Helicopter trips. We took The Big Apple Tour a 10-12 minute one which was fantastic. It is essential to book as they were very busy and they also check ID carefully. We went down to the Statue of Liberty and back. Fantastic views. Well worth doing.

Liberty Helicopters, Downtown Manhatten Heliport, Pier 6 and the East River, New York, NY 10004 www.libertyhelicopters.com

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Very good steakhouse. Bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Very generous portions, good waiting staff. I had Steak Wollensky which comes with onions and mushrooms. Beware the size of the steak, they are large! We had the onion rings which were fab. I got my steak cooked exactly how I asked for it - very very well done. My mum had salmon which she said was beautifully cooked. The liquer coffee was not short in liquer and we had to take a cab back to the hotel as we were a bit squiffy!

49th and 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022 www.smithandwollensky.com

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Le Parker Meridien is a hotel, Normas is where we went for breakfast. It is supposed to be one of the best places in NY to have breakfast and I would not disagree. You can have anything from Normas Eggs Benedict to the Zillion Dollar Lobster Fritatta which comes with 10oz of Sevruga caviar at a cost of $1000. Good waiting staff who refill your juice and coffee without asking, plus you normally get a 'free' taster of the smoothie of the day. Superb breakfast for a real treat. I had Eggs Benedict, it was lovely.

www.leparkermeridien.com/geats.htm 118 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3318

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Great novel set in and around the downtown art scene of the 70/80/90s.

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Concert in Central Park in the summer. Some free, some not - but usually a great selection (Sonic Youth/David Byrne/Patti Smith/Femi Kuti/Lyle Lovett....)

www.summerstage.org, Central Park

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Good food, but the really good part is the singing waiting staff. Some very talented singers here who interact with the diners.

1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 www.ellenstardust.com

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Great venue for interesting, challenging and creative music in the East Village. John Zorn, Jim O'Rourke, Thurstom Moore, Bill Frisell, Will Oldham, Peter Brotzmann, Marilyn Crispell....

107 Norfolk Street;
tel: 212 358 7501;
www.tonicnyc.com

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Really great CD store. From 60s French pop to free jazz to New York indie to hip hop to free folk to electronica to new weird americana in all its wonderful weirdness. The staff have a rep for attitude, but in many years of shopping there, I have yet to experience anything other than pleasant helpfulness. And if it's good enough for Thurston Moore... (Kims on St Marks place is worth a visit for those odd items which might be out of stock at OM (want to complete that Jandeck collection?) - OM was established by breakaway staff from Kims).

15 East 4th Street

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Tiny oyster bar/seafood restaurant in the village. The lobster roll is heaven. If it's full, you may try Mary's Fish Camp for similar fare (run by a former co-owner(?)).

18 Cornelia Street (Mary's Fish Camp at 64 Charles Street)

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If the weather's dry - especially on a Sunday - seek out the bike hire stand near the Boat House restaurant in Central Park and for just $9 an hour you can feel like a New Yorker. Traffic is banned on Sundays so it's just you - and the joggers, horse drawn carriages, 'serious' cyclists and other brave souls - seeing the splendour of the green heart of Manhattan. At a steady pace even someone over 50 and unfit can do a full easy circuit of the entire park - though you may want to walk it up Big Hill!

www.centralparknyc.org South end of the Park, not far from The Carousel, Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields etc.

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Whilst there are two dining rooms here I would recommend eating the excellent clam chowder at the white topped counter rather than in the restaurant.

In the basement of Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St at Park Ave

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Junior's cheesecake! Have eaten many different NYC cheesecakes, all purporting to be the 'best in the city'. But this is the one! Made in Brooklyn and shipped all over, don't miss it. The plain is to die for but they do Raspberry Swirl, Brownie Marble Swirl and others for your delight. If you CAN prise it from the roof of your mouth with your tongue, then you're a better woman than I am. Enjoy!

Brooklyn obviously, but on a short visit, there's no time. However, all is not lost. Head towards Grand Central Station, on 42nd St. and Park Ave., Restaurant, Takeout & Bakery Lower Level Dining Concourse Tel: 212-983-5257. Look for the telltale red and white sign.

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The central part of the American politcal system is in Washington and a visit to Washington gives you a great insight into the political system of America. There is a great deal of history in the city as well, including beautiful memorial buildings to previous political leaders. These buildings are amazing and a must see, with fountains and green plants to add to the beauty. Moreover the city provides the traveller with a real feel of the USA.

Washington DC

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Home of the Rockettes and the Christmas spectacular, this is a fabulous Art-Deco building. Check out the rest rooms - different on every floor. A great tour for anyone who likes the theatre.

Rockefeller Plaza

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Yes, it's a cemetery, but it was also the first park in New York. It's beautiful and you can see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Not only is it great for walking, but you can see amazing sculptures and mausoleums.

It's in Brooklyn. Take the R Train to 25th Street Station, Walk East 1 block to Green-Wood at 5th Avenue & 25 Street.

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It's smaller than Central Park, but with fewer visitors you get more space per person. Plus is was designed after Central Park and many people think it's a better design.

Lots of subways stations are near it: Prospect Park and Parkside Avenue stops on the Q line are good.

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Particularly good if this is the first thing you do in New York, take the lift after it has got dark, and see NYC in a way that you will never forget.

www.esbnyc.com

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This traditional Jewish deli is decked out fantastically and was used for Meg Ryan's fake orgasm scene. You have to have the pastrami sandwich (try and save some room for it!) and cream soda.

East village, on the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts

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The best breakfasts in America - the blueberry pancakes are to die for, though my sister swears by the banana and pecan ones. Absolutely no frills, but friendly service and great food make this a must for breakfast if you're visiting Boston.

Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, 429 Columbus Avenue, Boston; Open Mon-Fri, 6am-2.30pm, and Sat, 7.30am-1pm; Tel: +1 (617) 536-7669; Nearest stations: Back Bay or Mass Ave; www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/food_drink/cheap/documents/04122414.asp

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Brunch 11am on a Sunday. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, swing round to your left and head to the waterfront. Perched on the water with a still stunning (Post 9/11) view of the Financial District. Great American food (especially fish) and great service.

1 Water Street Brooklyn (Go to the Town Hall stop on Manhattan and walk across)

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