The city’s second tallest building (now that the new World Trade Center is complete) offers huge views of the Five Boroughs and beyond. Be sure to book tickets online first.

Take both of these classic sights in on one single boat trip. Ellis Island is steeped in history, the place where America’s immigrants arrived until 1954, while the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for NYC first-timers.

Head to the Top of the Rock for views over Central Park and a chance to take skyline snaps with the Empire State Building as the star.

Arguably the greatest modern art gallery in the world, MOMA is home to works by Matisse, Van Gogh and Munch among countless others. Rolling exhibitions never disappoint.

This vast Central Park institution is so big you’ll struggle to see it all in one day. Ancient artefacts rub shoulders with Old Masters and superb modern-day photography.

The park is New York’s green lung, a landscaped oasis offering respite from busy streets. Spend a day exploring the lakes and ponds and the John Lennon memorial in ‘Strawberry Fields’.

This vast place is a great alternative to the Met. Check out classic American artworks and collections from ancient civilisations.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful Guggenheim is a piece of art in its own right. Marvel at the spiral design and drink in the peerless collection of paintings and sculpture.

New York’s newest park is also its coolest. A reclaimed raised subway line, it cuts through the Meatpacking District and is unlike any other green space in the city.

Located on the site of the Twin Towers, this powerful memorial reflects on the devastating events of 9/11 and how the city has recovered in the years since.

The Empire State Building towers (almost) close enough to touch above the 230 Fifth, in the evening bathing its huge terrace in warm, colorful light. It’s the perfect place to sip a refreshing NYC Mule with pineapple and lime juice. Don’t be put off by the line in the lobby – it usually moves forward quickly. If you prefer to savor the scenery without the nighttime party atmosphere, come on the weekend, when brunch is served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the palm-fringed rooftop.

The long, narrow emerald pool is a good reason in itself to make your way to the somewhat remote 11th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen district. A further attraction is the invariably high level of glamor to be spotted on the roof terrace of the Ink48 Hotel: Relaxing beside the pool with a cocktail, you can watch the stylish New York after-work crowd or simply enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the Midtown skyline and the Hudson River.

An enchanted garden right in the middle of New York? Sure thing! There’s the rooftop bar of the McKittrick Hotel, for example, a hideaway rampant with dense greenery. Behind the wooden tables, pink blossoms trail skyward, as though reaching for the strings of lights overhead, beyond which the lights of Westside shimmer. The atmosphere at the Gallow Green is hopelessly romantic and a tad wicked – which could have something to do with the burlesque evenings that also take place at the McKittrick. The hotel is best known for its show “Sleep no more”, based on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. Advance booking recommended.

At the Hôtel Americano, a dip in the pool high above the rooftops of Chelsea does not come cheap for non-guests: The access pass costs 40 dollars but is valid for the whole day. Better to just head straight to the bar in the evening. The barkeepers here will mix you the perfect the gin margarita or refreshing cucumber Martini against the perfect postcard backdrop provided by the illuminated Empire State Building – and that comes entirely for free.

The Rainbow Room is a New York nightlife legend with its Art Deco style, a breath of chandelier luxury and its wide expanse of skyline. New York’s high society has been dancing and partying here on the famous rotating dance floor since the place opened in 1934. During renovations in 2014, the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center received an outside terrace, which now provides two open-air venues: Bar SixtyFive is smarter and more expensive, while the Rosé Bar is the more laid-back alternative. What they have in common are their spectacular views of Manhattan.

First a tip: Come for Happy Hour in the week! On the weekend, the line outside the door stretches right round the block, and the later the hour, the grumpier the doormen. The atmosphere before sunset, on the other hand, is unpretentious and relaxed. Guests chill on the huge poufs and garden chairs set out on the artificial grass and enjoy the views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. After 10 p.m., the DJ turns up the music, and then the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel becomes more crowded, louder and also more eccentric.

Midtown East may not be the ideal location for a cool New York bar, but the Pod 39 is an exception here. Locals and tourists mingle on the roof of this boutique hotel, a mere ten-minute walk from the United Nations, with which the charming, if at first sight seemingly chaotic decor of the rooftop bar fits well: Greek pillars, Italian terracotta elements and brightly colored Mexican cushions. On Friday nights a DJ spins the discs, but the sound level is never too high; guests can still talk comfortably.

