New York City

With its fabulous hotels, iconic skyline and brilliant shopping, New York City remains one of our very favourite cities in the whole world. Read on for personal recommendations from the Marie Claire team, including where to stay, where to eat and, most importantly, where to shop when you visit.

For more information or assistance on planning your trip to New York City, contact NYC & Company on www.nycvisit.com.

Everyone's heard of the Museum of Modern Art, aka MoMA, and most people have seen photos of the iconic Guggenheim, however, head a little further out (to Queens to be precise) and you'll happen upon the fabulous PS1. Housing an ever-changing mix of installations and experimental artwork, this former public school (hence the name) also plays host to open-air parties throughout the summer months. Pretty much a tourist-free zone and as cool a destination as New York has to offer, this is an absolute must-see even if you're only in the city for a couple of days. For the latest exhibitions, log onto www.ps1.org.

Nowhere on earth knows how to breakfast like New York, and nowhere does it quite like the Four Seasons. Sex and the City fans will recognise the hotel as Big's home-from-home while in NYC, and when you've tried its breakfasts, you'll wonder why he ever left. On the menu at 57 (one of two restaurants at the Four Seasons - the other being the famous L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon) you'll find bagels (of course) with cream cheese and caper berries, traditional eggs Benedict, lemon-cured salmon with zucchini griddle cake, strawberry French toast with whipped cream and even Maine lobster. Browse the full menu at www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs.

Bryant Park is the home of New York's bi-annual fashion weeks, held in September and February, but is worth a visit anytime of the year. Watch men playing chess, hitch a ride on the beautiful carousel, while away the hours in the iconic New York Public Library on the east side of the park, or just pick up a sandwich from the little 'wichcraft booths and watch the world go by.

During Fashion Week, the Marie Claire fashion team make 60 Thompson hotel in Soho their home from home. Minutes from all of Soho's fabulous boutiques and designer stores, the rooftop bar is a must-visit even if you're not staying in the hotel, while the restaurant showcases a menu designed to stretch the willpower of even the most committed of fashionistas. Further uptown, at Columbus Circus, 60 Thompson's sister hotel, 6 Columbus, has also played host to Team MC. Designed with a Zen-like ambiance in mind, right down to the Japanese restaurant on the ground floor and the complimentary wasabi peas and Saki in your room, it's the last word in chic living. See photos of both hotels at www.thompsonhotels.com.

The melting pot of cultures that creates New York, makes for some fabulously authentic foodie experiences. If you love Greek food, make a beeline for the Zenon Taverna in Astoria, where you can feast on heaving platters of Greek and Cypriot cuisine for very few dollars. It's definitely worth the subway fare. See the full menu at www.zenontaverna.com.

There are hundreds of great vintage boutiques in New York, with many of the best in up-and-coming arty district Williamsburg in Brooklyn or around the university in Greenwich, Manhattan. If you're stuck for time, our tried-and-trusted favourites include Amarcord (www.amarcordvintagefashion.com) which has outposts in both Soho and Williamsburg, original vintage destination What Goes Around Comes Around (www.nyvintage.com) in Soho, In God We Trust (www.ingodwetrustnyc.com), which has three stores throughout the city, and, for affordable vintage finds, Screaming Mim's (www.screamingmimis.com) in Noho. If you have money to spend (or happen to be Angelina Jolie) the by-appointment-only Rare Vintage (www.rarevintageinc.com) often dresses stars for the red carpet in its impeccable vintage couture gowns.

If the sheer number of shops on offer in New York overwhelms you, a personal shopper can be a great way of navigating the plethora of department stores, boutiques and vintage shops. Coup de Coeur is one of the best, delivering exclusive discounts, out-of-hours store openings and a promise to match your shopping tour to your budget. To this end, look forward to discovering all sorts of fashion gems from Brooklyn to the Bronx. Discover more at www.coupdecoeurny.com.

A trip to New York wouldn't be a trip to New York without a trip to Central Park, however, there are other green spaces worth a picnic trip to explore, too. A little outside the city you'll find the fabulous Wave Hill with its gorgeous gardens, amazing views, art gallery and al fresco yoga classes. Get more information and directions at www.wavehill.org.

You'll hardly be stuck for things to do after dark in New York City, but if you want something out of the ordinary, head to The Box on Chrystie Street. A favourite with stars like Jude Law and the Gossip Girl boys, its cabaret acts are definitely NOT for the faint-hearted or easily offended! Discover more at www.theboxnyc.com.