NEW YORK CITY

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple is one of the world's most satisfying experiences. Even a first-timer will quickly feel at home here and know almost instantaneously that this visit will definitely not be their last.

GO to a Broadway show, visit the Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Zoo, Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Cathedral of St. John Divine. Stroll Fifth Avenue for world-class shopping, walk Central Park to see New Yorkers at play, and explore the Lower East Side to check out the latest in hip fashion and attitude. Head to Coney Island to ride the legendary Cyclone, Times Square for a photo op amid the neon lights, and Harlem to absorb the neighborhood's cultural and artistic legacy.

EAT at Peter Luger Steak House for the best Porterhouse, Rosa Mexicano for superb Mexican food, Seasonal for great wiener schnitzel, and The Four Seasons for award-winning cuisine and legendary ambience. Head to Nathan's Famous or Gray's Papaya for the top hot dogs, Hill Country for Texas-style barbecue, RUB for barbecue chicken, Dinosaur BBQ for pulled pork, and Daisy May's or Blue Smoke for ribs. Visit Shake Shack, Burger Joint and POP Burgers for satisfying burgers, Nobu for seriously delicious sushi and miso-glazed cod, Katz's Delicatessen for killer pastrami, Big Wong King for juicy roast pork and duck, Spoonbread for down-home Southern cooking, and Popover Cafè for breakfast all day long. For pizza, Sal & Carmine's has the best crust, Caesar's Palace Pizza has the best Sicilian and Joe's is just great pizza, period. Russ and Daughters is tops for lox and smoked whitefish, Jacques Torres is the king of chocolate and Murray's Bagels bakes a mean bagel.

STAY at the Mandarin Oriental New York at the Time Warner Center for luxurious accommodations, outstanding service and staggering Central Park views (pictured); On the Ave for its Upper West Side location and modern, terraced suites; or The Strand in midtown for its nouveau deco décor and chic penthouse lounge with retractable roof and Empire State Building view.

EVENT SITES Go to www.eventsitenyc.com for a selection of the city's top event spaces.