Where to stay
Camping in New York might not sound appealing. But what if you were sleeping under the stars in a comfy bed, 17 floors above the city? AKA Central Park's penthouse suite has a 1,000 sq ft terrace with double bed on request. A wood-burning stove, midnight snacks and champagne, and a telescope for stargazing complete the romantic picture. A perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience for newlyweds (gay marriage becomes legal in the state on Sunday 24 July).
• 42 West 58th Street (+1 646 744 3100, stayaka.com), penthouse $3,444 a night
OK, so most of us don't have more than two grand to splash on a single night's stay. For characterful accommodation without a massive price tag, try Mont Morris B&B in Harlem. Choose from studio apartments in the main building or doubles in the new annexe. Billed as a "boutique hotel on a budget traveller's budget", it has hip decor and friendly staff in a dynamic neighbourhood.
• West 120th Street (+1 212 369 8845, montmorris.com), doubles from $125
What to see
If you wouldn't dream of going on a sightseeing bus, the Ride might make you reconsider. Yes, you'll be bussed around the main sights – Times Square, Chrysler Building, Empire State – but what a bus! It is the tallest vehicle allowed on NYC streets, with side-on, raked seating and huge windows. Audio, visual and wireless technology ratchet up the experience, and there are performers on and off the bus.
• A 75-minute ride costs $49 for adults, $35 for 6-12s (+1 866 299 9682, experiencetheride.com)
Your Spidey sense will be tingling on a new Superhero Walking Tour. You'll visit locations key to the comic books of the 30s and the blockbusters of today, including Batman, Superman, Spider-man and the Fantastic Four. Kick-Ass costume optional.
• Two-hour Superhero Walking Tour (viator.com), $25 adults, $20 under-13s
What to do
Governors Island, 10 minutes off the southern tip of Manhattan on a free ferry, is great for arts and culture activities, many free of charge. This summer it features an outdoor sculpture exhibition by Mark di Suvero, an electronic arts festival, a flying trapeze, a unicycle festival and a swim around the island. Free bike hire on Fridays.
• Open Fri-Sun and holiday Mondays until 25 September (govisland.com)
For cutting-edge comedy, seek out Murderfist, an award-winning NY sketch comedy group with a growing underground following. They're risky, crude and un-PC – but brilliant. Catch them at the Peoples Improv Theater (pit-nyc.com), the Upright Citizens Brigade (ucbtheatre.com) and festivals such as Sketchfest (sketchfestnyc.com).
• murderfist.com for details
