Be a part of it | New York

Why go?

New York is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. Whatever you are looking for you are sure to find it in New York city.

What to do?

Arrive at the Empire State Building (www.esbnyc.com) at dusk; get your ticket at the second-floor box office and head up to the 102nd floor to witness magic as the lights of the city come on.

There's something unforgettable about being crammed into a subway car packed with rabid Yankee fans on their way to the Yankee Stadium. Get on a train and witness some true American culture.

Jog or walk the path around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park (www.centralparknyc.org) and take in the beauty of the park, Central Park West, Fifth Avenue, the skyline. 

Stroll across this National Historic Landmark of Brooklyn Bridge for harbour vistas and up-close looks at what was the longest suspension bridge in the world when completed in 1883.

Visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States as a universal symbol of freedom, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, both only a short ferry ride from Battery Park. Be sure not to miss the historic halls and galleries at Ellis Island, where more than 12 million immigrants first entered America.

Catch a show on Broadway. Whether it's a musical a comedy or anything else you fancy, Broadway is sure to have it.

On New Year's Eve head down to Times Square where billions of people world-wide watch the famous New Year's Eve Ball descend from the flagpole atop One Times Square as they bid farewell to the departing year and express joy and hope for the year ahead.

The Times Square New Year's Eve celebration features star-studded musical performances, balloons, pom-poms, confetti, a colorful pyrotechnic display and about a million of your closest friends.

Get your tickets to one of a number of parties ranging from dinners, VIP tables for two, access all areas and even family friendly events.

Where to stay?

Built in 1928, the Lowell (www.lowellhotel.com) is located on a tree-shaded street off Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. Small, but with great attention given to detail and personalized service, the Lowell embodies the exclusive and fashionable atmosphere of The Upper East Side. Most of the suites feature fully equipped kitchens. Some also have wood-burning fireplaces and terraces.

On The Ave Hotel (www.ontheave-nyc.com) is a very sophisticated, tech-savvy hotel with an amazing view of the Hudson River on the Upper West Side. Their business travel centre is open 24 hours-a-day. Have lunch or dinner by visiting the Fatty Crab Bar & Restaurant at this four-star hotel. The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and the Beacon Theatre are nearby.

High ceilings, Italian glass mosaic tiles and spacious bathrooms are just a few of the captivating features of the Gotham Hotel (www.thegothamhotelny.com).  Located within 10 minutes of Central Park and Times Square, the Gotham Hotel is also steps away from luxurious Fifth Avenue shopping.

Where to eat?

Kittichai (www.kittichairestaurant.com) offers excellent Thai food in SoHo. The restaurant is found within the 60 Thompson Hotel located at 60 Thompson Street. Enjoy Banana Spring Rolls, Thai-Spice Chocolate Ribs and Fried Rock Shrimp. The best night to go is on Monday when Kittichai serves an all-you-can-eat Fondue for $45. Enjoy shrimp, salmon, beef, pork and squid cooked in a spiced broth.

While there are no shortage of restaurants in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, discovering the healthy vegetarian/vegan joints among the throngs of Thai and sushi venues can be tricky. That's why Zen Palate (www.zenpalate.com) is so refreshing. Besides being easy on the wallet, the menu has Asian staples including spring rolls, soups and veggies, as well as more far-out options for those more experimental foodies. One element that's kind of unexpectedly relaxing is the lack of bar. You really can't go wrong giving up teetotaler ways for an evening or afternoon and sipping on some tea, juice or soy milk.

Mario's Trattoria (www.mariostrattoria.net) gives theatre-goers light and easy fare for a pre-show snack. It serves classic pizza that comes piping-hot out of a large, brick pizza oven. It's like grabbing a snack pizza off a small side street in Rome. A full menu is available, but stick with the pizza for the most consistent results.

Bryant Park is a wonderful patch of green to contrast with New York's grey buildings. The Bryant Park Grill (www.bryantparkgrill.com) is excellent for people-watching. Dine on American-Nouveau cuisine offering a verity of fish, meats and pastas.

How to get there?

Though there are no direct flights to New York from Malta a number of airlines offer flights from all major European cities. Flights from Heathrow to New York leaving on 28 December and returning 4 January start from €600. Flights on the same dates leaving Frankfurt start at €750, Paris €800, Rome €850 and Milan €950.