4 colourful New York itineraries to consider when visiting the Big Apple

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Out of the roughly 1.3 million Aussies who visit the United States every year, more than a third of that lot head to New York, making it the number one city on their list. With its vast array of sights, activities, history, art, food, and people, it's no wonder it's still the go-to holiday destination.

G'day mate! If you're thinkin' of headin' to the Big Apple, we've got a few ripper ways you can explore, with the local hotel and tourism experts showin' you the ropes. For this colour issue, we've given each of these itineraries a snazzy colour code, so you can choose from four must-do, must-see and must-eat lists that'll make your trip to New York a real treat.

If you haven't already, give our New York quiz a go to find out which holiday plan is tailor-made for you.

* Finish your day with a sunset view from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

1. (here’s why)
2. (here’s why)
3. (here’s why)
4. (here’s why)

The Golden age

The very mecca for endeavours in fashion, entertainment, music, politics, finance, it is a proving ground where one may prosper either live 'A Nightmare on Wall Street' or a 'Happily Ever After' fairy tale.

Home to over 8 million people, New York is packed with contemporary art, innovation, and exciting ideas. If you're keen to discover the latest and greatest, you thrive on being at the forefront and you love taking advantage of the luxuries that modern living has to offer, then look no further – you're a true contemporary traveller!

Opt for convenience

As a beacon of modernity in the midst of the city's fast-paced activity, our building boasts a stunning architecturally-inspired lobby. "Our interior architect, Monica Ponce de Leon, saw our space as a corridor and gallery for showcasing art," says our general manager, Chintan Dadhich.

The atrium area is filled with impressive installations by Sol LeWitt and Ponce de Leon. And outside? "On top of our hotel, a 1000 square-metre urban farm operates for 9 months of the year, churning out fresh organic produce for our restaurant," Chintan says. For those after the latest stuff, try the in-room wellness Nutrient IV drip offering with Clean Market.

With such a huge population, it's only logical that New York has got top-notch public transport. Reckon it's a blessin' the subway's kept up with the times. No need to buy a ticket now - just whip out your smartphone with your payment details, tap it, and you're away.

Visit major monuments

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is the perfect destination for the creative traveller. If you're looking for a place to explore artistic excellence, this is the spot. Discover an impressive range of artworks from the late 1800s right up to the present day, taking you on a visual journey of how modern art has evolved over time. With a vast collection on hand, featuring iconic artists such as Matisse, Van Gogh and Warhol, plus thought-provoking performances, film screenings and the latest in contemporary art, you're sure to find something that sparks your creativity and inspires your own home design.

The World Trade Centre Oculus building links a transport subway link to a Westfield shopping centre and commercial office towers. As Chintan explains, "The facinating, contemporary design of One World Trade Centre and Observatory embodies New York's resilience and forward-thinking attitude," to remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The structure shows white metal 'ribs' that go up and out, symbolising a hand letting go of a pigeon.

Taste modern American cuisine

Fair dinkum, Modern American grub's got its perks when it's knocked up right, and Estela in Nolita is as good as it gets. Whether you're after a ripper of a dinner or a sneaky arvo snack and a quiet pint at the bar, it's your go-to. Standout tucker includes the beef tartare with elderberries and sunchoke, or the legendary ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino sardo. As a wine buff, this place is top-notch. If you're chasing a snacker's paradise, COTE Korean Steakhouse's Flatiron branch will hook you up with mouth-melter steak that'll make your taste buds sing it up. Its focus on doing it right has seen it become the first Michelin-starred steakhouse in the Big Apple.

While in New York, you'd be mad to miss out on a modern-day art form that's a ripper in the world of competitive sport. Get along to the Mecca of sports venues, Madison Square Gardens, to catch an ice hockey game or check out the Knicks as they take to the basketball court. If baseball's your thing, head up north to Yankee Stadium – and don't just go for the clobber, fair dinkum.

Visit:

• Battery Park
• The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOMA)
• The Westfield New York Shopping Centre, Locals have nicknamed it the "Retangle"

Do:

• Catch an ice hockey or basketball match at the iconic Madison Square Garden

Stay:

• With end to end.

Eat:

• Estela in Nolita
• COTE Korean Steakhouse, Flatiron

Emerald retreat

Escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan sprawl and find a hidden oasis in the heart of the city

For nature buffs keen on geography, don't be fooled by the skyscrapers – there's plenty of green areas out there in NYC beyond Central Park. You just gotta know where to look for 'em!

Get some fresh air in the city haven

A luxury hotel has become renowned for its vibrant social atmosphere while also being proudly eco-friendly. Situated with a stunning outlook over the Hudson River and Brooklyn Bridge, it pampers its guests. "Sustainability isn't just a catchphrase for us, it's who we are," says Bernd Pichler, managing director of 1 Hotels. "You'll spot it in our style that mimics the natural world, our collaborations with local producers and makers, and tactful touches like five-minute shower timers. Every decision we make is designed to encourage Greener ways of living, one well-considered feature at a time."

