Well I've just got back from my trip to New York - had an absolutly fantastic time.
Did all the tourist things, walked round Central Park, Ground Zero (very moving to stand in the cemetry just across the road from the site), went ice skating at the Rockafeller Centre which was ace, (last skated in circa 1988!), although didn't go to the top of the rock - couldn't face it. Went to the ice hockey although slept through quite a lot of it as had been for a fab meal at Bobby Vans before hand and drank too much pinot grigio!
Saw West Side Story, did the Staten Island Ferry, bus tour, Brooklyn Bridge. Did a bit of shopping as well, (got a Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdales). So many other things and had some fab food as well (Carnegies Deli this morning where the sandwiches resemble a weeks shopping on a plate, delicious though!)
Also this one's for MissBumbleBee - did the helicopter ride! Can't believe I did it to be honest - but it was fantastic (the highlight of everyones trip). I have to say I did shut my eyes and screamed a bit for most of it as I found the turning a bit horrific, however I would so recommend this as the great thing is that you get very little sense of motion and so if you really did hate it then the option to close your eyes gets you through the turns as you just can't feel it. Did try and look a bit (else it's a bit pointless), whole thing lasted 15 mins and it's amazing how much ground you cover, flew over central park, round the Empire state (could see all the people in the observation deck), ground zero site, round the statue of liberty. Really spectacular and would say definately do it. Photos we took and even the official one are really funny, as everyone is smiling and looks really excited and then there is me just looking utterly terrified.
Anyway, enough ramblings - to anyone who has never been, would say this is a must do trip if you ever get the opportunity, the place feels so safe as well (except the yellow cabs which are more terrifying than the helicopter - even had a crash on one trip, though not serious).
Thanks to everyone for the advice on things to do - especially Karen who provided some great insights.