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New York, New York
Overview
Introduction
New York City has always been a city of superlatives: largest, tallest, trendiest, best. It's also
one of the world's most dynamic places. The skyline seems to be ever-changing, and exciting
new restaurants and shops continue to pop up in unexpected neighborhoods. First-time
visitors and natives alike will experience variety at every turn.
New York offers more to see and do than you can manage in one visit. You'll find the finest
selection of entertainment, museums and restaurants in the world. Some stunning new
attractions have opened, and some old favorites have been rebuilt and refurbished like an old
Broadway musical. But the New York City skyline is still the awe-inspiring star. Two amazing
icons are still mourned, but the new Freedom Tower has already taken its place among the
city's other world-famous landmarks: the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Lincoln
Center, the Flatiron Building and the bridges—Brooklyn, Queensboro, Verrazano—to name
just a few. Most reassuring of all: The Statue of Liberty is still there, waiting to say hello.
Times Square in New York City
Highlights
Sights—The Statue of Liberty; the Empire State Building; the World Trade Center Site and National September 11 Memorial Museum;
Times Square; Grand Central Terminal; a ride on the Staten Island Ferry; Ellis Island National Monument; the Brooklyn Bridge; The United
Nations; Central Park; Chinatown; Rockefeller Center; the New York Public Library.
Museums—Metropolitan Museum of Art; Museum of Modern Art; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; Brooklyn Museum; Studio Museum in
Harlem; New Museum of Contemporary Art; Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum; Frick Collection; The Morgan Library & Museum;
Whitney Museum of American Art.
Memorable Meals—Daniel or Jean Georges for quintessential upscale New York dining; spectacular views of nighttime Manhattan from the
River Cafe in Brooklyn; Bouley for inspired French cuisine; Italian-style seafood at Marea; Lupa for boisterous Italian.
Late Night—A performance at Joe's Pub; a Broadway show or an evening of music at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center's Metropolitan
Opera House; stand-up comedy at Caroline's on Broadway; cool new jazz at Smoke.
Walks—Window­shopping along Fifth Avenue in the 50s and Madison Avenue from 59th to 86th streets; a daytime stroll through Central
Park from 59th Street to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; walking up Broadway in SoHo from Grand Street to Greenwich Village; exploring
the narrow streets and great shops of the Lower East Side; the Chelsea art galleries and bars from 13th to 27th streets between 10th and
11th avenues; Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Especially for Kids—The American Museum of Natural History and its Rose Center for Earth & Space; the Bronx Zoo; playing on the Alice
in Wonderland statue in Central Park; ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza (fall through spring) and at The Pond at Bryant Park (late October to
mid-January); the Central Park Wildlife Center; the Children's Museum of Manhattan; the New York Hall of Science; Toys "R" Us at Times
Square and FAO Schwarz; the Central Park Carousel; Sony Wonder Technology Lab.
Geography
When most people think of New York City, they think of Manhattan, a skinny island about 13 mi/21 km long and just over 2 mi/3.5 km across
at its widest point. Manhattan is bordered on the west by the Hudson River and on the east by the East River (which is actually a tidal estuary
rather than a true river). The Harlem River defines the northern tip, and New York Bay, which leads out to the Atlantic, is at the south end of
the island.
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New York City includes four other boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. Brooklyn and Queens are on the western end
of Long Island. Only The Bronx (the definite article is part of the official name) is located on the mainland. New Jersey is just across the
Hudson River from Manhattan.
Manhattan can be roughly divided into three regions: Downtown is the southern end of the island, including Wall Street; Midtown begins
around 31st Street and extends north to the southern end of Central Park (59th Street); Uptown is anywhere farther north. The city is further
divided into numerous sections within these regions. Chelsea, Gramercy Park, SoHo, the East and West villages, Hell's Kitchen (in today's
trendiness, it's called Clinton) and Harlem are just a few of the famous areas of New York.
Manhattan streets generally follow a simple grid pattern, with a few notoriously confusing exceptions, such as the twisty streets of lower
Manhattan, Greenwich Village and the diagonal swath cut by Broadway. Numbered streets (15th Street, 16th Street) run east-west with the
numbers increasing as you go north. Numbered avenues (Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue) run north-south with the numbers increasing as you go
west. Fifth Avenue is conventionally the dividing line between the East and West sides of the city. This grid system makes getting around
quite easy. If you're ever lost, just look for the cross streets, and you will inevitably find your way.
A few avenues with names can cause additional confusion. In Midtown and on the Upper East Side, the avenues east of Fifth are, in order:
Madison, Park, Lexington, Third, Second, First, York (north of 60th Street) and East End (north of 79th Street). At Columbus Circle (59th
Street) on the Upper West Side, Eighth Avenue becomes Central Park West. West of that you'll find Columbus (it's Ninth Avenue south of
there), Amsterdam (10th), Broadway, West End (11th) and Riverside Drive. And south of Houston Street (in SoHo and TriBeCa—"South of
Houston" and "Triangle Below Canal"), the numbered streets are replaced by names. This lower part of Manhattan has been known to cause
confusion for even the most steadfast New Yorker.
History
Ships have been crucial to the city's development since Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano landed on Staten Island in 1524. Henry
Hudson, an Englishman employed by the Dutch East India Co., was the first European (in 1609) to set foot on the island now known as
Manhattan—the Dutch named the place Nieuw Amsterdam. They went on to buy it from the native population at a now infamous bargain­
basement price (supposedly worth about US$24 in today's dollars). Rule over the colony changed hands between the Dutch and English
three times, until England won final possession in the late 1660s. By 1700, some 7,000 people lived in the city now called New York.
Manhattan played a key role in the American Revolution. It was designated the new country's temporary capital in 1785, and George
Washington assumed the presidency there in 1789. The city's excellent natural harbor led to its increasing importance, as it became a
commercial shipping center and a major port of entry for immigrants. By 1800, the city's population had swelled to 60,000—more than any
other city in the U.S.
The area around Manhattan grew at the same time, of course. With the completion of bridges that spanned the area waterways (the
Brooklyn Bridge was the first in 1883), the door was opened for the creation of today's five-borough New York City. The union of Manhattan
with Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island in 1898 made it a metropolis—an engine that would lead the continent and the world in
such diverse realms as finance, banking, shipping, advertising, art, theater, media, garment and other manufacturing, and, of course,
tourism.
Of course, the city has faced its share of adversity. Traffic jams, crime and pollution are all persistent issues, though most New Yorkers will
be quick to point out that the city is a good bit safer than it was even 15 years ago—and if you happen to come across a photo of New York
subways in the 1970s-80s, today's absence of graffiti will seem like a shock.
The 2001 terrorist attacks caused profound trauma to New York. A memorial at the site—and ones at firehouses and other locations
throughout the city—serve to remind families, friends and New Yorkers of the human cost. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused considerable
destruction across the region, flooding nearly one-fifth of the city and damaging more than 150,000 homes. The city has showed its
resiliency and has now completed over US$1 billion worth of recovery efforts. Most of the restaurants and buildings that had been closed
have opened their doors again, although parts of Manhattan's South Street Seaport, especially the Pier 17 shopping district, were damaged
beyond repair. (The historic ships and the interactive exhibits have reopened.) The Howard Hughes Corporation announced a controversial
plan in late 2013 to tear down Pier 17 and build a new shopping district there by 2015.
Port Information
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Location
The modern and comfortable Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Manhattan's West Side handles as many as five cruise ships at once at piers
88-94. There is easy access from the West Side Highway (12th Avenue) by car, taxi or bus. Each pier is equipped with rooftop parking, a
snack bar, waiting area, phones, taxi stand, public bus stop, tour-bus stop and complete customs processing. Phone 212-246-5450.
http://www.nycruise.com.
The pier area (12th Avenue, 48th-55th streets) is strictly a place to get on and off your ship, as this far West Side neighborhood does not
lend itself to walking. Twelfth Avenue itself is a wide, multilane boulevard that is normally heavy with traffic. However, Manhattan Waterfront
Greenway, a bicycle and pedestrian path, does run along the Manhattan shore. If you arrive in the city by ship, don't fear: Most of the city's
sights, including Fifth Avenue, the Theater District and Times Square, are only a short cab ride away.
Many ships, including the elegant Queens of the Cunard Lines, now dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at Pier 12 in Red Hook, a slowly
developing but newly trendy neighborhood. There is a convenient and secure outdoor parking lot a short walk away (US$23 overnight,
US$20 per day thereafter). Taxis and authorized town-car services are available; it's about US$51 to midtown Manhattan. Some cruise lines
also provide bus transportation. Within a few minutes' walk from the terminal, there are two city bus lines: the B77 and the B61. With either
line, it is a short ride to subway stations, and then a quick trip into Manhattan. These are fairly straightforward connections, but it is worth
having a map or asking directions at the terminal.
Though this Brooklyn terminal is smaller (it services one ship at a time), it has plenty of amenities for travelers—an on­site food truck,
vending machines, ample seating and climate control. Bowne and Imlay Streets, Brooklyn. http://www.nycruise.com.
Shore Excursions
New York is the starting point for many cruise trips to the Caribbean, Atlantic Canada, Europe and even Asia. All cruises visiting New York
offer shore excursions of the city, but New York is best explored on your own. If you do decide to take a guided tour, the ones offered by your
ship will give you a general idea of the city. They may also be more cost-effective and will guarantee that you get back to your ship in time.
The itineraries and prices of shore excursions vary among cruise lines. Some typical ship-sponsored excursions may include a scenic drive
in Lower Manhattan with a visit to the September 11 Memorial, a driving tour of New York landmarks, a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge and
various shopping excursions. Check with your travel agent for more information.
Potpourri
New York City has 840 mi/1,352 km of subway track and 1,745 mi/2,808 km of bus routes.
Manhattan comes from the Delaware Indian name Man-a-hat-ta, meaning "island of the hills."
Up until World War II, 1 May was specified by New York law as the city's "moving day," as all leases in the city expired on that date. "May
Day" became the delight of many 19th- and early-20th-century illustrators, who captured the chaotic frenzy and gridlocked streets to
humorous effect.
Macy's Department Store is the world's largest store, with 2.1 million sq ft/195,096 sq m of storage and shopping space. It is also the
world's second-largest consumer of helium (for balloons in the Thanksgiving Day parade), after the U.S. government.
The far eastern corner of the East Village is also known as Alphabet City because the avenues east of First Avenue are named avenues A,
B, C and D.
Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald are past winners of Apollo Theater's Amateur Night—but Luther Vandross
was booed off the stage four times before his career took off.
The site where the United Nations headquarters sits today was a slaughterhouse until the late 1940s. The Tudor City complex, across First
Avenue, has few windows facing the United Nations because when the buildings were completed in 1928, there were still slaughterhouses
to the east.
Nearly 30 men perished in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, including designer John Roebling, who suffered what was ultimately a fatal
accident during the sinking of the bridge's western support.
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See & Do
Sightseeing
There's more to see in New York City than ever before, and all five of the city's boroughs have things to offer.
Manhattan still reigns supreme in terms of tourist attractions. Beginning at the southern tip of the island, near the financial district and Wall
Street, you can hop a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. The chunky orange boats offer views of the city as well as the Statue of Liberty.
Although many tourists simply get right back on the boat for the return trip, Staten Island offers centuries of architecture to admire, great
museums, minor-league baseball, lush parks to stroll through and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
You can take a trip to Ellis and Liberty islands for tours of the city's original immigration center and the Statue of Liberty. Note that the Ellis
Island Immigration Center, which temporarily closed after being damaged in Hurricane Sandy, has reopened, although parts of the island
continue to undergo restoration. While downtown, many visitors pay their respects at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum that
opened on the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks.
Also in the area are the venerable Brooklyn Bridge, which enters Downtown on the southeast side of the island, and two striking, if lesser
known, sites—the African Burial Ground National Monument and the Irish Hunger Memorial. A little farther north, spend at least one
afternoon strolling the streets of SoHo to admire the art galleries and upscale boutiques, or explore Greenwich Village for excellent cafes
and restaurants.
East of SoHo and the Village are the East Village and the Lower East Side. Once a first stop for poor immigrants and crammed with
crowded tenements, small shops and warehouses, the area is now home to chic restaurants and boutiques and some of the city's coolest
nightclubs, bars and music venues.
In Midtown, the heart of the city, pay a visit to Grand Central Terminal (be sure to look up at the magnificent arched ceiling, decorated with
images of the constellations of the zodiac). Walk through Rockefeller Center. Join the throngs gawking at the huge neon signs of Times
Square (most impressive at night). If you're traveling with kids, catch a ride through the air on the massive Ferris wheel inside Toys "R" Us.
Great museum choices in Midtown include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Paley Center for Media.
Uptown you'll find Central Park, where there are green meadows, grand rock formations, lakes, the carousel and the Central Park Wildlife
Center (better known as "the Zoo"). Many of the city's best museums flank Central Park, along Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. We
highly recommend seeing at least some of the enormous, all-encompassing collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; modern art at the
Guggenheim; and bones, fossils and planets at the American Museum of Natural History and its Rose Center for Earth & Space.
Farther north is Harlem, with the historic African-American neighborhoods that nurtured the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, as well as
walking tours, gospel brunches and several worthwhile museums. At the northern tip of Manhattan is the Cloisters, a building constructed
from sections of several European monasteries and containing unique treasures from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's medieval
collections.
Across the Harlem River above Manhattan, the city's northernmost borough, The Bronx, has several enclaves worth exploring—including the
New York Botanical Garden and the "other" Little Italy—located along Belmont and Arthur avenues just south of Fordham Road. The Bronx
Zoo is a great place to take children. The Yankees earned their nickname "Bronx Bombers" from the venerable Yankee Stadium, "the house
that Ruth built," which was replaced by a new stadium right next door in 2009.
Brooklyn, across the East River from Downtown, has changed in recent years—some areas have become as popular and chic as
Manhattan. Baby boomers in search of more affordable housing moved across the Brooklyn Bridge to the elegant brownstone
neighborhoods of Park Slope, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights, while younger artists and musicians headed for lofts and rehabbed
industrial spaces in Williamsburg and DUMBO ("Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass"). Williamsburg, especially, has become a
bohemian hot spot, boasting some of the city's most interesting up­and­coming art galleries, music venues and boutiques—with many
places starting to open in Bushwick, just to the east, as well.
The borough is home to the beautiful Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Academy of Music (or BAM),
Prospect Park (which houses a small zoo), and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch. Many consider Prospect Park as fine as Central
Park—though on a less grand scale. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed both parks in the 19th century.
North of Brooklyn and just across the East River from Midtown, Queens has neighborhoods full of historic houses, amazing ethnic
restaurants and a plethora of intriguing museums, such as P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, the Museum of the Moving Image (a must-see
for movie buffs) and The Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Museum. The Mets call Citi Field home, and the U.S. Open is held late every summer at
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the Arthur Ashe Stadium of the USTA Billy Jean King National Tennis Center.
Historic Sites
African Burial Ground National Monument
During the decade between the 1690s to the 1790s, some 15,000 free and enslaved Africans
were buried in a 6.6-acre/2.7-hectare burial ground that was outside the then-boundaries of
New Amsterdam, as New York City originally was called. The grounds were rediscovered in
1991 when construction began on a federal office building in lower Manhattan. In 2006, a
portion of the burial ground was designated a National Monument. The memorial has seven
elements, including a Wall of Remembrance, a Re-Internment Grove and a Circle of the
Diaspora.
Nearby, the visitor center contains exhibits and replica artifacts, shows a 20-minute explanatory
film and provides interpretation of commemorative art commissioned for the African Burial
Ground.
290 Broadway (the memorial is around
the corner on Duane Street; subway line
4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge; R to City
Hall; or J or Z to Chambers Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-637-2019
http://www.nps.gov/afbg
The outdoor memorial is open Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Visitor center hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm (winter hours until 4 pm).
Closed Sunday and Monday. Free 90-minute walking tours about the African presence in New York upon request. Request in advance by
calling 212-637-2019.
Apollo Theater
Harlem's longest-running theater, the Apollo, is where Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald (among
others) got their starts. The landmark theater hosts concerts by known stars, as well as offering
newer artists a chance during the long-standing (since 1934) Amateur Night, held every
Wednesday. One-hour tours are offered for groups of 20 or more by appointment (call several
months in advance) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11 am, and 1 and 3 pm;
Wednesday at 11 am only; Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 1 pm, but you may join a tour on
your own if there's room.
253 W. 125th St., between Adam Clayton
Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass
boulevards (subway line A, B, C, D, 2 or
3 to 125th Street)
New York, NY
Box office and gift shop open Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday noon-5 pm. Tours cost
US$16 per person Monday-Friday, US$18 Saturday and Sunday. US$2 discount for groups of
20 or more.
https://www.apollotheater.org/programs/t
ours
Phone: 212-531-5300 or 212-531-5337
for tours
Brooklyn Bridge
When it was completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the world's longest suspension
New York, NY 11201
bridge, the city's tallest structure and the first bridge to be lighted using electricity. A muscular
giant of stone and steel linking Manhattan and Brooklyn, this engineering marvel took 13 years
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/
to build. The bridge makes a wonderfully scenic place for a stroll or a bike ride, offering stellar
brooklyn_bridge.shtml
views of both boroughs. Adhere to the pedestrian lanes if you are walking, as bikers are
outspoken when their lane is blocked. Plaques posted along the walkway relate the bridge's history.
The Manhattan side is near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station (subway lines 4, 5 or 6) or the Chambers Street station (lines J or
Z). The Brooklyn end is near the Clark Street station on subway line 2 or 3; or the High Street station on subway line A or C.
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Carnegie Hall
Ever since Tchaikovsky presided over the neo-Renaissance structure's 1891 debut, Carnegie
Hall has been the best-known concert venue in the U.S. Comprising three halls, it's primarily a
classical music venue, showcasing the greatest soloists and orchestras in the world. The big
names fill the main Isaac Stern Auditorium, and younger artists may debut in the facility's Weill
Recital Hall. Jazz and new music are often featured in the underground Zankel Hall, which
opened in 2003.
The Rose Museum, which has exhibits of the hall's history and archival treasures, is open daily
11 am-4:30 pm (admission is free; closed during summer months, when the hall does not have
concerts).
154 W. 57th St., at Seventh Avenue
(subway line A, B, C, D or 1 to 59th
Street-Columbus Circle; N, Q or R to
57th Street; F to 57th Street-Seventh
Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-247-7800. For tour
updates, call 212-903-9765
http://www.carnegiehall.org
One-hour tours of Carnegie Hall are offered September-June Monday-Friday at 11:30 am, and
at 12:30, 2 and 3 pm; Saturday 11:30 am and 12:30 pm; Sunday at 12:30 pm. Tours are US$10 adults, US$8 seniors and students, US$4
children younger than 12. Purchase tickets at the box office starting at 11 am Monday-Saturday and at noon on Sunday (no advance
reservations needed except for groups of 20 or more).
Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
A religious building project on par with the medieval cathedrals, St. John the Divine is the
largest Gothic Revival cathedral in the world. Construction began in 1892, and it still isn't
finished. Stone carvers are often repairing the structure. The church is the seat of the bishop of
the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Inside you'll find priceless tapestries by Barberini. Guided
tours take you through the cathedral's ins and outs and explain the history and architecture of
this great space. The cathedral hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
1047 Amsterdam Ave., at 112th Street
(subway line 1 to 110th Street-Cathedral
Parkway)
New York, NY 10025
Phone: 212-316-7540 for general
information, 212-932-7347 for tours
Services daily, open to visitors 7:30 am-6 pm. Tours are held Monday at 11 am and 2 pm,
http://www.stjohndivine.org
Tuesday-Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm. The standard tour is US$6 adults, US$5 seniors and
students. One-hour "Vertical Tours," in which visitors climb spiral stone staircases to the top of
the cathedral, are offered Wednesday at noon, and Saturday at noon and 2 pm. From there, you stand on a buttress, and the nave's
grandeur is revealed. Then visitors move to the roof for spectacular city views. Cost is US$15 adults, US$12 seniors and students.
Reservations are recommended, and visitors are asked to take a flashlight. Space is limited to 20 people age 12 and older. Additional
special tours are frequently offered, usually on Saturday and Sunday; check the website for details. Entrance to the cathedral is free.
Chrysler Building
This iconic art-deco structure, completed in 1929, is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in
New York. A decorative eagle head juts out near the summit, and the building's pinnacle
resembles a gleaming modernist crown—all crafted by hand in chrome­nickel steel. Though you
can't ride to the top, you can get a great look at its elegant profile from the observation deck of
the nearby Empire State Building. The beautiful lobby is also worth checking out.
405 Lexington Ave., at 42nd Street
(subway line S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd
Street-Grand Central)
New York, NY 10017
City Hall
Built between 1803 and 1812 in Federal style, and the oldest such structure in the U.S. that
remains home to its original purpose, City Hall features a number of pleasing architectural
details, including a dome and cupola. The interior houses the mayor's office and the city council,
as well as a permanent art and history collection. At the northern end of City Hall Park, you'll find
the stunning Tweed Courthouse, built in 1870 by the notorious "Boss" Tweed—construction
costs were originally budgeted at US$250,000 but ballooned to more than US$14 million. You'll
find the entrance to the pedestrian ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge there, too.
250 Broadway (subway line J or Z to
Chambers Street; 4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn
Bridge-City Hall; R to City Hall; 2 or 3 to
Park Place)
New York, NY 10007
Phone: 212-788-2656
http://www.nyc.gov/html/artcom/html/tours
Tours of City Hall are offered for individuals Thursday at 10 am; group tours are available
/reserve_tour.shtml
Monday-Wednesday at 10:30 am. A first-come, first-served City Hall tour, limited to 20 people,
is offered Wednesday at noon. Sign up at the tour kiosk 9-11:45 am the day of the tour. Tweed
Courthouse tours for individuals are offered on select Fridays at noon; group tours are given Tuesday at 10 am. Tours are free; reservations
are necessary and may be made online. Tours may not run on or around holidays.
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Eldridge Street Synagogue/Museum at Eldridge Street
Built in 1887, this synagogue was the first major place of worship for the massive Jewish
immigrant community on the Lower East Side. Today, the area is home to many Asian
immigrants, and Eldridge Street itself offers a fascinating glimpse of the ever-changing and
absorbing nature of the American immigrant experience.
12 Eldridge St. (subway line B or D to
Grand Street; F to East Broadway)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-219-0302
The building has been restored and reopened to the public as the Museum at Eldridge Street.
http://www.eldridgestreet.org
Tours are offered every hour Sunday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm and Friday 10 am-3 pm. US$10
adults, US$8 students and seniors, US$6 children ages 5-18, free for children younger than 5. Free tours are offered Monday every hour 10
am-5 pm.
Ellis Island National Monument
Note: Ellis Island is open on a limited basis because of damage from Hurricane Sandy. Some
exhibits remain closed but it is expected to fully reopen by the end of 2014.
Ellis Island was the gateway through which more than 12 million immigrants passed between
1892 and 1954. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is housed in the old immigration station
and ranks as perhaps the city's No. 1 must-see tourist site. In addition to seeing the building
itself, you can view hundreds of photos of immigrants and exhibits of items they brought with
them to the U.S.
In the Oscar-winning 30-minute film Island of Hope, Island of Tears, immigrants tell their stories
of pulling up roots and going to America. The audio tour tells the stories of immigrants in their
own words. Check at the information desk for tickets as well as film and performance schedules.
(You can get to Battery Park by subway
line N or R to Whitehall Street; 4 or 5 to
Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-363-3200 for park
information. Toll-free 877-523-9849 for
ferry information
http://www.nps.gov/elis
The American Immigrant Wall of Honor commemorates more than 600,420 first-generation Americans. Computers inside the museum allow
you to see if your last name appears anywhere on the wall. You can also search ships' manifest records for your ancestors. If your search is
successful, you'll get a reproduction of the original manifest along with a picture of the ship of passage.
You can get to Ellis Island only via the Statue of Liberty ferry, which sails from Battery Park about every 45 minutes
(http://www.statuecruises.com). Be prepared for tight security measures, including airport-style X-ray machines and metal detectors, and for
long lines to access the ferry during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
Reserve tickets, good for reaching Ellis Island and Liberty Island, may be ordered ahead of time at the ferry service website; advance
purchase is recommended to avoid ferry lines. A Flex Ticket allows unreserved entry anytime during a three-day period.
The monument is open daily 9:30 am-5:15 pm (closed Christmas Day); hours are extended during peak seasons, so check the website for
updates. The last ferry leaves Manhattan for the island at 2 pm. Admission is free, but there are separate fees for the audio tour (US$8
adults, US$7.25 seniors and children) and performance (US$6 adults). The ferry ride costs US$18 adults, US$14 seniors, US$9 children
ages 4-12, free for children younger than 4. Note that the ferry ticket fee also includes the audio tour.
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Empire State Building
This quintessential New York landmark was once the tallest building in the world and the tallest
in the city—but the newly­opened 1 World Trade Center tower now holds that title. From the
86th-floor Main Observation Deck of the Empire State Building, you have the best view of other
enduring landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Try to go at night,
when the view is absolutely spellbinding and the lines for the elevators are a bit shorter (though
you should expect a wait even then). There are actually three different lines to wait on—security,
ticket and elevator; prepurchasing tickets eliminates the ticket-line wait. The 102nd-floor Top
Deck Observatory requires an additional ticket (which can be purchased upon arrival or online)
in addition to the admission fee. Another attraction in the building is the New York Skyride, a
30­minute flight simulation that makes you feel as if you're soaring over the city—it's a bit hokey
but fun to do with kids.
350 Fifth Ave., at 34th Street (subway
line B, D, F, N, Q, R, 1, 2 or 3 to 34th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-736-3100. Toll-free 877692-8439
http://www.esbnyc.com
Both observation decks are open daily 8 am-2 am (last elevator goes up 45 minutes before closing time). The simulator is in operation daily
8 am-10 pm (phone 212-279-9777;.
Flatiron Building
Built in 1902, the much-photographed, 21-story Italian-Renaissance Flatiron Building (officially,
the Fuller Building) was, despite local lore, neither the city's first skyscraper nor its first steelskeleton building. Its wedge­shaped footprint—it's only 6.5 ft/2 m wide at its narrowest point—
was designed to fit a triangular piece of land. The interior cannot be toured—it's now the home
of publishing firms and offices—but there are many cool shops in the vicinity to make a stop
worthwhile.
175 Fifth Ave., at 23rd Street (subway
line F, M, N, R or 6 to 23rd Street)
New York, NY 10003
General Grant National Memorial
We all know this site as Grant's Tomb, but it's actually a National Memorial operated by the
National Park Service. It is the largest tomb in North America and a mausoleum containing the
bodies of Civil War general and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent
Grant. The building sits well above the Hudson River, and it's also a memorial to Grant's life and
accomplishments. The main lobby overlooks a sanctuary in which Grant and his wife are
entombed in twin granite sarcophagi.
122nd Street, at Riverside Drive (subway
line 1 to West 116th Street, then walk six
blocks north and two blocks west)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-666-1640
http://www.nps.gov/gegr
Busts of Civil War generals William T. Sherman, George H. Thomas, James B. McPherson,
Philip H. Sheridan and E.O.C. Ord line the space. There are commemorative mosaic murals
and other sculptures—including Victory and Peace by J. Massey Rhind. Open-air concerts and community activities are offered at the park.
Ranger-guided walking tours are offered daily at 11:15 am, and 1:15 and 3:15 pm.
Open Thursday-Monday 9 am-5 pm; the mausoleum opens at 10 am, noon, and 2 and 4 pm, and remains open for one hour each time.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
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Grand Central Terminal
One of the busiest train stations in the world, this architectural monument to American
transportation was saved from destruction in 1978 by a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Its
Renaissance-style architecture creates a strangely peaceful backdrop for the dance of
thousands of frenetic commuters. The creamy-rose, Tennessee-marble floors gleam, as do the
hundreds of bulbs in the brass chandeliers.
42nd Street at Park Avenue (subway line
S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd Street-Grand
Central)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-340-3404 for event
The Sky Ceiling is a heart-stopper: The aquamarine image of the night sky is speckled with tiny
information
lights for stars, and major constellations are outlined in gold. There are more than 68 shops and
http://www.grandcentralterminal.com
35 restaurants, including the famed Grand Central Oyster Bar. Don't miss the Whispering
Gallery outside the entrance to the Oyster Bar, where two people standing at opposite corners
of the busy gallery can face the corners, whisper and hear one another clearly. The Grand Central Market has vendors selling produce,
cheeses, baked goods and gourmet treats from around the world, and is a great place to stock up on food for a picnic in Central Park.
Group tours offered by the Municipal Art Society (flat rate of US$400 for up to 35 people) must be booked at least two weeks in advance
(inquire by e-mail: [email protected]). The Municipal Art Society conducts 90-minute walking tours on Wednesday at 12:30 pm. They meet
at the information booth at the center of the main concourse, and a donation of US$20 per person is requested (phone 212-935-3960 for
information). A self-guided tour is available on the terminal's website, and an audio tour app can be purchased for US$4.99; a map and
directory can be obtained at the information booth on the Main Concourse.
The terminal is open daily 5:30 am-2 am. Hours for shops and restaurants vary.
Irish Hunger Memorial
One of the least known and most surprising Manhattan sites, this 0.25-acre/0.10-hectare
memorial was created by artist Brian Tolle to raise awareness of the events that led to the great
Irish famine of 1845-62, in which more than 1.5 million people died and millions more left
Ireland.
The memorial is elevated on a limestone plinth. Its base is made of frosted glass separated by
layers of Kilkenny limestone containing fossils from the ancient Irish seabed. On it, text
combines the Great Famine story and contemporary reports on world hunger. A pathway to the
top of the area is surrounded by native Irish vegetation and runs past a ruined fieldstone cottage
and stone walls, ending at a pilgrim's standing stone.
290 Vesey St., at North End Avenue
(subway line E to World Trade Center; 1,
2 or 3 to Chambers Street)
New York, NY
http://www.batteryparkcity.org/new/Visit/M
useums-And-Memorials/Irish-HungerMemorial.php
At the western end, a cantilevered overlook reveals superb views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, emblematic of America's welcome
to the Irish and to all immigrants.
Always open, although the overlook closes after nightfall.
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Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
This large complex, considered America's first performing-arts center, is home to the
Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the New York
Philharmonic, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Juilliard School, the School of American Ballet, the
American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet.
