USA calling: City-hopping from east to west

'I want to be part of it, New York, New York'... wait... 'New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of'! Sinatra, Alicia Keys – whoever's playing in your head, all that matters is that you're totally hyped. Goodbye everyday life, hello Big Apple! As soon as you land, you can feel it: this is more than just a city. Then just a few steps on American soil later and you're bang in the middle of it. Now it's down to the subway or into a yellow cab (costs a bit, of course) – your hotel awaits, and the adventure can begin.
You check in but can't stay inside for long. You're just way too curious about the megacity outside your door! And what better way to get a better look at the metropolis than from above? The Edge offers you a breathtaking view of New York's unmistakable skyline (optional, payable on site), with the chance to venture out onto a sky deck and take a heart-stopping look through its glass floor at a dizzying height of 1,131 feet. Your last destination for today: Times Square, the pulsing heart of the city that's flashy, colourful, hectic and loud at any time of day or night. Neon signs and video walls vie for your attention, and you have no idea where to look first!

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

A visit to a diner is an absolute must! Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Not only do they serve pancakes here, but the waiters and waitresses bring the Broadway vibes right to your table. And speaking of Broadway: it's just around the corner! With a bit of luck, you might bump into your favourite star here – in NYC, literally anything is possible! Fancy a musical? Then be sure to check the ticket office to see if there are any tickets left. There are often last-minute deals that can get you a great bargain! But wait – a trip to NYC without visiting Central Park? No way! This green oasis in the middle of the city is the perfect spot to escape the chaos for a while. Grab a coffee to go, chill out on a park bench and watch New York life in its natural habitat. Then it's back to the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, where between iconic skyscrapers, like the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, you'll find countless food trucks offering everything from New York hot dogs to fancy street food – perfect for topping off the day with an epic snack!

'If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair'. With or without flowers in your hair, but guaranteed to be humming a catchy tune, you land in the Golden City. When you get to where you're staying, you drop off your bags then get right to exploring. And the best starting point is Market Street in the city centre, at the famous cable car junction. Why not hop aboard and explore the hilly town on its historic rails (optional, payable on site)? The Powell-Hyde line, which runs from Powell Street to the northern Hyde Street, is highly recommended. And a stop at Union Square, where you'll find all kinds of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and other shops, is a must. No wonder it's one of the city's main meeting points! When you're done, continue on to one of the most famous photo spots and probably the curviest street in the world: Lombard Street. The red brick-paved street winds downhill around eight curves through a sea of flowers. And of course there's still another must-see on your list: the Golden Gate Bridge! So make your way to the end station in Hyde, where you'll find the iconic bridge shining in all its glory. And don't forget your camera!