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What to do in New York

Must-see New York attractions

If you’ve arrived in New York with a healthy appetite for big-ticket attractions, you’re in luck. Everything about the Big Apple is there to impress, from cavernous museums to towering skyscrapers and sprawling parks. The trick is in knowing where to start. Tick off these big hitters first.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Built by a French architect as a symbol of peace, Lady Liberty (as she’s affectionately known) cuts a fair figure on the horizon. Brandishing a torch on top of her plinth, the 46m-tall (151ft) green-tinged goddess was a beacon of hope for millions of migrants making the long journey to start their new life.

Board the ferry to Liberty Island and then climb the 354 steps for stirring views of the city’s skyline from inside her crown.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the world’s most famous parks. With luscious meadows lined with elm trees and dotted with rocky outcrops, this sprawling green oasis is a far cry from the swamps that existed here before.

New Yorkers love to congregate here on hot summer days, spreading out on every available patch of green. There’s also a zoo, ice-skating rink and boating lake, keeping you entertained whatever the weather.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

‘The Met’ houses one of the biggest art collections in the world. With over two million objects stored underneath one roof, it’s New York’s biggest attraction. You’ll find everything here from Egyptian temples to American artwork – grab a map at the entrance so you don’t lose your bearings.

Once you’ve soaked up as much art as you can stand, head up to the roof garden for a leisurely martini to the backdrop of Manhattan’s bristling skyline.

Times Square

When it comes to iconic public spaces, few are more famous than Times Square. A carousel of bright lights and flashing billboards where Broadway and 7th Avenue cross paths, it often feels like the whole of New York has come here to party (as indeed they do, every New Year’s Eve).

Soak up the action on the sidewalk before ducking into one of the Theatre District’s many establishments for a romping stomping musical to round off the night.

Empire State Building

Starring in countless vintage photographs and films, this 102-storey giant is king of the New York skyline. Catch the lift up to the 86th floor at sun down to see New York dissolve into a sparkling sea of lights. Higher up, on the top floor, is New York’s second-highest observation deck (after the One World Trade Centre).

Before you zip back down to ground level, learn about the history of this iconic building at the exhibition on the 80th floor.

The best New York nightlife

New York is famously known as the city that never sleeps and, with so much going on after dark, it’s obvi-ous why. The nightlife and entertainment is bold, exciting and diverse.

Whether you fancy razor-sharp comedy, elaborate mixology or a swish night out on the tiles, the city ca-ters for all tastes.

Soak up the bright lights along Broadway

You’ve heard Sinatra sing of New York, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere” – well, the same is true for many of the famous actors, dancers and musicians who continue to turn up here to launch their careers. This penchant for showmanship is best experienced on Broadway, where rootin’ tootin’ musicals jostle for attention among the Theatre District’s legendary establishments.

Nearby, the Lincoln Center sets the stage for highbrow entertainment, as the home of the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet. The huge site also houses the iconic Metropolitan Opera House, where classic works like ‘Carmen’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’ sweep audiences away with their soaring arias.

Clubbing and cocktails from dusk to dawn

New York is where the term ‘cocktail’ was originally coined so it’s only fair to indulge while you’re here.

If you enjoy dressing up in feather boas and suspenders, how about jumping on the Prohibition Era bandwagon and seeking out a speakeasy? You’ll find these hidden in basements and behind trick walls across the city. Two of the best are Little Branch in Greenwich Village and Bathtub Gin in Chelsea.

For high-end sunset to sunrise clubbing, knock on the door of the Meatpacking District’s secretive backdoor lounges. The Standard Hotel here houses two of New York’s most famous clubbing hotpots: the painfully exclusive Top of the Standard (formerly the Boom Boom Room) and the fittingly named Le Bain (due to the giant Jacuzzi in the middle of the dance floor). Don’t be discouraged if you get ‘bounced’ on the door – there are plenty more to choose from.

Dine out on a bellyful of laughs

Fancy hearing New York’s funniest stand-ups sharpen their wit? Then head downtown. The well-established Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village hosts famous comedians inside its cramped quarters and is perfect if you like your comedy a tad risqué.

For side-splitting improv and outrageous skits, check out the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Chelsea, where some of the great stars of ‘Saturday Night Live’ were born.

Where to eat in New York

Never one to lag behind the trends, New York’s food scene is bold and innovative. There’s an exciting array to choose from, from Michelin-starred fine dining to creative pop-up restaurants. One thing’s for certain, the city’s ‘wow’ factor will leave a tantalising taste in your mouth.

Bag a table at the best restaurant in town

Haute cuisine never goes out of fashion in New York. Don your glad rags and book well ahead for brasserie-style fine dining at Les Halles (15 John Street), Locanda Verde (377 Greenwich Street), and Le Bernardin (155 West 51st Street), all of which are run by celebrity chefs.

Fusion fine dining is also an exciting prospect in New York, with the likes of Aquavit (65 East 55th Street) leading the way with its modern take on Nordic classic and Per Se (10 Columbus Circle) delivering an artful blend of New American and French cuisine.

Must-try dishes

New York’s local food scene is very much reflective of its multi-cultural heritage; you can easily spend your whole trip sampling an addictive array of delicious dishes.

New Yorkers have a passion for delis and you’ll find them on almost every corner – perfect for sampling authentic Jewish bagels piled high with pastrami or smothered with cream cheese and salmon lox, along with old-school classics like matzo ball soup.

Alternatively, hone in on the next street vendor you see for that all-American (well, via Germany) lunchtime classic – well-seasoned hot dogs piled high with fried onions or sauerkraut.

Pizza is famously a Neapolitan export but New Yorkers will argue that the recipe was perfected in Little Italy’s family-run restaurants.

For a slice of something sweet, New York-style cheesecake is a must, and you’ll find that New Yorkers much prefer their simple vanilla recipe to more elaborate flavour combos.

Where to find the best soul food

You’ll find the best of the best of New York’s lip-smackingly good soul food in Harlem, where windows and open doors waft out the smell of mouth-watering dishes such as grilled shrimp, BBQ wings and fried chicken served on top of breakfast waffles. The best joints are a well-kept secret among the locals, so be prepared to do your research.

New York events

St Patrick’s Day Parade; March 17: 

Dust off your leprechaun hat for New York’s biggest street parade as traditional marching bands make their way along 5th Avenue – don’t forget to lift a pint of Guinness to Ireland’s patron saint afterwards.

SummerStage; June-August:

 Held in 17 parks across New York’s five boroughs, this free music festival should be on every music-lover’s radar.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting; November: 

You can’t help but feel warmed by the Yuletide cheer as thousands gather to watch the lighting of the Center’s colossal Christmas tree at the start of the festive season.