Visit the film location: New York City

Home to just as many stars as LA, New York, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the place so good they named it twice - and all its other monickers - remains one of the most exciting cities on earth; a 24/7 grown-ups' playground that boasts five-star hotels, incredible and diverse dining options, amazing parks and attractions and, of course, all those things you've seen in the movies that you can't help but want a big ol' slice of - a hot dog from a street vendor, a chat with a vocal NYC taxi driver, a splurge in Bloomie's, a ride on the subway… the list is endless.

And although seasonally, it's always a good time to visit New York, when it comes to jetting across the Atlantic for a spot of Christmas shopping, hands down that's scene's favourite time in the city.

With its world-famous department stores - including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus - plentiful culture, Central Park and diverse suburbs, visitors to New York can enjoy both the old and the new aspects of the city - usually nestled side-by-side in the space of one block - which is just made for strolling. So from the bright lights of Broadway to the twinkling ones of Rockefeller Plaza, make the Big Apple the place you take a bite out of this winter...

All the star attractions

No trip to New York is complete without taking in the main attractions the city is rightly famous for and a boat trip across to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a real goosebump-inducing ride. Arguably the city's most famous landmark, the 151ft monument on Liberty Island was completed in 1886, and on nearby Ellis Island, history buffs will be in their element at the Immigration Museum, which reveals the fascinating past of the immigration station, through which over 12 million people passed through on their way to a new life in the New World.

Then head to the Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue, whose 86th and 102nd floor observatories offer incredible 360-degree views across glamorous Manhattan. And the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) are additional must-visits, with the former's collection of contemporary artwork tempered by The Met's more classical collection of antiquities, which includes an impressive array of Egyptian, European and Islamic art, drawing in over five million visitors a year. And if you're all set to take in the big attractions on your trip, it's well worth investing in a New York CityPass, which offers savings of 51 per cent to all the above places, as well as the American Museum of Natural History - visit www.citypass.com/new-york for details.

Big city blow out

For many visitors, New York means one thing - shopping! And with a variety of designer stop-offs, world-class department stores, incredible markets and sample sales, the style-hunter is spoilt for choice. Head first for the big department stores, including Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Bloomingdale's, which all boast designer threads to die for, beauty halls you could spend weeks in and quirky little pieces you can decorate your home with upon your return. For items you won't find anywhere else, head to SoHo, specifically Kiosk on Spring Street, which takes a museum-style approach to displaying their wares which have been ‘curated' especially for you to linger over. Just down the road, Opening Ceremony boasts ranges from the quirky actress, Chloë Sevigny, and it's here that the hipsters converge at the weekend to pick up esoteric items and very hard-to-find fashion mags. If you're a major Lady Gaga fan, Barneys on Madison Avenue is the place for you this festive season, as it houses ‘Gaga's Workshop' - a very modern spin on Santa's Workshop, filled to the brim with one-offs and boutique pieces. And homebodies will find no better place to stock up on quirky homewares than at Fishs Eddy at 889 Broadway, where you'll find vintage and salvaged items, including super-fun branded ex-airline plates and glassware, as well as plenty of talking point pieces just perfect for the modern urban kitchen.

To market, to market

After a day spent on the New York store circuit, make sure you have time to hit up the many markets, where you'll find great buys and bargains to wrap up and take home. Head to Bryant Park's Holiday Shops near the free ice rink, where you'll find over 100 undercover pop-up stores to browse through along with a huge variety of foods on offer, including Mexican, Chinese and Venetian. If the temperatures drops low enough to freeze your credit card, try the Grand Central Holiday Gift Fair in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Here it's Christmas central, with craft stalls and cutesy boutiques all crying out for your cash under the glow of the ornate terminal chandeliers. And kids will love the New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show, whose track winds skywards up towards Santa's workshop. The Union Square Market, which runs from November 18 to December 24, is another must-visit, and is where you can lose yourself amid the warren of red and white striped tents, each housing plenty of gift ideas from the artisanal to the edible.

Trip Notes

Pots of Peruvian
Keep your finger on the dining pulse at La Mar Cebicheria Peruana on Madison Avenue, which has brought haute Peruvian cuisine to NYC. Enjoy seafood as you've never tasted it before, in dishes that boast Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Arabic influences for one of the most diverse meals you'll ever enjoy.

Broadway
Book your tickets in advance for one of the hundreds of Broadway and off-Broadway shows on offer, with Hugh Jackman and Samuel L Jackson currently wowing the crowds in new offerings, and the likes of Anything Goes and Billy Elliot The Musical proving that you can't beat the classics.

Village Vanguard
Even if you're not a jazz music fan, you'll love the ambience of this West Village club, which dates back to 1935. With showtimes at 9pm and 11pm daily, take a set and enjoy the venue that's hosted greats such as John Coltrane and Wynton Marsalis.
Stay there

Stay there

Luxury
Probably one of the most famous hotels in a city packed with high-end competitors, The Plaza retains a place in New Yorkers' hearts, thanks to its famed Palm Court, Fifth Avenue location and legendary Oak Bar. Check into one of its stylish guestrooms or suites, and take advantage of the 24-hour butler service, enjoy afternoon tea at Palm Court, or prop up the Champagne Bar, at this establishment which dates back to 1907. and when it comes to dining, you'll be spoilt for choice at the range of uber-luxe eateries, including the Rose Club and Plaza Food Hall, where you can't help but feel like an extra in a New York movie. www.theplaza.com

Mid-range
Ensure you're right in the thick of it at Hilton New York that's right near Radio City Music Hall and Central Park. Choose between a guestroom, suite or penthouse and enjoy dinner at the Etrusca restaurant, serving up Mediterranean fare in a super-relaxed environment. Plus, you can take advantage of the many deals this international chain can offer, including discounts on tours, bikes and discounted room rates. www.newyorkhiltonhotel.com

Budget
In the heart of Robert De Niro's favourite TriBeCa neighbourhood, the Cosmopolitan Hotel has 122 small, clean rooms available for those for whom a hotel room should serve as a functional place to sleep and shower. With 11 mini-lofts also available, this West Broadway hotel is the ideal place to strike out from on your New York vacation. www.cosmohotel.com

Filmed there: Bride Wars, Transformers, The Devil Wears Prada, Gossip Girl

Fly There Etihad flies directly to New York. Visit www.etihadairways.com for more details.