High end luxury is never far away in New York and for a break with real panache book a room at The Carlyle with its Art Deco styling and exclusive Upper East Side address; well beloved by the celebrity set this hotel exudes extravagance from the moment you step into the marbled gold adorned lobby – the cherry on the cake has to be an upgrade to one of the stunning rooms that overlooks Central park.

A more modest budget will get you a few nights stay at the World Center Hotel which may not have the elegance and luxury of the Carlyle but still has great rooms in a great location at a very affordable price; the views overlooking the 9/11 Memorial Garden have a certain thoughtfulness to them but also show the optimism of the city and its ability to create something great from the ashes of tragedy.

In a city filled with stars of fashion, theater, and art, the food in The Big Apple takes center stage.  It is possible to eat your way through your New York holiday, and literally never eat at the same place, the same cuisine, or even in the same neighborhood twice.  From street food to diners and delis to fancy four star restaurants, all you need to do is listen to what your appetite is asking for!

Legendary for its corned beef and pastrami, Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York landmark in its own right.

Established in 1888, when the Lower East Side of Manhattan was a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, nothing inside the deli has changed, and everyone seems fine with it.  In addition to mouth watering sandwiches, they are famous for soups and hot dogs, along with unbeatable atmosphere.

If you are in the mood for authentic Chinese food, hit Chinatown.  Great New York Noodletown features unforgettable Chinese soup and noodle dishes.  Peking Duck House is famous for its Peking Duck, carved right at your table.

Italian cuisine is world famous in New York, and one of the most popular places to get some is at Carmine’s, located on the Upper West Side near Broadway.  Huge portions of classics like linguini with clams sauce and chicken parmigiana make this a perfect spot to come with the family.

Cuisine from all four corners of the globe is faithfully and lovingly represented in each of New York’s neighborhoods.  Sometimes the best way to find a place to eat is to simply stumble upon it.  Some of New York’s best food is found behind a nondescript door!

It is virtually impossible to see and do everything in one trip to New York.  There are museums, galleries, historic landmarks, world famous stores, monuments, neighborhoods and more to browse.

Ground Zero is one sight that should not be skipped.  The solemn reminder of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center is in a state of rebirth.  The memorial sight, reflecting pools in the footprints of the twin towers featuring the names of all the victims, will overwhelm you.

The Statue of Liberty is currently closed indefinitely, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit nearby Ellis Island and tour the facilities that served as the checkpoint for immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries.  Or take a ferry ride around Liberty Island for great views of Lady Liberty.

Visit the New York Public Library, a truly beautiful building.  Take the kids to see the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, and tour one of the world’s most extensive museums, the Metropolitan, whose architecture makes it a work of art on its own.  Hit Fifth Avenue and tour Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and FAO Schwartz.  Enjoy New York’s lively nightlife with a Broadway show or a trendy club.  Unwind from the excitement with a relaxing stroll through Central Park or Battery Park.

They say autumn in New York is truly special.  It is also the most expensive!  Spring and Fall are the peak seasons, when the weather is most enjoyable.

If you can tolerate the chill, January and February offer the lowest hotel rates of the year.