New York, New York!

I was there over summer with my husband and my (shudder) mother in law.

She stayed at the Park Terrace Hotel which she was very complimentary about, though she did upgrade to one above their standard rooms- it's not too expensive, for Manhatten, and very central.

parkterracehotel.com/

Definitely go to the 9/11 Memorial though some of it is quite harrowing, the trip up the Freedom tower is less essential but has some great moments.

The Rainbow Room is worth a trip for an expensive night out and the chance to go out on the terrace and see the city at night, it's not even as pricey as you think it will be.

There's an interesting 2 hour ferry tour around the island which is worth it on a nice day.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge but I can't say I would have been that bothered if we hadn't, exploring Brooklyn itself is probably a better use of your time.

The Frick Collection is a gorgeous Art Gallery in a 5th Avenue Townhouse which is worth a visit.

Make sure any touristy things you want to do you go on the website and book as there are usually queue jump and priority options as many people didn't seem to bother.

Central Manhatten doesn't really have that many diners so you're best to head further out for a proper pancake breakfast.

US Open - you're probably best not to go for Arthur Ashe unless you're only there for the second week of the Open, there's lots of tennis to see and usually more competitive matches with just a ground pass or a ticket to one of the smaller show courts.

The Stonewall Inn is worth a visit and there is a really fun cabaret and Piano bar just a few doors away called the Duplex.

Obviously Central Park is a must, The Tavern On The Green is nice though pricey. We needed it as an escape from the heat though as we were there in late July.

Food wise, you'll struggle to have a bad meal, we had one - down by the docks before going on the Ferry ride. The Pubs are normally a safe bet if you're looking for something quick.

On that note New York is hot(though not so much in September), dirty, noisy and crowded so plan in some quieter or rest days to break it up. The High Line is a nice, more relaxed thing to do and obviously Central Park.

Manhattan you want to stay as close to Times Square as possible and you are looking at least £200 for a lower scale but comfortab,e Hostal.

You'll find lots of diners for pancakes in neighborhoods beyond midtown/Times Square. You might want to venture up to Tom's Diner (Broadway and West 112th St), the outside facade was the diner in Seinfeld.

For some New York history restaurants, check out Joe Allen's (theater hangout) or Pete's Tavern (one of the oldest bars, where O'Henry supposedly wrote "The Gift of the Magi." You'll have many food choices at a variety of price points.

The Staten Island Ferry is free, and gives great views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

You could spend all day at the Met Museum, and the newly-renovated Museum of Modern Art opens in a few weeks. I also highly recommend The New York Public Library (as well as the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center) and the Morgan Library (if they are having exhibitions of interest. The Morgan is free on Fridays after 7pm).

You'll find many ticket discounts in September, but just be aware that many struggling shows will close in mid-August or during the first weekend in September (Labor Day).

As mentioned above, New York will still be very hot and humid in September (especially in early September). Pace yourself, but have fun. And, the most "New York" you can be is to complain about the subway!

Agreed, stay away from Times Square as much as possible, think of the most crowded and touristy place in London and multiply that by a million and you get Times Square, it is horrible.

Even crossing through it to get somewhere else is unpleasant, thankfully the worst of it is relatively contained around the intersection between 7th and Broadway so it's avoidable.

Actually Bryant Park, next to the hotel I mentioned, is a nice spot to sit and have a coffee, it's a very well kept park with games, shows and activities.

I agree and admit I do love Times Square as it was so vibrant and buzzing, the theatre being there is just a bonus.

Last time I was there, I stayed in the Watson hotel, which is on 56th, I think. It is between Central Park and Times Square and has a swimming pool, which is nice when you have the ‘barmy breezes.’ Also there is a nice diner nearby that does great waffles and coffee.

Beware though, check you’re not going to get hit for a resort fee, when booking, very much a rip-off.

I find the NY Subway very confusing and I've been using it on at least half a dozen trips to NYC. The signage is confusing, there's the "local" and "express" trains, the stations are chaotic and it's an absolute nightmare to navigate with a big bag as there are no escalators, only classic stairs. That said... it's an absolute thrill to realize you actually arrived where you wanted to

As for Times Square, I'd say, Leicester Square is on the way there with tourist trap shops like M&M and Lego, only with ten times the crowds and chaos. It just feels too much for me to constantly swerve around clumps of tourists, avoid the annoying "characters" trying to get people to pose with them and so on. That said, there's something nice about sitting on the big red staircase atop the TKTS building after a show and watch the bustle for some time before going to the hotel.

Love Bryant Park, though, it's like the only green space in Midtown to sit down in and have a breather. And anyone homesick for London can now find a Pret-A-Manger on practically every corner

53rd and Lexington (conveniently around the corner from my favourite hotel!) has escalators! Though not fully to street level - not sure if there are lifts but I never travel with luggage I can't carry. I find the subway gets easier with every visit.

Bryant Park is great, especially around and after Thanksgiving when the Christmas market is there. I like Washington Square Park as well.

Times Square does at least have a bit more charm than Leicester Square due to the steps and the billboards. But once you've done the obligatory night time visit it's much quicker to go a few streets north or south if you need to cross Broadway!

The Jolly Goat is also a great shout if you want good coffee and bagels on the go. I had the pastrami bagel on sesame and it was gorgeous. The seating is limited but if you’re lucky you might grab a seat.

The Moonstruck Diner is in Manhatten and offers pancakes, waffles and French toast. The portions are huge though and you won’t leave feeling hungry!

I stayed here a couple of years ago on a New York holiday - www.414hotel.com/ - lovely oasis of calm just round the corner from Times Square. Breakfast & cheese and wine each evening included, and the owner was very helpful with theatre recommendations and finding good deals.

Re theatre, my recommendation would be not to book too much in advance of your visit unless there's a hot ticket you're really keen to see. You can find deals on playbill.com and broadwaybox.com and they are ruthless about discounting stuff on TKTS. On which subject the South Street Seaport area is worth a visit and has it's own TKTS booth which opens earlier than the Times Square one and involves much less queueing.

I'm pretty sure Air BnBs are illegal in Manhattan?

They are, but that doesn't stop people!