A dizzying array of performances is presented in the center's numerous theaters and
auditoriums, which include Avery Fisher Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, the Vivian
Beaumont Theater, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the David H. Koch Theater, Alice Tully Hall
at the Juilliard School, Frederick P. Rose Hall and the Walter Reade Theater.
Columbus Avenue, at 64th Street
(subway line 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln
Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-875-5000 for information, or
212-875-5350 for tours
http://www.lincolncenter.org
In addition, Lincoln Center is jam-packed with special events year-round, including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held in February and
September. Tours of the center explore its architecture and history and offer behind-the-scenes visits to the Metropolitan Opera House,
Avery Fisher Hall and the Koch Theater. Meet-the-artist opportunities and visits to rehearsals-in-progress are also available.
There are free performances on Thursday at 7:30 pm, as well as free performance and question-and-answer sessions with artists on the first
Saturday of each month at 11 am. There are several dining options, including the acclaimed Italian restaurant Lincoln, in a dramatic setting
next to the center's reflecting pool.
Tours are available Monday-Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm (flexible scheduling and discounts for groups) and Sunday noon-4:30 pm. Check
the website for exact times when you make reservations, as the tour schedule varies. Reservations recommended. Tours are US$18 adults,
US$15 students under 30 with valid ID, US$8 children ages 6-12.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library system is more than just one of the world's great research
libraries. Its two-block-long main branch (in the Stephen A. Schwarzman building) lures
residents and visitors alike with its two stone lion mascots (dubbed Patience and Fortitude by
the late Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, and familiar from the movie Ghostbusters), and its beautiful
beaux-arts facade, grand entrance hall, changing exhibits and 132 mi/213 km of shelves. The
Main Reading Room stretches the length of a football field.
Fifth Avenue, between 40th and 42nd
streets (subway line B, D, F or M to 42nd
Street-Bryant Park; 7 to Fifth Avenue)
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 917-275-6975
http://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman
The library's 15 million items, including rare illuminated manuscripts, can be used in the reading
rooms—but no books leave the premises. Bags are inspected when you enter and depart. The
library shop is one of the best places to find good New York souvenirs, as well as books about the city.
Open Monday and Thursday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm (closed on Sunday during the
summer). Separate tours of the library and exhibits are offered Monday and Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm, Sunday at 2 pm.
New York Stock Exchange
The beginnings of the New York Stock Exchange are rooted in the agreement among 24
brokers who decided in 1792 to trade securities only among themselves. The pledge they
signed, called the Buttonwood Agreement, was named for their meeting place under a
buttonwood tree that faced 68 Wall St. The exchange no longer offers public tours, but the
imposing facade is worth viewing.
20 Broad St., between Wall Street and
Exchange Place (subway line J or Z to
Broad Street; 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Wall Street)
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 212-656-3000
http://www.nyse.com
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Radio City Music Hall
This gorgeously ornate art-deco theater presents just about everything, from the synchronized
moves of the Rockettes to pop-music shows and the annual Christmas extravaganza. The
Rockette Experience lets dancers age 10 and older take a three-hour master class and mock
audition with a real Rockette. Workshop fee is US$120; observers pay US$45. For general
information, visit http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/workshops/rockette/index.shtml. To
reserve a spot, call 212-582-9304.
The one-hour Stage Door tours take you behind the scenes daily 11 am-3 pm, on the half-hour.
Tour tickets are US$24.45 adults, US$19.50 seniors and children 12 and younger; to purchase
tickets in advance, phone 866-858-0008.
1260 Sixth Ave., at 50th Street (subway
line B, D, F or M to 47th-50th StreetsRockefeller Center; N, R or Q to 49th
Street)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-247-4777 for general
information
http://www.radiocity.com
Rockefeller Center
Built in grand style in the 1930s, this massive art-deco complex is perhaps most famous for its
annual Christmas tree­lighting ceremony and its ice­skating rink (open October­April—skates
available for rental). A 90-minute Art & Observation Tour explores Rockefeller Center's art,
architecture and sculpture, finishing with a visit to the observation deck. US$40 (US$17 to take
the tour without visiting the observation deck). Tours depart daily 10 am-7 pm on the hour
except for 6 pm.
The six-level observation deck, Top of the Rock, is open every day 8 am-midnight (last elevator
at 11 pm); US$29 adults, US$27 seniors, US$18 children ages 6-12. A Sunrise-Sunset ticket,
which allows two visits in one day, is US$42 adults, US$24 children. To purchase tour and Top
of the Rock tickets, enter on West 50th Street between.
Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 52nd streets
(subway line B, D, F or M to 47th-50th
Streets-Rockefeller Center; N, R or Q to
49th Street)
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-332-6868 for general
information
http://www.rockefellercenter.com
Statue of Liberty
A universal symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is located in New York
Harbor. Lady Liberty's imposing height (305 ft/93 m) and her symbolic welcome are seen by all
who sail past her. Visitors can admire the view from the observation deck (at the statue's toe
level), look up inside the statue from below a glass ceiling, and visit a museum chronicling the
monument's history and construction. France donated the Statue of Liberty as a gesture of
international friendship to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence.
The interior of the statue was closed after the September 2001 attacks on the World Trade
Center, but the crown is open for visitors who make a reservation to see it. Liberty Island is
open for tours; be aware that extensive security measures are in place on the Statue of Liberty
ferry and again on the island.
(You can get to Battery Park by subway
line N or R to Whitehall Street; 4 or 5 to
Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry.)
New York, NY 10004
Phone: Toll-free 877-523-9849 for ferry
information
http://www.nps.gov/stli
It is only accessible by the Statue of Liberty ferry, which leaves from Battery Park about every 45 minutes (http://www.statuecruises.com).
Tours of the Statue of Liberty are free, but you will need advance reservations (called a "Monument Access" pass and given when you
reserve your ferry ticket). Reserve tickets, good for reaching Ellis Island and Liberty Island, may be ordered ahead of time at the ferry service
website; advance purchase is recommended to avoid ferry lines. A Flex Ticket allows unreserved entry any time during a three-day period.
The ferry costs US$18 adults, US$17 seniors, US$9 children ages 4-12.
The statue is open daily 9:30 am-5 pm (with extended hours in peak seasons). The last ferry to the island sails from Manhattan at 2 pm.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of New York. The nave of
this enormous, ornate, Gothic-style building opened in 1879, and construction was completed in
1931. It now seats 2,200 people. The cathedral was designed by architect James Renwick Jr.,
and the St. Michael and St. Louis altars were made by Tiffany & Co. The soaring columns,
brilliant stained­glass windows—including the dramatic rose window over the west entrance—
and sculptures are breathtaking.
Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st
streets (subway line B, D, F or M to 47th50th Streets-Rockefeller Center; E to
Fifth Avenue-53rd Street)
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-753-2261
The cathedral hosts a variety of organ and choral concerts, and walk­in tours are offered—
usually at 10 am, but the day varies. Visit the cathedral website for an event schedule.
http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org
Daily 6:30 am-8:45 pm.
St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel is part of Trinity Church, and it resembles London's St. Martin-in-the-Fields in
its Georgian-classical-revival style. Erected in 1766, it is the oldest surviving public structure in
Manhattan and has witnessed many historic events. George Washington worshipped there on
his inauguration day in 1789 and attended services there for the two years that New York was
the national capital. Other notable worshippers have included King William IV of England and
U.S. presidents Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison.
209 Broadway (subway line A, C, J, Z, 2,
3, 4 or 5 to Fulton Street-BroadwayNassau; E to World Trade Center; R to
City Hall; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-233-4164
Following 9/11, the chapel served as a round-the-clock ministry for World Trade Center rescue
workers for more than eight months. An exhibit documents the Ground Zero relief efforts. There
is a labyrinth available for the public to walk; call ahead to be sure it's open.
http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/congregati
on/spc
Chapel open Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm (gift shop closes at 4:45 pm), Sunday 7 am-9 pm.
Temple Emanu-El
Built in 1929, this Moorish-Romanesque temple with its vaulted roof is one of the largest
synagogues in the world. The 2,500-seat sanctuary has a marvelous bronze ark in the shape of
a Torah scroll, decorated in spectacular mosaics. Be sure to note the radiant stained-glass
windows, one of which is an original designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The temple regularly
hosts concerts and lectures. Free tours for groups of 10 or more are offered at 10:30 am
Sunday-Thursday, after morning services. To sign up for a tour, fill out the form on the website.
1 E. 65th St., at Fifth Avenue (subway
line N or R to Fifth Avenue-59th Street; F
to 63rd Street-Lexington Avenue; 6 to
68th Street)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-744-1400
The temple also houses the Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica, open SundayThursday 10 am-4:30 pm; free admission.
http://www.emanuelnyc.org
The United Nations
The U.N. headquarters houses the world's largest international governmental organization, and
its three connecting buildings were designed by an international team of architects. The boxy
Dag Hammarskjold Library, the glass-walled Secretariat tower and the low-slung General
Assembly dominate the site, which is considered international territory. The colorful flags from
nearly 200 countries flying along First Avenue are one of New York's best photo ops. There is
also a bookshop.
First Avenue, at 46th Street (subway line
S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd Street-Grand
Central)
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-963-8687
http://visit.un.org
Forty-five-minute guided tours are offered every half-hour Monday-Friday 9:45 am-4:45 pm,
Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4:15 pm. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.
Note that the UN is closed on several U.S. holidays, and on certain international holidays. Call ahead for hours. Tours cost US$18 adults,
US$11 for seniors and students, US$9 children ages 5-12. Children younger than age 5 are not permitted on tours. Credit cards not
accepted.
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Trinity Church
The first Trinity Church, built in 1698, was once considered the tallest building in the colonies.
After fires destroyed the two previous churches on the site, Richard Upjohn built the current
structure in 1846—it includes flying buttresses, vaulted ceilings and doors modeled after
Ghiberti's bronze Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery in Florence, Italy.
The original burial ground includes the graves of many historic figures, including Alexander
Hamilton. The church's museum has a permanent collection of historical documents and
artifacts. Special exhibitions give you a sense of what life was like during the American
Revolution, the Civil War and even the turbulent 1960s.
74 Trinity Place, near the corner of
Broadway and Wall Street (subway line R
or 1 to Rector Street; 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Wall
Street; J or Z to Broad Street)
New York, NY 10006
Phone: 212-602-0800
http://www.trinitywallstreet.org
Open Monday-Friday 7 am-6 pm, Saturday 8 am-4 pm, Sunday 7 am-4 pm. Hours of worship services vary. Free guided tours MondayFriday at 2 pm, Sunday following the 11:15 am service. For groups, guided tours by the head verger are also available by appointment
(phone 212-602-0756 or 212-602-0872). Trinity churchyard hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm (until 5 pm mid-March to early
November), Sunday 7 am-3 pm. Trinity Choir performs a regular concert schedule.
World Trade Center Site and National September 11 Memorial and Museum
The tall, wire-mesh fence is being dismantled around much of the Memorial Plaza, which
means, for the first time in 13 years, pedestrians can cross West Street and be connected to
the World Trade Center Site from Battery Park Plaza. Liberty Street's has come down as well,
while fencing will remain on Fulton Street as long as it's still an active construction site.
1 Albany St., at Greenwich Street
(subway line 4, 5, J or Z to Fulton Street;
A or C to Broadway-Nassau; E to
Chambers Street; 2 or 3 to Park Place; R
to City Hall)
New York, NY
Much of the surrounding area is back to normal, with street vendors around the main site doing
brisk business selling T-shirts, flags and other souvenir memorabilia. The overall plan for the
new buildings at the site was selected after extensive debate and publicity. There will be five
Phone: 212-266-5211
buildings that comprise the new World Trade Center plaza, with 1 World Trade Center (also
http://www.911memorial.org
known as the Freedom Tower) as the centerpiece. It completed construction in the spring of
2014. A slender structure made of glass and steel, it twists as it rises from the ground and is
topped with a distinctive spire. At 1,776 feet in height (designed to reflect the year of the country's independence), it is the tallest building in
the Western Hemisphere. It has already become a dominant feature of the New York skyline. http://www.wtc.com/about/freedom-tower.
The National September 11 Memorial, which has pools sunk in the footprints of the Twin Towers, is a moving display of national grief and a
tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks and the six people who perished in the buildings' 1993 bombing.
(You can leave mementos or flowers in front of the Memorial pools.)
The National September 11 Museum opened in May 2014 and presents exhibits about the events that happened on that day in 2001 at the
World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Northern Virginia, and in the plane crash in rural Pennsylvania. The museum's design leads visitors
seven stories underground, beneath the memorial basins to the building's very bedrock, which has become known as Ground Zero, and
contains unidentified human remains. One exhibition retraces the day's events as they unfolded. Another displays objects belonging to the
victims, airplane fragments, memorial items left on-site after the attacks, equipment used in the search and rescue efforts, and more.
The museum has been surrounded with controversy since its very beginning, with the harshest criticism directed at the opening of a gift shop
on-site and plans for a cafe. Detractors say commercial ventures should not take place on the same location as the burial ground. Museum
officials have responded by pulling the most egregious merchandise from the shop's shelves. The cafe's operator, famed chef Danny Meyer,
promises the cafe will be a place for rest and reflection and will feature a "subdued, seasonal, mostly vegetarian menu."
Memorial open daily 8:30 am-8:30 pm. The Museum is open daily 9 am-8 pm, with last entry at 7 pm (until 8 pm with last entry at 6 pm from
late September-December). The Memorial is free. General admission to the museum is US$24 adults, US$18 seniors, U.S. veterans and
college students, US$15 ages 7-17. Admission with hour-long guided tours is US$42 adults, US$36 seniors, U.S. veterans and college
students, US$33 ages 7-17. There is a US$2 service fee for tickets. Free admission Tuesday 5 pm-8 pm. There are a limited number of
tickets available each month, so you must book your tickets in advance on the website and select the time you wish to visit.
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Museums
You'll find world-class museums in all five boroughs, but make time for the stretch of Fifth Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side known as
Museum Mile. It's home to a group of top choices, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the
Frick Collection, the Jewish Museum, the Neue Gallerie New York, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, El Museo del Barrio and the
Museum of the City of New York.
Every June, nine museums host the Museum Mile Festival from 85th to 104th streets. Fifth Avenue closes to traffic, and live bands and
musicians play everything from jazz to Broadway tunes. Outdoor art activities for children, mapmaking at the Museum of the City of New
York, figure-painting at the Cooper-Hewitt and chalk-drawing in the streets combine in an explosion of public art. For more information, visit
http://www.museummilefestival.org.
Museums inspect many items carried by visitors. Most do not allow luggage, large backpacks or laptops in their galleries and will not store
such items in their coat checks. Strollers and wheelchairs are usually allowed; some museums may provide wheelchairs. Some museums
may allow photography, though usually only with the flash turned off; ask before taking pictures.
American Folk Art Museum
You don't need to be a lover of folk art to appreciate this museum. Its angular, metal-panel
facade is a striking presence on 53rd Street, and the building's interior is noteworthy, too. Much
of what's on display came from the collector Ralph Esmerian, who specialized in works that
draw upon European craft traditions. The book-and-gift shop offers a selection of fine crafts.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 11:30-7:30 pm, Friday noon-7:30 pm, Saturday 11:30-7 pm. Free.
2 Lincoln Square; Columbus Avenue at
66th Street (subway line 1 to 66th StreetLincoln Center; A, B or C to 72nd Street)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-265-1040
http://www.folkartmuseum.org
American Museum of Natural History/Rose Center for Earth & Space
The Museum of Natural History is best known for having the largest collection of dinosaur fossils
and skeletons in the world. The Dinosaur Hall is everyone's favorite, and visitors can learn more
about dinosaurs through interactive computers that are part of the exhibits. Elsewhere, there are
informative exhibits of early Asian, Mexican and precolonial North American life. In the
Discovery Room, young visitors can hunt for hidden creatures in a two-story replica of an
African baobab tree filled with tropical birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals. Suggested
admission to the museum is US$22 adults, US$17 seniors and students, US$12.50 children
age 12 and younger. Open daily 10 am-5:45 pm.
Central Park West, at 79th Street
(subway line B or C to 81st StreetMuseum of Natural History)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-769-5100
http://www.amnh.org
The Rose Center for Earth & Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium, is stunning: a giant metallic orb 87 ft/27 m in diameter,
enclosed within a huge, nine-story-high glass structure. In the Space Theater, see a show that takes you on an exhilarating trip through space
and time. Shows are every half-hour Monday-Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm (except Wednesday when the first show is at 11 am), Saturday and
Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm.
Admission to the Rose Center is included with a museum ticket, but additional fees are charged for the Space Theater and IMAX films.
Brooklyn Children's Museum
First founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum was one of the first designed just for
children. It has undergone extensive renovations and is now double its previous size. With all
the modern technology and innovation expected of today's children's museums, it's very much a
hands-on place. Children can pluck a guitar, handle earthworms, adopt a plant and test their
shoe-tying skills in a unique building reached through an underground People Tube. They can
also use interactive exhibits to explore the diverse cultures represented in Brooklyn's
neighborhoods. There's a special area for children younger than 5 and a collection of more than
27,000 objects—from Queen Elizabeth II coronation dolls to an elephant skeleton.
Open daily except Monday 10 am-5 pm; hours may be extended during July and August. US$9
per person, free for children younger than 1. Free days and hours are offered every month;
check the website for a schedule.
145 Brooklyn Ave., at St. Mark's Avenue
(subway line 3, 4, A or C to Kingston
Avenueùyou then have to walk several
blocks; call or check the website for
specific directions)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-735-4400
http://www.brooklynkids.org
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Brooklyn Museum
The city's second-largest museum is housed in an impressive beaux-arts building just a block
from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and Prospect Park. Its Egyptian, African and Native
American collections are some of its strongest points, and it also exhibits significant works by
John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. Don't miss the Rodin
sculpture gallery. There are also exceptional holdings in American fine and decorative arts from
the colonial era to the present. The Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art includes a
permanent display of Judy Chicago's ceramic work The Dinner Party.
200 Eastern Parkway, at Washington
Avenue (subway line 2 or 3 to Eastern
Parkway-Brooklyn Museum)
New York, NY 11238
Phone: 718-638-5000
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org
Open Wednesday and Friday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm, Thursday 11 am-10 pm. On the first
Saturday of each month, the museum remains open until 11 pm, with free admission after 5 pm. Suggested donation US$12 adults, US$8
seniors and students, free for children younger than 12. Additional fees for special exhibitions. An Art & Garden Ticket allows entry to the
museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens; US$20 adults, US$11 seniors and students.
Children's Museum of Manhattan
Fun programs, workshops and performances for children in a changing lineup—including a
journey with Dora the Explorer—teach numbers, teamwork and other life skills. The museum
store offers books and toys for children
Open daily except Monday 10 am-5 pm (Saturday until 7 pm). Open until 8 pm on the first
Friday of the month, with free admission after 5 pm. US$11 per person older than 1, US$7
seniors.
Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St., between
Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway
(subway line 1 to 79th or 86th streets)
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-721-1223
http://www.cmom.org
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
Housed in the beautiful Andrew Carnegie Mansion, this branch of the Smithsonian Institution is
devoted to historic and contemporary design. Its collection of decorative textiles, porcelain and
wallpaper traces the development of design through the centuries. Note: The galleries at 91st
Street and Fifth Avenue are closed for renovations until fall 2014. All exhibits are being shown
at the visitors center of the United Nations building at First Avenue and 46th Street.
First Avenue between 45th and 46th
streets (subway line S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to
42nd Street-Grand Central)
New York, NY 10128
Phone: 212-849-8400
Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5:30 pm (last admission 4:45 pm), Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am5:30 pm (last admission 4:45 pm). US$15 adults, US$10 students and seniors, free for children
younger than 12.
http://www.cooperhewitt.org
El Museo del Barrio
This museum, founded in 1969, is about 20 blocks north on Fifth Avenue from the Metropolitan
Museum of Art and is a collection of Latin American art including sculpture, painting and
photography. It offers special programs including films and performances.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm. Suggested admission is US$9 adults, US$5 seniors and
students, free for children younger than 12; free for seniors on Wednesday. Free every third
Saturday.
1230 Fifth Ave., at 104th Street (subway
line 6 to 103rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-831-7272
http://www.elmuseo.org
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Federal Reserve of New York
Unlike in Washington D.C., you can't see money being printed there. But you can tour a vault 80
ft/24 m below ground, where 6,700 tons of gold bars are stored (multiply that by the value per
ounce of gold, and you'll understand its enormous value). This is—quite literally—about 25% of
the reserves of the world's gold. There is also an exhibit of rare and precious coins. Guided
tours are required and last about an hour. Reservations are recommended up to a month in
advance; fill out your request (including all of the names of individuals in your group) online.
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for security.
33 Liberty Street (subway line A, C or J
to Fulton Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-720-5000
http://www.newyorkfed.org/aboutthefed/vi
siting.html
Tours are available September-May Monday-Friday at 1 pm and 2 pm. June-August, tours are
available at 10 am, 1 pm and 2 pm.
Fisher Landau Center for Art
The center houses an intriguing and diverse contemporary art collection, as well as innovative
temporary exhibitions—and, along with P.S. 1, provides an anchor to the emerging Long Island
City art scene.
Thursday-Monday noon-5 pm. Free admission.
38-27 30th Street, Long Island City
(subway line N or Q to 39th Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-937-0727
http://www.flcart.org
Frick Collection
The 1910 mansion of U.S. industrialist Henry Frick faces Central Park and is now a museum
that houses his stunning collection of 14th- to 19th-century European paintings, objets d'art and
furniture. It includes Holbein's Sir Thomas More and Degas' The Rehearsal, as well as
paintings by Goya, Vermeer and others. The courtyard, with its fountain, ivy and stone benches,
is a fine place to rest.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm. US$20 adults, US$15 seniors,
US$10 students. Children ages 10-16 admitted only with adult; children younger than 10 not
admitted.
1 E. 70th St., at Fifth Avenue (subway
line 6 to 68th Street-Hunter College)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-288-0700
http://www.frick.org
International Center of Photography Museum
This museum has a collection of more than 100,000 photographs, most of which document
1930s-60s Europe and the Americas. It also offers well-regarded photography courses and
workshops. The gift shop has an extensive collection of books about the art and practice of
taking pictures.
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm; Thursday and Friday 10 am-8
pm. US$14 adults, US$10 students and seniors. Admission by voluntary contribution Friday 5-8
pm.
1133 Sixth Ave., at 43rd Street (subway
line B, D, F or M to 42nd Street-Bryant
Park; 7 to Fifth Avenue)
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-857-0000
http://www.icp.org
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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
The aircraft carrier USS Intrepid was tugged out of the muck of the Hudson River and spent a
couple of years at Sullivan Pier in Staten Island for refurbishment. Simultaneously, its home at
Pier 86 had extensive renovations. Now the ship has re-docked. The Intrepid aircraft carrier
was commissioned for duty in World War II and served in the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts,
as well as being used as a primary NASA space capsule recovery ship. Exhibits include a 4-D
motion-ride theater, a jet cockpit simulator and a variety of aircraft, including fighter planes,
helicopters and the supersonic passenger jet Concorde.
In 2012, the space shuttle Enterprise was brought to the museum and is now the main attraction
in the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which also houses exhibits about the shuttle program.
Pier 86, 12th Avenue at 46th Street
(subway line A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3
or 7 to 42nd Street, then walk or take the
M42 bus to the Hudson River)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-245-0072
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org
Open daily 10 am-5 pm (until 6 pm during spring and summer); closed on Monday November-March. Last tickets sold one hour before
closing. US$24 adults; US$20 seniors and college students with ID; US$19 children ages 7-17; US$17 veterans; US$12 children ages 3-6;
free for children younger than 3, and retired and active-duty military. A US$2 facility fee is added to every ticket purchased, either online or
on location (this fee is included in the price). US$2 discount for ordering tickets online. 3-D simulators cost US$9.
Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Museum
Created by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi and one of the first museums in the U.S. to
be devoted to the work of a single artist, the museum presents a comprehensive collection of
Noguchi works in stone, metal, wood and clay. It also holds models for many of the public
projects and gardens, dance sets and Akari Light Sculptures he designed. The museum's 13
gallery spaces set within an old factory were also designed by Noguchi, as was a remarkable
rock garden that contains major granite and basalt sculptures. A cafe and a gift shop are onsite, too, and free gallery talks are offered Wednesday-Sunday at 2 pm.
9-01 33rd Road, at Vernon Boulevard
(subway line N to Broadway-31st Street;
F to Queensbridge-21st Street; check
the website for walking directions from
the subway)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-204-7088
Open Wednesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-6 pm; closed Monday and
http://www.noguchi.org
Tuesday. US$10 adults, US$5 seniors and students with valid ID, free for children younger than
12. Pay what you wish on the first Friday of every month. The museum operates a Sunday
shuttle-bus service that leaves from the northeast corner of Park Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan (in front of the Asia Society) every
hour on the half hour 12:30-3:30 pm. It departs the museum on the hour 1-5 pm. Shuttle fare is US$5 one way, US$10 round-trip.
Jewish Museum
This is one of the nation's pre-eminent institutions dedicated to Jewish history and culture. It
offers works of art, ceremonial objects, archaeological evidence, photographs and more. Cafe
Weissman serves kosher cuisine.
The museum is open Saturday-Tuesday 11 am-5:45 pm, Thursday 11 am-8 pm, Friday 11 am4 pm. Closed Wednesday and major Jewish holidays. US$15 adults, US$12 seniors, US$7.50
students, free for children younger than 12. Free admission on Saturday; pay what you wish
Thursday 5-8 pm.
1109 Fifth Ave., at 92nd Street (subway
line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street; 6 to 96th
Street)
New York, NY 10128
Phone: 212-423-3200
http://www.thejewishmuseum.org
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Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Located in what was once a predominantly Jewish immigrant neighborhood, this 1863
tenement house has been re-created to depict families' apartments as they would have looked
in the 19th century, the Great Depression and the mid-20th century. It's one of the city's best
museums and presents insight into immigrant life and how it affected New York City, but it's not
well-known. The museum can only be experienced by guided tour, and you can view an
informative film about immigrant life while you wait for your tour to begin.
103 Orchard St., south of Delancey
Street (subway line B or D to Grand
Street; F, J, M or Z to Delancey StreetEssex Street)
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-982-8420
The museum offers several tours, including "Getting By," "Piecing It Together," "The Moores: An
http://www.tenement.org
Irish-American Family in America," "Immigrant Soles" (a neighborhood walking tour) and "The
Confino Apartment Tour." This last tour gives children the chance to try on period clothing and
chat with interpreters portraying immigrants who lived there more than a century ago. Phone or check the website for an exact tour schedule.
Reservations for tours are highly recommended.
Purchase advance tickets on the website or by phone at 866-606-7232; same-day tour tickets must be purchased at the visitors center. The
museum is open daily 10 am-6 pm; last tour at 5 pm. US$25 adults, US$20 seniors and students, free for children age 5 and younger. The
apartment tour is suitable for children ages 5 and older. All tours begin at the museum's visitors center.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you visit only one museum in New York, this is the one. It covers 5,000 years of art and culture
from all over the world, with more than 3 million works of art. The Egyptian art rivals any
collection outside of Cairo (the Temple of Dendur, built about 15 BC, is among the museum's
most-visited sites), and the Greco-Roman galleries contain some of the most important
sculptures in the world.
1000 Fifth Ave., at 82nd Street (subway
line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-535-7710
http://www.metmuseum.org
You can see such wonderful treasures as a Rembrandt sketch of Da Vinci's The Last Supper;
Botticelli's painting of The Annunciation; and fabulous works by Vermeer, Monet, Renoir,
Manet, Degas, Gauguin and Van Gogh. The Met's arms and armor collection, which includes some 15,000 pieces from around the world,
fascinates children and adults alike. The extensive Islamic Art galleries, which reopened after a multiyear renovation, are captivating. The
Cantor Roof Garden displays modern sculpture and offers wonderful views of Central Park and the surrounding skyline. The space has a
cafeteria, cafes, and a bookstore and gift shop.
Open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-9 pm. Galleries are cleared 15 minutes before
closing; some galleries may not open before 11 am on Sunday. Suggested donation US$25 adults, US$17 seniors, US$12 students, free
for children younger than 12. Admission includes same-day admission to the main building at The Cloisters on the northern tip of Manhattan.
The museum offers several free tours and lectures.
Museum of Arts & Design
This museum focuses on contemporary crafts, from tapestries to teapots. It represents a variety
of media, including fiber, wood, clay and metal. There's also a terrific menu of weekend
workshops available (many are free with museum admission), meet-the-artist programs, a 155seat auditorium and a ninth-floor restaurant with Central Park views. Delightful objects are for
sale in the gift store.
2 Columbus Circle (subway line A, B, C,
D or 1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle; N,
R or Q to 57th Street-Seventh Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-299-7777
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm; Thursday and Friday 10 am-9
pm. US$16 adults, US$14 seniors and students (pay what you wish Thursday 6-9 pm), free for
children 12 and younger.
http://www.madmuseum.org
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Museum of Chinese in America
This small museum in the heart of Chinatown began as a community project and has developed
into a valuable educational and cultural resource. Changing exhibitions, guided walking tours of
Chinatown and other programs make this small gem a worthwhile addition to any Chinatown
visit.
Open daily except Monday 11 am-6 pm (Thursday until 9 pm); hours may vary slightly in July and
August. US$10 adults, US$5 students and seniors; free for children younger than 8. Free
admission Thursday.
215 Centre St., between Howard and
Grand streets (subway line J, N, Q, R, Z
or 6 to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-619-4785
http://www.mocanyc.org
Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
The mission of this museum is to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the 20thcentury Jewish experience before, during and after the Holocaust. Exhibitions and displays are
divided into three themes: Jewish life a century ago, war against the Jews and Jewish renewal.
Photography is not permitted in the galleries.
Open Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday 10 am-5:45 pm, Wednesday 10 am-8 pm, Friday 10 am3 pm (till 5 pm mid-March to early November). Closed on Jewish holidays and Thanksgiving.
US$12 adults, US$10 seniors, US$7 students, free for children younger than 12. Free
admission Wednesday 4-8 pm, although some programs may still require a fee. A gift shop and
a cafe for kosher dining are on-site.
