I had only experienced New Year’s Eve abroad once before, when I was 10 years old, but as I was asleep on my uncle’s sofa 10 minutes before the millennium, I kind of missed it...

Since then my usual New Year’s itinerary involves standing in a friend’s house and drinking so much I still can’t remember seeing in the New Year. So when my friend suggested, as we sat in a local Italian restaurant, that we should head Stateside for the event, I was elated.

On the other hand, as I wasn’t 21 (the drinking age in America) it meant I’d be sober for the world’s principal New Year’s Eve party.

Arriving in New York is like walking on to a film set as each street, at some time, has formed the backdrop to a Hollywood blockbuster – it’s like deja vu.

You are instantly awoken to your insignificance by the sheer scale and magnitude of not just the buildings, but everything that encompasses the city. The glamour and attitude absorbs every person and you will find yourself willingly sucked into this seemingly fantasy world. Awakening like Alice out of Wonderland, it will all just seem like a crazy dream.

Waking up on New Year’s Eve in the most famous city on earth is something quite remarkable, although even more so were the hundreds of tourists that were already, at 10am, herding into the cattle pens that were lining Times Square, ready for the evening’s festivities.

It seems quite an odd phenomenon that millions of people from all around the world travel to stand in the freezing cold just to see the New Year in but, for some unaccountable reason, it also makes complete sense.

Times Square is electric, charged on bustling crowds. Its 24 hours of light, supplied by the endless gigantic screens, deprive those wandering in the streets of sleep.

As the hours counted down to midnight, police stood guard as the crowds quickly swelled.

Hotel location is key in a city of this physique and size. Times Square and Broadway is faultless for commuting and eateries, although, as it is the core of world entertainment, it means you won’t be sleeping unless you request a high-rise room. The benefit of a hotel overlooking the Square enables you to avoid the winter bite and look down on the circus of people below.

When you decide to join the celebration, the warmth of the crowd strikes, as does a sense of sudden impatience, and as the countdown begins the sea of people erupts, everyone chanting in unison.

Unlike London or Sydney, New York has restrictions on fireworks, so the display, unlike the rest of the city, is not elaborate.

The famous ball drop forms the city’s pinnacle of excitement, but the atmosphere more than makes up for what the pyrotechnics lack.

Everything changes though when you wake up on New Year’s Day because it now means you must become the ultimate tourist. Indeed, by the end of the week I strongly believed that I could become a New York City tour guide.

Starting the day with a deli breakfast is compulsory. Housed on every block they offer ‘American portions’ for next to nothing. The majority also offer the invaluable ‘all you can eat’ buffets which can satisfy you all day.

It would be an offence to even enter the city without willingly visiting the most famous landmarks on earth. It’s a big place, so be prepared to walk, walk and walk.

The subway system is an invaluable element though so don’t let the movies influence you. It’s dim and grimy and may seem intimidating but it’s surprisingly welcoming. It is handy to always carry a subway map with you plus a good-quality city map – getting lost in the ‘jungle’ is not fun.

Compulsory sites to see include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State building, Central Park and Grand Central Station. However, don’t forget the Natural History Museum, Wall Street, New York City Library, Central Park Zoo and the Rockefeller Centre.

The Rockefeller’s history is often overlooked and as it stands between both Central Park and the Empire State, is the model location to marvel at the two.

A word of caution however – a festive skate will cost you moer than $100.

The Empire State Building is open until 2am daily, which is an opportunity you shouldn’t waste.

It’s hard to visualise how picturesque a horde of skyscrapers can be, but I can say with confidence that the view from the 86th floor in the darkness is beautiful. The romantic, sparkling lights cast across the city are unforgettable.

Wall Street is worth a passing visit too. Downtown NYC has a distinct feel, although the sense of affluence and supremacy which clothes its streets also makes it quieter than many other areas of the city. From the most southern point the Statue of Liberty can be seen standing proudly on the Hudson River.

Boat rides are available but be prepared for hours of queueing.

An alternative, yet far more expensive way to see Liberty and the entire stretch leading to Central Park, is by helicopter.

Found at a pier off Wall Street the flight will leave you speechless. Soaring through the skyscrapers is an overwhelming experience, especially at sunset.

The pink clouds affectionately warm the stubborn greys blocking the horizon and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

There is only one other place in the city that provides such an escape and that is Central Park.

Covered in snow it’s like a winter wonderland. In fact, for a moment, its city-bound location can be forgotten until you look up and spot the tower blocks guarding its borders.

A horse and carriage ride and a visit to the zoo is the perfect way to prolong the seasonal fantasy.

Dazed in the insanity, the beauty, the command and the gravitas of this dazzling city, tiredness steadily takes a hold, but hang in there. Every second in the Big Apple is special.