Love at first sight in New York

David Burrows is smitten by New York.

Ah, New York. They don't call it the BIG Apple for nothing, you know.

There are a million ways to see the city that never sleeps and if, like me, you find yourself with only a few days in which to explore, I would recommend trying as many as possible.

For me the five-day sojourn to NYC was a real case of planes, trains and automobiles – with helicopters and river-craft thrown in for good measure.

With only a limited time in such a sprawling metropolis, one of the best things you can do is ensure you arrive refreshed and ready to tackle the city headlong.

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to use Continental Airlines' Business First service. If it's within your budget, try it. Our departure airport was Birmingham International – home to 50 airlines flying to more than 140 destinations and also home to the Continental lounge.

My usual experience of flying any-where is queues, overpriced bland food and endless waiting. Here I was able to relax with my fellow travellers while taking in an early morning breakfast.

My colleagues on the trip were also all first-time visitors to New York, and all of us had been told places we simply HAD to visit.

The flight was like a mini-break in itself, with excellent food and drink served by attentive flight attendants (one for every eight passengers), more legroom than even Peter Crouch would know what do to with and a fine choice of movies and TV shows on personal monitors.

So, when we arrived at Newark Airport shortly before lunchtime Stateside, we were ready to report to the hotel before seeing if the city could match our collective expectations.

Our home from home was the Beacon on New York's Upper West Side – a hotel I would recommend time and again.

It's location could not be better for exploring – just three blocks from Central Park and an easy subway journey to all major tourist destinations.

My own corner of this 260-room hotel featured a huge luxury bed, a lounge complete with workstation and a kitchenette.

Day one was spent getting our bearings and checking out Broadway and Central Park before dining at the Famous 21 Club – a speakeasy during the time of prohibition, which still hides its cellar behind a fake wall.

Inside are bottles of wine belonging to patrons, including many celebrities, which, if not requested to accompany the meal, are passed along as family heirlooms.

The food at the 21 Club was not the greatest. Better meals on the trip were to be had at other eateries, especially Carmines, which serves up traditional Italian family food.

There may have been a bit of a wait for the table, but boy was it worth it.

If you plan to go on for drinks after dining, avoid the area around Times Square, which can be overpriced. Better to try somewhere like the unglamorous sounding Meat Packing District. If you're lucky, your explorations might find you a bar with its own brewery.

It was day two of the trip that we really got to see New York – from three spectacular vantage points.

The day began with a helicopter flight over the city. It may have only taken 10 minutes or so, but some of the views as we flew along the Hudson to tip our hat at the Statue of Liberty were breathtaking.

For a few dollars more, you can arrange a flight over Manhatten, or be taken into the sky at night.

As if that was not enough, we then did THE tourist things and visited the Empire State Building.

Be warned, this is not an An Affair To Remember fairytale. Get there in plenty of time or be prepared to spend most of the day queuing. And don't expect a romantic stroll around when you get to the 82nd floor observation deck. Crowds jostle for position as they try to get the best shots of the most famous skyline in the world.

That view could only be topped by the one from the Rockerfeller – beating the Empire State only because it was quieter and at night – which is when, for me, you see the real New York.

There were plenty of other things I'd been told I could not leave New York without doing. One of the best ways to do get round them all it to invest in a city pass which allows you to hop on or off buses and subway trains at any given point.

If you want to know more about what you are seeing, I thoroughly recommend an open-top bus tour. Your tour guide will be informative and, almost certainly, a part-time comedian.

At one point there was a debate about whether to see a show on Broadway. No contest, said my friends, especially when they learned it was the Lion King. I'm glad I listened. What a show.

I was also determined to visit, and cross, the Brooklyn Bridge. It's not as long as you would expect and well worth the effort – Brooklyn has a completely different feel to it.

I even tried to get in touch with my feminine side and visited department stores Macys and Bloomingdales – although the souvenirs I bought for myself came from street vendors and shops away from the main tourist areas.

In stark contrast to this frivolity was the eerie and surreal experience of Ground Zero. The cranes have moved in now but the visitors' centre next to the site is still a humbling experience.

Letters from children who had been to the centre – some of whom had lost parents in the September 11 attacks – had me close to tears.

Having seen New York from the air shortly after arriving, we were treated to a view of the city from the river before we departed. A wonderful night-time cruise along the Hudson with wonderful food and a back-drop to match – as well as a bit of dancing if you're that way inclined.

I had high hopes of New York before I flew out. They were fulfilled – and then some.

You can see why the city is also home to the most famous marketing catchphrase of all time – because I Love NY.

Guide

• Continental Airlines flight from Birmingham International Airport to Newark are from £305.70 (economy) or £1,046.70 (Business First). For terms and conditions call 08450 264908. For flight information visit www.bhx.co.uk and www.continental.com/uk.

• Hotel Beacon is located at 2130 Broadway at 75th Street New York. A one bedroom suite with kitchenette is around $235 (£142) a night. For reservations visit www.beaconhotel.com.

• NYC & Company provide New York city psasses for discounted use of top attractions. www.nycgo.com. Passes cost from $79 (£48) for adults and $59 (£36) for youths. www.citypass.com

• A New York public transport day pass is $7.50 (£4.50). A seven-day pass is $25 (£15).

• Helicopter ride with Liberty Helicopters. An eight minute flight cost $135 (£82) per adult. www.libertyhelicopter.com