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AT A GLANCE New York is the city that never sleeps and has so much to offer that its often

thought of as the capital city of the world, despite not actually being a capital itself. Whether you want to shop until you drop, see the sights that youve seen a thousand times in the movies or catch a Broadway musical, you can do it all here and more. WHEN TO GO Its always a good time to visit New York. The city has events running throughout the year and whilst winter is excellent for the Macys parade, Christmas shopping and ice-skating, summer has its perks too with al fresco concerts, and Coney Island just a subway trip away. Weather Winter: Wrap up warm in the winter as temperatures can range from -10C to 4C and the wind chill can make it feel colder than that, particularly when youre high up taking in the view from one of the citys famous skyscrapers. Snow and rain are common so pack boots if you plan on walking around. Spring: This is a great time to visit New York as the temperatures can reach highs of 26 during April. June is a spring month in NYC and temperatures can rise to 32C as spring gives way to summer. However, the low humidity during this season means the heat is seldom uncomfortable. Summer: Summer in New York is hot and humid, which is why you often hear of the locals escaping to the Hamptons during this time. Temperatures can reach up to 35C; the subway system can get extremely unpleasant during this season so use taxis where possible. You should anticipate thunderstorms. Autumn: Fall, as its known in the US, starts off hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 26C. However temperatures soon cool down and around Halloween you can expect temperatures in the region of 10C.
Images: Lions by PChurch92 / New York Summer by Emily Collins

THINGS TO DO Theres so much to do in New York that you could easily spend a week there. However, most people visit the city for a weekend break in which case you want to be sure to fit in a few highlights. Be sure to catch one of New Yorks famous tours from the Movie and TV Locations tour to Sex and the City, Sopranos and Gossip Girl themed excursions. Attractions Empire State Building: Incredible views of the city from New Yorks iconic skyscraper Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): The most influential modern art collection in the world Statue of Liberty: Americas national monument and symbol of freedom Metropolitan Museum: Large collections of art dating from the Greek and Roman periods Central Park: The citys main park has a boating lake, zoo and horse and carriage rides Rockefeller Centre: Visit the observation deck for city views or the ice rink come winter American Museum of Natural History: One of the largest science museums in the world Grand Central Station: Visit the famous four-faced clock which has appeared in many movies Brooklyn Bridge: One of the oldest suspension bridges connects Manhattan to Brooklyn

Nightlife New York is known as the city that never sleeps, so as you can expect the nightlife is buzzing. If youre looking for great bars and nightclubs you cant go wrong with the East Village which has a large student population from NYU. The Lower East Side is great for hipster hangouts and artsy bars, whereas for cool and upmarket clubs hit the Meatpacking District. The Bowery has a grittier Indie and Punk feel and is the best place in the city to catch live music. Dont be afraid to cross the bridge over to Brooklyn which is having something of a revival, Williamsburg is full of cool and kooky bars. Finally, Times Square might be touristy but its good fun, with some fantastic cocktail bars and nowhere will make you feel more New York. No Idea: Every night this bar selects a name if its yours you can drink free from 5-11pm 230 Fifth: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the Empire State building The Beauty Bar: A martini and a manicure for just $10 in this award-winning bar Pacha NYC: The Ibiza brand has an American outpost in NYC Camp: Brings summer camp to Brooklyn feast on smores and play board games Bowery Ballroom: Live music and Indie rock in this Art Deco building CBGB: Famous since 1976 for hosting punk and Indie Rock PDT NYC: A speakeasy bar that users can access by using a phone box Webster Hall: The largest nightclub in New York city located near Astor Place

Day Trips from New York: Many visitors often dont end up leaving Manhattan, let alone venturing to the boroughs of Brooklyn, Harlem or Queens. However, if city life does end up getting too chaotic or too stifling in the summer there are many nearby places that you can visit for a quick day trip: Boston: Walk the Freedom Trail and see the infamous Tea Party ship docked at Boston Harbour. Youll also explore Bunker Hill before heading to Quincy Market for lunch. In the afternoon you can tour Harvard, Cambridge and MIT universities. Travel time: 12 hours

