New York City Breaks

Eating

Eating out in New York - cheap, expensive and everything in between

New York can be a bit of a lottery. The food is sometimes appallingly average, even in rather expensive places. The more chic neighbourhoods are good and if you find a local trattoria you like stick with it. The ubiquitous pastrami on rye from a deli will keep you going all day.

The budget options - try Eisenberg's deli for a pastrami on rye - it's top quality at a good price. The budget experience is not complete without a visit to an American Diner. Check out Tick Tock on 8th Avenue, between 34th and 35th Streets. The coffee doesn't end and the food is hearty and wholesome.

Mid-price options - New Yorkers love their pizza and some of the best is found at Bleecker St Pizza in the Village. They do a typical Tuscan thin and crispy base with your choice of cholesterol on top. Greenwich Village, Tribeca and Soho are where you'll find good quality, mid-priced restaurants. New York means steak restaurants right? So, a good one is Sparks at 210 East 46th Street, great and affordable plus an excellent wine list. Go the prime sirloin and the Roquefort dressing.

Splurge - it's easy to push the boat out in New York. If you're in the midtown area, the Grammercy Tavern at 42 East 20th Street is our pick. Smart, stylish, and just voted 'Most Popular' in the Zagat Guide. It's a modern dining experience without the attitude and the food is terrific.

Sightseeing

New York doesn't try, New York is

Whatever you want, New York has it, with the possible exception of medieval history. But hey, who needs it. New York has music - chances are someone you want to catch is playing that night. New York has theatre - the world's best actors in the world's best shows. Art? Name a master and you'll find a museum displaying some of their finest works.

The Empire State Building - an oldy but a goody. The Empire State has been hosting tourists on the observation deck since it opened and the view has just got better with time. Pretend you're in a movie and just soak up the view. 

Central Park - go for a walk and see where you end up. If it's at the zoo, go on in. The exhibits are fun and there's something special about this place.

Rockefeller Centre - there's plenty here with ice skating out front in winter and the Top of the Rock observation deck on top. The view rivals the Empire State with less crowds so take your pick.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - one of the world's great museums and art galleries, the Met is justifiably famous. This beautiful, massive, extraordinary building houses an almost encyclopaedic collection from all art styles and periods. The Impressionists stand out, but there's sculpture, installation art, Egyptian displays and more. Allow at least a day, and don't worry, the cafe is quite good.

Tenement Museum - this is a very different choice but it's not something you'll see in any other city. The Tenement Museum shows life in a typical NYC tenement at the turn of the century as immigrants flooded New York and made it the city it is today. The apartments people lived in are preserved as they were and the sights are poignant and moving.

The must see - is the view from the Staten Island ferry. You can look back on Manhattan as you venture out towards the Statue of Liberty. Spend some time on the island and then head back to Manhattan. It's a great way to just chill out a little in the buzz that is New York.