A bite of the Big Apple - things to see and do in New York

Fancy taking a bite out of the Big Apple? There's certainly plenty to get your teeth into…

The sheer scale of New York, a city which never sleeps and where dreams are made of, is as mind-numbing as it is awe-inspiring.
First impressions are drawn to the intoxicating mass urban sprawl, stretching as far as the eye can see and dominated by towering mash-ups of iron, concrete and glass.

It's an immediate assault on the senses; the noise is deafening and the gridlock suffocating.

But it's also a unique city which is alive with an exuberant spirit running through its veins, abuzz with culture, history and heritage.

With so much to see and do, planning is your friend, especially if you're limited on time and intent on cramming in as much as possible.

Personally, I detest itineraries as much as group tours, but a little forethought avoids aimlessly wandering around (it’s just a couple more blocks… honest!).

So avoid a Hail Mary and group sights and attractions together which are within easy(ish) walking distance - or a few subway stops apart.

Going underground for your transportation fix is a right of passage, the same as flagging down, and bouncing around inside, a yellow cab. A Metrocard ($32, plus $1 new card fee) will give you seven days of unlimited travel on the city's subway. It saves time and, depending on how often you use it, probably money too.

Newbies should pocket a map or download a mobile app to aid navigation - Mapway is a personal favourite and free on iOS and Android.

A Midtown base is not without its advantages and comes with a real New York City vibe. From here you can scale the heights of The Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre for stunning city views, or soak up the glitz, glamour and neon of Broadway and Times Square.

Also within striking distance is Central Park. The most famous of Manhattan’s public parks, this green oasis offers a welcome escape from the concrete jungle. It’s easy to lose yourself amid the 843 acres of tree-lined pathways, picturesque arches, bridges and waterways.

Follow in the footsteps of film stars along The Mall and Bethesda Terrace, or just simply while away endless hours on the Great Lawn. If Midtown is the city’s beating heart, Central Park is its green lung.

New Yorkers really take pride in their green spaces, and each has its own unique character.

Bryant Park, off 6th Avenue, is an attraction in its own right. Vibrant, manicured gardens and terraced outdoor seating areas offer the perfect place to eat, socialise and simply soak up the atmosphere, day and night, while in the shadow of towering glass-covered skyscrapers.

Board games, ping pong are waffles are optional - and come highly recommended.

Further downtown is Washington Square Park with its historic arch and street performers, while Battery Park is the departure point for ferries across to Liberty and Ellis islands. Set out early to beat the crowds and the inevitable jostling for the best vantage points on the ferry it sails past iconic Lady Liberty.

The ferry ticket (roughly $18) conveniently includes access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty and to the immigration museum on Ellis Island, where interactive displays and audio tours explore the fascinating history of the island portal and the moving, and often harrowing, tales of those who journeyed to the promised land.

Back on terra firma, ride the subway across to Brooklyn to soak up the skyline views of Manhattan on the walk back across the arterial Brooklyn Bridge towards City Hall.

A short walk away is the One World Trade Center and the memorial pools which stand on the footprint of the Twin Towers and act as a poignant reminder of the 9/11 atrocity and the thousands of lives lost.

Returning uptown, and adjacent to Central Park, lies a special treat for lovers of science and history. Here is the location of the American Museum of Natural History and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in five floors of adventure and worldly wonder, packed with exhibitions and interactive displays. It's the ultimate learning experience.

General admission begins at $23 for adults ($13 for children), but it's worth shelling out a little extra to combine with a stunning high-resolution space show in the huge spherical Hayden Planetarium for a truly immersive, out-of-this-world experience.

Eating out will leave you a little spoilt for choice. From al fresco dining in the trendy Greenwich Village and Hell's Kitchen, to the bustling Chinatown and Little Italy, there’s something for all appetites or budgets.

For a morning dose of quirk with your croissants, start the day at Piccolo on Madison Avenue. Don’t let the offbeat decor fool you; this cosy little cafe is a popular breakfast haunt with its delicious stable of eggs, pastries and hot drinks.

For some good old-fashioned, authentic American fayre, Bill’s Bar and Burger joint at the Rockefeller Center is a steadfast contender, with a menu of classics almost as big as the restaurant.

Sweetgreen in Brooklyn offers a fresh take on the lifeless salad bowl, with the counter-service chain rustling up simple wholesome servings before your eyes, using organic produce and with an emphasis on sustainability.

And Capizzi on 9th Avenue is a traditional Italian offering with a range of speciality brick oven-baked pizzas (or the option of creating your own). The food is fresh and delicious, if not a little pricey, but the restaurant is cosy and the service impeccable.

Factfile

Virgin Holidays offers flight and hotel package deals, departing from all major UK airports. Visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 739 8025 for more information. Partner carrier Virgin Atlantic flies to JFK four times daily and to Newark twice daily. See www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770.