Edmond J. Safra Plaza (subway line 1 to
South Ferry; R to Whitehall Street-South
Ferry; 4 or 5 to Bowling Green)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-437-4202
http://www.mjhnyc.org
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The museum soars above West 53rd Street, a work of art in itself, complete with a sculpture
garden that preserves the original 1953 design by Philip Johnson. MoMA has one of the world's
very best collections of 19th- and 20th-century paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints,
architecture, photography, film and industrial design. Artists represented include Chagall, Klee,
Magritte, Dali, Stieglitz, Wyeth, Pollock, Mondrian, Rauschenberg and Oldenburg. Famous
works include Van Gogh's Starry Night and Picasso's landmark Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
11 W. 53rd St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line E or M to Fifth
Avenue-53rd Street; B, D, F or M to
47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-708-9400
There are two cafes, a gift shop and The Modern, a Michelin-rated, reservations-recommended
restaurant (phone 212-333-1220; http://www.themodernnyc.com).
http://www.moma.org
Open daily except Tuesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm (till 8 pm Friday). Open Thursday in July and August until 8:30 pm, featuring live music.
Museum admission US$25 adults, US$18 seniors, US$14 students, free for children age 16 and younger. Free on Friday 4-8 pm.
Museum of Sex
Clearly, a museum about sex is not for everyone. But the institution isn't only given to lust and
the lurid—it says its mission is to present information about the history and cultural significance
of human sexuality. Not for everyone, true, but certainly something different.
Open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Last ticket sold 45
minutes prior to closing. US$17.50 adults, plus tax; US$15.25 students and seniors, plus tax.
No one younger than 18 admitted.
233 Fifth Ave., at 27th Street (enter on
East 27th Street between Fifth and
Madison avenues; subway line N, R or 6
to 28th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-689-6337
http://www.museumofsex.com
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Museum of the City of New York
Historical New York comes alive through period furniture, miniatures and antique toys. The
museum covers New York from the Dutch settlers to the present day and will teach you about
the city's streets and buildings. Permanent installations include New York Toy Stories (with
10,000 toys that New Yorkers played with from colonial days to the present, as well as Eloise's
room at the Plaza Hotel), the remarkable Stettheimer Doll House from the 1920s (filled with
original miniature paintings and sculptures by notable modern artists), and exhibits of fire and
police history, equipment and memorabilia. Museum shop and cafe.
1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd Street (subway
line 6 to 103rd Street; 2 or 3 to Central
Park North-110th Street)
New York, NY 10029
Phone: 212-534-1672
http://www.mcny.org
Open daily 10 am-6 pm. Guided tours are offered. Suggested admission US$10 adults, US$6
seniors and students, free for children younger than 12 (family suggested rate US$20).
Museum of the Moving Image
A must for film buffs, the museum traces the history of film (as well as television and digital
media) with great exhibits that focus on the technical and cultural aspects of movies. In addition,
there are regular screenings and discussions.
Open Wednesday-Friday 10:30 am-5 pm (Friday till 8 pm), Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am-7
pm. US$12 adults, US$9 seniors and students, US$6 children ages 3-12; free for children
younger than 3. Free admission Friday 4-8 pm.
36-01 35th Ave. (subway line M or R to
Steinway Street; N or Q to 36th Avenue;
note that the M does not run there on
weekends)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-777-6888
http://www.movingimage.us
National Museum of the American Indian
Also known as the George Gustav Heye Center, this branch of the Smithsonian Institution hosts
exhibits about Native Americans from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central and South
America. Housed in a spectacular, domed beaux-arts building that was once the U.S. Customs
House, it contains information and artifacts that tell the story of more than 10,000 years of
Native American history and culture. Items on display range from ancient clovis-point
arrowheads to modern-art installations. The museum also hosts films, music and dance
performances, tours and workshops.
1 Bowling Green, at the end of Broadway
next to Battery Park (subway line R to
Whitehall Street-South Ferry; 4 or 5 to
Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry; J or Z
to Broad Street)
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-514-3700
Open daily 10 am-5 pm (Thursday till 8 pm). Free.
http://www.nmai.si.edu
Neue Gallerie New York
This small museum, housed in an opulent Louis XIII-style mansion that was once a Vanderbilt
home, is a world-class showcase for German and Austrian art and design from 1890 to 1940.
You'll find works by Gustav Klimt—including his famous portrait of Adele Bloch­Bauer—Max
Beckmann, Erich Heckel and more. The museum's two restaurants, Cafe Sabarsky and Cafe
Fledermaus, serve Austrian food, and the Viennese pastries are nothing less than wunderbar.
(Cafe Fledermaus is open Thursday-Sunday September-May, and Cafe Sabarsky is open daily
except Tuesday; museum admission is not required. Reservations recommended for dinner at
Cafe Sabarsky; phone 212-288-0665.)
1048 Fifth Ave., at 86th Street (subway
line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-628-6200
http://www.neuegalerie.org
The museum is open Thursday-Monday 11 am-6 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. US$20 adults, US$10 seniors and students. Free
admission on the first Friday of the month 6-8 pm. No children younger than 12 admitted, and children ages 12-16 must be accompanied by
an adult.
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New Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum primarily shows works by living, contemporary artists, especially those whose
work is political or experimental in nature. The architectural style of the museum's building—a
series of stacked, offset white boxes—stands out against the grittiness of the Lower East Side
and just may be more visually interesting than much of the art displayed here. But if you're a fan
of contemporary art's sometimes odd works, the New Museum serves well.
235 Bowery, at Prince Street (subway
line 6 to Spring Street; F to Second
Avenue; N or R to Prince Street)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-219-1222
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm, Thursday until 9 pm. US$16 adults, US$14 seniors,
US$10 students, free for ages 18 and younger. Free admission Thursday 7-9 pm.
http://www.newmuseum.org
New York Hall of Science
This award-winning science museum has more than 450 hands-on exhibits that explore the
wonders of science in everyday life. Separate areas teach the principles behind cyberspace,
molecules, physics, sound, light and the body—different active­learning experiences are
geared to preschoolers and older children. Visit the World of Microbes, surf through the
Technology Gallery or hang on a 3-D spider web in the Science Playground.
47-01 111th St., at 47th Avenue (subway
line 7 to 111th Street)
New York, NY 11368
Phone: 718-699-0005
http://www.nysci.org
Open July and August Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm;
September-March Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 am-2 pm, Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and
Sunday 10 am-6 pm; April-June Monday-Thursday 9:30 am-2 pm, Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm. US$11 adults;
US$8 seniors, students and children ages 2-17 (free admission on Friday 2-5 pm and Sunday 10-11 am September-June and during
School's Out weeks). Children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Science Playground (US$4) open March-December,
weather permitting.
New York Historical Society Museum and Library
Anchor your visit in the main gallery, which presents an extensive, thematic look at New York's
history. But don't miss the fourth-floor Luce Center that allows you to wander through the
museum's extensive collection of objects in storage. The frequent temporary exhibitions are
usually quite interesting and provide unique insight into lesser-known aspects of city history.
Open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm.
US$18 adults, US$14 seniors and educators, US$12 students, US$6 children ages 5-13, free
for children 4 years of age and younger. Pay what you wish Friday 6-8 pm.
170 Central Park West, at 77th Street
(subway line B or C to 81st Street; 1 to
79th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-873-3400
http://www.nyhistory.org
New York Police Museum
Everything you could ever want to know about the history of the NYPD, from the founding of the
city through the 9/11 attacks. You can learn how the different departments interact with each
other, see old uniforms and police vehicles, and find out why officers are called "cops" and their
bosses called "brass." The 9/11 exhibit tells the story of the World Trade Center attacks from
the perspective of two NYPD officers who lost their lives. Because of damage from Hurricane
Sandy, the museum relocated to temporary digs on Wall Street; the museum is seeking funds
to repair its original building between Water and South streets.
45 Wall St. (subway line 2, 3, 4, 5 to Wall
Street or J or Z to Broad Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-480-3100
http://www.nycpm.org
Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, closed Sunday and national holidays. US$5 adults, free for children under 5.
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New York Transit Museum
This unique underground museum—its entrance looks like the entrance to a subway station—is
housed in an old subway tunnel in Brooklyn. You'll learn the history of the city's public
transportation system, but the coolest part is the collection of old turnstiles, metro tokens and
train cars. The museum also operates a small annex and gift shop, which is great for unique
New York souvenirs such as subway map shower curtains and cufflinks made from old tokens
from Grand Central Station.
Tuesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. US$7 adults, US$5 seniors
and children ages 2-17. Free for seniors on Wednesday.
Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street
(subway line 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Borough Hall;
R to Court Street; A, C or G to HoytSchermerhorn Street; A, C or F to Jay
Street-Borough Hall)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-694-1600
http://mta.info/museum
Paley Center for Media
Founded by broadcasting pioneer William S. Paley—the late founder and longtime head of the
CBS network—the museum is best known for its enormous video and audio library. More than
100,000 radio and television programs and famous commercials are available for listening and
viewing. Scan the database for programs that interest you (up to four screenings a visit), and a
staff member will set you up in a private console room. Watch I Love Lucy episodes or look up
more obscure relics of pop culture. From noon until closing, the museum presents a wide
variety of programs from the collection—to see what's playing, pick up a daily schedule.
25 W. 52nd St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line B, D, F or M to
47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center; E
or M to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street; N or R
to 49th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-621-6800
The museum also hosts seminars and screenings, followed by discussions led by performers,
journalists, critics and artists.
http://www.paleycenter.org
Open Wednesday-Sunday noon-6 pm (Thursday until 8 pm). Closed Monday and Tuesday. US$10 adults, US$8 seniors and students,
US$5 children younger than 14.
P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center
This immense former public school in Queens is an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art
(MoMA). The hallways and classrooms of this turn-of-the-century Romanesque revival building
contain art installations by a host of contemporary artists. There's also a large sculpture garden
outside. Some installations are extremely successful, others are merely puzzling, and some are
so subtle you're not sure whether you're looking at an idiosyncrasy of the building or a work of
art.
22-25 Jackson Ave., at 46th Avenue
(subway line E or M to 23rd Street-Ely
Avenue; 7 to 45th Road-Court Square; G
to 21st Street-Van Alst)
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 718-784-2084
Be sure to spend some time viewing James Turrell's Meeting, a room with the roof cut away to
create a frame of the open sky. M. Wells, an acclaimed area restaurant, is now ensconced in
P.S. 1—it may be in the former school cafeteria, but the foie gras bread pudding and skate­
wing grenobloise is unlike anything served in school.
http://momaps1.org
There are also more traditional galleries with semipermanent and temporary exhibits.
Open Thursday-Monday noon-6 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Suggested donation US$10 adults, US$5 seniors and students, free
for MoMA ticket holders within 30 days. On Saturdays in the summer, P.S. 1 hosts "Warm-Up," a popular outdoor music series and dance
party; expect long lines. US$15 (including admission to exhibits) 2-9 pm on Warm-Up Saturdays.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
The holdings in this Harlem public library are built around the collection of Arturo Alfonso
Schomburg, a black Puerto Rican scholar and bibliophile who died in 1938. Over the years, his
core collection of books, manuscripts, art objects, film and sheet music has grown to more than
10 million items related to the history and culture of people of African descent and is now an
important research tool for scholars.
The General Reference & Research division is open Monday 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Thursday
10 am-8 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm. Call ahead to make an appointment to visit the
Moving Image & Recorded Sound division and the Art and Artifact Collection.
515 Malcolm X Blvd., at 135th Street
(subway line 2 or 3 to 135th Street)
New York, NY 10037
Phone: 212-491-2200
http://www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg
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Skyscraper Museum
This small Battery Park museum tackles a big subject. One recent exhibition focused on the
rise of slim, luxury apartment towers, including a description of how exactly these buildings stay
standing. It's fascinating to learn how engineers use wind tunnel testing and damping devices to
protect their creations from sway and destruction. Other exhibitions include the geometry
behind the ancient pyramids and the history of skyscrapers from the turn of the century to the
present. There is a fascinating map of mini models of New York's buildings. A nice place to
while away a few hours.
39 Battery Place (subway line 4 or 5 to
Bowling Green, or 1 or R to South FerryWhitehall Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-968-1961
http://www.skyscraper.org
Wednesday-Sunday noon-6 pm. US$5 adults, US$2.50 students and seniors.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The only New York City structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (who died before it was
completed in 1959), this circular and slightly funnel-shaped building is a work of art. The
museum is best experienced by taking an elevator to the top, then strolling downward along the
spiraling gallery corridors. As you descend, you'll pass impressionist, postimpressionist,
modern and avant-garde paintings and sculptures. Holdings include Chagall's Green Violinist,
Picasso's Woman Ironing and Kandinsky's Composition 8.
1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th Street (subway
line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street)
New York, NY 10128
Phone: 212-423-3500
http://www.guggenheim.org
Open daily except Thursday 10 am-5:45 pm (Saturday until 7:45 pm). US$22 adults, US$18
seniors and students, free for museum members and children younger than 12 (pay what you wish Saturday 5:45-7:45 pm). Admission price
includes an audio tour. Special admission prices for some exhibitions.
South Street Seaport Museum
This museum's collection of historic working ships—schooners, merchant vessels, a lighter and
a tug—is moored on the waterfront, and its gallery exhibits in historic Schermerhorn Row
illuminate New York's maritime past through paintings, scrimshaw, ship models and other
media.
Open daily 10 am-6 pm. US$10 admission, US$6 seniors and students, free for children
younger than 9.
12 Fulton St., at Front Street (subway
line A,C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Fulton
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-748-8600
http://www.southstreetseaportmuseum.or
g
Studio Museum in Harlem
This museum is devoted to work by artists of African descent, both from the U.S. and throughout
the world. The collection concentrates mostly on cutting-edge contemporary works by artists
such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Norman Lewis and Fred Wilson. Readings,
lectures, artist workshops and training programs are also offered.
Open Thursday and Friday noon-9 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Suggested
donation US$7 adults, US$3 students and seniors, free for children younger than 12. Free on
Sunday.
144 W. 125th St., between Lenox and
Seventh avenues (subway line 2 or 3 to
125th Street)
New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-864-4500
http://www.studiomuseum.org
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The Cloisters
This museum is devoted to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. A branch of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, the castlelike structure combines elements from medieval
monastic sites of southern France. The building houses some 5,000 works of art, including the
priceless 16th-century Unicorn Tapestries, early sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and
stained-glass windows. The herb and flower gardens are based on medieval garden designs.
A branch of the Met's Museum Store offers books, reproductions and other merchandise,
mostly with an emphasis on the Middle Ages. Concerts, workshops and other special events
are held regularly.
Open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-5:15 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am-8:45 pm. Suggested
donation US$25 adults, US$17 seniors, US$12 students, free for children younger than 12 with
an adult for both the Metropolitan Museum and the Cloisters (on the same day).
99 Margaret Corbin Dr. (Bus M4
northward to the last stop to Fort Tryon
Park-The Cloisters; subway line A
connects with the bus at 190th Street)
New York, NY 10040
Phone: 212-923-3700
http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/visit-thecloisters
The Morgan Library & Museum
This research library and museum focuses on illuminated, literary and historical manuscripts,
early printed books and old-master drawings and prints. The collection, mostly acquired by
financier J.P. Morgan during his travels through Europe, includes Biblia Latina by Gutenberg
and works by Ingres, Degas and Blake. An expansion designed by Renzo Piano added a
reading room with a translucent roof that allows scholars to examine manuscripts in natural light.
Historical and exhibition tours are offered daily; call for schedules. There is also a regular
schedule of classical music concerts, lectures and family programs. There are two good
restaurants in the building, both set in impressive rooms.
225 Madison Ave., at 36th Street
(subway line 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd StreetGrand Central; B, D, F or M to 42nd
Street-Bryant Park)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-685-0008
http://www.themorgan.org
Open Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm, Friday 10:30 am-9 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm,
Sunday 11 am-6 pm. US$18 adults; US$12 seniors, students with ID and children younger than 16; free for children 12 and younger. Free
admission Friday 7-9 pm.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Gertrude Whitney founded this museum in 1914 because the Metropolitan Museum of Art
declined her 500-piece art collection. It is now a well-respected institution with constantly
changing (and often controversial) exhibitions of 20th-century and contemporary paintings,
sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, film and video. Every two years, the much-hyped and
cutting-edge Biennial exhibition attracts worldwide attention.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm (Friday till 9 pm). US$20 adults, US$16 seniors and
students, free for those 18 and younger; pay what you wish Friday 6-9 pm. Multiple free tours
offered daily.
945 Madison Ave., at 75th Street
(subway line 6 to 77th Street)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-570-3600
http://www.whitney.org
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Neighborhoods & Districts
Brooklyn
This borough is a happening destination filled with history, fantastic stores and even better restaurants. Take the subway from Manhattan or
walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn Heights, with more than 600 houses predating the Civil War, was one of New York's first
neighborhoods to be designated a landmark district. It's as peaceful as it is beautiful and grand. Stroll the Promenade for magnificent
skyline views.
The Williamsburg neighborhood has made the transition from hardship and blight to trendy and chic. No longer just a magnet for artistic
types, it's a dining and shopping extravaganza, with ultracool nightlife and great galleries. Once-troubled neighborhoods such as Fort
Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant have experienced a remarkable economic resurgence, with perhaps 200 active block associations and a
dramatically dropping crime rate. The historic district of Stuyvesant Heights remains a premier enclave. Weeksville, an early-19th-century
community of free blacks that is believed to have been a stop along the Underground Railroad, has preserved four small houses as a
museum.
Stunning Victorian mansions and neo-Romanesque brownstones abound in Park Slope, particularly along Montgomery Place. Located just
south of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill is also filled with historic mansions and Gothic churches, as well as the Workingman's Cottages on
Warren Place (among the first planned low-income housing in the nation when they were built in the 1870s). Nearby Carroll Gardens is a hip
enclave of stores and restaurants, particularly on Smith Street.
Chelsea
Chelsea, named for London's Chelsea Royal Hospital, was an early home of the motion-picture industry, until the movie business moved
west during and after World War I. More recently, many of New York's blue-chip art galleries (and the requisite people-watching) have
relocated from SoHo to West Chelsea, west of 10th Avenue. Today, Chelsea's population is a high-energy urban mix of artists, the city's
largest gay community and the downtown cool crowd. A seemingly endless list of diverse entertainment treasures—from conventional bars
and restaurants to hipster­haunted spots and the next great scene—is sure to keep you amused.
The Chelsea Market is a neighborhood darling—it's an awesome collection of shops under one roof, selling everything from stockpots to
lobsters so fresh you'll think they just jumped out of the ocean. The neighborhood stretches from 15th to 29th streets between the Hudson
River and Sixth Avenue.
Chinatown
Chinatown is home to the largest community of Asians in the U.S. Webbed with tiny, winding, cobblestoned back streets, it's more Shanghai
bazaar than American streetscape. Restaurants serve up silky stuffed dumplings, Peking duck and crispy shrimp any time of day. Along Pell
and Mott streets, traditional herbal-medicine shops and kitschy novelty stores sell everything from silk pajamas to turtle jelly to Chinese
board games.
One popular activity is shopping for inexpensive souvenir T-shirts, fabulous (but illegally copied) faux-designer purses, and the latest CDs
and DVDs along Canal Street (be prepared to haggle)—and artists of any age will be thrilled by Pearl Paint, a large art­supply store that has
hard-to-believe prices.
If you're seeking foods that you can never find back home, step into Kam Man at Canal and Mulberry streets. From quail eggs to wonderful
tea sets, they have it all. On weekends, street stalls line Canal, and the crowds are five-deep scrambling for bargains. If the crowds are too
much for you, have your fortune read at the Buddhist Temple or stop in at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory on Bayard Street for a scoop of
green-tea ice cream.
Those lucky enough to be in town during the Chinese New Year (late January or early February) should be prepared for a raucous street
festival like none outside Beijing. For a historical perspective, visit the Museum of the Chinese in America at 215 Centre St. During the
summer, it offers walking tours. Chinatown's boundaries are considered to extend from below Canal Street to Pearl and West streets and
east to the Manhattan Bridge.
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Coney Island
The last stop on some trains to Brooklyn and the Atlantic Ocean, Coney Island was one of the country's premier seaside playgrounds early in
the 20th century. Millions of New Yorkers traveled there to enjoy its amusement parks packed with joy rides, eerie freak shows and
boardwalk confections.
The parks fell into decline by the 1960s, but the beaches remained the most crowded in New York. Coney Island had rebounded in recent
years, but the historic Astroland Amusement Park closed in 2008. Two years later, the Luna Park amusement park opened on the former
Astroland site with a 10-year lease. With current controversial development plans to turn parts of the area into a hotel and condo complex,
it's unclear just what will happen to Coney Island. Luckily, the famous Cyclone roller coaster and the 150-ft-/46-m-high Wonder Wheel are
official historical landmarks. A $10 million steel rollercoaster called Thunderbolt opened in June 2014.
For a glimpse of Coney Island's glory days, stop by the Coney Island Museum on Surf Avenue. Baseball has returned to Brooklyn with the
Mets' minor-league team, the Cyclones, who play in a stadium on Surf Avenue. The New York Aquarium offers up-close sightings of
walruses and Nemo look-alikes. At West 17th Street, walk more than 1,000 ft/310 m out over the Atlantic Ocean on the Steeplechase Pier.
Just a 10-minute walk away is Brighton Beach, which has been dubbed Little Odessa by the Sea. It's brimming with a multitude of Russian
restaurants, shops and markets.
East Village
Located on the east side of Greenwich Village, this neighborhood balances among old-world, funky and cool. Little Ukraine, Little India and
Little Japan rub shoulders there: You can have pierogis for breakfast, curry for lunch and the freshest sushi in the city anytime—all within a
three-block radius. Shopping along Lafayette Street is fabulous, where boutiques are stocked with everything from futuristic home decor to
whimsical hats and vintage goodies.
Some say this is Manhattan's best barhopping locale. Old punk-rock hangouts and artsy wine bars are still going strong, but slick spots with
velvet ropes have joined the mix. The East Village covers roughly the area from Houston Street north to 14th Street and Lafayette Street east
to Avenue D.
Gramercy Park
This elegant neighborhood is a walker's paradise, especially along Irving Place. The famous gated park, accessible only by residents of the
buildings surrounding it, defines the neighborhood. Pete's Tavern, one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the city, claims the
distinction of being where O. Henry wrote his short story "The Gift of the Magi." The National Arts Club facing the park is a great example of
New York's golden age.
Today's Gramercy bar scene is hot, from The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel to Old Town Bar to the Living Room Lounge of the W
Hotel-Union Square. The renovation of the Gramercy Park Hotel, along with gourmet restaurants such as Mario Batali's Casa Mono and
L'Express, has given the area both luxury and affordable dining options. The Gramercy Park neighborhood runs north from 17th Street to
Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and runs east-west between Second and Fifth avenues.
Harlem
The community of Harlem, rich in African­American history and culture, lies north of Central Park. Harlem is hip—an unbeatable combination
of stylish cool and spirited sights and sounds. During the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, upper-middle-class professionals, writers and
musicians thrived there. Jazz musicians played in such legendary nightspots as the Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom and the Apollo Theater.
Harlem's historic enclaves are a constant reminder of the glory of earlier times. Don't miss Striver's Row on 138th and 139th streets, dotted
with Stanford White-designed town houses. Churches have always been a mainstay of the community: The Abyssinian Baptist Church,
Salem United Methodist and Metropolitan Baptist evoke a rich history. Visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture or the
century-old gravestones at the Trinity Cemetery and Mausoleum (770 Riverside Drive).
Dining out in Harlem ranges from the casual to far-from-casual: Kitchenette Uptown has the most incredible baking-powder biscuits and
perfectly poached eggs, and Amy Ruth's has what some say is the best southern cooking north of Virginia. Harlem's boundaries are roughly
from 116th Street north to the Harlem River and from the Hudson to the East River.
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Hell's Kitchen
This Midtown West neighborhood, also called Clinton (which sounds better on pricey real estate), was originally a settlement of
impoverished Irish immigrants escaping the 19th-century potato famine; in the 1920s, it became dominated by Irish-American organizedcrime circles. Because of its proximity to the theater district, today's Hell's Kitchen is popular among actors.
As Chelsea has become more expensive, more art galleries have set up shop in the southern part of Hell's Kitchen. A slew of international
cuisines in the area coined "Restaurant Row" lies on 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues. On weekends, there is a lively flea
market that takes place on 39th Street between Ninth and 10th avenues. Hell's Kitchen lies between 34th and 57th streets, and Eighth and
12th avenues.
Little Italy
Follow the heavenly aromas to this neighborhood between Spring and Canal streets. Its size has dwindled significantly over the years as
neighboring Chinatown has expanded, but it still remains the best place in Manhattan to find authentic Italian breads, meats, pasta, cheeses,
coffee and desserts.
Community life is focused on maintaining the neighborhood's cultural identity and historical character, particularly at a time when
development is on the rise. Neighbors still look out for one another, but the community has a hip edge: While the many red-sauce joints of
Mulberry Street pack in the tourists, hot bars and fashionable boutiques have set up shop in old vacant storefronts. If you're crazy for anything
made with clams, try Umberto's Clam House on Mulberry. Pop into Mulberry Street Bar for a cold beer, as regularly seen on episodes of
both The Sopranos and Law & Order. Pizza? Try Lombardi's on Spring Street—forget your usual toppings and try the exceptional garlic­
clam pie.
Two musts are Alleva's Dairy, where Mr. Alleva still makes mozzarella fresh daily, and Ferrara on Grand Street, for espresso and the best
cannoli you'll ever taste.
The hugely popular Feast of San Gennaro (a 10-day festival that begins the first Thursday after Labor Day) is a city favorite: Mulberry Street
transforms into a fairground filled with rides, games, music and great food.
Meatpacking District
In this style-setting neighborhood, the predawn streets used to be jam-packed with trucks unloading large cuts of cow loin, but now after
sunset, fashionistas are drawn like magnets to the latest and coolest places to shop, dine and imbibe. Big-name chefs are setting up shop
quicker than you can say Jimmy Choo. This part of town has drawn emerging fashion icons from around the globe, from Stella McCartney
(who chose this locale for her first U.S. shop) and Alexander McQueen to Carlos Miele and Diane von Furstenburg. On West 14th and Little
West 12th streets, browse and splurge on such indulgences as designer shoes, chunky bracelets or a vintage Japanese sake set. The
Meatpacking District lies between Gansevoort and 14th streets, and Ninth Avenue and the West Side Highway.
Murray Hill
This lovely, mostly residential neighborhood is framed by the East River and Madison Avenue from 27th to 42nd streets. The small historic
district there, Sniffen Court, is a dead-end alley of 10 handsome houses behind a locked gate on 36th Street between Third and Lexington
avenues. Architect John Sniffen built them in the 1850s as stables, and they were converted to town houses in the 1920s. Today, the streets
are lined with lively bars and restaurants scattered throughout 19th-century town houses (of the 100 listed in the 1892 Social Register, more
than 60 still exist).
On the modern side of Murray Hill, Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America organizes contemporary Scandinavian art and film
exhibitions and offers language courses. The Morgan Library & Museum on Madison Avenue is a superb example of contemporary
expansion of an Italianate 19th-century mansion.
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NoLIta
Tucked in between SoHo and the Lower East Side, this hip little neighborhood offers an abundance of trendy, often moderately priced
boutiques. Grab a bowl of tiramisu, honey graham or French toast rice pudding from Rice to Riches on Spring Street to eat as you wander
(or try one of their many other flavors).
On Prince Street, independent bookstore McNally Jackson frequently hosts author events. Across the street, a stretch of vendors sells the
most unique selection of items you're likely to find on the street. The approximate boundary streets of NoLIta ("North of Little Italy") are
Houston and Lafayette streets and The Bowery and Broome Street.
Queens
This borough is connected to Manhattan by bridge and tunnel. Cross by the Queensboro Bridge and admire its ornate ironwork that dazzles
day or night. (It's better known locally as the 59th Street Bridge, as in the title of the Simon and Garfunkel song.) You'll be rewarded with
outstanding Manhattan skyline views and a closer look at Roosevelt Island, which is linked to the city by subway as well as a tram above the
East River.
Astoria is home to a large Greek community—and Manhattanites will confirm that it's worth the trip to dine at any of the Greek, Indian and
Asian diners and restaurants that line the streets. In Astoria and its neighboring enclave, Long Island City, you'll find the P.S. 1 Contemporary
Art Center, the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Museum, the American Museum of the Moving Image and the Fisher Landau Center for Art.
Flushing Meadows was immortalized as the "valley of ashes" in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby—but any reference to the former gray
marshes evaporated when the 1939 World's Fair opened its gates there. (The same site was used for the 1964 World's Fair.) This area is
home to the USTA Billy Jean King National Tennis Center, the 12-story Unisphere, the New York Hall of Science and, of course, Citi Field,
new home of the Mets—it replaced the late, lamented Shea Stadium.
If you're a die-hard Louis Armstrong fan, check out where he lived from 1943 until his death, at 34-56 107th St., now a museum in his
memory. The 1661 Bowne House on Bowne Street is one of the oldest houses in New York and is filled with period furniture, pewterware
and restored rooms. The area's Chinese and Indian enclaves offer outstanding restaurants.
SoHo
SoHo takes its name from its location: South of Houston Street (pronounced HOW-ston). It borders Greenwich Village, its neighbor to the
north and, like the Village, it's a place to shop, stroll and eat. Once a bohemian area, SoHo has been gentrified and burnished into one of
the most expensive, chic neighborhoods in the city. Architecturally SoHo is quite distinct: It is made up of converted warehouses containing
expansive loft-style apartments, artist studios and galleries. On their ground floors, these buildings hold all manner of high-end furniture
stores and fancy fashion boutiques, especially on West Broadway, Prince, Spring and Mercer streets.
Lots of cozy Italian restaurants and French bistros offer good eats (many are pricey). SoHo is a favorite neighborhood for New Yorkers and
tourists alike, for both window-shopping and the real thing. The art galleries that made SoHo trendy have mostly moved on to Chelsea, which
leaves even more room for stores. Along Broadway, the neighborhood's eastern border, there are large shops such as Bloomingdale's,
Sephora, Uniqlo and Muji. SoHo lies between West Houston and Grand streets, and Sixth Avenue and Broadway.
South Street Seaport
This historic seaport district offers cobblestoned streets, waterfront piers and a great view of Brooklyn and the New York Harbor. It's touristy,
but the South Street Seaport Museum's fleet of 19th- and early-20th-century vessels is the real deal. Look out at the Brooklyn Bridge as you
make sand castles and eat fish tacos at the Water Taxi Beach.
The seaport hosts a variety of special events, from spectacular music series to boat trips and charity bike tours.
