NYC: I did it my way!

Seeing as I've just spent an epic week in Manhattan - and, as is often the case with the International break, I can't be bothered to comment on the 'Fabio factor' and the incredibly unique stories about how he can actually lead England to World Cup victory - I thought I'd have a pop at highlighting my top 5 (alternative) must do's while enjoying the uber-Metropolis...assuming you've either done, or ain't fussed about doing, the queuing-for-hours-and-climbing-tall-buildings-slash-a massive-woman-holding-a-torch thing.

1. Spend as MUCH time as you can exploring, walking through and absorbing the West Village. Cruise in and out of the pretty little streets (Bleecker, Perry, West 10th, 11th and 12th) and enjoy not only the beautiful architecture and structure of these old fashioned streets - which were aligned to a grid during the 18th Century, in accordance with the borders of the island and the Hudson River rather than the main grid-structure that occurs throughout mid-town Manhattan (designed later on in the early 1800's) - however also the shops. From vintage, designer and handmade jewellery (for the ladies) to delicious little cafe's and even the bakery (Magnolia) where Carrie buys her cup-cakes from in Sex and the City (definitely for the ladies). On that note, 'Carrie's stoop' is on Perry Street; but whatever you do, DON'T cross the 'No Trespassing' sign, as an angry old-lady will shout at you.

2.Brunch at Cafe Gitane, Nolita. Your early morning wondering of the West would surely have taken its toll on your appetite by now; so head on over to

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242 Mott Street for a beautiful, yet ridiculously reasonable, mid-morning bruncheon (and for any guy reading this thinking, 'what the f**k is brunch?', get here and you'll find out. Trust me, its SO NY). An espresso, croissant with delicious blueberry jam AND a cheeky little avocado with chilli flakes on seven grain toast will set you back around $12. No wonder it's the trendy, yet undoubtedly recession-conscious, hangout of choice.

3. Have a pastrami on rye at Katz's Deli, 205 E.Houston Street. I had no idea what to expect, or even what to do, when I entered this historic eatery (dated back to 1888). But, as the faces on the walls stared at me nervously approaching the counter (anyone whos anyone has eaten here; from Bill Clinton to Ben Stiller), I knew I was in the right place. I'm not joking though when I say I literally didn't know what to do! It's just so damn cool and old school: they give you a ticket as you enter, where you take it to the guys behind the counter, who casually give you your ticket back (with a price scribbled on it) along with your food. Being a complete novice in the Lower East, I just asked the guy to give me something good, so he ripped of a few slices of pastrami to taste (claiming "it's the best"), and after I gave him the nod (words aren't necessary in a place this cool), he gave me the fattest, meatiest sandwich I've ever had. Needless to say it was, and probably will always be, the best.
Also, if you can be patient enough to hold on to the sandwich for a few blocks, it's well worth heading central to Washington Square to enjoy the food in the beautiful, urban surroundings a meal this good deserves.

4. Hell's Kitchen flea market on a Saturday morning. Find the coolest array of antiques and vintage items at this constantly busstling market, only a few blocks south of Central Park. The walk there for me was also pretty cool, as I was based in the Lower East, so the stroll through the East Village, Little Italy, China Town and Greenwich was awesome; especially with New York's finest blowing through my ears (Nas, Wu Tang, Rakim and Gangstarr. Oh yes).

5. The Staten Island Ferry (at Battery Park). If you MUST do a ferry, at least don't spend any money on it. The views of the worlds most famous sky-line were strongly enhanced by the fact this half an hour ferry was free! Well worth it for the photo's alone.