For those travellers seeking a cosmopolitan weekend away amidst the bustle of city life, one metropolis in particular has long seemed to have something of a special draw, over and above the other great cities of the world. Indeed, New York, or the 'Big Apple' as it is affectionately termed, has come to symbolise the definitive city break for many, offering as it does a myriad of unique and memorable experiences. So, with this in mind, we have written the following as a guide to the city, explaining why some 47 million holidaymakers choose to pack their cases, arrange their USA travel insurance and jet off to NY each year.

Perhaps the primary attraction of New York is the sheer diversity contained within its bounds; as the most populous city in the US, the scale of NY affords it space enough to pack in countless different communities and districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. Manhattan is arguably used as a 'base camp' by the majority of visitors, offering as it does a wide variety of places of interest whilst being situated in a location that handy for the nearby boroughs.

Brooklyn follows just after in terms of popularity with holidaymakers, providing an excellent place in which to stay for those travellers looking for a greater immersion in the independent arts and cultural side of New York life. Accordingly, Brooklyn has become something of a hotbed of the Hipster scene, with high streets lined with great independent shops such as Freebird Books & Goods in the Red Hook neighbourhood. Freebird, for instance offers travellers time to peruse, at their leisure, a quirky array of tattered classics and oddities in an intimate bookstore setting, with plush couches and a café in the garden. Shops such as these tend to be laid back and are a perfect place to spend a few hours – especially if you are travelling with companions of a certain age, who might prefer restful activities every now and again. If so, then it is also worth considering over-65-specific USA travel insurance, to control costs and aid peace of mind.

Southern Brooklyn is also home to that mainstay of New York tourism: Coney Island. And, while the century-old resort fell into something of a decline during the 1970s, it is now enjoying a notable renaissance and rejuvenation. Accordingly, the park is well worth a visit for those looking for a sense of history outside that offered by the museums of Manhattan. For instance, the wooden Coney Island Cyclone of 1927 and Wonder Wheel of 1920 are both still operational (despite being on the National Register of Historic Places), for those inclined toward leisure rides. Despite their age, the Coney Island attractions are safe and do not require a modified USA travel insurance package.

If you are after a slightly more serene atmosphere, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are nearby, together creating a huge expanse of beautiful green space. Finally, when departing Brooklyn for Manhattan, walking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge makes for an unforgettable crossing of the East River, with clear skyline vistas visible both behind and ahead of the path.

When in Manhattan, there are a plethora of things to do and see, with museums, restaurants and entertainment venues dotted throughout the areas of the borough. If you want to soak up a little artistic culture, then the MET, Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art all offer vastly varied and exciting exhibitions. Although some shows are static, many are constantly developing offering something fresh and new. Accordingly, it is well worth picking up a museum guide from a local tourist office to see whether any of the exhibitions tickle your fancy.

For those looking to give a weekend away in NY a slightly extreme edge, then there are a number of options to add a little spice to the break (though, it is always worth making sure that your USA travel insurance package will cover these activities). For instance, outside of the city at Indian Lake, NY, white water rafting trips are available on the Hudson river.

Although the city offers non-stop opportunities for entertainment, it is imperative to have practical matters such as visas, USA travel insurance and accommodation worked out before your arrival, so that your time can be given to the experiences that really matter in this fabulous city that is so deservedly named twice.