Washington DC: Take a train to Americas capital in time for lunch. Then catch a double-decker coach tour that loops around the districts famous sites, from the White House to Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial; youll be able to hop on and off at your own leisure. Travel time: 3 hours

Niagara Falls: One of the most popular trips from the Big Apple is Niagara Falls. Take in the American and Canadian sides and enjoy a boat trip on the Maid of the Mist. You may need to arrange a Canadian visa before you travel. Travel time: 14 hours

The Hamptons, Sag Harbour and Outlets: Take a trip to Long Island and explore the 300 year old fishing village of Sag Harbour. On the way back to New York, you can call in at the Tanger Shopping Outlets in Riverhead. Travel time: 12 hours

Philadelphia: Explore the streets of Philadelphia and see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, before travelling in a traditional buggy to Lancaster County, the home of the Amish where you can explore their unique way of life. Travel time: 12 hours

Images: Statue of Liberty by Emily Collins / Rockefeller Centre by Emily Collins / Brooklyn Bridge by Emily Collins / Boston by Dougtone / White House by Tom Lohdon / Niagara Falls by Kevin Timothy / Sag Harbor by Dougtone / Lancaster County by RiverRatt3

SHOPPING Some people go to New York for the shopping alone - and who can blame them? With a favourable exchange rate from the UK, clothes and gadgets are often cheaper in the US. Manhattan is crammed full of shops and even if you arent planning on splashing your cash, some stores such as Macys and Bloomingdales are institutions in themselves and should be visited. Shopping Areas: Lower Manhattan: Stop by Century 21 for discount department store shopping Chinatown: Youll find many stalls selling exotic ingredients and knockoff designer fashions Lower East Side: Home to the Historic Orchard Street Shopping District SoHo: A fashionable district home to J. Crew, Old Navy and Pradas flagship store Nolita: Cute boutiques selling bohemian fashion and accessories Times Square: Toys R Us flagship store and the famous Diamond District East Village: Find stores selling funky and cheap clothing around St. Marks Place Greenwich Village: Home to gift shops, gourmet delis and homemade crafts Meatpacking District: Big name fashion such as Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin Union Square: Perhaps the best shopping in the city with many high street stores Fifth Avenue: This upmarket street is home to Tiffany, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Madison Avenue: A glamorous district which houses Barneys, Shanghai Tang and Lalique Herald Square: Youll find Macys Department store in this commercial district Shopping Malls: Manhattan Mall: This midtown mall has a large JC Penney on the lower level Kings Plaza Shopping Center and Marina: Located in Brooklyn the mall contains 150 shops Queens Center: Over 70 stores in Elmhurst including Victorias Secret and Aeropostale Staten Island Mall: Dining and stores on Staten Island, shops include Hollister and Guess Trump Tower: Exclusive stores and wine bars can be found in this luxurious mall Markets: West 25th Street Market: Pick up bargains at this unique flea market in Hells Kitchen The Antiques Garage: Over 100 vendors selling everything from baseball mitts to African masks Arthur Avenue Retail Market: The Bronxs famous food market dates back to the 1940s The Market NYC: Buy products from emerging designers in this hip market Chelsea Market: Popular market in the shadow of High Lane serving food amongst retail outlets
Images: Toys R Us by Emily Collins / Macys by Emily Collins / Chelsea Market by Tomas Fono

