Thing to do in New York

New York truly is the city that never sleeps. It might be big, but this city is incredibly easy to navigate with helpful directions and a public transport system that runs around the clock. Separated into several districts, there's plenty going on at any one time, meaning you can keep your schedule full every day of your stay.

Touristy tidbits

Located in the heart of Midtown, the famous Empire State Building is a must-visit for any first- timer. The bright lights of the Midtown skyline at night are too breathtaking to miss from the 86th floor observation deck.

Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center (Don’t blow your tourist cover by calling it the Rockerfella Centre) is another observation deck worth visiting in the morning. Extensive views of Central Park, the Hudson River and beyond into Brooklyn, Queens and New Jersey are simply magnificent. Have your camera ready to take a terrific selfie! Want to visit both of these skyscrapers at a discount? With a New York Pass you can save money. Instead of paying per attraction you can use your all-inclusive pass to enter all attractions for free and even skip the queue - win- win!

Bargain heaven - Hit the shops!

Other than the famous landmarks that immediately spring to mind when you think of the Big Apple, the vast selection of shops is another. Woodbury Common is a paradise for discount shopping on designer brands. Located only one hour outside of Manhattan, you can easily hop on the bus and spend the day rooting around the 220 outlet shops to find the best buys. Don’t forget to bring your empty suitcase on this day trip! The Mills at Jersey Gardens is another shopping utopia located across the Hudson River over in New Jersey. The indoor shopping centre is home to many different brands, however it’s not an exclusive outlet venue. There are a couple of outlet shops, but not the extensive selection that you can find at Woodbury Common.

Enjoy a Fabulous Feast

If you love your food, you'll simply adore the food markets available in this city. NYC's food markets are quickly displacing restaurants as the place to go to fill your stomach, so expect crowds during peak times. Top destinations include Eataly, an emporium of Italian cuisine and Mediterranean favourites, along with Hudson Eats not far from Battery Park. You'll always find something to satisfy your appetite.

Keeping up with the kids

Are you travelling to New York with children? They will be spoilt for choice with the endless activities available to keep them entertained. FAO Schwarz at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is the ultimate toy shop dream for any child or adult. Take refuge from the freezing cold or escape the roasting summer heat at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s the perfect spot to spend the day and immerse yourself in the vast collection of historical artefacts. For all the Gossip Girl fans, you can take your photograph on the famous Met steps, the exact location where the Blair and Serena lunched each day.

In the summer months, a day trip to the legendary Coney Island and Luna Park is a fantastic alternative to escape the humid city heat. Stuck for time? Visit the Central Park Zoo. It’s not too large but there are numerous exotic animals, including snow leopards, grizzly bears, red pandas, snow monkeys and sea lions. Broadway also cater for children, so they won’t miss out on the phenomenal experience.

Get stuck into American sports culture

Attending a sports game in New York is an absolute must. Whether or not you are familiar with basketball, ice hockey, baseball or American football, the electric atmosphere is enough to convert you into a die-hard fan. Watch a New York Knicks basketball game in the heart of Midtown in Madison Square Garden. Grab a cold beer and a hotdog and witness some incredible sportsmanship in an energetic two-hour game. You might even see a famous face or two in the courtside ‘celebrity row’!

Dinner with a view!

Looking for something special to do to celebrate a big birthday, anniversary or simply just to treat yourself? A dinner cruise is the best way to kill two birds with the one stone; sit back and relax with a drink and something nice to eat, whilst taking in the stunning panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline with live entertainment.

Take a Walk in the Park

A stroll through the park doesn't have to be boring. If you're near Manhattan, a stroll about Central Park will definitely keep you occupied. Located in middle-upper Manhattan, this park is one of the most heavily visited in the world. Soak in the beautiful surroundings as you wander about, or check out a bicycle and see more in half the time. What's more, there's always something new to discover here. Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up events and impromptu live performances as you explore.