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Staten Island
Take a free ferry ride from downtown Manhattan to get to this borough and enjoy superb views of the Statue of Liberty and downtown
Manhattan from the water. Three blocks from the ferry dock, the Staten Island Museum is home to a huge selection of bugs and botanicals,
along with works of art by Warhol, Chagall, Toulouse-Lautrec and more.
The Staten Island Yankees draw huge crowds—not just for the sweeping New York Harbor views from the bleachers in Richmond County
Bank Ballpark. Snug Harbor, a 200-year-old community that was once a fishing town, is full of Greek Revival, Italianate and beaux-arts
buildings—including a music hall that's older than Manhattan's Carnegie Hall.
The Botanical Garden's Scholar's Garden was created by 40 Chinese artisans, and it's the only one of its kind in the country. Children will
love the maze, turreted castle and peacocks in the Connie Gretz Secret Garden. Don't miss 25-acre/10-hectare Historic Richmond Town, a
living-history museum whose 15 restored shops and houses trace Staten Island history since colonial times.
The Staten Island Children's Museum has hands-on art and science exhibits where children can become radio announcers, Arctic explorers,
archaeologists or scuba divers for an afternoon. The Staten Island Zoo is small, but it has one of the world's finest reptile collections.
Theater District
Often called the Great White Way, this district is the epicenter of all Broadway. There you'll find the Ambassador Theater, the St. James and
other grand venues. Times Square (at 42nd Street and Broadway) is in the heart of this district, which stretches from 41st Street to 53rd
Street on the West Side.
The Bronx
This borough is home to the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium (Babe Ruth hit the first home run in the first
game ever played in the old stadium there; the new one is just next door). The Bronx contains 60 landmarks and historic districts, including
the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage on the Grand Concourse and the stately Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park. Get a golf fix in
Van Cortlandt Park or Pelham Bay Park, or embark on a food adventure in Little Italy along Arthur Avenue.
Times Square
Times Square has had its ups and downs since the days when the Astors developed the area in the 1830s as a silk-stocking neighborhood.
It got its name from The New York Times, which moved there in 1904. When the advent of the subway made it easier for people to go
uptown for entertainment, theaters moved to 42nd Street. By the mid-20th century, however, the area was blighted by dive bars and porn
palaces, and its name had become synonymous with sleaze.
The seediness is gone now, and the blinking signs advertising strip shows have been replaced by megawatt billboards, high-tech graphics
and high-impact theme restaurants. Conde Nast, Reuters and 600 other companies moved into the area. Now, with 25% of the city's hotel
rooms, almost 200 restaurants and 39 historically landmarked theaters, the neighborhood is a prime destination. The entertainment
possibilities have multiplied, with Good Morning America televised from Times Square each morning Monday-Friday. Sports fans will love
the ESPN Zone, where there's a television screen in each bathroom stall. Retail stores are no less entertaining: Visit the amusement-parksized Toys "R" Us.
Times Square is still most famous for the New Year's Eve ball­drop—a tradition that began in 1906 when The New York Times dropped an
illuminated ball from the top of its offices. For information about this and other happenings, the Times Square Information Center (Seventh
Avenue between 46th and 47th streets) is open daily 8 am-8 pm. Pick up free citywide information and buy theater tickets, MetroCards and
tour tickets; you can even get free Internet access.
Always wanted to be on Broadway? Now you can stroll right through the middle or sit down and take a load off your feet, as it was recently
closed to vehicle traffic in Times Square to reduce congestion. Times Square is located between Broadway and Seventh Avenue and 42nd
and 47th streets (take the subway to Times Square-42nd Street).
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TriBeCa
This neighborhood takes its name from "Triangle Below Canal." It became trendy in the 1980s when young brokers working in the finance
district, and the occasional movie star, moved into old warehouse buildings that had been converted into spacious loft apartments. Actor
Robert De Niro put the 'hood on the map with his TriBeCa Film Center, home to several film and entertainment companies.
There are some experimental art galleries such as apexart and Art in General that are worth a visit. Bouley, for exquisite New French
cuisine, and The Odeon, for late-night bistro food, are neighborhood landmarks. Although most of the neighborhood is gentrified, there are
still some abandoned pockets with dark and crumbling cobblestoned streets. TriBeCa lies between Canal and Chambers streets and
Broadway and West Street.
Upper East Side
Stretching from the East River to Central Park between 59th and 96th streets, the Upper East Side has traditionally been synonymous with
old money, well-dressed ladies and exclusive private schools. The impression is bolstered by Millionaire's Row (Fifth Avenue between 58th
and 81st streets), the mansions along Fifth Avenue that once belonged to the Carnegies, Whitneys and Vanderbilts (U.S. President Ulysses
S. Grant wrote his memoirs at 3 E. 66th St.), and by the swanky apartment buildings framing manicured flower beds on Park Avenue.
Consignment shops selling designer garments offer alternative shopping options for visitors on a tighter budget.
Everyone can enjoy Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile (a stretch that includes the Guggenheim, the Met and the Frick), prime gallery-hopping
along Madison Avenue, or the exclusive shops, specialty stores and labels that line the blocks in the 60s and 70s. Two distinctive enclaves
are Yorkville (79th-96th streets from Third Avenue to the East River), which was predominantly a German and Hungarian neighborhood
through the 1970s, and Carnegie Hill (86th-96th streets from Fifth to Third avenues), where some of the city's most expensive apartment
buildings, town houses (stroll the East 70s to see some of the best) and a select handful of top-notch shops devoted to children (think
Bonpoint) are located.
The Upper East Side is also home to Hunter College, the beloved 92nd Street Y (whose menu of adult-education classes rivals that of any
university), Carl Schurz Park (with a Peter Pan statue and expansive views across the East River), the 1879 medieval-style Seventh
Regiment Armory (home of the annual Winter Antiques Show and rotating art installations) and Bloomingdale's. The overpopulated singles
bars along First and Second avenues add to the neighborhood fabric.
Upper West Side
Framed by Central Park and the Hudson River from 59th to 125th streets, this part of town is considered more progressive, down-to-earth
and hip than its East Side neighbor. From the 1940s through the 1980s, the Upper West Side was a bastion of middle-class families,
bookish intellectuals and politically active liberals who raised families in expansive prewar apartment buildings such as the Ansonia, the
Dakota and the Beresford, or in classic brownstones along tree-lined streets. This community remains distinguished for its liberal intellectual
and artistic activity but also ranks high among livable family-friendly neighborhoods.
Enduring icons such as Lincoln Center, the Juilliard School, the Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, the New
York Historical Society, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Grant's Tomb, Columbia University and Barnard College and the Time-Warner
Center at Columbus Circle contribute to this neighborhood. This district is jammed with a surplus of dining and food-shopping options,
including the venerable Zabar's, Fairway and Citarella—practically on top of one another along Broadway from 74th to 81st streets.
Upper Broadway—generally referred to as Morningside Heights—from 110th to 120th streets, is Columbia University territory, more college
town than uptown.
The much-loved Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins on Central Park West at 77th Street, with its companion tradition, the Balloon
Blow Up, taking place the night before.
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West Village
This historic bohemian enclave is what most people think of when they picture Greenwich Village. New York University students and the
Washington Square chess-playing and skateboarding crowds coexist in this historic and far quieter neighborhood. Check out Bedford
Street for idiosyncratic architecture: No. 77 is the oldest house in the neighborhood, No. 75-1/2 (once the home of poet Edna St. Vincent
Millay) is the narrowest, and No. 102 is an off-kilter chalet.
Peek into exclusive enclaves such as gated Grove's Court (Grove Street between Seventh Avenue South and Hudson Street). Along
Washington Square Mews, off Fifth Avenue at Washington Square Park, historic houses frame the narrow, cobblestoned road.
Off-Broadway theaters and legendary jazz spots still draw fans from everywhere, and the West Village has become a must-stop for
fashionistas and foodies. Browse along Eighth Street for shoes and musical recordings or Bleecker Street for first-rate antiques, vintage
records and trendy accessories.
The district, along with the Chelsea neighborhood, is also famous for its gay community. Christopher Street's Stonewall Inn (at No. 53) was
the site of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969—the event that launched the modern gay­rights movement in the U.S. The building has recently
been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The West Village runs from West Houston Street north to 14th Street and from Broadway
west to the Hudson River.
Parks & Gardens
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
This stunning jewel has 10,000 types of plants on 52 acres/21 hectares. The New York Times
calls it the premier horticultural attraction in the region. The best time to visit is late March to
mid-May, when the cherry trees are in bloom, though there's plenty to see year-round. You can
steam yourself in the fern grotto inside the Warm Temperate Pavilion, stroll through the famous
collection of bonsai trees, admire orchids in the Aquatic House, and check out the soaring
greenhouses and the Victorian Palm House in the Steinhardt Conservatory.
990 Washington Ave., at Eastern
Parkway (subway line Bùonly Monday­
Fridayùor Q to Prospect Park; 2 or 3 to
Eastern Parkway; 4 to Franklin Avenue)
New York, NY 11225
Phone: 718-623-7200
The Fragrance Garden, built in 1955, was the first of its kind to be designed for the visually
impaired. Inside the Cranford Rose Garden, you'll find hybrid tea roses named after Audrey
Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
http://www.bbg.org
Tour packages at different prices are offered; phone 718-623-7220 for information. Open Tuesday-Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday
10 am-6 pm (November-early March till 4:30 pm). The conservatory and gift shop are open daily except Monday 10 am-5:30 pm, visitors
center till 5 pm (October-March till 4 pm). The new glass and copper visitors center was ingeniously designed with plants growing from its
roof.
US$10 adults, US$5 seniors and students with a valid ID, free for children younger than 12. Free on Tuesday all day and Saturday 10 amnoon except during scheduled events. Free for seniors on Friday. Free Monday-Friday mid-November to early March. An Art & Garden
Ticket allows entry to the gardens and the Brooklyn Museum. US$20 adults, US$11 seniors and students.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Still a work in progress, but the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which runs along the Brooklyn waterfront
New York, NY
from DUMBO to Atlantic Avenue, is fast becoming one of the city's favorites. A walk through the
park provides some of the best, and completely unobstructed, views of the lower Manhattan
Phone: 718-222-9939
skyline. In summer, there are frequent outdoor movies and concerts, and the well-tended lawns
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org
and gardens of native plants make excellent picnic spots (there is no shortage of great places
to pick up picnic supplies on both ends of the park, including Grimaldi's Pizza). The distinctive
playgrounds are carefully integrated into the waterfront landscape and are a great outdoor option for kids, as is the Brooklyn Ice Cream
Factory, at Fulton Landing toward the north end of the park. Subway line F to York Street provides good access, but several other lines are
also convenient. It's worthwhile to have a map handy, as the streets in the DUMBO area are somewhat confusing.
Brooklyn. .
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Bryant Park
This park occupies the block directly behind the New York Public Library. It's a favorite spot for
lunchers and people taking cat naps, who can relax amid beautifully manicured lawns, beds of
flowers and statues commemorating literary figures from Goethe to Gertrude Stein. Regular
features are a charming reproduction carousel, chess tables, backgammon, free yoga classes
and free Wi-Fi.
Sixth Avenue, between 40th and 42nd
streets (subway line B, D, F or M to 42nd
Street-Bryant Park; 7 to Fifth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-768-4242
The park is home to several restaurants and sandwich stands that serve meals both indoors
and alfresco, and concerts, movies and festivals that keep the scene lively year-round. There is
an ice-skating rink in the winter.
http://www.bryantpark.org
Central Park
This park is a natural jewel in the center of the city. In 1856, New York officials set aside an
amazing 843 acres/341 hectares of city land between Fifth and Eighth avenues and 59th and
110th streets for a park. Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Calvert Vaux (also the designers
of Brooklyn's Prospect Park) based the park's design on the English landscape garden. To this
day, flowing meadows, bridges, lakes, ponds and playing fields abound in the heart of this
metropolis. Runners, bikers and in-line skaters zip around the trails, especially on weekends
when the main perimeter road is closed to traffic.
Manhattan
New York, NY
Phone: 212-360-3444
http://www.centralpark.org
The southeast section includes the zoo, the boat pond and, in winter, skating at Wollman Rink. John Lennon fans may pay their respects at
the famous "Imagine" mosaic in Strawberry Fields, the tear-drop-shaped area dedicated to his memory, on the West Side near 72nd Street.
The Sheep Meadow (just below 72nd Street) is a popular grassy expanse that draws Frisbee players, sunbathers, mingling singles and
young families. (Free summer concerts are held at the nearby Band Shell.) To the north, in the low 80s, is the Great Lawn—an amalgam of
sports fields and softball diamonds, and the site of occasional concerts. The Delacorte amphitheater outside the Great Lawn is used for
periodic theater performances, including the free-admission and beloved Shakespeare in the Park summer series.
Children enjoy taking a spin on the 1908 carousel (near the 65th Street Traverse and Central Drive), playing on the humongous Alice in
Wonderland statue (just in from Fifth Avenue and East 74th Street), watching a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater
(79th Street and Central Park West) or borrowing a Discovery Kit backpack for exploring (at Belvedere Castle, midpark at 79th Street).
Horse-drawn-carriage rides through the park are available at Central Park South, just west of Fifth Avenue. Walking and nature tours are
offered, and The Boathouse restaurant (open daily for lunch and April-November for dinner) is a popular dining spot. It's best to stay out of
the park after dark, though the area is safer than its reputation suggests.
Hudson River Park
The park begins at Battery Place with a bike path and a walkway, and it continues north 5 mi/8
km to West 59th Street, where the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail picks up. It eventually
runs all the way to Troy, just north of Albany. This park occupies the Hudson River piers that lost
business because they were too small for modern containerized shipping methods. Future
development plans include a boathouse and a restaurant, with construction estimated to begin
in 2015. The park's 550 acres/225 hectares, 13 public piers and access to the Hudson River
already attract nearly 1 million visitors a year.
Hudson River Greenway (subway line C,
E or 1 to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-627-2020
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org
Activities in the park include kayaking, sailing, boating, rowing, tennis, basketball, jogging, bicycling and in-line skating, as well as ice and
roller skating, golf, bowling and baseball batting cages at Chelsea Piers (between 18th and 23rd streets). The area between Battery Place
and Harrison Street runs along the eastern side of Battery Park City and is the only part of the park without a river view. The waterside
esplanade begins at Harrison Street and includes piers 25, 26, 32 and 34.
RiverFlicks is considered the top outdoor film event in the city: In July and August, stop by Pier 63 on Wednesday and Pier 46 on Friday
(kids' movies). Films begin at dusk (generally 8-8:30 pm). http://www.riverflicks.com.
Another summer treat on Pier 84 is Moondance: Take free dance lessons, then dance the night away to live music on a Sunday evening
(early July to mid-August).
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New York Botanical Garden
This garden is a 250-acre/100-hectare horticultural preserve, research laboratory, and tree and
plant museum. Areas include old-world and new-world desert and aquatic plants, a rain forest,
and a Children's Adventure Garden adorned with topiaries and mazes. The Enid Haupt
Conservatory, a lovely cold-weather retreat that's been renovated to critical acclaim, was
declared a New York City landmark in 1973. A highlight event is the Holiday Train Show, which
runs from late November into early January, in which a huge model train layout runs through a
series of New York City landmark buildings made of plant materials.
Bronx River Parkway, at Fordham Road
(subway line B, D or 4 to Bedford Park
Boulevard and walk about eight blocks
east; Metro North from Grand Central to
the Botanical Garden station)
New York, NY 10458
Phone: 718-817-8700
Gardens open daily except Monday 10 am-6 pm (mid-January to late February until 5 pm; open
http://www.nybg.org
Monday on national holidays). Admission prices depend on which exhibits you want to see;
admission to just the grounds is US$13 adults, US$6 seniors and students, US$3 children ages
2-12. An all-garden pass, which includes the Children's Adventure Garden, is US$25 adults, US$22 students and seniors, US$10 children.
Free for members. Free to all visitors all day Wednesday and 10-11 am Saturday. Parking is US$12 weekdays and US$15 weekends.
Prospect Park
The jewel of Brooklyn's biggest park is the restored Ravine, built along the terminal moraine of
a glacier that retreated 10,000 years ago. It's cut through by a gorge and features three natural,
burbling waterfalls—with no buildings or roads in sight. Visit the whimsical Oriental Pavilion with
its formal gardens. At the Grand Army Plaza entrance, admire the 72-ft-/22-m-tall Memorial
Arch, which honors the soldiers and sailors of the Union forces who died during the Civil War.
At Prospect Park Lake, you can fish, pedal a boat or stop at the romantic Italian-style
boathouse along Lullwater (a narrow extension of the lake). The Audubon Center is located
there, housing a Discover Nature Theater, and providing a gateway to nature trails and boat
rides. The park is also home to the Lefferts Historic House, one of the few surviving farmhouses
in New York, which features storytelling and sheep-shearing.
The main entrance is at Grand Army
Plaza (subway line 2 or 3 to Grand Army
Plaza; B or S to Prospect Park station; Q
to Parkside or Prospect Park; F to 15th
Street-Prospect Park)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-965-8999
http://www.prospectpark.org
The park's zoo isn't as comprehensive as the Bronx Zoo, but it's no less charming. Summer nights mean picnics, the Celebrate Brooklyn!
Festival at the band shell and rides on the carousel, which boasts 47 horses, a lion, a giraffe and a deer. On Sunday, stop by Drummer's
Grove and dance to the irresistible African beats.
Hours are 5 am-1 am.
Riverside Park
The narrowest park in the city (about 630 ft/193 m wide), Riverside Park is home to Grant's
Tomb (officially, General Grant National Memorial, at West 122nd Street), the Soldiers' and
Sailors' Monument (at 89th Street), roller-skating classes and a marina where you can launch
kayaks, canoes and sailboats (at 79th Street). With beautiful plantings, monuments and views
of the river, this West Side park along the Hudson is a scenic landmark.
Riverside Drive, from 72nd to 155th
streets (subway line 1, 2 or 3)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-870-3070
http://www.riversideparkfund.org
The High Line
Manhattan's newest park reflects the city's commitment to finding new uses for public spaces.
The High Line was the site of an elevated freight-train line built in the 1930s to reduce
congestion on the city's streets, but it had fallen into disrepair since the 1980s, when trains
stopped using it. Today, visitors can picnic, lounge in chairs, take yoga classes or participate in
the park's many other public programs. The park is open from Gansevoort Street in the
Meatpacking District to Chelsea's 30th Street, roughly above 10th Avenue.
Daily 7 am-10 pm.
Access available at Gansevoort and
Washington streets and at 14th, 16th,
18th, 20th, 23rd, 26th, 28th and 30th
streets near 10th (subway line A, C, E or
L to 14th Street-8th Avenue; 1, 2 or 3 to
14th Street; C or E to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-500-6035
http://www.thehighline.org
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Van Cortlandt Park
Surprising to some may be the fact that, yes indeed, you can play golf within the city limits. And
this is the place. At about 1,146 acres/464 hectares, Van Cortlandt is the city's fourth-largest
park. It contains both an 18-hole and a nine-hole golf course, plus a driving range. But that's just
the beginning. It also contains The Bronx's oldest building, the Van Cortlandt House (built in
1748-49), a National Historic Landmark trail (Old Croton Aqueduct Trail), and a cross-country
running course of national repute.
Van Cortlandt Park South at Broadway
(subway line 1 to Van Cortland Park242nd Street; 4 to Woodlawn)
New York, NY
There are also baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, cricket pitches, football and
soccer fields, handball and paddleball courts, the Van Cortlandt Nature Center, an equestrian
center, running tracks and tennis courts. It's a touch of the nonurban life just a subway ride away.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/vancor
tlandtpark
Phone: 718-430-1890 or 718-655-9164
for golf information and tee times
TV & Film Studios
Good Morning America
This ABC show airs on weekday mornings from the Times Square Studio; lucky audience
members who arrive by 6:30 am (Monday-Friday) are sometimes admitted as standbys. You
must have a photo ID and carry nothing larger than a normal handbag. Forget about taking gifts
or cards for the hosts (signs without Web addresses or endorsements are welcome). If you
can't get in, you can still wave and say hello to Mom from behind the plate-glass windows.
Alternatively, you can formally request a seat in the audience by filling out a form on the official
website.
West 44th Street at Broadway (subway
line A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3 or 7 to
42nd Street-Times Square)
New York, NY
http://gma.yahoo.com
Groups of 15 or more can book tickets by calling 212-580-5176 (leave a message and allow a week's time to receive a response). Airs
Monday-Friday 7-9 am.
LIVE! with Kelly and Michael
Tapings are weekdays at 9 am. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult,
and no one younger than 10 is admitted. Submit ticket requests at least six to eight weeks in
advance and include multiple dates. Tickets are mailed one to three weeks prior to taping date.
Apply online, or send a postcard (LIVE! with Kelly and Michael Tickets, Ansonia Station, P.O.
Box 230-777, New York, NY 10023-077). Indicate your first, second and third choices for ticket
dates. Standby tickets are often available at the studio, but be there by 7 am.
ABC Studios, Columbus Avenue at 67th
Street (subway line 1 to 66th StreetLincoln Center)
New York, NY
http://livekellyandmichael.dadt.com
Rachael Ray Show
Tickets to see the popular chef and TV personality are free. Submitting more than one request
will cancel your original request altogether. Tickets are not mailed. Group requests of 10-20
people are available. Rachael Ray tapes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 am and
3:30 pm. Arrive at 10 am or 2:15 pm depending on your scheduled session. No one younger
than 16 is permitted, and a valid ID is required to enter the studio. For standby tickets, times
vary, but plan on arriving at 10 am for the 11:30 am taping and 2:15 pm for the 3:30 pm taping.
221 West 26th Street between Seventh
and Eighth Avenues (subway line S, 4, 5,
6 or 7 to 42nd Street-Grand Central)
New York, NY
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/showinfo/audience-tickets
Saturday Night Live
Ticket requests for Saturday Night Live are accepted only during the month of August and are
distributed by lottery throughout the year. Tickets are free. Must be at least age 16 to attend.
The show is taped Saturday at 11:30 pm (you must be there at 10:45 pm for the live show or
7:15 pm for the dress rehearsal). Email your request to [email protected]. Some standby
tickets and rehearsal tickets are available on the day of the taping: Arrive by 7 am on the 49th
Street side of the studio (first-come, first-served; only one ticket per person), when tickets to the
8 pm dress rehearsal are also offered.
30 Rockefeller Plaza (subway line B, D, F
or M to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller
Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-664-3056
http://www.nbc.com/tickets
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The Colbert Report
Tapings are Monday-Thursday. Doors open at 5:15 pm, but get there by 3:45 pm. No one
younger than 18 is admitted. Submit free ticket requests online several months in advance.
Standby tickets may be available the day of the show, but admission is not guaranteed. Sign up
at 4 pm in front of the studio.
513 W. 54th St., at 10th Avenue (subway
line C or E to 50th Street)
New York, NY
http://www.colbertnation.com/tickets
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Tapings are Monday-Thursday at 5:45 pm. Doors open at 5:15 pm, but get there by 4 pm. No
one younger than 18 is admitted. Submit free ticket requests online several months in advance
for up to four tickets.
733 11th Ave., between 51st and 52nd
streets (subway line C or E to 50th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-586-2477
http://www.thedailyshow.com/tickets
The Late Show with David Letterman
People interested in bearing live witness to the madcap spectacle of Stupid Pet Tricks, Stupid
Human Tricks and Dave's famous Top Ten List can obtain free tickets through the Late Show's
online ticket form, or in person by turning up at the theater Monday-Thursday 9:30 am-noon,
Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Make sure you have identification with a mailing address.
Note that tickets can no longer be requested by mail. You must be 18 or older to attend. You
can also call after 11 am the day of the show to see if there are any standby tickets. Group
Ticket Requests also offered for groups of eight to 20 people.
1697 Broadway between 53rd and 54th
streets (subway line 1 to 50th Street)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-247-6497
http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/t
ickets
If you're in town only for a few days and unable to get tickets, sometimes Dave and his guests
can be spotted outside the theater before or after the show, and they often stop to sign autographs.
The show tapes Monday-Thursday at 2:30 pm; ticketholders should arrive around 1:45 pm.
The Today Show
Get to Rockefeller Center in the wee hours of the morning to watch the Today show as it airs in
its glass-walled studio that's visible from the street. You may also catch Matt Lauer, Savannah
Guthrie, Natalie Morales or Al Roker outside the studios at Rockefeller Plaza interviewing stars
and politicians or predicting the weather. Free concerts take place outside the studio on
summer Fridays. Take the silliest sign you can think of to grab the camera crew's attention so
friends and family at home can see how much fun you're having.
Airs Monday-Friday 7-10 am.
49th Street between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (directly across from
Rockefeller Plaza; subway line B, D, F or
M to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller
Center)
New York, NY
http://www.today.com
The View
This chat fest is led by Whoopi Goldberg, Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd. The show airs
live at 11 am Monday-Thursday, and a prerecorded episode airs on Friday. No one younger
than 16 is admitted. Submit your request for free tickets online. The wait list is 12-24 months.
You must get there by 9:30 am sharp: Seating is first-come, first-served, and more tickets may
be given out than there are studio seats available. You must be a registered user to request
tickets. Standby tickets are available on the day of taping: Get there between 8 and 9 am to
pick up a number from the audience entrance.
320 W. 66th St. (subway line 1 to 66th
Street-Lincoln Center)
New York, NY
http://theview.abc.go.com/tickets
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Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Free tickets are available by visiting the website, but be advised: They're very hard to come by.
You may only book tickets once every six months. The show normally tapes Monday-Friday at
5:30 pm, and you must arrive no later than 4:15 pm. No one younger than 16 is admitted.
Groups larger than four people will not be admitted.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, between Fifth and
Sixth avenues (subway line B, D, F or M
to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-664-3056 NBC ticket line
http://www.showclix.com/event/thetonight
showstarringjimmyfallon
Zoos & Wildlife
Bronx Zoo
This zoo has more than 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, in natural habitats.
Get face-to-face with many of the the critters with no glass or bars to separate you. The Congo
Gorilla Forest re-creates an African rain forest with more than 300 animals, including 20
gorillas, who range through 11 waterfalls, bamboo forests, meadows and wading pools. Jungle
World re-creates four Asian habitats filled with bear cats, snow leopards, elephants, Indian
rhinoceroses, white Siberian tigers and the Asian small-clawed otter. Children younger than 16
must be accompanied by an adult.
Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway
(subway line 2 or 5 to East Tremont
Avenue-West Farm Square; exit left and
walk north two blocks on Boston Road to
the zoo entrance)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-367-1010
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm (November-March
http://www.bronxzoo.com
daily till 4:30 pm). US$16.95 adults, US$14.95 seniors, US$12.95 children, free for children
younger than 3. Pay what you wish on Wednesday. Some activities charge an additional fee.
Total Experience tickets also afford entry into the extra-fee activities: US$33.95 adults, US$28.95 seniors, US$23.95 children. Discounts
available in winter months. All-day parking is US$15.
Central Park Wildlife Center/Tisch Children's Zoo
Known to Manhattanites as "the Zoo," this is the oldest wildlife center in the city—it opened in
1864. Its three zones—Arctic, temperate and rain forest—are home to more than 1,400 animals
from 171 species. The Tisch Children's Zoo is filled with hands-on exhibits and pettable
domestic animals; take lots of quarters (US $0.25) for the feed machines to give them treats.
The beloved Delacorte Musical Clock draws crowds every half-hour, when a motorized
menagerie of little animals twirls around to nursery-rhyme music. Regularly scheduled Wildlife
Theater performances are great for kids.
830 Fifth Ave., in the park at East 64th
Street (subway line F to Lexington
Avenue-63rd Street; N, Q or R to Fifth
Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-439-6500
http://www.centralparkzoo.com
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm; until 4:30 pm
November-early April. Last tickets sold 30 minutes before closing. US$12 adults, US$9
seniors, US$7 children ages 3-12, free for children younger than 3. Total Experience Tickets include admission to the 4-D Theater. US$18
adults, US$15 seniors, US$13 for children ages 3-12. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
New York Aquarium
New York City's only aquarium definitely makes the trip to Coney Island worthwhile. It has
thousands of sea creatures, and its exhibits feature jellyfish and seahorses from around the
world. Children love the hands-on Discovery Center, and the Aquatheater's marine mammal
demonstration, starring the California sea lions, is spectacular. The feeding sessions for
sharks, penguins, walruses and sea otters are narrated by aquarium staff. Exhibits are both
indoors and out—so dress appropriately. Avoid summer crowds by going early in the day or
after 2 pm.
Open late May-early September daily 10 am-6 pm; September-October Monday-Friday 10 am4:30 pm. Last tickets sold 1 hour before closing. US$11.95 ages 3 and up. Pay what you wish
on Friday after 3 pm.
Surf Avenue at West Eighth Street
(subway line F or Q to West Eighth
Street in Coney Island; N or D to Coney
Island-Stillwell Avenue)
New York, NY 11224
Phone: 718-265-3474
http://www.nyaquarium.org
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Prospect Park Zoo
This family-friendly 16-acre/7-hectare zoo is home to 800 animals and more than 103 species.
Children can interact with the natural world as they leap across giant lily pads, get nose-to-nose
with prairie dogs, walk among wallabies or learn about Hamadryas baboons. You can
experience real nightlife in the dark world of the "Amazing Nocturnal Animals" exhibit. There are
also summer workshops for children.
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm (winter hours run
November-March till 4:30 pm). US$8 adults, US$6 seniors, US$5 children ages 3-12, free for
children younger than 3. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing.
450 Flatbush Ave., at Empire Boulevard
(subway line B, Q or Sùthe Franklin
Avenue shuttleùto Prospect Park station;
take the Flatbush Avenue-Ocean
Avenue exit)
New York, NY 11225
Phone: 718-399-7339
http://www.prospectparkzoo.com
Queens Zoo
A tribute to spectacular North and South American wildlife in naturalistic habitats—you can
actually walk down a wooded path and get up close and personal with a mountain lion. More
than 400 animals of nearly 60 species can be found there. Around the zoo's perimeter, there
are pockets of wild habitat filled with American bison, mountain lions, California sea lions,
American bald eagles, Roosevelt elk and more. The zoo is the only one in New York to have the
spectacled bear, an endangered species native to the Andes. There's an area where children
can meet and feed familiar and friendly animals, as well as participate in regularly scheduled
activities.