FOOD & DRINK With many different ethnic groups making up New York, the citys cuisine represents its many different neighbourhoods. However, New York also has food which originates from the all over the state including classic American dishes such as hot dogs served with sauerkraut, New York bagels, eggs benedict and New York cheesecake. Whilst in the city be sure to try some of its classic street food, such as hot dogs from Grays Papaya and shawarma. A visit to a Jewish deli is a particular highlight and nothing beats the sandwiches sold at Katz. Popular New York Hotspots: Lower East Side With a large Puerto Rican population this is the place for food from Latin America Chinatown Head here for Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants Harlem Classic soul food such as southern fried chicken and waffles can be found here Koreatown This area comprises many Korean restaurants Little Italy Italian and Chinese restaurants make up this area Murray Hill Sample Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine in this region Washinghton Heights Many Jewish delis can be found around here Greenwich Village Head here for intimate restaurants and popular gastropubs Williamsburg A fashionable stretch containing many new openings and steak restaurants Times Square Home to many chain restaurants such as Bubba Gumps and Virgils BBQ
Images: Katz Deli by Emily Collins / Times Square by Emily Collins

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE The US is very similar to the UK in terms of etiquette, but there are still things that you should watch out for. In New York the drinking age is 21 and this is strictly enforced with most bars asking for ID even for those that appear to be much older than this. It is illegal to have a container of alcohol open on the sidewalk (pavement) or public park. Do not eat and drink on public transport as it is against public transit policy. When eating out it is considered fastidious to use a knife and fork to eat a pizza. Instead take a slice of pizza and fold it in half before eating. Useful Phrases Schlep Carrying a load for a considerable distance - I had to schlep downtown with my shopping Slice When you order a slice it is understood that you want a slice of plain cheese pizza Crosstown travelling east or west across Manhattan Upstate Usually refers to anywhere north of the Bronx Alphabet City East Lower Manhattan where Avenues have letters rather than numbers

Dos and Donts DO take the Staten Island Ferry. Its free and provides incredible views of the Statue of Liberty DONT jaywalk. Although rarely enforced it can carry a fine if considered dangerous. DO buy tickets to a Broadway show. You can find a TKTS discount booth in Times Square DONT forget that the price you see doesnt include tax. This is added on at the checkout DO visit the Empire State Building first thing in the morning or late at night to avoid the queues DONT forget to get out and explore the other boroughs that New York has to offer DO ride the worlds largest indoor ferris wheel in Toys R Us DONT get ripped off. Many New York Museums and Galleries have free admission days. Check their website for details DO go to a supermarket and stock up on American sweets and Lucky Charms cereal

Tipping America is known for its tipping culture, but its actually not that complicated. If you were dissatisfied with your meal tip 10%, 15% if you were okay with the service and the meal, 18% is excellent and 20% is outstanding. This not only applies to waiters but also beauty salon staff, taxi drivers and hairdressers. In a bar the tipping structure is similar but it is usual to tip 25% on the first round to ensure that youll be served quickly for the rest of the night. If you consistently tip well you may be given a free drink on the house, which is known as a buy back. In some bars, the bartender will provide you with an upside down shot glass. Simply tip it the right way up when you want your buy back. Maids and housekeeping staff should be tipped $3 per day.
Image: Bartender by Emily Collins

TRANSPORT With a 24 hour bus and subway system, New York is one of the easiest cities to get around and is accessible at all times. However, as Manhattan can be crowded it isnt advisable to rent a car. Instead make the most of the many different forms of transport available to you. Getting Around Buses: New Yorks city bus network serves 666 million people per year Subway: Consisting of three lines, New Yorks subway system is relatively simple to use Taxis: Can be found everywhere and relatively affordable in comparison to Europe Trains: Amtrak offers train tickets nationwide from New Yorks Grand Central Station Ferries: There are numerous ferries serving Manhattans ports, some offering free transportation

Airports: New York has three main airports. LaGuardia in Queens predominately serves flights between different cities in the US. Newark International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport both serve airlines from the United Kingdom.

Fare Information Buses: A one way ticket on a bus will cost $2.25 Subway: A single journey on the subway costs $2.00 Taxi: A 15-minute cab journey will cost in the region of $20 Ferries: The Staten Island ferry is free
Image: Taxi by Emily Collins

HEALTH & SAFETY British Consulate in New York Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 911

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