6am: Staten Island ferry ride

Jump on board and fill your social media streams with snaps of Manhattan skyscrapers bathed in golden morning light. siferry.com

8:30am: Balthazar

Strike a pose on the famous red-leather banquettes at Soho’s Sex and the City-era brasserie. 80 Spring St, balthazarny.com

10.30am: Walk the highline

Escape the concrete jungle for this brilliant urban redevelopment project that converted an elevated section of disused railroad into a park and walkway. thehighline.org

Noon: Oceana

Lunch at this grand Times Square seafood temple and enjoy everything aquatic, from Pink Moon oysters to Littleneck clams. 120 West 49th St, oceanarestaurant.com

2pm: The spotted pig

Shopping requires energy. Stop for a snack at this gastro pub, where NYC’s original ‘haute burger’ is topped with Roquefort. 314 West 11th St, thespottedpig.com

4:30pm: Mighty Quinn’s BBQ

Brontosaurus Ribs are mandatory at this authentic Southern barbecue joint – just be sure to wash ’em down with local craft beers. 75 Greenwich Ave, mightyquinnsbbq.com

5.30pm: Eataly

Use a visit to the unmistakeable triangular Flatiron Building to stock up on every kind of Italian treat for a late-night supper from its near neighbour. 200 5th Ave, eataly.com

6.30pm: cocktails at the Plaza

Recover from your shopping binge at Bergdorf’s with a cocktail at the Plaza’s sublime Palm Court, a fabled NYC locale for stars, tycoons, royalty and fictional rich kid Eloise. 768 5th Ave, theplazany.com

8.30pm: Ousia

Midtown West is the next hotspot on hipster alert, and Ousia’s modern, playful ‘essence’ of Greek comfort food is an irresistible lure for epicureans who love the conviviality of share plates with ‘mama’ soul. 629 West 57th St, ousianyc.com

Stay: Langham Place Hotel

A short walk from the Empire State Building, Langham Place is an ideal base and offers a peaceful retreat from the buzzy streets. 400 5th Ave, langhamhotels.com