I can think of enough things to do in New York to keep me entertained and occupied for a lifetime but most of us do not have that sort of time to spare. If you have a long weekend or perhaps four or five days to play with you need to condense the things to do and see down to a manageable number, yet ensure that you leave feeling you have thoroughly explored the city that never sleeps.
And sleep is something you may have to forgo in order to do this.
A bus tour is definitely worth investing in. Gray Line tours allow you to hop on and off whenever you reach a destination you want to explore on foot and you can buy a ticket that lasts as long as you need it to — 72 hours if you like. I braved the weather on a rooftop tour in mid-winter and alighted whenever the cold got the better of me for a sojourn in an indoor tourist spot (usually Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue or somewhere similar).
Get off at the Empire State Building for bracing outdoor rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline (visit when it is raining — or when it has just stopped — for minimal queuing). Take a look at Ground Zero, or catch the free Staten Island ferry for a fabulous vista of the Statue of Liberty.
So many films and television series have used the city as a backdrop that going to New York is like visiting a movie set. If you are a Sex and the City fan, you can take a tour of the locations made famous in the series.
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My favourite thing to do after checking into my hotel is to seek out Trump Tower for cocktail hour, where they serve two-for-one cocktails in a small but atmospheric bar overlooking the famous indoor waterfall. It is great for people-watching and offers an immediate immersion into New York culture.
Cocktails are something of a theme for me when visiting New York. I never fail to stop at the recently refurbished Plaza Hotel (location of Macaulay Culkin’s stay while lost in the city in Home Alone 2) for a champagne cocktail in the hotel’s impressive lobby (even though at around $28, they are not cheap). If the greenbacks are running low, I head to Verlaine on Rivington Street for $5 lychee Martinis.
Of course, it is not all about boozing — the city has myriad restaurants. I like the Tribeca Grill, owned by Robert De Niro, which offers excellent food in atmospheric surroundings that make you feel like you are dining with real-life Goodfellas. It is also an eye-opener to drop into Bobby Van’s Steakhouse during early evening — packed to the rafters with New Yorkers supping after-work drinks. Alternatively, drop into one of the many eateries along Restaurant Row (a section of 46th Street).
If you are a sports fan — and even if not — take in a basketball game at the world-famous Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks. The experience of watching a live game is unparalleled.
Spend an afternoon in bohemian Greenwich Village. It has a really special feel that sets it apart from the other districts of the city. Sample a basket of fries at Rare Bar and Grill, on Bleecker Street at 6th Avenue and Carmine, which comes replete with three varieties of chips and numerous dips, or grab a slice of famously delicious pizza at nearby Joe’s Pizza before heading down Bleecker to dip in and out of the area’s boutiques.
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A horse and carriage ride through Central Park is a leisurely and romantic way to enjoy its environs and is perfectly comfortable. On chilly days you can use the blanket provided.
Finally, if you have never seen a television show being filmed, New York is the place to do it. I picked up tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman via a man on a street corner.
These suggestions have only scratched the surface of what there is to do in New York. Another trip is clearly the answer.
Need to know
Currency Dollar (1.62 to £1)
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Population 8,104,079
Area 468.9 square miles
Boroughs New York’s five boroughs are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. Staten Island ferries depart regularly throughout the day and there is no charge to board.
Top attractions Central Park covers a whopping 843 acres and there are numerous things to do within its borders. You can sail model boats at the Conservatory Water, ice skate at the Wollman Rink, see exotic animals at the zoo, visit the Conservatory Garden and Reservoir, take the children to the Carousel and take in the view from Belvedere Castle. A standard horse-drawn carriage ride through the park costs $40.
The Empire State Building Located on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street, the iconic skyscraper was built during the Depression and stands at 1,454ft. There are two observation decks — one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd. The building is open daily from 8am to 2am, 365 days a year.
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Statue of Liberty Take the ferry to Liberty Island. Visit during the week if possible to avoid the longest queues. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on Liberty Island.
Greenwich Village This neighbourhood of Manhattan, located below 14th Street and west of Broadway, is a community apart in this bustling city.
Short breaks No shortage of things to do any time and the earlier in the year the better value on offer. The city is set up to cater for tourists. You can expect great service and and the Gray Line All Loops tours provide a great way to see the city
Offer 3 nights, 3* room only, from £399pp. Phone 0844 879 8036