Hit New York sales and shop until you drop with our tips for the perfect city break
JOIN us for a look at one of the greatest cities on the planet, New York...
WHY SHOULD I GO? The city never loses its wow factor, on your first visit or your tenth.
The Big Apple is particularly special if you arrive at night — as I did on a Norwegian flight from London Gatwick — to be greeted by that famous skyline lit up against the darkness as you cross the bridge to Manhattan.
It is a wonderful welcome to the city.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO? If it is your first visit, get a CityPass.
It gives free or discounted access to the main attractions, including the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Most visitors take in a show — book in advance — but even if the theatre is not on your agenda I would still recommend taking a stroll up Broadway, then taking in the sights and sounds of Times Square before making your way across to the Rockefeller Center.
The famous ice rink is open for business there until April 13.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: Head down to Manhattan’s trendy Meatpacking District for hip shopping, bars and restaurants.
Stop at Bubby’s for brunch before checking out The High Line, a 1.45-mile elevated park filled with plants and flowers.
It begins at Gansevoort Street and Washington Street, and you can walk along from here up to 34th Street.
It is an awesome way to trek back to Midtown Manhattan, and to see the city from a different perspective.
If you have time to explore farther than Manhattan, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood is another hip treat.
With views across the water to the Manhattan skyline, there is everything from vintage shops to galleries and music venues.
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP: A trip to New York is not complete without a wander down Fifth Avenue.
The Apple Store here is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which proves New York really never sleeps.
The aforementioned Meatpacking District is also a shopping hotspot — home to many of the upmarket stores found on Fifth Avenue, as well as lesser-known independents.
WHAT SHOULD I EAT? New York is famous for its food, so you are spoilt for choice.
Sadelle’s is great for brunch, known for its towering displays of top-notch grub.
Head to the oldest pizzeria in the US, Lombardis, for a slice or two of their famous pies.
For the ultimate old-school New York deli, try Katz’s on the Lower East Side.
Founded in 1888, it is famed for its hot pastrami sandwiches — and is the site of Meg Ryan’s famous fake orgasm scene in 1989 rom com When Harry Met Sally, which was followed by Estelle Reiner’s line: “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Or for something a little bit fancier, check out Mercer Kitchen in Soho.
WHERE FOR A DRINK? I joined a cocktail-making class at Liquor Lab in Soho — a great warm-up before hitting the nearby bars.
Le Bain, at The Standard Hotel, is a rooftop bar with views to die for.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? IHG has a range of hotels across Manhattan.
Choose the Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental Times Square or Kimpton Muse to be in the heart of the theatre district and just steps from Times Square itself.
I stayed at the Kimpton Eventi in Chelsea, Midtown Manhattan and it was modern and funky, with two restaurants and amazing staff.
It is a five-minute walk from the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden and a ten-minute drive from Central Park — or a 30-minute stroll, seeing the sights along the way.
It is worth signing up to the IHG Rewards Club, which offers members points to be redeemed across a wide range of rewards including hotel stays, air miles and many more treats such as big-ticket items from Apple, Bose, Dyson and Michael Kors.
For more details and to register, visit.
GO: New York
GETTING THERE: Norwegian flies from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh from £259 return. Find out more at or call 0330 828 0854.
STAYING THERE: IHG Group has 22 hotels in Manhattan, to suit a range of budgets. See for locations and rates.
OUT & ABOUT: CityPASS offers admission to six top attractions, saving you up to 42 per cent on booking individually. See .
MORE INFO: Go to .