53-51 111th St. (subway line 7 to 111th
Street-Roosevelt Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-271-1500
http://www.queenszoo.com
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm (winter hours run November-March daily till 4:30 pm). US$8 adults,
US$6 seniors, US$5 children, free for children younger than 3.
Other Options
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
Children love this four-story interactive science and technology entertainment center filled with
gizmos, gadgets and cool information. You can produce a TV show, remix a song, analyze
weather data, jam with musicians, produce a video game or just chill out and watch highdefinition TV in the state-of-the-art theater. There are also free movie screenings.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Last entrance 30 minutes before closing. It's free,
but you need to make reservations one week to three months in advance (it's hardest to get
tickets in July and August). Some same-day tickets are available, but they go quickly. Movie
tickets can be purchased beginning the Monday before the screening by calling the museum. A
select number of tickets is handed out 30 minutes before the screening.
Sony Plaza, 56th Street at Madison
Avenue (subway line E to Fifth Avenue; F
to 57th Street; R, N, 4, 5 or 6 to 59th
Street)
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-833-8100 for information
and reservations
http://www.sonywondertechlab.com
Recreation
Outdoor pursuits are probably not on the top of most visitors' lists of things to do in New York City, but there are plenty of opportunities to
move your muscles a bit.
When the weather is nice, locals head to the city parks with running shoes or in-line skates. However, because nature is a scarce commodity
in New York, most people are forced to recreate indoors. Health clubs abound, and you'll have no trouble finding one. Major names include
Equinox, Crunch, New York Health & Racquet Club and New York Sports Club. The 92nd Street Y is another good choice. Tennis is a
popular activity for many. For court time, try Midtown Tennis. Hudson River Park offers kayaking and swimming in spring and summer and is
great for running, strolling, biking or even fishing.
The city doesn't have a lot of space to devote to ice skating, but what it does have is quite special. In winter, we like the admittedly touristy
experiences of gliding around Rockefeller Center's outdoor rink or the Wollman Rink in the southern part of Central Park as the city lights
dazzle overhead in the night sky. The Pond at Bryant Park is also a good option, and is less crowded. During the warmer months, the indoor
ice at Skyrink at Chelsea Piers is the only option in Manhattan—and a fine one.
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There are more opportunities to hike and jog than you might expect. But if you like to do your walking on the links, you'll have to venture
beyond Manhattan. Golfers have a variety of courses to choose from within reasonable driving distance, or they can practice their putting at
Chelsea Piers.
Bicycling
New York offers a wealth of bike paths in, through and around the city. The East River Bikeway winds along East River Park from 14th Street
south to the Financial District, and the Hudson River Bike Path runs up the west side of Manhattan to the Hudson River Park Promenade,
where it's fun to check out the sights on the other end of Wall Street. Imagine pedaling over the Brooklyn Bridge to Prospect Park or maybe
taking the Shore Parkway Bike Path in Queens, near Kennedy Airport, for glittering views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the
Manhattan skyline. And most definitely consider Staten Island's 209-acre/85-hectare Silver Lake Park, where you can join a group or explore
on your own. Riverside Park has paths along the Hudson River from 68th to 155th streets, but the best stretch for biking and peoplewatching is from 72nd to 96th streets.
Boating & Sailing
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club
The Gowanus canal, an estuary running into Brooklyn from the New York-New Jersey Harbor,
was a vital link in America's industrial development. The factory buildings—mostly out of use—
that line it today appeal to architecture buffs. In addition to working to clean up the canal and
rehabilitate the surrounding area, the nonprofit club offers both guided and self-guided free
canoe tours of the waterway, which affords a unique way to see a fascinating urban area.
Check the website for times and reservations.
Second Street at Bond Street (subway
line F or G to Carroll Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-243-0849
http://www.gowanuscanal.org
Golf
Clearview Park Golf Club
A popular 18-hole, par-70 golf course with a pro shop, restaurant and snack bar. Motorized
carts are available.
202-12 Willets Point Blvd. (near 202nd
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-229-2570
http://www.nycteetimes.com
Dyker Beach Golf Course
This 18-hole, par-71 course comes with amazing views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
There's a clubhouse, carts, pro shop and restaurant.
86th Street at Seventh Avenue (subway
line R to 86th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-836-9722
http://www.nycteetimes.com
LaTourette Golf Course
Located inside LaTourette Park, this 18-hole course offers beautiful terrain and challenging
hills. Home to the popular NYC Amateur and the March of Dimes Celebrity Golf Classic, with a
landmark 1836 clubhouse. There's a pro shop and a dining room.
1001 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island
New York, NY
Phone: 718-351-1889
http://www.nycteetimes.com
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Pelham/Split Rock Golf Course
Located inside Pelham Bay Park, this 36-hole, par-71 course is very popular. The Pelham
course is considered easier, with wide, links-style fairways. Split Rock has tighter, tree-lined
greens and fairways. There's a clubhouse, pro shop and full-service snack bar. Golf cart rentals
are available.
870 Shore Road (near Pelham Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-885-1258
http://www.nycteetimes.com
Van Cortlandt Golf Course
The oldest public course in the country, the 18-hole, par-70 course is known for its excellent
greens, tight fairways and water hazards. There's a clubhouse, pro shop and snack bar.
Van Cortlandt Park South at Bailey
Avenue (subway line 1 to Van Cortlandt
Park-242nd Street; 4 to Woodlawn)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-543-4595
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/VanCo
rtlandtPark
Hiking & Walking
The trail around the Central Park reservoir is one of the city's most popular jogging spots. A 1.6-mi/2.6-km loop with entrances on both the
east and west sides of the park, it stretches from 86th to 96th streets. The sublime experience of running alongside the water (although it's
fenced in) with a mile-/kilometer-long city vista as company is invigorating enough to propel you through a few more laps. On weekends (and
midday during summer months), the park's inner roads are off limits to cars and are a great place to run, bike or in-line skate. If you're in the
neighborhood around the first weekend of November, you can see the finish of the New York City Marathon.
Riverside Park, a narrow stretch of greenery that begins at West 72nd Street and continues alongside the Hudson River to 158th Street, is
brimming with activity on weekends when the baseball, basketball and tennis courts and the in-line skate park are packed. The best bet is to
enter the park at 79th Street, stroll down to the promenade along the Hudson and just start jogging north until you feel like turning back. The
path is wide, flat and generally well-maintained, though running after dark is not safe. The view over the river is pleasant, especially at sunset.
Many people also run along the park's eastern edge, across the street from Riverside Drive. It's not as scenic but also not as crowded.
Central Park joggers range from beginners to serious marathon trainers. Enjoy running at any pace and on any trail, because runners
abound year-round. Brooklyn's Prospect Park offers ample paths for running and is far less crowded than many Manhattan options. The
Battery Promenade, running along the Hudson River at the southern tip of Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn Bridge Park, are also great
options for scenic runs or walks, as both afford spectacular views directly over the city's rivers. Serious runners may find them a bit too short,
though.
Horseback Riding
Kensington Stables
This Prospect Park stable dates from the 19th century. No matter what level of rider you are,
you can ride indoors on the riding ring or take a guided trail ride. It offers lessons and pony
rides, too.
Reservations recommended.
51 Caton Place, Prospect Park (subway
line F to Fort Hamilton Parkway)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-972-4588
http://www.kensingtonstables.com
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In-Line Skating
Manhattan's most popular skate route is the 7.2-mi/11.6-km circular drive in Central Park, where you can zip and whoosh to your heart's
content. On weekends and holidays from mid-April to Halloween, the Skate Circle offers dance skating for in-line skaters at the foot of the
band shell near the center of the park. The music is fabulous, and if you take skates, they'll give you a lesson. Rentals are available at
Wollman Rink. The West Side's Hudson River Park and Riverside Park promenade, between 72nd and 110th streets, are other good bets:
The sweeping views of the Hudson River are particularly glorious at sunset. There are a number of skateboard courses in Riverside Park
between 72nd and 155th streets.
Tennis & Racquet Sports
There are dozens of clay courts in Central Park, and most of the city parks have courts as well. Between the first Saturday in April and the
Sunday before Thanksgiving, permits are required to use city courts. Single-use permits are US$15 and can be obtained online. However,
many are reserved for city residents with special permits. The Tennis Center in Central Park is midpark, between 94th and 96th streets. If
you stop by, you might be able to pick up a game or fill in for a no-show partner. http://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/tennis-permits.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
The site of the U.S. Open, it is open to the public for play. Courts may be reserved up to two
days in advance. The facility has 12 indoor DecoTurf courts, 19 field courts and three stadium
courts. Closed for one month each summer to host the U.S. Open and its Qualifying
Tournament.
Open daily 6 am to midnight. Indoor hard courts US$24-$68 per hour, depending on time;
outdoor hard courts US$24-$34 per hour, depending on time. Ball machine rental US$11.
Grand Central Parkway
New York, NY
Phone: 718-760-6200
http://www.usta.com/AboutUSTA/National-TennisCenter/Information/14186_Play_at_the_
USTA_Billie_Jean_King_National_Tennis
_Center
Other Options
Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
This enormous, high-tech complex is extremely popular. It has two indoor ice-skating rinks (one
with fabulous views of the Statue of Liberty), a full gym, swimming pool, hot tub, sundeck, yearround driving range, bowling lanes, batting cage, kayak rentals, basketball courts and a running
deck. The full-service spa there is considered one of the city's best.
West 23rd Street at the Hudson River
(subway line C or E to 23rd Street; bus
M14 or M23)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-336-6666 for general
information
http://www.chelseapiers.com
Trapeze School New York
If you've always wanted to join the circus but aren't quite ready to make the leap, Trapeze
School New York will teach you to fly. There are two facilities, but if the weather's nice, sign up
for a class outside, where the rig is located on top of the Pier 40 building by the Hudson River.
You'll truly feel as if you're in the air.
Classes daily but times vary; they usually include a mix of newcomers and dedicated students.
Register in advance on the school's website. Pier 40, Hudson River Park, West Street at
Houston Street (outdoor facility; subway line 1 to Houston Street).
518 W. 30th St., between 10th and 11th
avenues (indoor facility; subway line A,
C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 34th StreetPennsylvania Station)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-242-8769
http://www.trapezeschool.com
Nightlife
The city that never sleeps boasts more nightlife than most cities will ever dream of: topflight jazz, reggae, rock 'n' roll, salsa and blues clubs,
friendly Irish pubs, neighborhood bars and even clubs that encompass all of the above under one roof. Most stay open and lively on
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weekends until 4 am, and until 1 or 2 am during the week. We recommend you call ahead to check that venues are open and operating as
usual. And don't forget to include Brooklyn in your planning—much of the city's music scene has shifted there.
Because of the city's ban on indoor smoking, you may see a crowd smoking outdoors in front of the most popular spots.
Bars, Taverns & Pubs
Apotheke
You won't find this lounge unless you're looking for it. It's tucked away in the middle of
Chinatown, and there is no outside sign or lights indicating that you're at the right place. This
hidden gem located on an otherwise desolate street takes inspiration from the history of
apothecaries in Europe and the artistic influences taking place in 19th-century Paris. You won't
find your average cocktails there. Drinks fall under various categories such as aphrodisiacs,
pain killers, stress relievers and euphoric enhancers, and they are all served to you by
bartenders dressed as chemists.
9 Doyers St. (subway line J, M, Q or Z to
Canal Street; 4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn
Bridge-City Hall)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-406-0400
http://www.apothekenyc.com
Art Bar
Although this seemingly small West Village bar is located only a few blocks from New York's
trendy Meatpacking District, it's easy to overlook. In the front room is a bar area with standard
tables. For more of a lounge atmosphere, head straight to the back where comfortable couches
and dim lighting completely transform the affordable bar into a chic lounge.
52 Eighth Ave. (subway line 1, 2, 3, A, C
or E to 14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-235-0481
Open daily 4 pm-4 am.
http://www.artbar.com
Barrio Chino
This intimate bar serves 50 varieties of tequila along with some excellent tapas. If tequila isn't
your thing, don't worry: It also serves all the designer cocktails you can handle. Mexican
appetizers, sandwiches and a few platos grandes are served, as well.
Monday 5:30 pm-2 am, Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 am-4:30 pm and 5:30 pm-2 am. No cover.
253 Broome St., between Orchard and
Ludlow streets (subway line F, J, M or Z
to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-228-6710
http://www.barriochinonyc.com
Cake Shop
Everything from vintage vinyls to vegan cakes is available at any time at this funky Lower East
Side bakery, cafe, bar, music venue, record store and art gallery. Check the website for live
music.
Cafe open daily 9 am-2 am, bar open 5 pm-2 am (until 4 am on Friday and Saturday).
152 Ludlow St., between Stanton and
Rivington streets (subway line F, J, M or
Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-253-0036
http://www.cake-shop.com
Campbell Apartment
In the 1920s, this pocket of Grand Central Station was the private office of John Campbell,
chairman of the Credit Clearing House. Today, it's a great spot for classic cocktails. Campbell
had his space furnished to look like a medieval Florentine palace, complete with a beautifully
ornate ceiling. The furnishings are still intact today, but you no longer have to be a close friend
of the owner to enjoy. Business-casual attire (no athletic shoes, T-shirts or similar dress-down)
Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt
Ave. (subway line S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd
Street-Grand Central)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-953-0409
Monday-Thursday noon-1 am, Friday noon-2 am, Saturday 3 pm-2 am, Sunday 3-11 pm.
http://www.hospitalityholdings.com
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Dorrian's
This Upper East Side bar has been serving New Yorkers since 1960 and continues to be a
popular spot for the young and old of the neighborhood. During the day, stop by for Irish and
American pub fare and a friendly environment. Once the evening hours hit, Dorrian's plays
oldies in the main bar area and more modern beats near the back. It is especially popular
among young adults working and living in the city.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-3:45 am; Sunday from noon.
1616 Second Ave., at 84th Street
(subway line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-772-6660
http://www.dorrians-nyc.com
Macao
This trendy TriBeCa bar and restaurant combines elements of both China and Portugal, taking
diners back in time to the late 19th century. The interior reflects this history while staying true to
the Macao of today. Macao has an extensive wine and cocktail list and also serves dinner.
Open daily till late.
311 Church St., between Walker and
Lispenard streets (subway line A, C, E, N
or R to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-431-8750
http://macaonyc.com
McSorley's Old Ale House
This historic bar opened in 1854. Its longtime motto was "Good Ale, Raw Onions and No
Ladies," but that was amended in 1970 to "Good Ale and Raw Onions" when the ownership—
prompted by a Supreme Court decision—decided it was time to allow customers with two X
chromosomes. There's still sawdust on the wood floor, and it brews its own light and dark ales,
both of which are recommended.
15 E. Seventh St., between Second and
Third avenues (subway line N or R to
Eighth Street; 6 to Astor Place)
New York, NY 10003
Monday-Saturday 11 am-1 am, Sunday 1 pm-1 am. No cover. No credit cards.
Phone: 212-473-9148 for the bar's pay
phone
http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com
Pete's Tavern
This pleasant place to quaff a pint has been open since 1864, when it became a popular
hangout for politicians who were part of "Boss" Tweed's Tammany Hall political machine. It was
also a favorite writing environment for O. Henry, who lived down the street. He wrote his famous
short story "The Gift of the Magi" at Pete's in 1905. Throughout the years, various writers and
artists have spent quality time at Pete's.
129 E. 18th St., at Irving Place (subway
line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th StreetUnion Square)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-473-7676
Bar: Sunday-Wednesday 11 am-2 am, Thursday until 3 am, Friday and Saturday until 4 am.
Dining room (serving Italian food): lunch and dinner daily, 11 am-11:45 pm Sunday-Wednesday,
until 12:45 am Thursday-Saturday. Brunch menu available on Saturday and Sunday and served
until 3 pm. No cover.
http://www.petestavern.com
Riposo 72
Wine lovers flock to the Upper West Side for the small and intimate wine bars found in the area.
The word riposo is derived from a verb meaning "to rest or relax" in Italian, and that is exactly
what patrons do when they select from the various wines offered at this cozy spot. There is a
second location called Riposo 46 at 667 Ninth Ave., between 46th and 47th streets (phone
212-247-8018).
50 West 72nd St., at Columbus Avenue
(subway line A, B, C, 1, 2 or 3 to 72nd
Street)
New York, NY
http://www.riposonyc.com
Monday-Wednesday 4 pm-2 am, Thursday and Friday 4 pm-3 am, Saturday 11:30 am-3 am,
Sunday 11:30 am-2 am.
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Rue B
Jazz legends watch from the walls as New Yorkers, many born well after the music greats faded
from the scene, sip martinis in newly invented flavors. A great warm-up spot with just the right
music, or for late night; it offers dinner, bar food and weekend brunch.
Open Monday-Friday 4 pm-4 am, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-4 am. Happy hour daily 4-8 pm.
188 Ave. B, between 11th and 12th
streets (subway line 6 to Astor Place; N
or R to Eighth Street; L to First Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-358-1700
http://ruebnyc.com
Spin
Only a pane of glass separates this chic bar from subwaygoers at the 23rd Street subway
station. Play a couple of rounds of table tennis or take a seat on the mini-bleachers and watch
the Dirty Dozen games on Friday, where amateurs have more fun than the pros (before 6 pm,
US$10 per half hour; after 6 pm, US$20 per half hour). Alternatively, sit at the bar or the tables,
where Ducks restaurant serves small plates for US$8-$18. Try the Philly cheesesteak, and don't
miss the playful selection of popcorns, including jalapeno-cheddar and truffle-parmesan. Drinks
cost US$6-$15.
48 E. 23rd St. (between Park and
Madison avenues; subway line N or R to
23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-982-8802
http://newyork.spingalactic.com
Open daily 11 am till late. No cover.
Standard Hotel Beer Garden
Conveniently located under the High Line, this hip but cozy spot does a very solid job of
importing the Bavarian tradition to New York. The sausages and enormous pretzels can make
for a meal, and there is a great selection of German beers on tap—plus free table tennis.
Open Monday-Wednesday from 4 pm, Thursday-Friday from 2 pm and Saturday and Sunday
from noon.
848 Washington St., at 13th Street
(subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 14th
Street; L to Eighth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-645-4100
http://standardhotels.com/high-line/fooddrink/biergarten
Verlaine
This small but elegantly designed Lower East Side treasure is quite different from the more
common music venues and hipster bars of the neighborhood. Verlaine is especially known for
its Vietnamese cocktails including a US$5 lychee martini available during their happy hour.
Sunday-Wednesday 5 pm-1 am, Thursday 5 pm-2 am, Friday and Saturday 5 pm-4 am.
110 Rivington St., between Essex and
Ludlow streets (subway line F, J, M or Z
to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-614-2494
http://verlainenyc.com
White Horse Tavern
An 1880 structure that is one of the few remaining wood-frame buildings in Manhattan. A
sailor's hangout for the first half-century of its existence, the White Horse became a favorite spot
for downtown writers during the 1940s and 1950s. One such patron was the Welsh poet and
playwright Dylan Thomas, who died right outside the front door shortly after downing 19 shots of
whiskey. (Many pictures of Thomas now adorn the walls of the bar, almost as if he were looking
down on you to say, "Take it from me—don't have another.") Good crowd and somewhat
greasy grub.
567 Hudson St., at 11th Avenue (subway
line A, C, E or L to 14th Street; 1 to
Christopher Street-Sheridan Square)
New York, NY 10014
Daily 11 am-1:30 am, till 3:30 am Friday and Saturday. No cover. No credit cards.
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Wined Up
This wine bar, upstairs above the eatery Punch, offers about 30 different wines by the glass,
most in the US$6-$15 range. Several hundred wines are available by the bottle at a variety of
prices. Small dishes and a build-your-own cheese plate as well.
Monday-Wednesday 5 pm-midnight, Thursday-Saturday 5 pm-2 am; the kitchen closes at 11
pm. Most major credit cards. No cover.
913 Broadway, between 20th and 21st
streets (subway N, R or 6 to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-673-6333
http://punchrestaurant.com
Comedy Clubs
Caroline's on Broadway
A favorite spot for big names, sitcom stars and Saturday Night Live regulars, as well as for upand-coming comedians. With dinner (standard American fare, available 90 minutes before the
first show of the evening), you get priority seating. If you're thinking of getting on stage for
Monday's New Talent show, submit a DVD first or sign up for classes at Caroline's School of
Comedy.
Show times vary. Reservations required for dinner. US$20-$45 cover (up to US$130 for top
comedic acts) plus a two-drink minimum.
1626 Broadway, between 49th and 50th
streets (subway line C, E or 1 to 50th
Street; N or R to 49th Street-Seventh
Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-757-4100
http://www.carolines.com
Gotham Comedy Club
If you seek comedy on the upscale side, Gotham is the place.
Show times are Sunday-Thursday 8:30 pm; Friday 8:30 and 10:30 pm; Saturday 8, 10 and
11:45 pm. Check website, as show times can vary during the week. Guests must arrive at least
30 minutes before show time. Reservations required, although walk-ins are welcome if seats
are available. Cover about US$15-$25. Two-drink minimum.
208 W. 23rd St., between Seventh and
Eighth avenues (subway line C, E or 1 to
23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-367-9000
http://www.gothamcomedyclub.com
New York Comedy Club
For a night of laughter, head to the New York Comedy Club to hear up-and-coming comics.
There is also an open-mike night on Sunday, Monday and Friday at 6 pm. No one younger than
16 allowed inside the venue. Reservations recommended and credit cards accepted.
Performances Tuesday-Saturday, with two shows per day Thursday-Saturday. US$20 cover
plus a two-drink minimum per person.
241 E. 24th St. (subway line 6 to 23rd
Street; L to Third Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-696-5233
http://newyorkcomedyclub.com
Dance & Nightclubs
230 Fifth
Opened by the owner of the Roxy and the Palladium, no expense has been spared in outfitting
this fabulous 14,000-sq-ft/1,300-sq-m rooftop deck and top-shelf club. And the 20th-floor views
of the Empire State Building are suitably breathtaking. It can get very crowded, and the velvet
rope process at the door may be a bit frustrating at busy times.
Daily 4 pm-4 am. "Casual smart" dress requested.
230 Fifth Ave., 20th Floor, between 26th
and 27th streets (subway line N, R or 6
to 28th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-725-4300
http://www.230-fifth.com
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675 Bar
Perhaps one of the most unique and unpretentious dance spots in the trendy Meatpacking
District, 675 is an underground space with small themed rooms, a medium-size dance floor and
full bar. The warren of small rooms also make it a great spot for an early, cozy drink. Arrive early
to grab one of the vintage decorated rooms, which include pool tables, chess boards, library
books, and other odds and ends.
675 Hudson St., at 13th Street (subway
line A, C, E or L to 14th Street-Eighth
Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-699-2410
Monday-Saturday from 6 pm. Most major credit cards.
http://www.675bar.com
Cielo
A small space in comparison to other Manhattan dance clubs, Cielo specializes in electronic
beats and soulful house music. The dance club often features top international DJs throughout
the year.
Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 10 pm-4 am. Open Tuesday and Sunday for special
events. Cover ranges US$10-$30. Most major credit cards.
18 Little W. 12th St. (subway line A, C, E
or L to 14th Street-Eighth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-645-5700
http://www.cieloclub.com
Santos Party House
Attracting a younger crowd, Santos Party House offers two levels of dance music including hiphop and reggae beats. The venue is also used as a concert space and is available for private
events.
Daily 7 pm-4 am. Cover varies depending on day and event, but ranges US$10-$30.
Discounted cover before 10 pm during the week, and before midnight on weekends.
96 Lafayette St. (subway line J, N, Q, R,
Z or 6 to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-584-5492
http://santospartyhouse.com
Sullivan Room
Don't even think of showing up before 1 am, when this great spot comes alive with music from
the city's best DJs.
Daily except Monday 10 pm-5 am. Cover varies but is usually around US$15.
218 Sullivan St., between Bleecker and
West Third streets (subway line A, B, C,
D, E, F or M to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-252-2151
http://www.sullivanroom.com
Live Music
Arlene's Grocery
This is the place to hear the best unsigned rock acts in town for practically pennies. Monday
night is rock 'n' roll karaoke night at 10 pm. Not a place to go for a quiet chat.
Monday-Friday from 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon. Cover US$8-$10 on Friday and
Saturday, free on Monday.
95 Stanton St., between Ludlow and
Orchard streets (subway line F to
Second Avenue; F, M, J or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-995-1652
http://www.arlenesgrocery.net
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B.B. King's
An intimate supper club owned by the man synonymous with the blues, this is a popular spot for
first-rate music. In addition to blues acts, you can see classic rockers or R&B musicians. The
decor's tacky, but it doesn't matter. Food (barbecue, grilled meat and seafood, mostly) is
average and a bit pricey.
Daily 11 am-1 am, Beatles brunch on Saturday 11 am-2 pm, gospel brunch on Sunday 12:302:30 pm. Show times and ticket prices for acts vary. Tickets may be purchased in advance.
Reservations accepted.
237 W. 42nd St., between Seventh and
Eighth avenues (subway line A, C, E, N,
Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3 or 7 to 42nd Street-Times
Square)
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-997-4144
http://www.bbkingblues.com
Bemelmans Bar
The banquettes are impossibly comfortable, and the drinks are tall and tasty. Sophisticated bar
fare. You can enjoy a conversation with soft live music in the background.
Cocktail hour 5:30-8:30 pm and live jazz 9:30 pm-12:30 am. Cover US$25-$30 after 9 pm at
the tables, US$15 at the bar.
35 E. 76th St. (subway line 5 to 77th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-744-1600
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/carlyl
e/dining/bemelmans_bar
Bowery Ballroom
This former store for shoes, jewelry and carpets is now one of the premier venues in the East
Village. The sound is always good even if the bands aren't. Usually opens at 7 pm, depending
on when the show starts. You can always arrive early for a preshow drink in the downstairs bar.
Box office (cash only, no service charge) is at the Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St.,
between Essex and Ludlow streets. .
6 Delancey St., between Bowery and
Chrystie streets (subway line J or Z to
Bowery; B or D to Grand Street; F, J, M
or Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-260-4700. Tickets can be
purchased by credit card online or by
phone (toll-free 800-745-3000). 6
Delancey St., between Bowery and
Chrystie streets (subway line J or Z to
Bowery; B or D to Grand Street; F, J, M
or Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street),
Manhattan, New York City. 212-533-2111
http://www.boweryballroom.com
Brooklyn Bowl
Sixteen bowling lanes, top-notch comfort food and some of the most innovative live acts in town
—this venue in the former Williamsburg warehouse district draws a great crowd. Live acts are
diverse, but it's also one of the best places for jazz, funk and electro—and pulls in top indie acts.
It's often a good idea to buy tickets in advance, as many shows sell out.
61 Wythe Ave. (subway line L to Bedford
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-963-3369
http://www.brooklynbowl.com
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Jazz at Lincoln Center
Three performance venues include the Rose Theater, the main performance space, with
seating for 1,200-plus; the Allen Room, amphitheater-style with huge windows overlooking
Columbus Circle and Central Park; and the nightclub-style Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, where you
may see as many celebrities in the audience as on the stage. Also on-site is the Jazz Hall of
Fame, which is open to the public during the day and to ticket holders during performances.
Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus
Circle, at 60th Street (subway line A, B,
C, D or 1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-258-9800
http://jalc.org
Joe's Pub
Part of the Public Theater's performance complex, this hip cabaret offers everything from jazz to
rock and pop. Later on, a DJ spins music into the wee hours. The place is usually packed, so
it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance. The cafe has a rather pricey Italian menu; drinks run
US$7-$16.
425 Lafayette St., between Astor Place
and Fourth Street (subway line N or R to
Eighth Street; 6 to Astor Place)
New York, NY 10003
Nightly from 6 pm. Ticket prices vary, and there's a two-drink minimum or US$12 food
http://www.joespub.com
minimum. Buy tickets online or phone 212-967-7555. For ticket-and-dinner reservations, phone
212-539-8778. Tickets may also be purchased at the Public Theater box office Sunday and
Monday 1-6 pm, Tuesday-Saturday 1-7:30 pm. Purchase of a ticket guarantees seating; standing room is no longer available.
Knitting Factory
Avant-garde jazz and rock are offered nightly in the latest incarnation (now in Brooklyn) of this
nationally-known club with a phenomenal sound system. This popular hangout attracts an
eclectic crowd. If you don't want to see a show, the front neighborhood bar is open daily 5 pm-3
am.
361 Metropolitan Ave. (subway line G or
L to Lorimer-Metropolitan)
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 347-529-6696
Show times vary; get tickets at the box office. Tickets range from free to US$25 (some shows
have a drink minimum). Select drink specials available all night.
http://www.knittingfactory.com
Mercury Lounge
Well-known and up-and-coming alternative-rock performers play at this very hip place. There
are several sets a night.
Nightly 6 pm-4 am. Tickets US$8-$20. Purchase tickets at the box office (cash only, no service
charge) Monday-Saturday noon-7 pm or through Ticketmaster (phone 800-745-3000). For
shows with no advance sales, doors open one hour before the first band takes the stage.
217 E. Houston St., between Essex and
Ludlow streets (subway line F to Second
Avenue; F, J, M or Z to Delancey StreetEssex Street)
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-260-4700
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
Pianos
A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, Pianos is both a lively bar and music venue. Patrons
looking for a beer and some bar food flood to the floor level, while weekend partygoers looking
for a place to dance to popular music head straight upstairs. Local bands play in an adjoining
room on the main level and upstairs for open mike nights.
158 Ludlow St., at Stanton Street
(subway line F to Second AvenueHouston Street; F, J, M or Z to DelanceyEssex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-505-3733
http://pianosnyc.com
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Rockwood Music Hall
For both new and experienced indie bands, scoring a set at the famous Rockwood Music Hall
is a dream come true. The venue has two rooms and books musical acts for time slots
throughout the night.
Open daily, Stage 1 opens Monday-Friday at 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm. Stage 2
opens at 6:30 pm. The venue has a one-drink minimum per set and usually fills up fast.
196 Allen St., at East Houston Street
(subway line F to Second AvenueHouston Street; B, D, F or M to
Broadway-Lafayette)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-477-4155
http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com
Smalls
A basement featuring bohemian and well-established musicians since 1992. There's a full bar
and a breath of fresh jazz from young musicians.
Performances generally daily from 7:30 pm. Cover charge US$20 good for the entire night with
no drink minimum. Underage guests welcome.
