New York has always been considered the gateway to America, where millions of immigrants began their exciting new life after arriving from the Old World. The current superb exchange rate against the dollar, the bountiful night-life, numerous museums, and great restaurants aside; here are five of the best reasons to visit the city that never sleeps.

See where it all started: Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty

Millions of original immigrants to the New World arrived by ship, their application for residence status processed at Ellis Island before they continued on to their new life in America, or for the small unlucky percentage refused entry, a forced return to their homeland. Beside it is Liberty Island; home to one of New York’s enduring landmarks: the iconic Statue of Liberty. A ferry from Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan will take you to both islands, but if you want to glimpse the New York skyline from Liberty’s crown you will need to catch the first boat of the day due to a limitation on the number of visitors allowed to the top each day.

Climb to the top: New York from above

Two of the worlds’ most iconic buildings tower over New York; the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. One is the tallest, and the other the most recognisable skyscraper in New York and both have featured in many films and TV series over the years. The Empire State, topped by its huge mast originally built as a mooring for Zeppelins and the Chrysler with its shiny aluminium and glass exterior make both instantly recognisable. From the top of the Empire State there are fantastic vistas of Manhattan and beyond.

Pay tribute to a Beatle: John Lennon

Visit Strawberry Fields in Central Park, the garden that honours iconic Beatle John Lennon and features a simple circular mosaic containing the word “Imagine”; the title of Lennon’s worldwide hit song. A short walk away at 1 West 72nd Street you’ll find the Dakota apartment building, his former home outside which he was murdered on the 8th December 1980. It is a poignant experience, even if you are not a Beatle fan.

Seasonal ice skating: in front of the Rockefeller Centre

Every Christmas since 1936 the ice rink has been a feature of the lower plaza of the Rockefeller Centre and a leading New York attraction. Pull on your skates and glide gracefully under the giant Christmas tree, or merely watch skaters of all abilities enjoying themselves on the ice.

Basketball: Watch the Knicks

New York’s NBA team the Knicks have their home at Madison Square Garden, which is close to Grand Central Station and the best-placed hotels in Manhattan for sight-seeing. Tickets are hard to get and extremely expensive, but the experience is worth it! Join the mass of celebrities and ordinary fans that have made the Knicks their favourites at one of their regular home games played between October and June.

So there you have it; five of five hundred (and more!) reasons why you should pack your bags, jump on a plane and take a big bite from the Big Apple; and with the mighty pound currently thrashing a weakened dollar, there’s never been a better value time to head over the pond.