large stores on 5th Avenue.

Times Square

The dazzling lights of Times Square are found on Broadway and 7th Avenue - the ideal place to snap up a cut-price ticket to a Broadway show.

Central Park

850 acres of meadows and lakes, right in the heart of the city. The perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Brooklyn

Wave goodbye to Manhattan and cross the mighty Brooklyn Bridge on foot, then enjoy the many cultural treats of this sprawling borough. Explore flea and street markets, fantastic gastropubs, Brooklyn Heights, live music in Williamsburg - and innumerable hipster hangouts.

Art Galleries

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Also known as The Met, this vast museum is located on Central Park's eastern flank. It features works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh and Vermeer, alongside Greek, Roman, African and Egyptian galleries. It's a good idea to narrow your focus here, since it would take days to see everything. Don't miss the fantastic roof garden, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and gaze out over central park - while pretending you're a well-heeled local.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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For art lovers, the MoMA is a must-visit, boasting one of the most influential art collections in the world. Enjoy key works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, Magritte, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol, as well as performance art, architecture and design (be amazed by the complete Bell helicopter in the design section).

Guggenheim

Resembling a giant conch shell, this Frank-Lloyd Wright designed gallery is a work of art in itself, and has been welcoming art lovers since 1959. See permanent works from the likes of Pollock, Bacon, Bourgeois and many others. Buy tickets online to beat the queues, which can be lengthy on weekends.

Islands and beaches

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Hop on the ferry to Coney Island and enjoy the Cyclone Rollercoaster, the Wonder Wheel, the beach, the boardwalk, and refreshing views of the Atlantic. Nearby is Brighton Beach and the New York Aquarium. 50 minute Subway ride from Midtown Manhattan. The family-friendly Governor's Island is also a great day out.

Rockaway Beach

One of the finest beaches near New York, Rockaway can be reached by Subway, shuttle bus or ferry. Plenty of affordable food trucks are parked up nearby - including some that sell truly fantastic tacos.

Food

Fancy a rainbow-coloured bagel? Head over to Brooklyn's Bagel Store, where they also offer more conventional options. For real New York pizza, visit the very popular Lombardi's, or for a less tourist-packed experience, John's in the West Village. Burgers, meanwhile, are ever-present: pop into the Shake Shack or the Burger Joint for a calorific treat. Pastrami sandwiches are another NYC classic, with Katz offering some of the finest examples (don't lose your ticket). Other tummy-treats can be found at the Chelsea Market (tacos); the Smorgesburg Market (winter only); and Halal Guys, for some filling and low-cost sandwiches.

Desserts & Coffee

For afters, head to Brooklyn Ice cream Factory and finish with a coffee at one of New York's many unique and often flamboyant coffee shop: expect cats, board games and numerous hipsters.

Hidden Gems

Trump Tower public toilets (and indoor waterfall)

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If you get caught short while in Manhattan, pop over to the POTUS' Trump Tower, where you can use the conveniences free of charge. Expect a great deal of marble and gold. In the foyer you can marvel at the four-storey indoor waterfall, the water in which is purportedly Evian.

Bryant Park & New York Public Library

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In summer you can watch outdoor movies for free in Bryant Park, while in winter you can enjoy an ice rink. Adjacent to the park is the New York Public Library, a prominent landmark in Midtown Manhattan and the flagship building of the entire New York Public Library system.

Where to stay

Budget - HI NYC Hostel - just minutes from Central Park, this hostel is ideal for budget travellers looking to make friends. £42 for a dorm bed. Towels included; free WiFi; cooking facilities.

Mid-range - East Village Hotel - Perfect for lovers of bars and restaurants, this hotel is located in the heart of East Village. Studio apartments with kitchenettes and free WiFi, for around £170 per night.

High-end - citizenM New York Times Square hotel - around £250. Enjoying rave reviews from its customers, the citizenM New York Times Square hotel is a four-star hotel located just one minute's walk from Times Square: Expect all the mod-cons including fitness and yoga - and fantastic outdoor terraces.

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