A New, New York

Start spreading the news.  New York, the big apple, the city that never sleeps – whatever you choose to call it – is in its element right now, making it the prime time to visit.  Lapping up global praises as a fast, furiously fun, electrifying city, New York isn’t holding back, giving visitors a taste of the high life with everything it’s got.
Spend a few hours in the heart of  New York and you can see why it is frequently described as a city unlike any other.  After all, where else does hot fashion trends emerge at breakfast only to be deemed outdated by lunch or a dose of culture can be easily acquired during a lunchbreak by way of museums, art galleries or simply strolling along 42nd street passing by the United Nations, the Theatre District and Times Square
View Larger Map.  It is a place where a city tour of famous sites can take days and perhaps most uniquely, where you can get anything you want, anytime you want, delivered right to your door.
Some say what makes a great city is its people and New Yorkers would be the first to agree.  Being hip is almost a full time job and water cooler jargon can turn into the new lingo chattered across the globe.  Spend enough time in New York and you’re almost guaranteed to become a millionaire, with a cute spoodle to boot.
If you only have a few days to spend in New York, you’ll most likely only experience the tip of the iceberg, so be sure to have a clear idea of what you want to see and do before arriving so you can hit the ground running, literally.
New York is very much a walking city and taking in the sights and sounds by foot is a great way to explore famous landmarks and even come across a few hidden ones, but taxis are abundant and easily available for those that tire easily.
Even though some may say visiting the Empire State Building, Rockefeller’s ‘Top of the Rock’ and cruising past the Statue of Liberty are on the hilt of the most touristy things one could do, seeing them is a must for New York virgins.  Take in a day tour or pre-purchase a New York City Pass or New York Pass for additional benefits and discounted entry into most of the top attractions.
The City Pass also includes discounted entry onboard Circle Line ferries which operate full-commentary cruises along the Hudson River past New York’s famous skyline and its most famous resident, the Lady in Green.
From the lower Hudson and East Rivers, the daily cruises onboard “Miss New York” includes spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city’s world famous bridges and buildings.  History buffs, or for those that can spare additional time should take the effort to sail to Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum, or stand at the foot of the Statute of Liberty with a trip to Liberty Island.
Aside from the main attractions, a lot of what happens in New York is by chance, being in the right place at the right time goes a long way, but a few handy hints on where these ‘right places’ are always helps.
If you are not fortunate to know any New Yorkers to steer you in the right direction, keep your eyes pealed for posters around town displaying what’s on in the world of street entertainment where attendance is mostly free.  Hang around the theatre district after catching a show and a swarm of ticket sellers for everything from comedy clubs to plays will offer last minute discounted entry into venues.
New York is also home to some of the trendiest bars, cafes and restaurants across the globe.  A great place to start the evening is the hip meat-packing district, made famous from being coined in a number of recent TV shows and movies.
Packed with clubs, boutique hotels and hidden bars, this area is easily accessible to most budgets, tastes and social trends.   But it’s the old style of New York that brings out the real glitz and glamour, and an example of that is the 70 year old institution, Tavern on the Green.  Billed as an “experience like no other”, the restaurant has been embraced by locals as a place to see and be seen.  Located in the heart of Central Park, a trip to the restaurant of yesteryear would be incomplete without a fairy-tale horse and carriage ride ending.