183 W. 10th St., at Seventh Avenue
South (subway line 1 to ChristopherSheridan Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-252-5091
http://www.smallsjazzclub.com
Smoke
This popular neighborhood bar is one of the best low-key jazz, R&B and soul joints north of
Times Square.
Open daily 5 pm-2 am. Three shows nightly at 8, 10 and 11:30 pm. Weekend cover charge
varies but is usually US$40 (dinner available for the first set) with a US$20 food and beverage
minimum charged during the week.
2751 Broadway, between 105th and
106th streets (subway line 1 to 103rd
Street)
New York, NY 10025
Phone: 212-864-6662
http://www.smokejazz.com
S.O.B.'s
Enter another world entirely, with live reggae and other music from Brazil, Africa, Latin America,
South Asia and the Caribbean. The restaurant serves decent Latin cuisine, but the hip crowd is
there to sip margaritas and mojitos in between dances. Free Latin dance lessons some days.
Monday-Thursday 6:30 pm-2 am, Friday and Saturday until 4 am. Sunday features a Bossa
Nova brunch from noon-4 pm; check the website for schedule. Call ahead to see when bands
go on, as show times can change. US$10-$30 depending on the act; tickets are at the door or
through TicketWeb (phone 866-777-8932).
204 Varick St., at West Houston Street
(subway line 1 to Houston Street)
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-243-4940
http://www.sobs.com
The Bitter End
A Greenwich Village institution with exceptional offerings of live blues, folk and jazz. This is one
of the places where young Bob Dylan honed his skills.
Open daily 7 pm-1 am; till 4 am Friday and Saturday. Cover ranges US$5-$10.
147 Bleecker St., between Thompson
Street and LaGuardia Place (subway line
A, B, C, D, E, F or M to West Fourth
Street)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-673-7030
http://www.bitterend.com
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The Blue Note
This famous club is a longtime Greenwich Village favorite that hosts top jazz performers from all
over the world. Cover charges can be high and policies shocking (you pay dearly for each set),
but you go because it gets acts that play nowhere else in the city. Check out the Sunday jazz
brunch 11:30 am-4 pm (shows at 12:30 and 2:30 pm) for US$35 (includes show, entree and a
drink).
Show times and cover vary widely depending on the act.
131 W. Third St., at Sixth Avenue
(subway line A, B, C, D, E, F or M to
West Fourth Street; 1 to Christopher
Street-Sheridan Square)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-475-8592
http://www.bluenotejazz.com/newyork
Performing Arts
Some of the finest musical and theatrical performances in the world take place in the concert halls and on the stages of New York City.
Facilities are excellent (the Metropolitan Opera House, Carnegie Hall and Broadway theaters, to name only a few), and those Broadway
lights guarantee a constant influx of remarkable talent and star power. Off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway venues of all stripes can be found
throughout the city. The community has long grown accustomed to demanding excellence in all of the arts, and it shows the moment the lights
dim, the curtain rises and the first note sounds.
Everyone is familiar with Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, but there are high-quality performances on numerous
other stages throughout the city. The 92nd Street Y's Kaufmann Concert Hall hosts literary, dance and musical productions. The City Center
theater hosts dance troupes and musical events (the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performs there).
Madison Square Garden, located above Penn Station, is a versatile entertainment complex that hosts local sports teams as well as many
major musical acts such as Lady Gaga and Z100's yearly Jingle Ball. Merkin Concert Hall features all types of music but is most famous for
its traditional Jewish, 20th-century classical and chamber music. The Public Theater hosts a variety of productions each year, as well.
Symphony Space—bigger than its name—hosts more than just classical music performances. In fact, its program of events is extraordinarily
wide-ranging and includes plays, musicals, dance recitals, literary readings, film series and concerts of seemingly every possible music
genre. An impressive amount of this venue's programming is devoted to performers from Europe, Asia and beyond, as well as to fringe and
subcultural projects. Town Hall's programming includes lectures, film series, jazz festivals and other musical events in a hall almost as
downscale and cozy as the name suggests. (Garrison Keillor's home-away-from-his-regular-Prairie-Home is there.)
Venturing off the island of Manhattan rewards the intrepid performing-arts fan. The Brooklyn Academy of Music, known as BAM, is a
contemporary performing-arts center showcasing avant-garde dance, music, opera and theater productions. Its Rose Cinema is a highly
regarded showcase for avant-garde films. A visit to BAM is completely worth the extra travel time.
Be aware that the use of cell phones and cameras is illegal inside Broadway theaters. Management may confiscate phones or cameras or
make patrons delete electronic photos.
Expect heightened security at all venues.
Dance
American Ballet Theatre
ABT is one of the country's major dance companies, with a repertoire ranging from classics to
experimental works. As a traveling ballet company, ABT gives performances May-July at the
Metropolitan Opera House and at selected venues in New York City and around the world
during the rest of the year.
Ticket prices range US$20-$149.
Columbus Avenue at 64th Street
(subway line 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln
Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-477-3030
http://www.abt.org
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Cedar Lake
A Chelsea contemporary ballet company featuring the works of young American
choreographers. The company also introduces international artists who might not be known to
American audiences.
US$20-$50.
547 W. 26th St., between 10th and 11th
avenues (subway line C or E to 23rd
Street-Eighth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-244-0015
http://www.cedarlakedance.com
New York City Ballet
This was the great George Balanchine's ballet company, and it shows. Buy tickets well in
advance. The yearly Nutcracker—performances late November­early January—is a holiday
tradition.
Regular season performances daily except Monday January and February, and late April-June.
Tickets US$35-$135. For tickets, call the box office at 212-870-5570 or visit the website.
David H. Koch Theatre, Lincoln Center
(subway line 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln
Center)
New York, NY
Phone: Toll-free 800-580-8730 for
information
http://www.nycballet.com
Film
Any first-run movie is likely to be playing at multiple times in multiple theaters in New York, though it's often wise to buy tickets ahead of time,
as popular films often sell out, particularly on the weekend. New York additionally has several excellent theaters showing independent and
rare films. Check The New York Times, The New Yorker or The L Magazine for good listings.
Some of the best bets for venues are IFC and the Angelika, both in Greenwich Village, as well as the Museum of Modern Art and Brooklyn's
BAM theater. Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg shows a mix of first­run and more esoteric work—and serves great food, a modern twist on
the dinner-theater tradition. In addition, there are several annual film festivals.
Music
Central Park SummerStage
Free musical performances take place in Central Park during the summer. Gates open 60
minutes before show time. These performances are one of the city's best summer offerings, as
thousands of people show up with snacks and picnic blankets to hear popular music from
around the world, including some of the hottest acts in the U.S. Note that alcohol is not allowed
in Central Park, and it's a good idea to take sunscreen as there is very little shade.
Central Park (enter at 69th Street and
Fifth Avenue; subway line 6 to 68th
Street-Hunter College)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-360-2777
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summ
erstage
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players
This wacky and well-loved group performs at Symphony Space. If you love light opera or are
simply amused by things British, see a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.
Ticket prices range US$34-$87.
2537 Broadway, at 95th Street (subway
line A, B, C, 1, 2 or 3 to 96th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-769-1000
http://www.nygasp.org
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New York Philharmonic
The Philharmonic season runs September-June. In mid-July, the Philharmonic opts for the great
outdoors and performs in several of New York's parks, notably on Central Park's Great Lawn.
These free concerts attract crowds of more than 100,000 people.
Tickets for indoor performances US$30-$122. Students and seniors can sometimes get highly
discounted tickets—call that day to check on availability, then show up a half­hour before the
concert. Tickets can be purchased by phone, fax, mail or in person at the Customer Relations
Window, which is open Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm (facility fee of US$2.50 per ticket).
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
(subway line 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln
Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-875-5900 for information,
212-875-5656 for tickets
http://www.nyphil.org
Opera
Metropolitan Opera Company
This is the place to hear opera singers, and that usually means the performance will be
memorable. This world-renowned company's season runs late September-May.
Performances Monday-Saturday. Box office open Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday
noon-6 pm. US$20-$445 (prices leading up to performance dates may reach US$490). US$20
rush tickets on the day of the show go on sale two hours before show time (at 10 am for
seniors).
Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln
Center (subway line 1 to 66th StreetLincoln Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-362-6000
http://www.metoperafamily.org
Theater
Broadway
New York's Theater District is located on the various side streets off Times Square between 42nd and 53rd streets and Sixth and Ninth
avenues. Find listings of current productions in any of the local papers and magazines, or you can check online sites such as
http://www.playbill.com, http://www.tdf.org or http://www.theatermania.com. You can purchase tickets in several ways—over the phone,
through the mail, at the box office window or through an outside ticket broker. If a show is sold out on a given day, tickets from cancellations
are sold at face value at the theater's box office starting two hours before show time—for hot shows, expect to line up early. On Tuesday and
Sunday, shows often start between 7 and 7:30 pm; the rest of the week the evening curtain rises at 8 pm. Matinee performances available
on Wednesday and Saturday at 2 pm, Sunday at 3 pm. Most, but not all, theaters are dark on Monday.
Off-Broadway
This domain was once an inexpensive testing ground for shows too risky for Broadway. Now ticket prices compare with those of more
commercial Broadway shows, especially as many movie stars want to show off their acting skills in smaller, more intimate venues. OffBroadway plays are seemingly just as popular and sometimes even more exciting. These theaters are much smaller, so pretty much any
seat you get is going to be good. Less expensive off-off-Broadway and avant-garde theaters are scattered throughout the city. The New
York Times, Time Out New York, The New Yorker magazine, and the Village Voice and The L Magazine (both free) are excellent places to
find what's hot at the moment.
Tickets range US$20-$80. For discounts up to 50% stop by one of the three TKTS locations: Times Square, South Street Seaport and
Downtown Brooklyn.
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Ticket Brokers
Telecharge
Provides listings, schedules and tickets to a host of Broadway and off-Broadway plays and
musicals, as well as to some Lincoln Center events.
Hackensack, NJ 17601
Phone: 212-239-6200. Toll-free 800432-7250
http://www.telecharge.com
Broadway.com/Theater Direct and Broadway League
These groups offer free assistance in the purchase of theater tickets. The Broadway League provides theatergoers with story synopses,
prices and schedule information for many (but not all) Broadway plays and musicals. The service also allows callers to make reservations
through Telecharge and Ticketmaster. Prices generally range US$30-$125 (up to US$400 for premium seating). Since Broadway theaters
are generally not extraordinarily large, even the nosebleed sections are pretty good.
For Broadway.com, call 212-541-8457, toll-free 800-276-2392, or visit http://www.broadway.com. For Broadway League, visit
http://www.ilovenytheater.com.
StubHub
The online ticket reselling site is widely used by people with Broadway and other theater tickets
to sell, and can be a good option, particularly for finding last-minute tickets.
New York, NY
http://www.stubhub.com
TKTS
If you can stand to wait in line for a while (perhaps for several hours), this row of booths is the
cheapest source for tickets to same­day shows. Be aware that many shows—especially shows
that are hot at the moment—are not sold at TKTS. Electronic boards at the booths list which
shows are for sale at what discount on any given day. For Wednesday or Saturday matinees,
the booth is open 10 am-2 pm; for Sunday matinees, 11 am-3 pm; for Monday and
Wednesday-Saturday evening performances, 3-8 pm; Tuesday evening performances 2-8 pm;
Sunday evening performances 3 pm until 30 minutes before show time.
The Times Square booth is located
under the stairs at Father Duffy Square
(subway line A, C, S, 1, 2 or 3 to 42nd
Street-Times Square; N or R to 49th
Street)
New York, NY 10036
http://tdf.org
Two additional TKTS locations are usually less crowded: South Street Seaport, at the corner of
Front and John Streets, and downtown Brooklyn, at One Metro Tech Center. These locations
sell matinee tickets the day before the performance and evening tickets the day of the show; South Street Seaport Monday-Saturday 11 am6 pm and Sunday 11 am-4 pm; the Brooklyn location is closed Sunday and Monday. Also closed daily 3-3:30 pm for lunch.
The line forms early, especially at the height of the tourist season. Tickets are discounted as much as half, plus the US$4 service charge.
TKTS is well worth the wait, if you have the time. And, with quality tickets discounted so much, you can't really go wrong.
Most credit cards accepted.
Spectator Sports
With very few exceptions, the New York City area has a world-class stable of professional sports, whether your fancy is football (Jets and
Giants), baseball (Mets and Yankees), hockey (Rangers and Islanders) or basketball (Knicks, Liberty and Nets). There's almost always a
home game somewhere in the five boroughs. Win or lose, these teams bring out so many fans that getting a ticket can sometimes be very
difficult, if not impossible (especially for Giants games).
Should you tire of team sports, there are plenty of places to witness the thrill of individuals competing against each other. Most notably, the
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USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows (Queens) hosts the U.S. Open every fall, and Belmont Park is the site
each spring of the final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. And if you get a hunger to take part in a major sporting event,
autumn also sees the running of the New York City Marathon, with nearly 40,000 participants (http://www.nycmarathon.org).
Wherever you go, expect heightened security.
Baseball
New York Mets
The National League's New York Mets play at Citi Field, replacing the historic Shea Stadium as
the home base for the team in 2009. Features include wider seats, more leg room and
concessions run by some of the city's most popular restaurants, including Blue Smoke and
Shake Shack. Another great option is to stop at the Grand Central Market to pick up a picnic to
take to the park before boarding the 7 train.
Tickets begin at US$15.
Roosevelt Avenue at 126th Street
(subway line 7 to Mets-Willets Point)
New York, NY 11368
Phone: 718-507-8499 for the Mets box
office. Toll-free 800-745-3000 for
Ticketmaster
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com
New York Yankees
The Yankees play at the new Yankee Stadium. The former stadium was torn down in 2010 to be
turned into a 10-acre park, Heritage Field.
Tickets begin at US$17.
East 161st Street at River Avenue
(subway line B, D or 4 to 161st StreetYankee Stadium)
New York, NY 10451
Phone: 718-293-4300 for tickets
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com
Basketball
Brooklyn Nets
In 2013, the Nets—late of New Jersey—moved to their new home at the Barclays Center in
Brooklyn.
Atlantic Avenue at Flatbush Avenue
(subway line 2, 3, 4, 5, B or Q to Atlantic
Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: Toll-free 877-772-5849 for
information and tickets
http://www.nba.com/nets
New York Knicks
The NBA's New York Knicks play at Madison Square Garden. Scattered seats are sometimes
available. If you want to do some star-gazing, take a pair of binoculars and scan the courtside
seats—regular attendees at Knicks games may include Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Tom Brokaw
and many other greater or lesser luminaries.
Tickets starting at US$60. (You can pay US$1,200 to sit courtside if you can get the tickets, but
you probably can't get them.).
Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd
streets (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to
34th Street-Penn Station)
New York, NY 10121
Phone: 212-465-6080 for group tickets.
Toll-free 800-745-3000 for individual
tickets through Ticketmaster
http://www.nba.com/knicks
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New York Liberty
One of the founding WNBA teams, the Liberty women's basketball team plays at Madison
Square Garden.
Tickets start at US$15.
Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd
streets (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to
34th Street-Penn Station)
New York, NY 10121
Phone: Toll-free 800-745-3000 for
individual tickets through Ticketmaster
http://www.wnba.com/liberty
Football
New York Giants/New York Jets
Football fans will find it almost impossible to get their hands on New York Giants
Meadowlands
(http://www.giants.com) or New York Jets (http://www.newyorkjets.com) tickets. (Giants tickets
East Rutherford, NJ
sold by subscription only. No individual game tickets are made available through the team. The
Giants have a Giant Team Exchange program, and the Jets have a wait list for season tickets—
but consider that the Jets' list has about 10,000 names on it.) Bus service leaves from the Port Authority bus terminal. If driving, take
Interstate 95 to Exit 16-W. Both teams play at the New Meadowlands Stadium, a US$1.6 billion state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2010.
Hockey
New York Islanders
The NHL's Islanders play at Nassau Veterans' Memorial Coliseum on Long Island.
US$23-$170. Discounts available for students and members of the military. Promotions run
throughout the year.
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,
1255 Hempstead Turnpike (take the
Long Island Railroad to Hempstead
station, walk one block to Hempstead bus
terminal and take N70, N71 or N72 to
Hempstead Turnpike)
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: 800-745-3000 for individual
tickets through Ticketmaster. Toll-free
800-882-4753 for information
http://islanders.nhl.com
New York Rangers
The NHL's New York Rangers play hockey at Madison Square Garden.
Tickets start US$50-$70 depending on the game. Box office is open Monday-Friday 9 am-6
pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm.
Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd
streets (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to
34th Street-Penn Station)
New York, NY 10121
Phone: 212-465-6741 for groups of 15
or more. Toll-free 800-745-3000 for
individual tickets from Ticketmaster
http://rangers.nhl.com
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Horse Racing
Belmont Park
Since early in the 20th century, Belmont has been the area's most prestigious Thoroughbred
racetrack. Top annual events include the Metropolitan Handicap and the Belmont Stakes, which
is the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Races run May-July, September and October. November-March at Aqueduct Racetrack in
Queens, mid-July to September at Saratoga. Admission US$3-$5 adults, depending on seats;
free for children younger than 12. Parking prices depend on the event, but it's often free.
2150 Hempstead Turnpike (just outside
Queens, near JFK airport; take the Long
Island Railroad from Penn Station or
subway line F to 169th; connect to bus
N6 or Q2 to Belmont)
Elmont, NY 11003
Phone: 516-488-6000
http://www.nyra.com/index_belmont.html
Shopping
In this city a Chihuahua can be a fashion accessory, so expect to find anything and everything for sale. From world-famous Fifth Avenue
department stores to specialty shops, charming boutiques and bargain basements, New York is truly a shopper's heaven. The city offers
whole districts of stores devoted to a particular item, such as antiques along Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village; furs off Seventh Avenue
in Chelsea; diamonds and jewelry on 47th Street, just west of Fifth Avenue; and musical instruments on West 48th Street.
For buttons, plumes, sequins and every sewing notion you can imagine, check out the high West 30s along Sixth Avenue. The Crystal
District between 58th and 63rd streets along Madison Avenue is another great hunting ground. And just witnessing the spectacles of Tiffany
& Co., Toys "R" Us Times Square, Saks Fifth Avenue and Zabar's is a souvenir in itself.
Often, rather than keying in on a specific store, try strolling down a particular commercial boulevard (e.g., West Broadway, Lexington
Avenue, Sixth Avenue) or in a specific neighborhood (e.g., the West Village or East Village)—you'll be surprised by what you discover.
There are very few places in Manhattan without interesting stores. You can get off the subway almost anywhere and be within walking
distance of either mammoth chain stores or tiny specialty shops.
Browse in one of the many corner bookstores with a theme, from children's literature, cookbooks and mysteries to poetry. A surprising
number of street vendors set up tables all over town to sell all manner of goods—wallets, socks, used books, fake Rolexes, sunglasses,
pirated videos, perfume, incense and more—regardless of the weather.
Except for those who sell books and reading matter, the vendors are supposed to be licensed. But even if they are licensed, it won't help you
much: Buyer beware. Plenty of locals buy from these folks—which is why you'll see so many fake Louis Vuitton bags on the street.
Shopping Hours: Generally, Manhattan stores are open Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, and many shops stay open an additional hour or
two on Thursday night. Sunday hours tend to be slightly shorter, often 11 am-6 pm. However, this is New York City—you can find anything
you need at any hour of the day or night, if you're willing to search for it.
Antique Stores
Fisher Heritage
World-renowned for its beautiful collection of quilts, antique home furnishings, textiles, vintage
accessories and folk art—some dating from the 18th century. Laura Fisher is considered to
have the largest, most diverse collection of antique quilts in the country—even some that are
doll-sized.
Daily 11 am-6 pm, but you must call and get an appointment.
241 Eleventh Ave. at 26th Street
(subway line N, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 59th
Street)
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 917-797-1260
http://www.laurafisherquilts.com
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Manhattan Art & Antiques Center
Touted as the oldest antiques center in the U.S., with more than 100 dealers on three floors—all
offering good prices. Look for Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique, Hummel, Cartier and even Ming
pottery. The dealers will ship, too.
Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 am-6 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm; individual dealers' hours vary.
1050 Second Ave., between 55th and
56th streets (subway line E or M to
Lexington Avenue-53rd Street; N, R, 4, 5
or 6 to 59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-355-4400
http://www.the-maac.com
The Showplace
Almost every imaginable type of antiques, crafts or tapestries can be found in this rambling
collection of stalls representing major dealers. Weekends are the best time to go. Some
vendors are closed during the week.
Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am-5:30 pm.
40 W. 25th St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line V, N or R to 23rd
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-633-6063
http://www.nyshowplace.com
Bookstores
192 Books
This small bookstore features key works of literature, history, art and children's stories. It also
hosts year-round readings by prominent and rising writers.
Open daily 11 am-7 pm.
192 10th Ave., at 21st Street (subway
line C or E to 23rd Street-Eighth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-255-4022
http://www.192books.com
Books of Wonder
This charming children's bookstore is the city's oldest and largest. It carries a wide selection of
new and classic books, as well as old and rare editions. The staff is extremely helpful. When
you finish browsing, enjoy a cupcake at the adjacent Cupcake Cafe.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm.
18 W. 18th St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line F, L or M to 14th
Street; N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th StreetUnion Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-989-3270
http://www.booksofwonder.com
J.N. Bartfield Fine and Rare Books
Book lovers search there for first editions and rare books.
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm, or by appointment.
30 W. 57th St., Third Floor, between
Fifth and Sixth avenues (subway line F,
N, Q or R to 57th Street)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-245-8890
http://www.bartfield.com
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McNally Jackson
This independent bookstore is in a prime location for anyone who enjoys the bustling shops of
SoHo or the small boutiques of NoLIta. The two-story shop houses a cafe and a children's
reading section, and frequently hosts free literary events to the public.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm, Sunday until 8 pm.
52 Prince St., between Lafayette and
Mulberry streets (subway line B, D, F or
M to Broadway-Lafayette; N or R to
Prince Street; 6 to Spring Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-274-1160
http://mcnallyjackson.com
Rizzoli
This beautiful store specializes in art, architecture and fashion books, but it does carry a full
range of other subjects, including children's books. The staff is very helpful.
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-7:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am-7 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm.
31 W. 57th St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line E, M, N or R to
Fifth Avenue; Q to 57th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-759-2424. Toll-free 800522-6657
http://www.rizzoliusa.com
St. Mark's Bookshop
This shop caters to students, artists and everyone in between. Though the shop is very small
and narrow, there is an eclectic mix of titles.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-midnight, Sunday 11 am-midnight.
31 Third Ave., at Ninth Street (subway
line 6 to Astor Place; N or R to Eighth
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-260-7853
http://www.stmarksbookshop.com
Taschen
This editorial house is known for publishing controversial, irreverent and beautiful art books. The
damaged and previously displayed book sale offers discounts up to 70%.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-7 pm.
107 Greene St., between Prince and
Spring streets (subway line B, D, F or M
to Broadway-Lafayette Street; R to
Prince Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-226-2212
http://www.taschen.com
The Strand
Famous for its incredible selection, The Strand is a New York institution. It claims 18 mi/29 km
of books, so browsing the stacks takes patience, but it's pretty much guaranteed you'll find
something to take home—even if it's just one of the tote bags literary New Yorkers like to carry
around town. It's best known for selling used books, but it also has new books at half-price, plus
a rare book room. Also, don't miss the second level.
828 Broadway, at East 12th Street
(subway line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th
Street-Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-473-1452
Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-10:30 pm, Sunday 11 am-10:30 pm. The rare book room closes at
6:20 pm every day.
http://www.strandbooks.com
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Three Lives & Company
This small, charming shop is known for its helpful and knowledgeable staff. It's a general
bookstore but offers a well-chosen collection of biographies and memoirs, as well as scheduled
authors' readings.
Monday and Tuesday noon-8 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-8:30 pm, Sunday noon-7 pm.
154 W. 10th St., at Waverly Place
(subway line A, C, B, D, E, F or M to
West Fourth Street; 1 to Christopher
Street)
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-741-2069
http://www.threelives.com
Ursus Books
A significant selection of hard-to-find art reference and rare books, as well as etchings and
prints.
Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 11 am-5 pm.
699 Madison Ave., between 62nd and
63rd streets (subway line 4, 5 or 6 to
59th Street; N or R to Fifth Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-772-8787
http://www.ursusbooks.com
Westsider Rare & Used Books
The former Gryphon bookshop, this small shop is packed to its high rafters with used and rare
books. The selection is extremely wide, with particularly impressive collections of fiction and
biography, as well as rock 'n' roll records. (It also sells records and books on the performing arts
at 233 W. 72nd St.)
2246 Broadway, between 80th and 81st
streets (subway line 1 to 79th Street)
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-362-0706
Daily 10 am-10 pm.
http://www.westsiderbooks.com
Department Stores
Barneys New York
The kind of luxe—Helmut Lang, Dolce & Gabbana, Juicy Couture—favored by young New York
professionals, all showcased with creativity and style. The selection of men's clothing is
arguably the best in the city, but the store carries women's and even infant apparel and
accessories, plus beauty products. Occasional warehouse sales are major events, and deep
discounts are usually offered. In addition to the flagship store, there are three Barney's co-op
locations in the city, which have a more casual bent.
Monday-Wednesday 10 am-8 pm, Thursday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm.
660 Madison Ave., at 61st Street
(subway line N or R to Fifth Avenue; 4, 5
or 6 to 59th Street-Lexington Avenue)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-826-8900
http://www.barneys.com
Bergdorf Goodman
Top-tier designer apparel for ladies who lunch (and their daughters) is located in the former
home of Cornelius Vanderbilt, complete with a 19th-century Baccarat chandelier. Lots of
amenities and cool departments, such as the Modern Handbag room. The cafe is a good place
for lunch (plan on a wait to get seated). Bergdorf Goodman Men is across the avenue in an
equally elegant setting (the building doesn't have quite the same pedigree). There you'll find
quality clothes for traditional men, but also some hipper, luxe things for their younger
counterparts. There's a cafe as well. Even if you aren't buying, it's well worth a browse at either
store.
Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm.
The women's store is at 754 Fifth Ave.,
at 58th Street. The men's store is at 745
Fifth Ave., at 58th Street (for either,
subway line E or M to Fifth Avenue-53rd
Street; N or R to Fifth Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-753-7300. Toll-free 800558-1855 for either store
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com
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Bloomingdale's
This New York shopping institution—also known as "Bloomie's" or "B­dale's"—has a devoted
clientele who exit the store with armfuls of its signature brown bags. You'll discover some of the
hottest new designs in clothes, shoes, furniture and housewares, and you can pretty much count
on a sale every weekend. The store has four restaurants and an espresso bar. Special services
include theater reservations, free personal shopping, multilingual information services, foreign
currency exchange and hotel delivery. There's a second, smaller location downtown in SoHo, at
504 Broadway. Phone 212-729-5900.
1000 Third Ave., between 59th and 60th
streets (subway line 4, 5 or 6 to 59th
Street; N or R to Lexington Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-705-2000
http://www.bloomingdales.com
Monday-Friday 10 am-8:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm. Store hours do
vary; check the website or call for exact evening hours.
Century 21
Quality and designer merchandise at (sometimes deep) discounts—their slogan is "Fashion
worth fighting for." Be prepared to elbow your way through crowds of savvy New York shoppers
to find your size, and don't expect this year's hottest styles. Like most discount outfits, it's hit or
miss—depends on who got there before you. There is another location in Brooklyn (472 86th
St., between Fourth and Fifth avenues; phone 718-748-3266).
Monday-Wednesday 7:45 am-9 pm, Thursday and Friday 7:45 am-9:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-9
pm, Sunday 11 am-8 pm.
22 Cortlandt St., between Church Street
and Broadway (subway line A, C, J, Z, 2,
3, 4 or 5 to Fulton Street-BroadwayNassau; E to World Trade Center; R to
City Hall)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-227-9092
http://www.c21stores.com
H&M
This Swedish chain spins its own take on the hip looks of the moment, and its clothes sell fast at
ridiculously low prices—many separates cost less than US$40. It is perpetually crowded, with
endless lines for the woefully few dressing rooms. In addition to the Fifth Avenue flagship, there
are several locations throughout the city, including branches in SoHo and Harlem and at Herald
Square.
Monday-Thursday 10 am-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm.
640 Fifth Ave., at 51st Street (subway
line E or M to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street;
B, D, F or M to 47th-50th StreetsRockefeller Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-489-0390
http://www.hm.com
Henri Bendel
An exclusive Fifth Avenue store (always referred to as "BEN-del's") that is actually a series of
boutiques filled with an exceptional selection of cutting-edge, supertrendy women's clothing and
accessories. Be coiffed by a hair cutter to the stars at Frederic Fekkai—a cut is US$125­$250
(phone 212-753-9500).
Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday noon-7 pm.
712 Fifth Ave., at 56th Street (subway
line E or M to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street;
4, 5 or 6 to 59th Street; N or R to Fifth
Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-247-1100. Toll-free 800423-6335
http://www.henribendel.com
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Macy's
The largest department store in the world covers an entire city block, right on Herald Square,
with 2.1 million sq ft/195,100 sq m of space. It boasts 10 floors of clothing, shoes, jewelry,
perfumes and housewares, all at standard prices. Always crowded and generally chaotic. Stop
by the Cellar, which offers an enormous number of dining options plus gourmet candy—part of
the attraction is that you have to ride down the original wooden escalators to reach it.
151 W. 34th St., between Broadway and
Seventh Avenue (subway line B, D, F, M,
N, R, Q, 1, 2 or 3 to 34th Street)
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-695-4400
Monday-Friday 9 am-9:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-9:30 pm, Sunday 11 am-8:30 pm.
http://www.macys.com
Muji
This "Japanese Wal-Mart" has quickly become a cult favorite, and on weekends, crowds wait in
long lines to enter the store. Muji is known for using innovative materials to produce such items
as cardboard speakers, aluminum coffee tables and plastic document shelves. MondaySaturday 11 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-8 pm. There are multiple locations, including 620 Eighth
Ave. (phone 212-382-2300) and 16 W. 19th St. (phone 212-414-9024).
455 Broadway, between Grant and
Howard streets (subway line N, R or 6 to
Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-334-2002
http://www.muji.com
Saks Fifth Avenue
A legend the world over for its service and style, specializing in upscale clothing for men and
women. It offers complimentary personal shoppers and language interpreters, as well. Try Cafe
SFA when you feel you need a break from all that shopping.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday noon-7 pm.
