The original metropolis, the city of cities: New York is mythic in stature and impossible to pin down. The planet''s most surreal urban experiment is a dizzying feast of iridescent skyscrapers, iconic landmarks and heavyweight cultural institutions - it''s irresistible, even if all you can afford is a bagel and a walk through Central Park. Luckily, we''ve got the inside scoop on the island''s most treasured local delis, historic bookshops, memorable bars and beloved neighbourhoods Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten / From the Battery to the top of Manhattan. This is part of a growing series of opinionated guides which offer no-nonsense insider''s advice on what to do and see in cities around the world.