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Boutique hotels

New York Overview

New York State

Cityscape
Bright lights, hip city
City life
Be a part of it

The archetypal modern city, New York is still as big, bold and beautiful as ever.

For many of us, the path between Heathrow and JFK is so familiar that it seems less a pond to cross than a puddle to hop. And who could blame us for flocking to this wonderful city? With its fantastic bars and restaurants, irresistible shopping and gorgeous boutique hotels, New York is ever-evolving, ever with something new to show off. Browse the boutiques of NoLiTa, get your limited-edition trainers and vinyl in the East Village, take in art and culture in SoHo, see a show on Broadway and have a cocktail back in your boudoir. And that's just before dinner. This is truly the city that never sleeps. And nor should you.

Naturally New York

Hire a bike in Central Park from the Loeb Boathouse (around 72nd) for $9 an hour. Go ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre from October to January, or until March in Central Park. And squeeze in a few crustaceans from the NY Oyster Bar in the cellars of Grand Central Station (www.oysterbarny.com).

Local knowledge

Taxis
Yellow cabs are abundant except during rush hour and when it’s raining, but be warned: it helps if you know exactly where you’re going, as drivers aren’t always as knowledgeable as you might hope.

Tipping culture
New Yorkers pay about 20 per cent for good service – a short cut when calculating the amount in Manhattan is to double the tax on your bill.

Packing tips
Comfortable walking shoes – there’s no better way to see the city than pounding the pavements.

Recommended reads
The Andy Warhol Diaries; Lonesome Traveler by Jack Kerouac; How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young; The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud. New York in Store by Valérie Weill and Philippe Chancel.

Cuisine
A classic pastrami on rye from Katz’s on East Houston Street, or share a pie in John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street.

Currency
US dollar ($).

Time zone
GMT -5 hours.

Dialling codes
US country code: +1.

Do go/don't go
Winter can be bitterly cold. While Christmastime is wonderfully awash with Santas and fairy lights, you may want to skip the snow in January and February. August is hot, hot, hot (which is why many locals flee to the Hamptons on summer weekends).