Valentine's Day in style in New York

New York is one of the world's most appealing cities, packed with restaurants, shops, incredible buildings and endless opportunities for romance.

Top spots to serenade your loved one in the city include Central Park, where you can really splash out by taking a horse-drawn carriage. However, the park offers plenty to see without having to spend anything at all, its landscaped paths and sheer size making it the perfect place for a winter stroll.

If it is not too cold, there is also a boating lake, where couples can hire a rowing boat and enjoy gazing up at the tall buildings and trees lining the edges of the park.

Not far from the park's south-eastern tip is Fifth Avenue, home to famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. as well as plenty of glamorous shops, whether you just want to window shop or have serious money to spend.

On the way holidaymakers should not miss the opportunity to stop at some of New York's top department stores - Barneys, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman, which are all within a few blocks of one another.

Few views of the city come close to the one from the top of the Empire State Building, though Manhattan is also an incredible sight from the water for couples taking a cruise.

One of the most popular cruise operators is Circle Line, which operates from southern tip of Manhattan close to Battery Park or South Street Seaport, among other locations.

There is also a free cruise that holidaymakers can take for a view of the Statue of Liberty - the Staten Island Ferry - which leaves around twice an hour for Staten Island, with a journey time of 25 minutes.

Couples that want to blend in with the locals can ice skate at the Wollman Rink - as featured in movies such as Love Story and Serendipity.

For lots more New York City itinerary ideas visit www.nycvisit.com or see Travelbite's New York city guide.

Trailfinders has a four-night Valentine's break in New York staying in four-star accommodation, including direct flights from London Heathrow, for £475 per person (discounted £133 per person), departing February 12th.

For more information see www.trailfinders.com