From the Empire State Building, to Brooklyn’s finest pizza…here are seven reasons to visit New York
IF there's one city where you'll never find yourself struggling to find something to do, it's New York.
The city that never sleeps has a wide variety of activities to keep you busy, from sightseeing, to hitting the state-of-the-art gyms, before stuffing yourself silly with Brooklyn's very own deep-pan pizza. Here are seven reasons not to miss it...
The inspiring art
New York is home to some of the greatest artwork in the world.
No visit to the city is complete without checking out – home to some of the most iconic pieces from the likes of Picasso, Mondrian, Van Gogh, Magritte and Warhol. Entry costs £20.
Meanwhile, the is worth a trip just to see Klimt’s stunning Woman In Gold painting – entrance is £16.
Brooklyn’s pizza
On the 41/2-hour , you’ll see locations from Goodfellas and Saturday Night Fever before stopping at Grimaldi’s pizzeria for a Neapolitan-style thin crust, then 1930s L&B Spumoni Gardens for a deep-pan. The tour costs £65 including pizza.
Spending the night Brooklyn-side?
Head to , from £162 for a double. Expect exposed brickwork and spacious rooms.
Trend-setting workouts
It might sound like madness to exercise on holiday, but with New York so ahead of the curve when it comes to cool fitness classes, it would be criminal not to give one a whizz.
Make like the Beckhams and book in for a spin sesh at .
For 45 minutes, you’ll jog, sprint and dance to the beat on your bike, £16.
For yoga with a twist, join a hip-hop yoga class at – where you can “om” along to a soundtrack of Jay Z for £20.
But for the ultimate workout, channel your inner Karlie Kloss and book a £20 session at , where you’ll learn to stretch and strengthen like the catwalk’s finest.
The view from the top
NYC is the city that never sleeps, so if you want to enjoy spectacular views without the tear-inducing queues, head to the 86th-floor observatory of the at 1am. Entry costs £26.
If your visit gives you a head for heights, then a wander along – an elevated park built on an old railway track – is a must at sunset, and it’s free.
If you’re looking to kip close by, is the perfect choice.
Slap-bang in the middle of Manhattan, the exterior decor might look a bit tired and the lift is tiny, but rooms are clean and spacious. Double rooms cost from £145 per night.
The party-popping food scene
The Big Apple isn’t short of places to party or eat great food, so guarantee a good night out by combining both.
The in the Meatpacking District has a buzzing bar, bistro lights and comfy sofas, as well as views of The High Line and the Hudson River.
You can’t go wrong with the tuna tartare, £16, to start, followed by, of course, a steak.
Once you’ve finished your dessert (I went for the bag o’donuts, £10 – three little balls of heaven filled with dulce de leche, choc sauce and raspberry jam), head to the main restaurant downstairs to continue partying.
Dancing on tables is totally encouraged, FYI.
For an equally entertaining evening, it’s also worth heading to , where you’ll be greeted by bling chandeliers, moody lighting and a fun atmosphere.
Dine on orange-infused salmon ceviche, £12, and lobster mac and cheese, £15, before drinks and dancing in the upstairs bar.
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Lady Liberty
She’s perhaps the most iconic symbol of the city, so don’t miss the chance to see up close.
Buy a Pedestal Access ticket, £18.70, and as well as the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, you’ll get to go inside the great green statue, touch a life-size replica of her face and even look back at the previous torches that Lady Liberty has held.
A pic of you wearing a foam crown? Optional.
The chance to reflect
Whether you want to pay your respects or learn a little more about what happened on 9/11, the at the World Trade Center site, £19, is a must.
It showcases a powerful collection of video footage, audio recordings, pictures and stories from the day.
The includes entry to over 80 attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, and costs
from £89.
Plan your trip at . cost from £500 return.