New York - Full on 4 day experience!

Okay, you‘ve booked your trip to the 'Big Apple' and want to pack as much in as possible! Before you do anything, make sure you've packed the most comfy footwear you have, as with this action packed itinerary, you'll see all the major sights, but also clock up around 25000 steps a day! But let me tell you.. It's worth it! Another factor to include is when to go. We've done Christmas which was magical, as the decorations of New York are second to nowhere else, at that time of year, but.. and here's the but, the queues and packed streets are a bit of a nightmare! This year we went in June and there was no queues, the weather was great and it was certainly a more relaxing trip. Your call?

Location of your hotel is another huge part of the puzzle, my advice, opt for something in Times Square and pay the slightly higher price, you'll thank me later.

New York has so many sights to see, but where do you start?

The big ticket attractions, will most certainly include: The Empire State Building, Rockefeller, Central Park, 9/11 Memorial,. Brooklyn Bridge to name a few. Here's the great news, I've packed them all in on this trip. First up, make sure you've purchased one of the Go City/Explore tickets. These cost around £115pp and will get you admission to four must see attractions. On this trip, we opted for the Empire State, Rockefeller, 2 day Big Bus and the amusing Madame Tussauds. There are also so many free things to do, that will pop up on this trip.

Day one, grab your shoes as it's a full on day in Central Park area. Just a 20 minute walk from Times Square, you'll see so many iconic places here, that feature in all of your favourite movies. Enter the park opposite the very popular Plaza Hotel, in the South East corner, and you'll already be snapping away at the hotel made famous by Home Alone 2. As you meander your way up the paths, you may be lucky enough to spot one of the estimated 500 Racoons, that live wild in the park. Within the park, you have to grab a bite to eat or even just a cold beer at the Tavern on the green, located in the middle of the park, behind Sheepy Meadow. From here head over to Strawberry Fields and pay homage to John Lennon. With so many bridges and iconic sights, a full afternoon in the park is easy to do. Just remember that camera as the images of the skyscrapers around the park, are certainly something you'll want to share!

After the park, cross the road and you'll be on 5th Avenue. Home to so many famous stores, get ready to splash the cash. Oh, and the Louis Vuitton store made from giant suitcases will certainly be on your photo stop. Within 10 minutes you'll be at Rockefeller Plaza, and now it's time to see some of the sights from the sky. Head up the Rockefeller for sweeping views of the city, and a great place to be able to spot the Empire State building in the distance.

Day two, and it's time to head south with your hop on hop off bus. Bit of a hack here, but hop off at stop 7 for the Brooklyn Bridge, and then walk 8 minutes to the 9/11 Memorial. This saves you loads of time, rather than sitting on the bus, and also gets you in the heart of the financial district. The museum and the two memorials of the towers outside, are a very sombre place to visit and reflect on a day that should never have happened.

From here, walk back across the financial district and head to the Brooklyn bridge. Totally free to walk and where you will get some of your most iconic pictures of New York from. Make sure you've packed your water bottle. It takes around 25 minutes to walk across the bridge, and the same to come back. After you have talk your selfies, get back on the bus from stop 7, and enjoy the views. At bus stop 10, you can hop off here and take the free ferry that gives you the close up views of the Statue of Liberty. Make sure you're on the right hand side for the best views.

Back on the bus, and you'll be jumping off at stop 11. From here, there is a new City Park, built on the river, complete with hot dog vans and cheeky little bars. After this cross the road to the Meat Packing market. Here you'll find some amazing food and flea shops. Another great free attraction is coming up, in the shape of the High Line. This renovated former rail line, runs from Chelsea back to Hudson Yards, a Designer shopping mall. So many iconic views along the way. The walk is around a mile. After you've finished shopping, head back to Times Square or your base and the night is yours. Your bus ticket will take you there if you're all walked out.

Day three and it's time to head south. Just a 12 minute walk from Times Square and you're at the Empire State Building. This is probably the most iconic place to view Manhattan from. Make sure to get a picture with King Kong on the way up! From here head south to the Flat Iron District, home of the famous building, and for Harry Potter lovers, there is a great little shop just behind the building. It's shopping time, so meander the streets in this area. Located on Broadway in the area, you'll find 230 Fifth Avenue. The famous rooftop bar, where you can sit in the sun and grab some drinks and food, with the Empire State Building behind you. Great place to chill. If you're a dog lover across the road you'll find a little park, where resident New Yorkers, drop off the dogs and let them play with their friends. Around this area you'll find some of the big brand department stores such as Macy's alongside some great local shops.

In the evening why not head up to the Radio City area, where you'll find some amazing eateries, including the gorgeous Quality Bistro, make sure to bring the wallet!

So you've done South, North and Central Manhattan, and Day Four is just exploring time. A lot of people will be heading home on this day, so staying close to Times Square is possible a great idea. A hidden gem to start the day off is McCarthys Irish Bar, just off Times Square for a full on Irish brekkie! This will fill the belly very well. Madame Tussauds is very entertaining, as long as you know who some of the people are! Good fun to just stand still, and surprise people when they come close though!

There really is so much to take in, when you come to New York. Splitting the days by area, really is the greatest way to see as much as you can. For tourist souvenirs the areas around the Flat Iron, Soho and China Town give you the best savings. If you're lucky you may spot the street vendors who have some of the best prices for the same gifts they sell in the shops.

Like most cities, there is always somethings to avoid, such as the Monks in Times Square, the Disney characters and the CD selling rappers. Just walk on by all of these.

New York really is one of the most amazing cities to explore! Great food, fantastic locations and full on action packed days! What are you waiting for?