Big, buzzy and perhaps more than a little brash, New York can sometimes feel like the centre of the universe, where the action never ceases and money's always moving. For its slick hustles and infectious energy, 'The City that Never Sleeps' is an absolute must for travellers who want strong flavours, sharp contrasts and unforgettable adventures.

The destination positively teems with fascinating sights that range from towering skyscrapers to humble hotdog carts on sidewalks, and there's nothing visitors can't find in this iconic urban jungle. Standards for food, nightlife and shopping are incredibly high, and some of the world's most famous attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, are a subway away.

The 'Big Apple' also has world-class museums such as the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as famous performance venues such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the multitude of theatres that light up Broadway each night.

For a change of pace, travellers can visit the north and western parts of the state, which are as peaceful and remote as NYC is frantic and crowded. There they can enjoy the tranquillity of the Adirondacks and the Catskills at resorts such as Lake Placid, Lake George and Hudson Valley. New York has something for everyone to enjoy.

Best time to visit New York

New York is truly a year-round travel destination, but the climate does vary widely from season to season. Summers are hot, humid and winters can get bitterly cold, so the best time to visit New York is in the autumn (September and October) or spring (April and May), when temperatures are moderate.

What to see in New York

-Take in a Broadway musical, or go off-Broadway for something more avant garde.

-Visit the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.

-See the lights of Times Square.

-Walk along the promenade at the Coney Island Funfair.

What to do in New York

-Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

-Go ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza.

-Take a carriage ride around Central Park.

-Hike in the Adirondack Mountains.

-Get a great view of the city from the Staten Island Ferry.

Getting to New York

There are flights to New York from just about anywhere. A major international hub, there are plenty of direct flights to New York from London and other major UK cities. Flights to New York land in one of several major airports, including John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York La Guardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Flights to upstate New York land at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).

Read

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, and Ragtime by EL Doctorow.

Watch

Annie Hall (1977), Sex and the City (2008), Rent (2005), and The Visitor (2008).

Drink

Cocktails such as a Manhattan.

Eat

New York-style pizza, bagels, steak, and pretzels.

What to buy

I (heart) NY merchandise, Statue of Liberty memorabilia, or designer goods.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes, and stylish clothing for the evening.

What's on in New York

-Giant floats and balloons fill the streets at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

-Times Square hosts the biggest party in the US every New Year's Eve.

-New York Fashion Week is the highlight of every fashion calendar.

Did you know?

-New York City has an estimated 4,000 street food vendors.

-More than 250 feature films are shot on location in New York City each year.

-The musicians who perform in the NYC Subway system go through a competitive audition process; some have also played at Carnegie Hall!

A final word

One of the biggest and best cities in the world, New York sets the standard for urban holidays.