611 Fifth Ave., at 50th Street (subway
line B, D or F to 47th-50th StreetsRockefeller Center; E or M to Fifth
Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-753-4000
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com
Top Shop
This U.K. import is a mecca for budget fashionistas. Though its prices are slightly higher than
those at H&M, its colorful, cutting-edge clothes are trendier. Supermodel Kate Moss designs a
line for the store. Expect crowds, especially on the weekend, and don't be surprised to see
people trying clothes out on the shopping floor to avoid the dressing-room lines.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-8 pm.
478 Broadway, at Broome Street
(subway line 6 to Spring Street; N, Q or R
to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-966-9555
http://www.topshop.com
Galleries
The prominent galleries in Manhattan are located in four areas: 57th Street west of Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue north of 63rd Street,
Chelsea and SoHo. Most of the city's blue-chip art galleries (and the requisite people-watching) have migrated from SoHo to Chelsea, west
of Ninth Avenue. Casey Kaplan and Andrea Rosen have been joined by on-the-rise galleries such as John Connelly Presents and Daniel
Reich.
Most galleries are open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm and sometimes by special appointment. Pick up a free copy of the monthly Gallery
Guide, available at most galleries, for information on the Manhattan scene. For the Brooklyn scene, pick up WagMag, available for free at
most galleries. It will lead you to the rest, with area maps and exhibition schedules. Williamsburg galleries are open late every second Friday
of the month. The Sunday New York Times, Time Out New York and the Village Voice are invaluable guides to gallery and museum
exhibitions.
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Markets
Brooklyn Flea
This began as an eclectic grassroots market in Fort Greene, and has developed into something
New York, NY
of an empire of weekend and holiday markets. The main "flea" takes place at three Brooklyn
locations and features more than 150 vendors selling everything from vintage eyeglasses and
http://www.brooklynflea.com
repurposed furniture to handmade jewelry and homemade delicacies. The outdoor markets are
open from April through Thanksgiving. Saturday 10 am-5 pm in Fort Greene, 176 Lafayette Ave., between Clermont and Vanderbilt avenues
(subway line A or C to Lafayette; G to Clinton-Washington; B, D, M, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Atlantic-Pacific). Sunday 10 am-5 pm in
Williamsburg, at East River State Park, at the corner of Kent Avenue and North Seventh Street (subway line L to Bedford Avenue)—the
Smorgasburg food market is held there on Saturday. Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm in Park Slope, PS 321, 180 Seventh Ave. (subway
line F, B, Q to Seventh Ave or R to Union Street). During winter months, the flea market (with no shortage of food options) sets up at the
Williamsburg Bank Building, 1 Hanson Plaza (subway line B, D, M, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Atlantic-Pacific). The market also sponsors
several pop-up operations, particularly around the holidays. Check the website for times and locations.
Essex Street Market
Somehow this market still manages to fly below the radar. Located on the Lower East Side, its
20 vendors sell everything from fish, meat and veggies to sandwiches, coffee and fantastic
Greek and Japanese treats. You'll even find star cheesemongers there. It's well worth a visit for
lunch, or just to browse.
8 am-7 pm Saturday, 10 am-6 pm Sunday.
120 Essex St., at Delancey Street
(subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
http://www.essexstreetmarket.com
The Annex/Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
With more than 170 vendors, its aisles are eyed by interior designers, stylists and antiques
dealers, along with the usual bargain hunters. There's also a farmers market selling produce
and freshly baked goods.
Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5 pm.
West 39th Street, between Ninth and
10th avenues (subway line A, C or E to
42nd Street-Port Authority)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-243-5343
http://www.hellskitchenfleamarket.com
Union Square Greenmarket
One of several traditional open-air farmers markets, where you can buy conventional and
organically grown vegetables, meats, cheeses, honey and jam, baked goods and even plants.
Open year-round, this one is the best and largest. The best days to go are Wednesday and
Saturday, when there are sometimes cookbook signings and cooking demonstrations.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8 am-6 pm.
Union Square at Broadway and 17th
Street (subway line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6
to 14th Street-Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-788-7476 for other market
locations
http://www.grownyc.org
Shopping Areas
Diamond District
On West 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, you'll find more than 2,600 independent
businesses selling diamonds, jewelry or both. More than 90% of the diamonds coming into the
U.S. go through New York, and most go through the Diamond District. If you know what you're
looking for, this is a good place to buy, but do your homework first. The place can get packed
and frantic during prime hours. Be assertive and ready to haggle for the best deal.
New York, NY 10036
http://www.diamonddistrict.org
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Fifth Avenue
From Central Park South (59th Street) to 50th Street, Fifth Avenue is a dazzling lineup of the world's most famous stores, including Armani,
Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Cartier, Gucci and Versace. The window displays alone are worth the walk, particularly during the
holiday season—the ones at Saks Fifth Avenue are especially elaborate and impressive.
Flatiron District
Around the famed Flatiron Building from West 18th to 23rd streets between Broadway and
Sixth Avenue, once known as "Ladies' Mile" for its concentration of department stores, this area
is now filled with one-of-a-kind stores selling cool merchandise. It's also home to some of the
best furniture stores anywhere.
New York, NY
http://www.flatironbid.org/shopping.php
Greenwich Village/East Village/Meatpacking District
From 14th Street to Houston Street and the East River to the Hudson, the streets in these areas are thick with a dazzling collection of both
old and trendy. You can make some surprising finds if you venture off the major avenues and onto side streets, especially in the East Village.
The West Village tends to be a little more pricey and upscale (think Myoptics' stylish eyewear) and has more chain stores.
The East Village tends to have smaller, funkier, more independent shops (notwithstanding a large Kmart near Astor Place), especially along
St. Marks Place between Third Avenue and Avenue A. In the Meatpacking District, you'll find cutting-edge designer outposts for Alexander
McQueen and Stella McCartney. Eighth Street is full of shoe stores and unusual CD stores. For luxe linens, try Harris Levy on Forsyth Street.
Lower East Side
The narrow streets of the Lower East Side, known historically for crowded tenements, are now
one of the most interesting shopping areas in New York. The tenements themselves are fast
being converted into luxury housing, and it seems as if in nearly every building the first floor is
given over to a boutique. Great clothing boutiques line Ludlow Street, and Orchard Street is the
place to go for inexpensive leather.
New York, NY
http://www.lowereastsideny.com
NoLIta
The area around Elizabeth, Mulberry and Mott streets, between Spring and Houston streets, has many hip boutiques: For a mix of urban and
trendy, head to Charlotte Ronson (239 Mulberry St.). For jet-set style, visit Figue (268 Elizabeth St.).For budget jewelry, Alibi (241 Mulberry
St.) sells affordable items made by designers based in Los Angeles, New York and Asia. The neighborhood name stands for "North of Little
Italy."
SoHo and TriBeCa
These two areas south of Houston Street (pronounced HOW-ston) and north of Chambers
New York, NY
Street downtown are neighborhoods both artsy and upscale (SoHo is short for South of
Houston; TriBeCa—pronounced try-BECK-uh—is short for Triangle Below Canal Street).
http://www.sohoandtribecamap.com
They're jammed with art galleries, up-and-coming clothing designers and innovative jewelry
creators. Bakeries, bistros and unusual food shops are on every corner. This ultratrendy area is also the home of a number of celebrities
and posh New Yorkers, and the resulting trendiness has contributed to higher prices in even the simplest stores.
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Upper East Side
In the rectangular area bordered by 57th and 96th streets from Fifth Avenue to the East River,
New York, NY
you'll find many chic boutiques. In particular, Madison Avenue in the 60s and 70s boasts most of
the clothiers featured in the pages of Vogue and W—including Barneys, Ralph Lauren, Vera
http://www.uppereast.com
Wang, Christian Louboutin and Hermes. Along the small side streets, you'll see quaint
brownstones, antiques shops and art galleries. Donna Karan's flagship store at 819 Madison Ave. is part museum, part Zen forest and will
impress even the most jaded fashionista. Prices tend to be more reasonable as you head north and east: Third, Second and First avenues
in the 70s and 80s have more modest and affordable clothing, housewares, electronics and music stores.
Upper West Side
On weekend afternoons, Broadway and Columbus Avenue are packed with New Yorkers and out-of-towners casually poking their heads into
the multitude of shops this neighborhood offers. Until recently, most of the shops worth visiting were located above 64th Street. Now, with the
Shops of Columbus Circle in the Time-Warner Center, the action begins at 59th Street. The complex offers Armani Exchange, Crabtree &
Evelyn, Sisley, Hugo Boss, Stuart Weitzman and Tourneau—along with dozens more. Farther north on Broadway, mixed in with an
assortment of typical upscale chain stores—Banana Republic, Coach, Steve Madden—you'll find Details and Zabar's, one of the city's finest
gourmet-food stores.
Specialty Stores
A.W. Kaufman
This no-frills establishment has been selling top-quality lingerie at great prices for 80 years.
You'll find Hanro and La Perla, as well as other fine imported brands. Don't go to browse—they
mean business there. No trying on unless you don't mind baring it all in the storage room.
Sunday-Thursday 11 am-5 pm, Friday 11 am-2 pm.
73 Orchard St., at Grand Street (subway
line F, J, M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex
Street; B or D to Grand Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-226-1629
http://www.awkaufman.com
Bierkraft
This beer market stocks more than 1,000 domestic and international bottled brews. There is
also a selection of beers on tap that are available for purchase in growlers. You can take the
beer home or enjoy it on-site with a sandwich from the charcuterie menu.
Monday-Saturday noon-11 pm, Sunday noon-8 pm.
191 Fifth Ave. (between Union and
Sackett streets; subway line D, N or R to
Union Street)
New York, NY
http://www.bierkraft.com
C.O. Bigelow
Founded in 1838 and billed as "America's Oldest Apothecary," its flagship store has a huge
range of both usual and unusual personal care products ("funeral home" scented perfumes,
anyone?) We liked their lemon body cream. Don't be surprised to find a celebrity picking up a
few things: Rock musicians and actors seem to flock to this place.
414 Sixth Ave. (subway line A, C, E, F or
M to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-533-2700
http://www.bigelowchemists.com/pages/in
dex/onycstore
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Dylan's Candy Bar
The be-all and end-all of candy shops, this place is the brainchild of Dylan Lauren, Ralph's
daughter. You'll find Gummi Bears, vintage Pez dispensers and M&M colors available nowhere
else. If sugar shock hasn't set in yet, grab a seat at the ice-cream-parlor counter where they
serve 300 flavors. There's also an art gallery, a fashion boutique and a candy arts-and-crafts
studio. Not a bargain, but fun.
1011 Third Ave., at 60th Street (subway
line N, R, 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-735-0078
Monday-Thursday 10 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm.
http://www.dylanscandybar.com
Evolution
Quite a unique store in the SoHo neighborhood, Evolution offers two levels of natural history
collectibles that one would usually see at a museum. Typical items range from insects, fossils
and skeletons to more delicate jewelry, minerals and home accessories.
Open daily 11 am-7 pm.
120 Spring St. (subway line N or R to
Prince Street; C or E to Spring Street; B,
D, F or M to Broadway-Lafayette)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-343-1114
http://theevolutionstore.com
Jacques Torres Chocolate
It's a treat (literally) to step inside this decadent store. Floor-to-ceiling glass partitions let you
watch the chocolate-making process. Just try not to take a sample. Torres' most popular items
include chocolate chip cookies, made with vanilla, brown sugar and sea salt; boxed chocolate
selections; and a "Wicked" hot chocolate mix spiced with cinnamon and chili peppers.
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-7 pm, Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 10:30 am-6 pm.
350 Hudson Street (at King Street;
subway line 1 or 2 to Houston Street, A,
C, or E to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-414-2462
http://www.mrchocolate.com/news/about/l
ocations/hudson-street
Patricia Field
With two decades of quirky fashion under her belt, Field has garnered worldwide attention as
the woman who dressed the Sex and the City foursome. Get ready for eye-candy colors and
over-the-top, funky styles for both men and women.
Monday-Thursday 11 am-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm.
306 Bowery, between Houston and
Bleecker streets (subway line 6 to
Bleecker Street; F to Second Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-966-4066
http://www.patriciafield.com
Pippin Vintage Jewelry
A delightful collection of vintage costume jewelry and accessories at surprisingly affordable
prices. Set behind the jewelry store, Pippin Vintage Home sells a variety of well-culled antique
home goods.
Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm.
112 West 17th St., between Sixth and
Seventh avenues (subway line 1 to 18th
Street; L to Sixth Avenue; F, 2 or 3 to
14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-505-5159
http://pippinvintage.com
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Purl Soho
Knitting shops are popping up everywhere in Manhattan these days, but Purl Soho does it with
a bit more zest than others. If you feel like splurging on your next knitting project, don't miss the
Pashmina yarn from Joseph Galler.
Monday-Friday noon-7 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-6 pm.
Its two small stores have been combined
into one at 459 Broome St., between
Greene and Mercer streets (subway line
A, C or E to Canal Street; 6 to Spring
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-420-8796
http://www.purlsoho.com
Rue St. Denis
If in your wanders around the East Village you feel overdressed, underdressed or just somehow
out of place, this casual vintage clothing store will get you up to speed. Clothes for men and
women from biker jackets to English country attire.
Monday-Friday noon-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-7:30 pm.
170 Ave. B, between 10th and 11th
streets (subway line L to First Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-260-3388
http://www.vintagenyc.com
Tender Buttons
If you're looking for an impossible-to-find button, check out this shop. As much a museum as a
notions store, this charming shop is home to a vast collection of antique and other buttons, cuff
links and gentlemen's jewelry that you can admire or purchase.
Monday-Friday 10:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 10:30 am-5:30 pm.
143 E. 62nd St., between Lexington and
Third avenues (subway line N, R, 4, 5 or
6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-758-7004
http://tenderbuttons-nyc.com
The Apple Store
A Mecca for Mac lovers: This 18,000 sq ft/1,672-sq-m technology showcase and store opened
in 2006. Lines have never waned since. Techies at the Genius Bar are ready to assist you 24/7.
Enter through the glass cube, and take note: Each panel costs a cool US$450k (New Yorkers
found this out the hard way when a snow blower shattered the glass after a recent snowstorm).
There are other Apple stores throughout the city, with locations in Grand Central Terminal
(phone 212-284-1800), the Upper West Side (1981 Broadway; phone 212-209-3400), West
14th Street (401 W. 14th St.; phone 212-444-3400) and SoHo (103 Prince St.; phone 212-2263126), but only the Fifth Avenue flagship is open 24 hours.
767 Fifth Ave. at 59th Street (subway line
4, 5, 6, N, Q, or R to 59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-336-1440
https://www.apple.com
The Pickle Guys
No city is complete without a store specializing in pickles. In New York, check out the Pickle
Guys on the Lower East Side. These guys also turn out fresh horseradish and pickled
watermelon, and they ship all over if you can't quite get your full fix. There is a second location in
Brooklyn (1364 Coney Island Ave., at Avenue J. Phone 718-677-0639).
Sunday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm, Friday 9 am-4 pm.
49 Essex St., at Grand Street (subway
line F, J, M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex
Street; B or D to Grand Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-656-9739
http://www.pickleguys.com
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The Shape of Lies
Showcases owner Peggy Yunque's own museum-inspired and often functional designs plus
works by local designers (all live in the East Village or Brooklyn). Look for her elegant brooch
pins to hold your reading glasses or Alex Story's sculptural rings and necklaces in silver. It's one
of the last of the funky East Village shops, complete with a tin ceiling.
127 E. Seventh St. (subway line 6 to
Astor Place)
New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212-533-5920
Monday-Friday 3-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-8 pm. Prices range from about US$30 to
mid-hundreds.
http://www.solnyc.com
Tiffany & Co.
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to this legendary jeweler. Sparkling displays of
gorgeous gems and a magnificent collection of china and silver. The mere size of the store will
awe you as much as the quantity of jewels on display. Also at 37 Wall St. (phone 212-5148015) and SoHo at 97 Greene St. (phone 212-226-6136).
727 Fifth Ave., at 57th Street (subway
line N or R to Fifth Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-755-8000
Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm.
http://www.tiffany.com
Toys "R" Us
Practically an amusement park in the middle of Times Square. Children go crazy over the 60ft/19-m Ferris wheel that spins them through four levels of toys (US$4 per rider, free for children
younger than 2). In case that's not excitement enough, there's a 20-ft-/6-m-high, 34-ft-/10-m-long
animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex that roars and a two-story Barbie mansion in bubble-gum pink.
Monday-Friday 10 am-11 pm, Saturday 9 am-11 pm and Sunday 10 am-11 pm.
1514 Broadway, at 44th Street (subway
line A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3 or 7 to
42nd Street-Times Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-366-8800
http://www.toysrus.com
Verve
Super handbags, hats, shoes and jewelry from up-and-coming designers as well as famous
ones.
Monday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm.
338 Bleecker St., between West 10th
and Charles streets (subway line 1 to
Christopher Street-Sheridan Square; A,
B, C, D, E, F or M to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-675-6693
http://www.vervenyc.com
Zabar's
New York's superdeli, where you can buy and sample everything from caviar and smoked fish to
literally hundreds of domestic and imported cheeses. Upstairs there's every gadget, utensil, pot
and pan you could possibly think of for cooking and entertaining, many at bargain prices.
The deli is open Monday-Friday 8 am-7:30 pm, Saturday 8 am-8 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm. The
housewares department is open Monday-Saturday 9 am-7:30 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm.
2245 Broadway, at 80th Street (subway
line 1 to 79th Street)
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-787-2000
http://www.zabars.com
Dining
Dining Overview
At fine restaurants in New York City, it's often possible to enjoy the same divine cuisine at lunch as at dinnertime—for much less money. At
the hot spots you've heard or read about, it's advisable to make dinner reservations one or two months in advance, particularly for weekend
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nights. Many restaurants now allow you to make reservations through their websites or through http://www.opentable.com for no additional
charge.
Some restaurants require you to confirm a reservation a day in advance or they will release it—ask about this when you make the
reservation. Other dining spots secure the reservation with a credit card and will charge a fee if you don't show.
Some of New York's most interesting culinary options are low cost—serving everything from Vietnamese sandwiches to Jamaican meat
pies. There are abundant opportunities for a good, quick bite at reasonable prices. Nearly every street in Manhattan seems to have either a
Greek diner or a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint, and many street corners are presided over by pushcart vendors selling hot dogs, chicken
kebabs, potato knishes, pretzels and sugary-sweet roasted peanuts.
If you're fortunate enough to travel to New York during Restaurant Week, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the city's top
restaurants, such as Gotham Bar and Grill or Union Square Cafe. Special three-course prix-fixe menus at more than 100 restaurants are
offered for US$25 at lunch and US$38 at dinner (plus beverages, tax and gratuities). This is your chance to savor the cuisine of the city's
most talented chefs and to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that make New York the best restaurant city in the world.
Restaurant Week is now offered two or three times each year for a two-week period (usually late January-early February, and again in midJuly) although some restaurants have extended their prix-fixe option indefinitely. It's advisable to make reservations as soon as Restaurant
Week is announced—which is generally one month prior to the event. Visit http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek for more information.
Dining times are generally 6-10 am for breakfast, 11 am-2 pm for lunch and 5-10 pm (or later) for dinner. However, New York is the city that
never sleeps. You can always find a place to eat at any hour of the day or night.
Manhattan restaurants are considerably more expensive than those in other U.S. cities. Be prepared to pay almost double your normal price
for a meal. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, excluding drinks, tax and tip: $ = less than
US$30; $$ = US$31-$75; $$$ = US$76-$100; $$$$ = more than US$100.
Local & Regional
ABC Kitchen
Nestled inside the ABC carpet and home store, acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten
has taken the local foods trend to new and impressive levels. The overall effect is one of a
dream home that comes complete with one of the world's best chefs.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$.
35 E. 18th St., between Broadway and
Park Avenue (subway line N, Q, R, 4, 5,
6 or L to Union Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-475-5829
http://www.abckitchennyc.com
Blue Hill
This urbane Village restaurant may look sophisticated, but its heart is out on the farm. Locally
sourced and seasonal delicacies—mostly from the rich agricultural regions of the Hudson River
Valley—are the focus of the menu there, prepared with a contemporary American touch.
Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Offers an a la carte menu; the five-course
tasting menu is US$78 per person. Most major credit cards.
75 Washington Place, between Sixth
Avenue and MacDougal Street (subway
line A, B, C, D, E, F or M to West Fourth
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-539-1776
http://www.bluehillfarm.com/food/blue-hillnew-york
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Carnegie Deli
One of the best-known New York delis, with brisk (and brusque) waiters, movie-star photos,
close-packed tables and, best of all, towering corned-beef and pastrami sandwiches. Round
things out with blintzes, some matzo-ball soup and a piece of cheesecake or a black-and-white
cookie for dessert.
Daily 6:30 am-4 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted only for parties
larger than 15. $. There's a US$12.50 minimum purchase, with an extra US$3 charge for
sharing. No credit cards.
854 Seventh Ave., between 54th and
55th streets (subway line N or R to 57th
Street; B, D or E to Seventh Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-757-2245. Toll-free 800334-5606
http://www.carnegiedeli.com
Gray's Papaya
A rite of passage for locals and tourists—this 24/7 joint is said to serve one of the better slim
and snappy hot dogs in the city, for only US$1.95. It's also known for its frothy tropical-fruit
drinks. No seating, which is part of the scene. There is an additional location in Greenwich
Village, but the one on Broadway is the original. After spending a fortune on opera tickets at the
Met, this is a good budget bite before the curtain goes up—it's a walkable six blocks from
Lincoln Center.
2090 Broadway, at 71st Street (subway
line 1, 2 or 3 to 72nd Street)
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-799-0243
http://grayspapayanyc.com
Daily 24 hours. $. Cash only.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's is massive and chaotic, with occasionally caustic service, but expect more food than you
can possibly eat. This New York staple still turns out legendary hot-pastrami sandwiches, allbeef hot dogs and egg creams—just as it has since 1888 (with plenty of hype). If you can visit
only one New York deli, make it this one. You can even sit at the table where Meg Ryan and Billy
Crystal made a scene in When Harry Met Sally.
205 E. Houston St., at Ludlow Street
(subway line F to Second Avenue; F, J,
M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-254-2246
Open Monday-Wednesday 8 am-10:45 pm, Thursday 8 am-2:45 pm; 24 hours on Friday and
Saturday, Sunday until 10:45 pm. $. Most major credit cards.
http://katzsdelicatessen.com
Shake Shack
This well-known burger joint first opened in 2004 in Madison Square Park and has since
expanded to other locations in and outside of New York City. It is not only famous for its burgers,
but also for its daily selection of frozen custards, even providing a live camera on the website so
you can see how long or short the line is before taking off for lunch—count on the line being long
(but it's worth the wait—trust us). Multiple locations throughout the city.
Open daily 11 am-11 pm. $.
Southeast corner of Madison Square
Park, near Madison Avenue and East
23rd Street (subway line R to 23rd
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-889-6600
http://shakeshack.com
The Four Seasons
The modern interiors of this classic New York restaurant, designed by Mies van der Rohe and
Philip Johnson in 1959, have remained true to the architects' vision. In 1989, the New York City
Landmarks Preservation Commission added the restaurant's interior to its list.
The Four Seasons has retained its glamour, elegance and refined cuisine since its inception—
and it's one of Midtown's power-lunch places. We recommend the stunning Pool Room.
99 E. 52nd St. (subway line E or 6 to
Lexington Avenue-53rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-754-9494
http://www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations highly
recommended. Jackets required (and available at the restaurant). $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards.
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The NoMad Restaurant
You'll feel as if you're sitting in Bruce Wayne's living room when you take a seat at this plush
parlor restaurant inside of the NoMad Hotel. Dark oak furniture, mood lighting and French
artwork (think pressed herbs in frames) create the perfect Gotham City atmosphere. The
service is exceptional, and the menu isn't bad, either: The roast chicken for two with foie gras
and black truffles was one of the best meals we've have ever had. Chef Daniel Humm is also
responsible for another gastronomic treat, the opulent Eleven Madison Park restaurant.
1170 Broadway (at 28th Street; subway
lines 4, 6, N or R to 28th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-796-1500
http://www.thenomadhotel.com
Daily for dinner. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards.
Cuisines
African
Zoma Ethopian
This restaurant showcases the many flavors of Ethiopia. Meat and vegetables are served on
injera bread, a light and spongy substitute for silverware. The misir wett—spicy lentils cooked
with cardamom, garlic and ginger—was delicious. If you're hungry, get the combination platter:
For US$24, you can choose four vegetarian or meat dishes. It's a flavor-filled bargain.
Daily for dinner. $-$$. Cash and American Express only.
2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (subway
line A,B,C to Cathedral Parkway/110
Street, or 2,3 to Central Park North/110
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-662-0620
http://www.zomanyc.com
American
Amy Ruth's
Beloved for huge portions of soul food, including golden-fried chicken and baked spareribs.
Great waffles any time of day, too.
Monday 11:30 am-11 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am-11 pm, Friday 8:30 am-5:30 am,
Saturday 7:30 am-5:30 am, Sunday 7:30 am-11 pm. $. Most major credit cards.
113 W. 116th St., between Lenox and
Seventh avenues (subway line 2 or 3 to
116th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-280-8779
http://www.amyruthsharlem.com
Aureole
This Charlie Palmer new American original remains in the Top 10 year after year.
Monday-Friday 11:45 am-2:15 pm for lunch. Dinner served daily 5-10 pm, late-night menu
Friday and Saturday 10-11:30 pm. Reservations not required but strongly recommended and
are taken up to two months in advance. Jackets strongly recommended in formal dining room.
$$$$. Most major credit cards.
135 W. 42nd St., at Sixth Avenue
(subway line B, D, F or M to 42nd StreetBryant Park)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-319-1660
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/
Aureole/NY
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Bar Americain
When he's not on the road filming Food Network specials, you'll find celebrity chef Bobby Flay
overseeing the kitchen. (We mean it.) The pride he takes in his flagship New York restaurant is
evident, with creative twists on American classics such as the San Francisco fish stew,
Cioppino, with sourdough toast; a "Miami-style" pork chop with plantains and a tangerine glaze;
and, as an ode to French Louisiana, escargot and crawfish simmering in a delicious garlic
broth.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most
major credit cards.
152 W. 52nd Street (subway line B, D, or
E to 7th Ave., 1 or 2, to 50th St., N, Q, or
R to 49th St.)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-265-9700
http://www.baramericain.com/new-yorkcity-restaurant
Beauty and Essex
This is the Lower East Side in all its glory—restaurant plus pawn shop, heavy on the taxidermy.
It's got a raw bar, elements of a fusion restaurant, Italian staples, comfort food and the
characteristics of a scenester haunt all rolled into one, and with generally very good results.
Daily for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch also. $$.
146 Essex St., between Stanton and
Rivington streets (subway line F, J, M or
Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-614-0146
http://www.beautyandessex.com
Blue Smoke
This creative haute-barbecue stop is lined with red-vinyl booths. The salt-and-pepper beef ribs
are sublime, as are the accompanying dishes and desserts. A hot jazz club, Jazz Standard,
offers nightly performances downstairs.
Sunday and Monday 11:30 am-10 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and
Saturday 11:30 am-1 am. Reservations recommended, but you can often get a table as a walkin. $$. Most major credit cards.
116 E. 27th St., between Park and
Lexington avenues (subway line 6 to
28th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-447-7733
http://www.bluesmoke.com
Boathouse in Central Park
Year-round dining at the water's edge overlooking the 22-acre/9-hectare lake and its bird's-eye
view of Bethesda Fountain. This bucolic retreat offers a magical landscape of country charm set
against the city's stunning skyline, as rowboats and an occasional gondola drift by. The food
(with a variety of fish entrees, steak and chops) is as good as the view, and Sunday brunch is
excellent. There's less expensive fare in Express Cafe right next door. To get there, hop on the
complimentary red-and-green trolley at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue (call to see if the trolley is
running) or, for the ultimate entrance, hire a horse-drawn carriage.
Central Park Drive North, near East 72nd
Street (subway line 6 to 68th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-517-2233
http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com
Open Monday-Friday for lunch, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Dinner served daily mid-April to early November. Reservations required for
lunch and dinner; reservations not accepted for brunch. $$$. Most major credit cards.
Daniel
The menu is seasonal, but the tuna tartare, the short ribs and the hot chocolate upside-down
souffle get raves. Three-course prix-fixe menu at US$125; a seven course tasting menu for
US$220. Vegetarian menus are available. A la carte menu offered in the bar and lounge.
Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations required (and accepted up to a month in advance).
Jackets required, and ties recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
60 E. 65th St., between Madison and
Park avenues (subway line 6 to 68th
Street)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-288-0033
http://www.danielnyc.com
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Fette Sau BBQ
This is quintessential Williamsburg: Housed in a renovated garage, you order at the stainlesssteel bar and eat at a communal picnic table. The beer (all quite good; a selection of 10 craft
brews daily) is served in mason jars. Brown sugar makes up the dry rub—the ribs are sweet
and smoky. We also liked the peppery pork belly. You order the meat (pork and beef) by the
quarter pound. Sides and soft drinks are available, as well as a nice selection of whiskey.
Monday-Thursday for dinner, Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $$$. Most major credit cards.
354 Metropolitan Ave. (between
Havemeyer St. and Roebling St.; L train
to Bedford Ave.-North 7th Street or the G
train to Metropolitan Ave.)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-963-3404
http://www.fettesaubbq.com
Gotham Bar and Grill
Steak, seafood, lamb, venison and pasta are prepared with great style—chef Alfred Portale is
known for his "tall food." The restaurant, in a converted warehouse, is airy and spacious.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations
recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.
12 E. 12th St., between Fifth Avenue and
University Place (subway line L, N, Q, R,
4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-620-4020
http://www.gothambarandgrill.com
Gramercy Tavern
The tavern concept infuses an element of classical elegance and tradition to all aspects of this
jewel in restaurateur Danny Meyer's local lineup. The more formal, but cozy, dining room offers
a prix-fixe tasting menu (US$120) that draws well from both sea and land, and artfully
incorporates seasonal ingredients and methods in preparations. The less formal—but no less
attractive—tavern room offers a la carte options and a tasting menu (US$48) after 5:30 pm.
42 E. 20th St., between Broadway and
Park Avenue (subway line N, Q, R, 4, 5,
6 or L to Union Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-477-0777
http://www.gramercytavern.com
Mas (Farmhouse)
The menu here changes daily—watch as your server hands you a little parcel held together with
twine. Read the well-designed list and make your selection. You can't go wrong: Basically
everything there is a winner. The yellowfin tuna appetizer with brown butter sauce is delicious.