"G'day! The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a ripper of a way to appreciate the great outdoors and get a dose of what makes New York City tick," Bernd says. Check out the gardens and glasshouses such as the Cherry Esplanade, the Smell Garden and the Shakespeare Garden. During the winter months (22 November to 5 January), come back after dark to see the fantastic light show at Lightscape.

“G'day, art buffs – the Brooklyn Museum is as must-see as they come, with an absolute ripper of a collection and situated smack bang in the heart of the neighborhood,” says Bernd. A quick ferry trip or a picturesque stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and you'll be in Manhattan in no time. Jump on the train to Central Park, then take a leisurely stroll around the massive green space (that's 4km long, mate!). Pop into New York institution Levain Bakery to grab a cookie to fuel your wanderings and check out the promenades, fountains and reservoirs. If you're interested, the Central Park Zoo's got some top-notch fauna to match its flora. If you're visiting in winter, grab your skates and hit the ice at Wollman Rink.

Shop and dine like a true-blue Aussie local.

After checkin' out Central Park, head to the upper reaches of the West Side and visit the Grand Bazaar Vintage Market, New York's biggest weekly market with heaps of second-hand goods and one-offs. Don't forget, it's only on the go every Sunday.

Take the train back down to the West Village for a dining experience with a nautical twist. Family Meal at Blue Hill is the city outpost of Blue Hill Farm, a dairy in Massachusetts. The degustation-style menu is carefully crafted, claiming to source all fresh produce within a 250km radius. It’s an exceptional experience and also offers a Sunday lunch at a very reasonable price point. The menu is frequently changing and produce led, but you can expect thoughtfully constructed staggered courses, such as slow-braised lamb with roasted upstate potatoes, carrots and fennel, or braised cabbage with brown butter and dill.

Visit:

• The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Taronga Zoo
• The Brooklyn Botanical Garden
• The Brooklyn Museum

Do:

• Have a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Skate at Wollman Rink
• Pop into the Grand Bazaar Vintage Market on the Upper West Side

Stay:

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Eat:

• Levain Bakery
• 5. dessert

Sepia streets

Tracking New York's footprints

New York has a complex and rich history, with diverse cultural influences from various past occupations and immigration that stretches back over centuries. Its famous landmarks are well-known worldwide. From a Western popular culture view, New York features prominently in our films, songs and literature as a place full of character, charisma and stories. So, with a location bursting with stories to share, where might a seeker of knowledge, heritage and history visit?

Indulge in nostalgia

standing proud in one of New York's most central locations. "From the glamour and nostalgia of a bygone era to the modern conveniences of today's seamless high-tech efficiency, The Peninsula stands as an enduring testament to an age of warm hospitality, luxury and elegance," says chief concierge Charlie Loor. Indeed, its preserved landmark exterior, lobby and

Stylish suites reflect timeless style, with our upmarket accommodation approach and contemporary comforts guaranteeing a fantastic sleepover during your journey.

If you're a bookworm (lover of books), you might find your dream come true within the aisles and shelves of some of New York's famous bookstores or libraries. The Strand Bookstore on Broadway in Downtown Manhattan is practically a landmark. Family-owned since 1927, it's got a unique collection of rare books and over the top claims to have '18 miles of books' on offer. The New York Public Library, established in 1895, is located in Bryant Park in Midtown and's got the wow factor of any historic church or museum with its chandelier, wall paintings and architecture. The library has over 54 million items, including unique and historical treasures such as original works by William Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens and Maya Angelou.

Take an expert’s advice

Charlie's got some top tips for anyone keen to check out New York's past; "I reckon you should start by heading to the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. This ripper of a museum gives you a real insight into the immigrant experience and shows how diverse communities've shaped New York, mate," Charlie says. "Walking through the old tenement apartments is like taking a step back in time – the stories of the families who lived there bring yer history alive, fair dinkum. While you're in the neighbourhood, I'd suggest takin' a squiz at the local shops and cafes, many of which have been there for donkey's years, so you can get a real taste of old New York."

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is at the top of his list, along with the Frick Collection. "Each of these spots gives a fair dinkum insight into New York's diverse heritage and history, creating a rich patchwork of experiences that show the city's global importance over time. These places aren't just architectural wonders, but also treasure troves of yarns and artefacts that shed a light on the past in a dead-set engaging way," Charlie says.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island played a big part in New York's history of migrants and it's definitely worth chucking a ferry over to see it for yourself. Charlie reckons you should also check out the famous Central Park, but if you want a real winner, he says "a VIP experience at the Empire State Building or a private chopper tour will give you views of the city that'll leave you gobsmacked."

