This year I was lucky enough to attend both the US and Australian Tennis Open events. Attending all the Grand Slams has always been high on my bucket list. Hopefully I'll make it to Wimbledon and the French Open, so that I can check this item off my list.

For those of you attending the US Open for the first time, below is everything you need to know to make the most of your experience at Flushing Meadows.

Smorgasborg, Brooklyn's weekend foodie market, is held during the Spring & Summer seasons. It should be on everyone's must do list, as it serves some of the most mouth watering food I've ever tasted. Thank God I don't live in Brooklyn, otherwise I'd be at this fair every weekend. That would dangerous to both my waistline and wallet.

Don't believe me? Below is my list of 10 things I tried that really rung my bell (in no particular order):

People living in New York are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to annual festivals and events. This city knows how to have a good time -- all year long.

And the variety is just ridiculous:

Want food festivals? Check.
Interested in music events? Double check.
Love art and culture? Triple check.

Below is my list of some of the top events you should consider experiencing in the Big Apple.

New York is an amazing city that has so much to offer its visitors from incredible landmarks, to museums and Broadway shows, to its hip and alternative cultures, to enjoying the simple pleasures of exploring any of its historic or up and coming neighborhoods.

New York can seem like a hard and intimidating place at first glance, but on closer inspection you'll find its a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. It's a place where uniqueness is embraced and cherished, allowing people to be fearless and take chances. This has created a dynamic world with unique experiences you won't find anywhere else.

This is my ultimate list of things to see when you're in New York.

New York has a well earned reputation for being very expensive, even a short visit can be ruinous to your budget. It's one of the great ironies of the Big Apple, everyone wants to go there but few can make it work. When I visited New York this year, I was at the end of my sabbatical and my finances where pretty much in tatters. I had a limited budget and yet I was determined to make the most of my time in this incredible city. With a little planning I was able to go to the US Open, enjoy a Broadway show and explore the cultural and artistic side of this town with the limited funds that I had left.

Below is my cheapskate's guide to the city.