NATALIE POSNER finds out why they named New York twice...

Currently it’s hot, hot, hot in the city, but whether it’s for Christmas shopping or seeking out the fresh new springtime trends, New York really is a city for all seasons and all tastes. It’s the world in one town – a real cultural mix home to Italians, Chinese, Mexicans and virtually every nationality under the sun. It’s the ultimate American metropolis and yet the least American city in the States and the icing on the top of this enticing cake has to be super-stylish Manhattan.

For first-time visitors, taking in a Broadway show, heading up the Empire State Building and splashing some cash in one of Fifth Avenue’s world-famous department stores are just a few of the city’s attractions. Second timers wanting another bite of the Big Apple should explore one of the vibrant neighbourhoods of Brooklyn and Harlem, browse the boutiques in Soho and Greenwich or take the ferry to Staten or Coney islands. The choices are endless.

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WHEN SHOULD I GO?
If you want to spot Victoria Beckham, Gwen Stefani or the Olsen twins, visit during the forthcoming Fashion Week (Sept 9-16), while the US Open (Aug 30-Sept 12) is the best time to spot your favourite tennis star. Before Christmas is magical time to visit, when all the department stores feature festive windows and you can ice skate at the Rockefeller Center by the massive Christmas tree.

WHERE CAN I STAY?
If you want a slice of old-style NYC glamour, check into the New York Palace, part of the Dorchester Collection, which combines the finest in European elegance and American opulence. The original building, the historic Villard Mansion, built in 1882 in neo-Italianate renaissance-style with sweeping marble staircases and golden chandeliers, is today connected to a contemporary 55-storey addition called The Towers. Crowning the Towers are four lavish 5,000sqft Triplex Suites with private elevators, wood-burning fires and rooftop terraces offering panoramic city views. In the first season of the hit TV series Gossip Girl, the van der Woodsen family lived in one of these suites and storylines are still shot throughout the hotel, so expect to see Blake Lively in the Gilt bar or lobby. When OK! walked into our suite we were wowed by the breathtaking views over the Manhattan skyline. After a hard days sightseeing, we also loved to unwind with a Geisha Blossom cocktail at the Palace Gate, the hotel’s alfresco courtyard café.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?
Manhattan is famous for its department stores. Saks Fifth Avenue is a great one-stop shop and stocks all the high-end labels such as Gucci and Missoni. The shoe department is so large that it has its own postcode – 10022-SHOE! Nearby there’s also Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, which is a haven for beauty addicts. If you’re looking for a bargain, there are lots of outlets which sell designer brands at a huge discount. OK! visited Century 21 (www.c21stores.com), the American equivalent of TK Maxx, and picked up a pair of Seven For All Mankind jeans for £25!

SoHo is the place to head for boho, quirky and one-off boutiques – we managed to pick up a gorgeous dress which you can wear in 15 different ways! On Mercer and Prince streets you’ll find APC for fabulous French jeans, UGG Australia, the Apple Store and Face Stockholm for great cosmetics. The Meatpacking District is also a fashionista’s favourite, home to both the Diane von Furstenberg and Stella McCartney’s flagship stores.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT?
If you like Michelin-starred cuisine in lavish surrounds, you don’t even need to leave the hotel. Gilt at the Palace offers a sublime modern American menu in a sumptuous wood-panelled dining room. OK! feasted on pancetta-spiced foie gras and chicken with summer truffles, but we weren’t adventurous enough to try the crispy frogs legs with rhubarb! Leave room for the innovative puddings such as their take on the classic knickerbocker glory. Another upmarket eatery is Cipriani, a top celeb haunt in SoHo beloved by the likes of Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie. Afterwards, head upstairs to the club for a cocktail or two. One of hottest new restaurants in town is Robert De Niro’s Locanda Verde in TriBeCa. You can pop into this lively Italian all-day taverna for a cappuccino, brunch or dinner. OK! adored the  blue crab with jalapeno and cream and the Grandmother’s Ravioli.

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WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?
Celeb spotting is easy. Many stars such Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Uma Thurman, Lady GaGa, Robert De Niro and David Bowie live here. The best way to find out who lives where is to take a Rich & Famous bus or walking tour (www.richandfamoustours.com).
If you’ve ticked off the main sights – the Statue Of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square – take a stroll in the 843-acre Central Park as there’s always something to see or do, including boat trips on the lake or a visit to the zoo. Check out where the Sex And The City girls like to shop and drink by going on the Sex And The City Tour – or why not go on a foodie tour of Chinatown or Little Italy? And if you haven’t spotted your favourite celeb on your visit, why not see the likes of Brad Pitt or Whoopi Goldberg immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds? There’s so much to do, you’ll definitely be back!

WHERE CAN I HANG OUT?
New York really is the city that never sleeps, so make the most of things after the sun goes down. Many of the hippest bars and clubs can be found in the city’s Meatpacking District. OK! went for cocktails at the trendy Top Of The Standard bar at The Standard hotel, which boasts breathtaking Manhattan views. Other cool rooftop bars include the Glass Bar (Hotel Indigo) and the Gramercy Park Hotel’s Roof Club, where Drew Barrymore has been seen. From The Standard, OK! visited the new in-club, Provocateur, a favourite of Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé and the Kings Of Leon. We even ran into Roberto Cavalli and Kate Hudson at the bar. Make sure you have a siesta before you go out as the club is open till 5am! For something a little raunchier, try the biker-styled Hogs & Heifers Saloon on Washington Street. It’s all about loud music, sexy bar staff and scantily clad dancers. Sir Paul McCartney, Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow have all visited, while OK! followed in Julia Roberts’ footsteps and danced on the bar after a few shots. However, we didn’t donate our bra to the establishment as Julia did!

HOW DO I GET THERE?
A standard room at the New York Palace Hotel (www.newyorkpalace.com; +212 888 7000) starts from £255, while a junior suite in The Towers costs from £790. Virgin Atlantic (www.virginatlantic.com; 08442 092 770) fly from London Heathrow to New York five times daily. Economy fares start from £327 including taxes, but if it’s a special occasion, treat yourself and upgrade to upper class.