Aptly named the city that never sleeps, New York is simply bursting with cultural style and entertainment opportunities galore. Birthplace to a host of pioneering musical movements, including hip hop, punk and disco, and boasting an unparalleled range of unusual activities to pursue, it is hard to find a place exuding the kind of coolness that’s present on the streets of New York City.

As a result, it is possible to find something to excite the senses and stimulate the mind, regardless of when you visit.

For instance, home to the biggest concentration of Chinese people in the Western hemisphere, New York’s Chinatown is a definite must-see. Comprised of a hectic jumble of winding streets and narrow lanes, there is a multitude of experiences to be had there, from the mouth-watering eateries and bustling markets to the unusual shops packed full of authentic knickknacks.

The area also plays host to a number of live events and annual celebrations. The weekly screenings of Chinese movies, the annual Autumn Moon Cultural Festival & Children’s Lantern Parade and the live performances at The Taipei Theater are all highlights.

To satiate your thirst for shopping without breaking the bank, New York’s flea markets are an absolute treasure trove filled with a wealth of one-off antiques, rare records and vintage clothing. For second-hand designer clothing, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is the place to go, with over 50 stalls to browse.

Those seeking antique items, on the other hand, will not be left disappointed by the offerings to be found at the Antiques Garage, whilst Green Flea offers up some great homemade jewellery and affordable furniture.

If you’ve worked your way around the city’s art galleries and exhibitions, and have had enough of standing in line for hours at the Museum of Modern Art exhibition, it is well worth heading to Dia:Beacon, located just outside of New York.

Housing an impressive collection of mammoth art pieces, which are generally too big to fit inside most other museums, it is well worth the 80 minute train ride that it takes to get there. Not only that, but with its doors opening out onto the banks of the River Hudson, it is the perfect spot for picnicking, or simply sitting back and admiring the sights.

The city is also home to a plethora of cool restaurants, funky bars and crazy nightclubs, meaning that the time you spend in between visiting attractions and soaking up the culture is never wasted.

Additionally, there is an endless array of New York accommodation options to choose from, including the hip New York City hotels, and secluded self-catering apartments to a range of cheap hostels. Consequently, every taste is catered for in this remarkable city, regardless of whether you have buckets of spare cash to spend or are on a budget!