Which way do you look first? In the north, the silver Chrysler Building gleams followed by a twinkling sea of city lights – Nomad’s Park South Hotel couldn’t be more strategically placed! On top of this, it stocks a wide selection of local beers, an elaborate cocktail menu and an anything but everyday pub menu features stunning items like the Wagyu cheeseburger, parmesan truffle fries, and fiery, marinated prawn skewers.

The 80-minute trip out here is an adventure in itself, with the train following the banks of the Hudson River all the way to the sleepy town of Beacon. Visitors can take in one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary sculptures on the U.S. east coast here; it is housed on some 30,000 square meters of space in an old factory building. If you don’t relish waiting in line outside the MoMa, the Dia:Beacon museum could be a relaxing alternative for you.

Tip: Take a seat on the left (direction of travel) on the train, so you don’t have to constantly crane your neck for a view the scenery.

How to get there: 3 Beekman St, Beacon
Direct connection from Grand Central Station on the Metro-North.
Travel time: roughly 80 minutes.

A good way to escape Manhattan’s busy streets for a while, is to go and lie down on the grass in Central Park. But if you are already in the mood for a day trip, you might travel a little further, namely as far as Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Like its somewhat bigger brother, it was created by a landscape architect. With its lake, old-fashioned carousel, a wood, an oriental former teahouse and a concert stage, it is one of New York’s favorite getaways.

How to get there: Can be reached by train on one of the lines Q, S or B – as far as Prospect Park Station, or by taking line 2 or 3 as far as Station Grand Army Plaza.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 40 minutes.

Also known as “The End,” Montauk is the most easterly point on Long Island. That’s why what it has to offer is something almost unheard of in New York: real peace! The likes of Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel also came in search of tranquility to this town of 4000 souls, which stands out more for its natural attributes than its magnificent villas. Pristine beaches, a number of parks with extensive trails and also the oldest lighthouse in the state await visitors in Montauk.

How to get there: From Penn Station, take the Long Island Rail Road.
Travel time: around three hours, 15 minutes.

Anyone shop in New York will stowing their new treasures in the case they came with difficult. So if you do make the trip to Woodbury Common, definitely consider purchasing another piece of luggage. This outlet mall is located some 60 miles outside New York and was built in the style of a small village. Its stores sell 220 different brands, from Chloé und Dior to Jimmy Choo, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tod’s – and at bargain prices of up to 65 percent below the usual retail price.

How to get there: 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917.
From the Port Authority Bus Terminal,  take a Gray Line bus to the outlet center.
Travel time: roughly 50 minutes.

The southernmost tip of Brooklyn is where you will find Coney Island– the peninsula with the famous amusement park. After suffering a lengthy period of decline, the park was extensively modernized in 2010. Now the Scream Zone with The Tickler and other such thrilling roller coasters is one of the most nerve-racking attractions. If a trip down memory lane sounds more your style, then the Cyclone is probably more your thing; it’s a wooden roller coaster dating from 1927, in  which you hurtle toward the ground at a rather more leisurely pace.

How to get there: 1000 Surf Ave, NY 11224
Take the subway, line Q or F, to West 8th Street Station, or line D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue Station on Coney Island.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 45 minutes.

Whaling was once the livelihood of the small town of Hudson. Today, the old district is the center of the antiques trade, which occupies most of the more than 50 stores on Warren Street. At the Hudson Supermarket, you can browse for lamps and furniture, and rummage through mountains of books and then enjoy a refreshing, locally brewed craft beer at Spotty Dogs Books & Ale – or simply enjoy roaming the streets of this charming place.

How to get there: Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
Amtrak runs a train service from Penn Station in New York to Hudson.
Travel time: two hours.

Brooklyn’s only three-Michelin-star joint. Feast on the 20-course tasting menu while watching the chefs at work.

You’ll need to queue, but the succulent steak will definitely be worth the wait.

This hot Tribeca spot serves some of the best Italian food in the city. Reservations are a must.

A Midtown brunch classic, this place fills up fast. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious.

A renowned corner joint in SoHo serving great salads and sandwiches.

If it’s a super hip night out you’re after, look no further. Nestled under the BQE, this is a hipster paradise.

This lush little venue is the finest place in NYC to catch live music. Gigs start late, so try the cool downstairs bar first.

This Chelsea institution is renowned for its great hip hop nights.

This is one of the hottest clubs in the Meatpacking District. It has an excellent sound system that’s put to great use by mostly techno/house DJs. This place is always packed, not just on the weekend.