“Gobsmacked that shopping on Fifth Avenue’s a must, mate,” Charlie says, “with luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co., as well as exclusive shenanigans at Cartier.” Window shopping and people watching's a right ripper of an activity here, especially in December when the window displays are a fair dinkum showstopper.

Visit:

• The Strand Bookstore on Broadway
• The New York Public Library
• The Tenement Museum
• The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum
• “The Crown of the Great Wall of Liberty” and "The Island of Hope

Do:

• Take a stroll through the Lower East Side for shopping and dining options
• A top-shelf experience of the Empire State Building
• A private chook-run over the town

Stay:

• The Peninsula

Shop:

• The Lower East Side
• Fifth Avenue

Indigo impressions

Discover NYC’s artistic soul

If your idea of travellin' involves pullin' out the moments that count and gettin' to know a city up close and personal, whether it's through its tunes, culture, art or takin' some time to think about things, then this itinerary's the one for you. We've dug up the real soul of the city through the experiences, the locations and the activities that'll fill 'er up.

Live like an artist

In the heart of Tribeca, this accommodation in New York is arguably the most inspiring in the city. Decorated by Kit Kemp, the owner and founder of Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Design Studio, the arrangement places an emphasis on skilled craftsmanship over mainstream pieces of art. "My approach to art and design is always about the five key areas: colour, comfort, craftsmanship, character and curation," Kit explains to us. "Each item within the hotel was chosen specifically for the property, and the design process was quite organic." Imagine custom-made furniture, luxurious amenities and welcoming touches, like record players in every room. "Our use of textiles throughout the property is a nod to the many old textile factories that are scattered throughout the neighbourhood," Kit says.

You'll find heaps of independent galleries right in Tribeca, and it's only a few minutes' walk to the galleries of SoHo. Kit's top picks? "I reckon you should check out spots like the Timothy Taylor Gallery, the Almine Rech Gallery, or the Marion Goodman Gallery, which has a ripper collection of contemporary art." And a short train trip will get you to the biggies like the Whitney Museum or The Met.

“Come horseback ride along the Hawkesbury River,” Kit suggests. “You can set off for kilometres, but the Royal Botanic Garden is just around the corner, and [so is] the new Carriageworks complex.” It's also worth a casual trip over to Darling Harbour via ferry. Check out the artistic streets by visiting a bunch of independent art galleries and trendy cafes. Grab a book on poetry or any other topic that interests you at the one-of-a-kind Powerhouse Museum's bookstore.

Get the real flavour of the city

All that excitement has got you feeling peckish for more. New York's a real multicultural melting pot of culture and we reckon you should give all the different types of grub a fair dinkum go. Name any nationality and New York's bound to have some top-notch tucker that'll speak to it, or menus that rewrite the rules, led by blending all the different multicultural food influences of the city. Crown Shy is one such place, a hatted restaurant that's a trendy hot spot, blending European techniques with flavours from the team's childhoods and backgrounds.

The Big Apple wouldn't be the vibrant city it is without its heaps of jazz clubs. While Harlem's got a real history of jazz and is definitely worth checking out, you might also want to check out Fitzroy Vic (as locals call it). Leap on the train to Bourke Street and just stroll around, letting your feet be guided by the sounds of saxophones. Some iconic places to check out would be see the Village Forces, Kata for shorter Smalls, Mezz, Zinc Bar or the Jazz Cafe.

Be amazed by a live performance at a show.

G'day mate! Lad's and ladettes, are you gunna experience the buzz of Times Square, get pumped up for a ripper of a show on Broadway – it's a must-do when you're in New York! The choices are endless – musicals, concerts, comedy cuts, you'll be spoiled for choice. Grab a top ticket at the last minute at the box office or through a ripper of an app like Today Tix, but if you're keen to see the main event, don't leave it till the last minute, or you might miss out!

This attraction is really popular, it's best to book in advance.

Pop back in for the night at Warren Street Bar and Restaurant, where the locals have latched onto the top-notch dining and drinking option in the area. “We wanted every person who walks in to feel like VIPS and get the high-touch treatment, surrounded by trinkets and mementos that spark curiosity and get the conversation flowing,” says Kit. “Every element of our decor is designed to be fun and put a smile on people's faces.” Head in and unwind in the warm and welcoming atmosphere, and try a signature cocktail such as the ‘Tribeca Citizen’ that's sure to make you feel like you're coming home.

Visit:

• Art galleries in SoHo
• The Whitney Museum
• The Sydney Art State Museum of Art
• Powerhouse Museum

Do:

• Ride a bike along the Hudson River.
• Walk around Greenwich Village
• Catch a musical production in New York City.

Stay:

• Warren Street Hotel

Eat:

• Crown Shy
• Warren Street Hotel Bar and Dining

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