As I'm writing from New York I can tell you it's quite cold out here - bring lots of jumpers! I suggest heading straight for the Village. This is the really cool part of New York. It's nice just to wander around the brown stone buildings and visit coffee bars and jazz clubs. Some of the buildings are amazing. Visit the Woolworth's building. There are stone statues worked into the ceiling that tell the story of Woolworth counting out his money to have the building made. I also recommend the art deco Chrysler building. It's used as an office block so the public can go in - try one of the lifts, even if it is just to go up and down - they're beautiful.

While you're on 42nd St, pop into Grand Central Station. There's a great shop selling cheesecake called 'Juniors' - I suggest stopping for a coffee and slice. There is also a really good Oyster Bar downstairs in the basement, with reasonable prices and great food.

For cheap food, I suggest going to Chinatown - similar to London, but bigger. The food is amazing. If you get the subway to Canal Street you'll find really good knock off CDs, watches, wallets and handbags. Always try and barter - you can probably get them down a dollar or two.

I should warn you about ordering food out here; it's a nightmare. I've only managed to order a salad once, and I've been working out here for five months! I tend to memorise my order to make it easier and decide before walking into the deli. The delis do a 'make your own' salad which is really daunting; there are 101 ingredients to choose from, and they shout "Next, next!" as you are desperately trying to decide what you want. Another thing to remember is to make sure you have more money than you think you need. In a bar you tip $1 per drink. They also make things even more difficult by taking the money for drinks in bars after you have drunk them, so make sure you don't get caught out. Good luck!