Top New York tips
Immigration isn’t difficult. Simply apply for an ESTA ($14) before departure. If you’ve been before, a few taps at a self-service screen and you’re good to go. If you haven’t, it’s a quick fingerprint scan and photo.
The lower level of Grand Central Station houses the dining concourse, a great place get anything from a quick snack – savour Shake Shack’s burgers – to a full meal.
Don’t be deterred by the early morning queue at One World, it’s only because it doesn’t open until 9am. Once in, it’s pretty quiet.
Mix food and film. Serendipity on 60th Street is the real life location for the Kate Beckinsale/ John Cusack film of the same name. One of the city’s fave eateries, the desserts are to die for.
Top stores like Bloomingdales and Macy’s aren’t as expensive as you’d imagine. Even if just browsing, luxurious Tiffanys has to be experienced.
Bring your comfiest shoes – and blister plasters! - you’ll walk more here than anywhere else.
Use the Subway. It can have you, for example, from Central Park to Battery Park, half the length of Manhattan, in 20 minutes or so.
At the weekend, join New Yorkers as they unwind at Central Park. Head for the much-filmed Mall to enjoy singers, magicians and artists. And Beatles fans won’t want to miss Strawberry Fields, next to the Dakota Building where John Lennon was killed.
The South Street Seaport, an old fish market district, is fast becoming one of the “in” areas. Enjoy a drink or bite to eat in a trendy deckchair by Fulton Market. TV and film production has soared so you have a good chance of seeing some filming. We came across Billions, shown on Sky, shooting just by City Hall.
Get great views of Brooklyn Bridge and the East River at the new, trendy rooftop bar at the Elevated Acre on Water Street.