Planning a Big Apple trip is probably just as much fun as actually being in the metropolis, seeing all the sights and getting to the know the city. In fact, there's so much to see and do that anyone booking business class flights to New York should carefully research the top culture spots to visit beforehand.

If you are eager to soak up some of the unique atmosphere of New York, you might want to make Central Park your first stop once you hop off business class flights.

This iconic common space – designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted – is located in the middle of the city and stretches across 843 acres, with 36 bridges, 58 miles of walking paths and over 26,000 trees to be discovered.

A host of activities can be undertaken here, so keep an eye out for baseball, ice-skating, lawn bowling and mushroom walks.

You may then want to head over to the Rockefeller Center – which may already seem familiar as it appears on lots of TV shows – and take the elevator to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, which opens at 08:00 local time.

From here, you will be afforded a fantastic view of the famed New York skyline, taking in over 100 buildings and classic American icon the Statue of Liberty. From there, travel straight to the Museum of Modern Art – which is just three blocks away – to check out some of the very finest examples of contemporary art.

If you haven't quite had your fill of culture after visiting this gallery, the Guggenheim should be the next stop. Its permanent collection features works by the likes of Franz Marc, Vasily Kandinsky and Marc Chagall, among many others – perfect for anyone with a keen interest in modern art.

Heading to Harlem is also a must for anyone trying to get a feel for the real New York. One of the most vibrant districts in the city, there is much to do in Harlem, but holidaymakers really should make time to visit the neighbourhood's performing arts venues, such as the Apollo Theater.

Wednesdays is Amateur Night at the Apollo, a long-standing establishment that has seen the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday take to the stage.