No 19: Unforgettable New York, New York

We continue our series of the top 20 destinations of readers. By ANGELA COWLEY

In the words of Queen, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now!"

What better city to visit than the Big Apple? New York has it all, from amazing architecture, shops, bars, theatres and clubs to peaceful parks and riveting museums and galleries.

Sail to "Lady Liberty" in the morning, see Rembrandt's self-portrait at the Frick Private Collection on 5th Avenue in the afternoon, and then settle into a seat at a Tony Award-winning show on Broadway in the evening - after dining at BB King's Blues Club. If I'm lucky he'll be in residence!

I can marvel at the luxurious splendour of the marble foyer and shops at Trump Tower, travel up the Empire State Building and take a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park. I'd spend time wandering through the Holocaust Museum down in Battery Park for a spot of serious reflection, a worthwhile and moving experience.

I enjoy baseball, and Yankee Stadium is a mere 20-minute subway ride from Central Manhattan. No parking woes, no queuing for hours, just a walk through the gates and up into the soaring stands to settle down with my Budweiser and hotdog and cheer on the Yankees - what a thrill.

A visit to New York would be unforgettable with the one I love - our trip of a lifetime.

Getting there

Return economy class airfares ex-Auckland and five nights' accommodation from $3679 a person share twin. Contact Flight Centre..

Getting around

New York City has 3700 buses, 714 miles of subways, 12,000 taxis and limousines, and countless feeder roads. There are also ferries, helicopters, bicycles, and frequent Amtrak and commuter rail services.

Things to see and do

Astroland Amusement Park at 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. The largest family amusement park with 35 rides. Located on the beach and boardwalk of Coney Island. Free admission.

Brooklyn Brewery, NY's leading brewery, among the nation's top 30. Happy hour Friday and Saturday from noon to 6pm.

Cathedral of St John the Divine. World's largest gothic cathedral remains unfinished. Tours of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, stained glass windows.

New York City tourism

* The Herald asked readers where they would most like to go, and to tell us why. The results are in, and the countdown begins, with the number one place revealed on January 13. All the entries selected go into the draw to win $3000 worth of travel from Flight Centre to help them to get to their dream destination.