It’s taxing on the wallet for the visitor to New York

THIS city of eight million is a thief of hearts and wallets. The pricey, intoxicating Big Apple leaves visitors smitten and broke if their paycheque isn't big enough. 

Last year, the city was a magnet to almost 44 million tourists, partly lured by the images immortalised by Carrie Bradshaw skipping about on her Manolos and “Friends” having coffee at Central Perk.