The lemon and ricotta ravioli with charred raisins made us swoon. If the dark chocolate cake
with espresso mousse is on the dessert menu, it's a must try.
39 Downing Street (subway line 1, or 2 to
Houston Street, A, B, C, D, E, F or M to
West 4th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-255-1790
Monday-Friday for dinner only, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$. Most
major credit cards.
http://www.masfarmhouse.com
Maysville
We recommend the brunch. You can still order the signature southern hay-roasted oysters
(that's right—a bed of smoking hay accompanies your appetizer), but the prices for brunch are
better, and the Johnny cakes, made with blueberry preserves and vanilla cream, are divine.
Plus you can imbibe a whiskey cocktail: The milk fizz is made with Tennessee Whiskey, almond
syrup and nutmeg, which is a nice alternative to a mimosa.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. $$.
17 W. 26th Street (subway line F,M,N,R
to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-490-8240
http://maysvillenyc.com
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Monkey Bar
Located in the Hotel Elysee, the Monkey Bar has been featured on Sex in the City and Mad
Men. The setting is relaxed, with red-leather booths, and cuisine is vintage American. Try the
smoked spaghetti with sweet shrimp.
60 E. 54th St.
New York, NY
Phone: 212-288-1010
Open Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$-$$$.
http://monkeybarnewyork.com
Peanut Butter & Co.
Dozens of peanut­butter sandwiches: Try the Elvis—grilled, and crammed with sliced bananas
and drizzled with honey—or the Peanut Butter BLT. The white chocolate and cinnamon­raisin­
swirl varieties of peanut butter are also popular. You can buy a jar of peanut butter to take home.
Not into peanut butter? Other sandwiches include tuna salad, turkey, chicken salad, and even
bologna and cheese.
240 Sullivan St., between Bleecker and
West Third streets (subway line A, B, C,
D, E, F or M to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-677-3995
Daily 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday till 10 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major
credit cards.
http://ilovepeanutbutter.com/sandwichsh
op
Perry Street
This Jean-Georges Vongerichten venture hosts the fabulous crowd of the West Village and any
other mortals who manage to get a reservation. The restaurant is on the ground floor of a
Richard Meier-designed building overlooking the Hudson River. The interiors are harmonious
and minimalist with off-white leather upholstered booths faintly lit by Prouve lamps. The ricecracker-crusted tuna and the roasted chicken with white beans are refined and comforting at
once.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday. Reservations highly
recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
176 Perry St., at West Street (subway
line 1 to Christopher Street-Sheridan
Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-352-1900
http://www.jean-georges.com
The Dutch
The Dutch serves American cuisine run by chef Andrew Carmellini. Inspired by the mix of
cultures present in the city, The Dutch aims to celebrate these elements through its food and
atmosphere.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch also. $$-$$$.
131 Sullivan St., at Prince Street (subway
line C or E to Spring Street; N or R to
Prince Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-677-6200
http://thedutchnyc.com
The Grocery
In our world, all salads should come with French fries. This New American favorite may be
small, but its carefully sourced menu is superb. (The aforementioned salad also had Hen of the
Woods mushrooms, capers, and a lemony oil dressing). Vegetarians will rejoice here: they
serve braised artichoke, mushroom risotto and a beet-and-goat-cheese ravioli, just to name a
few.
Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations accepted only for indoor seating. $$-$$$. Most
major credit cards.
288 Smith St. (subway line F or G to
Carroll Street Station)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-596-3335
http://thegroceryrestaurant.com
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The River Cafe
This Brooklyn restaurant is popular with tourists for its spectacular views of Manhattan and its
outstanding cuisine. The evening menu is prix fixe (US$115 for three courses, US$145 for six
courses without beverage, tax or gratuity), as is the US$55 Sunday brunch. Unfortunately,
there's an extra charge for the outstanding desserts at brunch (prices vary, starting at US$10).
It's a bit of a walk from the subway; you may want to take a taxi.
1 Water St., at Old Fulton Street (subway
line A or C to High Street; 2 or 3 to Clark
Street)
New York, NY 11201
Phone: 718-522-5200
Daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Reservations highly recommended. Jackets
required after 5 pm for men; collared shirts and ties preferred. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
http://www.rivercafe.com
TriBeCa Grill
This loftlike restaurant has an ornate mahogany bar and serves smart fare that never
disappoints. Try the seared scallops with sweet-potato-and-chanterelle risotto. You may spot a
neighborhood celebrity (actor Robert De Niro is a co­owner)—but don't get your hopes up: The
food is the star.
375 Greenwich St., at Franklin Street
(subway line 1 to Franklin Street)
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-941-3900
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only, Sunday for brunch and dinner.
Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.
http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tri
beca_grill.php
Union Square Cafe
Dine on innovative "American cuisine with an Italian soul" in this large, airy setting with
consistently excellent food and service. It prides itself on using ingredients fresh from the Union
Square Greenmarket. You can count on pastas made in-house. The crispy lemon-pepper duck
and the tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes are big hits.
Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$.
Most major credit cards.
21 E. 16th St., between Fifth Avenue and
Union Square (subway line L, N, Q, R, 4,
5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-243-4020
http://www.unionsquarecafe.com
Veritas
Try the roasted saddle of lamb or wild striped bass. A perfectly paired wine with dinner is a
must—choose from among 3,000 vintages and 192,000 bottles on the list.
Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
43 E. 20th St., between Fifth Avenue and
Park Avenue South (subway line L, N, R
or 6 to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-353-3700
http://www.veritas-nyc.com
WD-50
You may wonder if Wylie Dufresne is a chef or a mad scientist, but his quirky new-American
flavors get people talking—pickled beef tongue with fried mayonnaise cubes and pork belly with
smoked yucca are just two of his creations. For a variety of surprises, try the nine-course tasting
menu (US$90, plus US$60 for wine pairings).
Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended, but you can occasionally get a table as a
walk-in. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
50 Clinton St., at Rivington Street
(subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-477-2900
http://www.wd-50.com
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Asian
Brushstroke
A collaboration between chef David Bouley and Japan's Tsuji Culinary Institute resulted in this
ode to minimalism. The dining room, decorated in neutral tones, resembles a canvas for its
culinary art. Standouts include the crab and black truffle Chawanmushi, a lighter-than-air egg
custard. There is another restaurant tucked inside this restaurant: Ichimura at Brushstroke, an
eight­seat sushi counter that earns high praise—and nearly impossible­to­get reservations.
Ichimura has two seatings nightly, at 6 pm and 9 pm.
Monday for dinner only, Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
$$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards.
30 Hudson St. (subway line 1, 2, 3, A, or
C to Chambers St.)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-791-3771
http://www.davidbouley.com/brushstrokemain
Buddakan
This Asian fusion restaurant is set in an awe-inspiring 16,000 sq ft/1,486 sq m of space. The
baroque dining room downstairs, with huge chandeliers and large communal tables, seems
right out of a Dickensian dream sequence. The dim sum is excellent, and the noodle and rice
dishes are a great deal.
Daily for dinner from 5:30 pm (from 5 pm Saturday and Sunday). Last seating Sunday and
Monday 11 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday midnight, Thursday-Saturday 1 am. The bar stays
open later. Reservations strongly recommended, especially 7-11 pm. $$-$$$.
75 Ninth Ave., between 15th and 16th
streets (subway line A, E or C to 14th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-989-6699
http://www.buddakannyc.com
Cherin Sushi
This is a cozy and intimate place with many varieties of sushi. The flavors are fresh and
delicious. The small size of the restaurant means fast service, and you can take your own
alcohol.
$. Most major credit cards.
306 E. Sixth St., between First and
Second avenues (subway line F to
Second Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-388-1348
http://www.cherinsushi.com
Cho Dang Gol
They claim to be "most famous Korean restaurant in New York City" and we just might believe
it. This bustling eatery, just off the main drag in Koreatown, tastefully brings flavors of rural East
Korea to sophisticated city palates. Chefs make their own tofu in-house (an admirable feat) and
extol the soybean's health benefits in many of their dishes. Korean barbeque, such as beef
bulgogi, rounds out the menu.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $. Most major credit cards.
55 West 35 Street (subway line B, D, F,
M, N, Q or R to 34th Street/Herald
Square, 1, 2, or 3 to 34th Street/Penn
Station)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-695-8222
http://www.chodanggolny.com
Chola
Chola is among the city's finer Indian restaurants, and the menu covers food from nearly every
part of that country; the pricing falls in the middle ground. Signature dishes include chicken
chutneywala and chingri malai kabab.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted. $-$$.
232 E. 58th St., near Third Avenue
(subway line 4, 5 or 6 to 59th Street; N or
R to Fifth Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-688-4619
http://www.cholany.com
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Devi
Splurge on the US$70 chef's tasting menu (US$115 with wine pairings) or create your own
tasting menu at this deliciously sophisticated Indian restaurant, headed by cookbook author
Suvir Saran and specializing in Indian home-cooking. You'll never think of okra in the same way
again.
Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
8 E. 18th St., between Fifth Avenue and
Broadway (subway line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or
6 to 14th Street-Union Square; 1 to 18th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-691-1300
http://www.devinyc.com
Joe's Shanghai
Once you dine there, you'll know why the line always stretches out the door. Unless you order a
whole fish (enough to serve two people), most entrees are less than US$15. Don't miss the
Shanghai-style soup dumplings. There are two other locations: This one is the best, but you
might also consider Joe's at 24 W. 56th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues (phone 212-3333868), and there is a location in Queens (136-21 37th Ave., Flushing; phone 718-539-3838).
9 Pell St., between Mott Street and
Bowery (subway line J, N, Q, R, Z or 6 to
Canal Street; F to East Broadway)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-233-8888
Daily 11 am-11 pm. Reservations accepted only for groups of 10 or more. $. No credit cards.
http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com
Masa
Serving exquisitely refined Japanese food you otherwise won't find outside of Tokyo, chef Masa
presides over the sushi bar, creating a multitude of complex, original dishes for 10 seated at
the sushi bar and 16 other patrons at four tables. The prix fixe has a pricey ticket: US$450, not
including beverages or the 20% house charge. The sake and wine lists are extensive. Bar
Masa, next door, has a few more seats and an a la carte menu.
Monday-Saturday for dinner 6-9 pm (last seating), Tuesday-Friday for lunch noon-1 pm (last
seating). Bar Masa is open Monday-Saturday noon-11 pm. Reservations required for Masa
(you will be charged US$200 per person if you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice). No
reservations are accepted for Bar Masa. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
10 Columbus Circle, on the fourth floor of
the Time Warner Center (subway line A,
B, C, D or 1 to 59th Street-Columbus
Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-823-9800
http://www.masanyc.com
Nobu 57
The well­heeled crowd clamors for the Japanese food—with a Peruvian twist—at this offshoot
of the famous TriBeCa restaurant Nobu. The food uptown is just as good, with the difference
that you can actually get a reservation. Try the signature dish of black cod marinated in miso.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. Reservations required and are
taken up to one month in advance. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
40 W. 57th St. (between Fifth and Sixth
avenues; subway line E or M to Fifth
Avenue-53rd Street; F to 57th Street; N
or R to Fifth Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-757-3000
http://www.noburestaurants.com/fiftyseven/experience
Robataya
Its name refers to the robatayaki style of Japanese cooking, where meat is grilled on an open
hearth over charcoal—not unlike barbecue. The specialty there is whole grilled fish, which is
seasoned with a salt from Japan that is noted for its purity. The kamameshi rice, cooked in an
earthenware pot, is outstanding. Ours came with salmon and salmon roe. For a peaceful
experience, you can sit in the dining room in the back, but we recommend a perch at the
counter up front, by the open kitchen, so you can watch your meal come together.
231 East 9th St. (subway line 4 or 6, to
Astor Place or the L train to 3rd Ave)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-979-9674
http://www.robataya-ny.com
Tuesday-Sunday for dinner.
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Shun Lee West
The golden dragons that wrap around this dining room tell you the place is special. The service
does, too. High-quality, beautifully presented Chinese dishes, including Grand Marnier prawns
and Sichuan alligator, are worth the price. The restaurant, and the more reasonably priced cafe
next door, are a short walk from Lincoln Center.
43 W. 65th St., at Broadway (subway line
1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-595-8895
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted. $$$. Most major credit cards.
http://www.shunleewest.com
Tao
This striking destination, where celebs are dwarfed by the 16-ft-/5-m-tall Buddha, offers almost
any Asian culinary delight, including beautifully presented Kobe-style beef and sophisticated
noodle dishes. The bars can be jammed and noisy, but they're good stops if you want to have
dinner and drinks and don't want to spend a fortune. A US$27.50 prix fixe menu is available at
lunch.
42 E. 58th St., between Madison and
Park avenues (subway line N, R, 4, 5 or
6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-888-2288
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dim sum brunch and dinner. Reservations
required on Friday and Saturday. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
http://www.taorestaurant.com
Wo Hop
This tiny, below-sidewalk-level Chinatown gem is very cheap and open all night. We like the
flavorful wonton soups, chicken in black-bean sauce and the chow-fun noodles. More
adventurous palates will enjoy the Cantonese crab.
Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards.
17 Mott St., between Canal Street and
Park Row (subway line F to East
Broadway)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-962-8617
http://wohopnyc.com
Zenkichi
Don't go there if you want sushi: This restaurant specializes in Tokyo-style small plates. The filet
mignon tataki, served with a garlic ginger soy sauce, was a standout. Udon noodles come with
a perfectly poached egg. The cozy atmosphere is accentuated by Japanese touches such as
bamboo curtains and a call button to summon waitstaff. Adventurous diners can taste the bonito
fish: its supersalty, fermented intestines have a chewy consistency (they suggest chasing it with
cream cheese and sake). Eight-course omakase tasting menu US$65 per guest (minimum two
people). With a bountiful selection of sake (more than 50 bottles), it's hard not to sample.
77 N 6th St. (L train to Bedford
Ave./North 7th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-388-8985
http://zenkichi.com
Daily for dinner. $$. Most major credit cards.
Zen Palate
Is it their way with tofu? Or is it the famous peanut sauce? Whatever the answer, this vegetarian
place draws crowds. This Asian experiment turned out to be a success. If you go, be certain to
try something with the peanut sauce—there's a reason it's famous. There's a Union Square
location at 115 E. 18th St., between Park and Lexington avenues (phone 212-387-8885), and
another in Murray Hill at 516 3rd Avenue (phone 212-685-6888).
Daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards.
663 Ninth Ave., at 46th Street (subway
line C or E to 50th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-582-1669
http://www.zenpalate.com
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French
Artisanal
If you're a cheese lover, this is the place to go. Famous for its fondues, Artisanal offers great
wine selections by the glass and more cheese than you've ever seen in your lifetime. The rest of
the menu is filled with good, honest bistro cooking. Check out the plats du jour between US$29
and US$36, and on your way out, buy a wedge of cheese at the fromagerie to take back to your
hotel.
Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch also. Reservations required. $$$$$. Most major credit cards.
2 Park Ave., at East 32nd Street (subway
line 6 to 33rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-725-8585
http://www.artisanalbistro.com
Balthazar
This traditional French brasserie in SoHo remains one of New York's best. Offers one of the
largest oyster and shellfish bars in the city and boasts a selection of more than 300 French
wines. Try the signature salad or the famous steak frites. There is also a great small bakery
attached, which is an excellent option for a quick breakfast or lunch in SoHo.
Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner.
Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
80 Spring St., between Broadway and
Crosby Street (subway line N or R to
Prince Street; 6 to Spring Street)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-965-1414
http://www.balthazarny.com
Bouley
Though considered one of the city's best, it still has a neighborhood feel. Great French-inspired
cuisine.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open daily in December. Reservations recommended.
Jacket recommended for men; business casual dress code. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
163 Duane St., at Hudson Street
(subway line A, C, 1, 2 or 3 to Chambers
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-964-2525
http://www.davidbouley.com
db Bistro Moderne
This bistro is a slightly less expensive way to taste renowned chef Daniel Boulud's wonderful
cuisine. It also offers what many say is the best burger in town—sirloin stuffed with foie gras and
truffles. Tuesday-Saturday, the three-course, prix-fixe, pretheater dinner for US$48 is a good
value (5-6:30 pm). The wine list is extensive, with a number of selections available by the glass.
Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, brunch and
dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.
55 W. 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line A, B, C, D, F, N, R,
Q, 1, 2 or 3 to 42nd Street; 7 to Fifth
Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-391-2400
http://www.dbbistro.com/nyc
Jean Georges
Perfection from beginning to end, this restaurant offers the best French dining experience in
town and a very well-priced seasonal prix-fixe menu. The waitstaff is impeccable, and the decor
is elegant without being stiff. Don't miss the chocolate or berry-tasting desserts.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended. Jackets required at
dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards.
1 Central Park West, at Columbus Circle
(in the Trump International Hotel and
Tower; subway line A, B, C, D or 1 to
Columbus Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-299-3900
http://www.jean-georgesrestaurant.com
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L'Ecole
Don't be fooled—even though the chefs at the award­winning restaurant of the French Culinary
Institute are still in training, they make food that challenges the best French restaurants in the
city (at more affordable prices). The student menu is served after 8 pm.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
462 Broadway, at Grand Street (subway
line N, Q or R to Canal Street; 6 to
Spring Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-219-3300
http://www.lecolenyc.com
Per Se
Chef Thomas Keller opened this restaurant as an "urban interpretation" of his California star
The French Laundry. The New York menu sometimes features dishes served at The French
Laundry, such as the Oysters and Pearls. Two unique, nine-course tasting menus are offered
daily, one of which is vegetarian, for US$310 (service included). A daily salon menu is offered
with dishes and ranges US$12-$50. A five-course prix-fixe menu is offered for lunch FridaySunday for US$200.
Reservations are accepted up to one month in advance and are highly recommended. Jackets
required for gentlemen; no jeans, shorts or sneakers allowed. $$$$.
10 Columbus Circle, Fourth Floor
(subway line A, B, C or D or 1 to 59th
Street-Columbus Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-823-9335
http://www.perseny.com
Picholine
Chef Terrance Brennan dusted the cobwebs off this aging stalwart in 2006. Ever since, it's
been a showcase for his creative fare, with an emphasis on game birds, such as squab with
foie gras and poached rhubarb. The European­style cheese cart has a devoted following—be
sure to save room, and let your server wax poetic. A five-course tasting menu is available for
US$118 (US$198 with wine). An eight-course menu is available for US$165 (US$273 with
wine).
35 W. 64th St. (subway line 1, 2, A, B, C,
D to 59th Street/Columbus Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-724-8585
http://www.picholinenyc.com
Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations can be made online up to two months in advance.
$$$$. Most major credit cards.
Fusion
Annisa
Chef Anita Lo, a French-trained chef who grew up in Alabama, is known for her ability to mix
different world flavors: Asian, French, and even Southern. Creative pairings include foie gras
soup with dumplings and jicama, and a delectable pan-roasted chicken with sherry and pig's
feet. The desserts are excellent—we savored the pecan­crusted beignets with Bourbon ice
cream. Five-course tasting menu available for US$85. Seven-course menu available for
US$115.
Daily for dinner. $$$-$$$$.
13 Barrow St. (subway line 1 or 2 to
Houston Street, A, B, C, D, E, F or M to
West 4th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-741-6699
http://www.annisarestaurant.com
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Greek
Avra Estiatorio
Try some of the best Greek food around in this bright, airy setting. Its hallmark is whole
charcoal-grilled fish that's flown in daily from overseas. For brunch, the fig-and-walnut pancakes
with mint-flavored maple syrup will exceed your expectations.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
141 E. 48th St., between Lexington and
Third avenues (subway line E or M to
Lexington Avenue-53rd Street; 6 to 51st
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-759-8550
http://www.avrany.com
Pylos
This East Village gem serves up Greek home cooking that would make yiayia proud. The cozy
atmosphere is as flavorful as the food. Excellent service.
Monday and Tuesday for dinner only, Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
128 E. Seventh St., between Avenue A
and First Avenue (subway line 6 to Astor
Place; L to First Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-473-0220
http://pylosrestaurant.com
Zenon Taverna
It's a given that you can't be an aficionado of Greek cuisine and not include a trip to Astoria,
Queens, on your New York visit. This cozy spot—which is actually Cypriot—should be at the top
of your list. Try the meze option menu, which includes a range of meats, seafood, dips and
vegetables, and seems to never stop coming. There are also daily specials, and if it's stewed
rabbit, go early, as this dish has been known to prompt people to travel an hour or more to get
it.
34-10 31st Ave. (subway line N or Q to
Broadway; M or R to Steinway)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-956-0133
http://zenontaverna.com
Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$.
Italian
Al di La
The atmosphere in this Park Slope place is one of homeyness, from the main dining room to
the kitchen. Some of chef Anna Klinger's classic dishes include cod in a butter sauce with
grilled polenta, pea tortellini and calf liver alla Veneziana. Get there early as it's always packed.
The restaurant's small, less-crowded wine bar around the corner on Carroll Street serves the
same menu—and is a great place to wait for a table in the main restaurant.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations only for parties of 6-10. $$-$$$. Most major credit
cards.
248 Fifth Ave., at Carroll Street (subway
line R to Union Street, or take any of
several lines to Atlantic Avenue/Barclays
Center, from which it's a 10- to 15-minute
walk)
New York, NY
Phone: 718-783-4565
http://www.aldilatrattoria.com
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Frank
The ultimate in Italian comfort food. Friendly servers and good lighting make you feel right at
home. There is a good wine selection and a lengthy list of daily specials. The black kale caesar
salad, roasted rosemary chicken, and penne with tomatoes and basil are all excellent choices,
although you won't go wrong with anything you order there.
Daily for lunch and dinner. $. Cash only.
88 Second Ave., between Fifth and Sixth
streets (subway line F to Second
Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-420-0106
http://www.frankrestaurant.com
Lincoln Ristorante
The significant remodeling of Lincoln Center created a dramatic dining space. For months,
local foodies were kept guessing as to what sort of restaurant would fill the void. The result is
Lincoln Ristorante, an innovative—and highly regarded—Italian project from chef Jonathan
Benno. There is a US$65 three-course option, as well as a la carte dining. Lunch is a twocourse, US$35 prix fixe.
142 W. 65th St., between Broadway and
Amsterdam Avenue (subway line 1 to
66th Street/Lincoln Center)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-359-6500
Reservations recommended. $$$. Monday and Tuesday for dinner only, Wednesday-Sunday
for lunch and dinner.
http://www.lincolnristorante.com
Lombardi's Pizza
The first licensed pizzeria in the U.S. is still one of New York's best.
Daily for lunch and dinner. $. No credit cards.
32 Spring St., at Mott Street (subway line
J or M to Bowery; R to Prince Street; 6 to
Spring Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-941-7994
http://www.firstpizza.com/home.html
Lupa
This place feels like New York: Tables are elbow-to-elbow, and everyone's talking at the same
time—probably about the good Italian food. Expect traditional Roman trattoria fare, with some
New York twists.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
170 Thompson St., between Houston
and Bleecker streets (subway line 1 to
Houston Street; 6 to Bleecker Street; A,
B, C, D, E, F or M to West Fourth Street;
R to Prince Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-982-5089
http://www.luparestaurant.com
Marea
Its name means "tide" in Italian, and it's a fitting title for a restaurant that draws much inspiration
from the sea. There's an extensive oyster, raw fish, caviar and shellfish menu. The ricci
appetizer, made with sea urchin, lardo and sea salt served atop crispy toast, is a nearsymphonic beginning. Standout entrees include lobster risotto and clam tagliolini. For lunch, a
reasonably priced two-course tasting menu is US$45. There is also a US$80 five-course menu.
For dinner, there is a four-course tasting menu for US$99.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday brunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$. Most
major credit cards.
240 Central Park South (subway line
1,2,A,B,C,D to 59th Street/Columbus
Circle)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-582-5100
http://www.marea-nyc.com
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Novita
Famous for its pasta, Novita's inventive Italian menu is seasonal, but it almost always has a
truffle dish and a sea-bass dish.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
102 E. 22nd St., between Lexington
Avenue and Park Avenue South (subway
line N, R or 6 to 23rd Street)
New York, NY 10010
Phone: 212-677-2222
http://www.novitanyc.com
Latin American
Caracas Arepa Bar
Mmmm...those delectable corn patties stuffed with meat, cheese and vegetables are a real
South American treat. This tiny, hip, family-owned restaurant is so popular it had to expand into
the space next door and opened a much larger space in Williamsburg as well. Before you dig
into your arepas, try the yoyos (fried plantain balls stuffed with cheese).
Open daily noon-11 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards.
93 E. Seventh St., between Avenue A
and First Avenue (subway line 6 to Astor
Place; R to Eighth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-529-2314
http://www.caracasarepabar.com
Casa Adela
Even if you don't speak Spanish (which everybody in the restaurant does), you will feel right at
home in this tiny, welcoming Puerto Rican restaurant in the East Village. And you really won't
need a translator for the menu, because it is hard to go wrong—or for that matter to spend less.
Try the pernil asado (fragrant roast pork) or the pollo guisado, a hearty chicken stew.
66 Ave. C, at East Fifth Street (subway
line F, J, M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex
Street)
New York, NY
Daily 7 am-10 pm. $. Cash only.
Churrascaria Plataforma
This Brazilian restaurant in the Theater District is lively, especially later in the evening. But don't
go if you don't like meat, because that's what it serves—every kind and in huge quantities. Live
music Friday and Saturday.
Daily noon-midnight. Reservations highly recommended, especially before or after the theater.
All meals are prix fixe. Lunch is US$39.95; dinner is US$62.95. Most major credit cards.
316 W. 49th St., between Eighth and
Ninth avenues (subway line C, E or 1 to
50th Street)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-245-0505
http://www.churrascariaplataforma.com
Coppelia
You'll feel as though you've walked into Old Havana when you enter this 24-hour Cuban diner in
Chelsea. The checkerboard floor and blue shutters harken to yesteryear, albeit with a tropical
touch. Breakfast is served all day there. Classics abound, including huevos rancheros, nachos,
a Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja and fish tacos. There are more upscale offerings, too, such as
chocolate-chipotle-glazed chicken wings, chicarron (crispy fried pork skin), and a spinach salad
with goat cheese, dried figs and pecans. The empanadas are among the city's best.
207 West 14th Street (subway line 1, 2,
3, A, C, or E to 14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-858-5001
http://coppelianyc.com
Daily 24 hours. $. Most major credit cards.
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Mexican
Downtown Bakery II
Friendly servers disappear through a literal hole in the wall at this tiny East Village … well, hole
in the wall. And they emerge with some of the most beloved Mexican food in the city. The decor
runs to faded Mets paraphernalia, and you'll think twice before entering—but the place has a
cultish following for a reason, and when they say spicy, they mean it.
69 First Ave., between Fourth and Fifth
streets (subway line F or M to Second
Avenue)
New York, NY
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Empellon Taqueria
Started by a pastry chef, this innovative Mexican—Mexican fusion, some would argue—spot
has quickly emerged as a New York favorite, and added a second location on First Avenue,
which leans toward more complex dinners, whereas the West Village original sticks (admirably)
to its taqueria roots.
230 W. Fourth St. (subway line B, D, F,
M, A, C, E to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-367-0999
Daily for lunch and dinner. $$.
http://empellon.com/taqueria
Hell's Kitchen
This Theater District eatery does wonders with pork and fish, offering creative twists on
traditional Mexican dishes in generous proportions.
Daily for dinner. Reservations for six or more only. $$. Most major credit cards.
679 Ninth Ave., at 47th Street (subway
line C, E or 1 to 50th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-977-1588
http://www.hellskitchen-nyc.com
La Esquina
For upscale Mexican food among the beautiful people, this is the place. Hidden inside its own
taqueria, this restaurant used to be super-exclusive: If you could find the phone number, you
might have been able to get a reservation. You'll enjoy the novelty of following the hostess
through the "Employees Only" door, into the kitchen and finally to your table in the dark dining
room. Tequila connoisseurs will be in heaven. The street-level taqueria serves no-frills tacos
daily for lunch and dinner; the first-come, first-served cafe around the corner serves a similar
menu with less crowding for lunch and dinner (brunch on Saturday and Sunday).
114 Kenmare St., at Lafayette Street
(subway line 6 to Spring Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-613-7100
http://www.esquinanyc.com
Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Reservations required. $$. Most major credit
cards.
Tacombi
For a truly unique experience, Tacombi is an affordable Mexican eatery located in NoLIta.
Instead of a regular kitchen, tacos are served inside the restaurant from a vintage Volkswagen
van. Additional location in Chelsea Market.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night. $. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
267 Elizabeth St., at Prince Street
(subway line B, D, F or M to BroadwayLafayette; 6 to Bleecker Street; N or R to
Prince Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 917-727-0179
http://www.tacombi.com
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Middle Eastern
Antique Garage
Located on a quiet SoHo street, Antique Garage allows patrons to experience Middle Eastern
culture through the cuisine and antique decor of the space. The menu reflects the cultural
influences of Turkish and modernized Ottoman cuisine with traditional ingredients.
Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$.
41 Mercer St., between Grand and
Broome streets (subway line N, R, Q, J, Z
or 6 to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-219-1019
http://antiquegaragesoho.com
Azuri Cafe
This tiny Hell's Kitchen joint is not known for customer service, but its food may be the best
Middle Eastern fare in the city.
Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-9 pm (Friday until 4 pm). Closed on major Jewish holidays. $. No
credit cards. US$20 minimum purchase required for take-out orders.
465 W. 51st St., near 10th Avenue
(subway line C or E to 50th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-262-2920
http://www.azuricafe.com
Salam Cafe
Syrian cuisine is the specialty, but there's a good range of Moroccan and Indian fare, too. You
can make an entire meal out of the appetizers. Try one of the phyllo dishes. Service can be
slow, but if you can kick back and relax, you'll have a great time.
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday in July and August. Reservations available. $$.
Most major credit cards.
104 W. 13th St., at Sixth Avenue (subway
line F, L, 1, 2 or 3 to 14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-741-0277
http://www.salamrestaurant.com
Spanish
Boqueria
We were surprised to find there aren't that many good tapas restaurants in the city. Perhaps the
small plates craze of the early aughts is behind us, and only the very best are left standing.
Named after a food market in Barcelona, this restaurant satisfies with a tasty selection of
dishes such as bacon-wrapped dates, a Serrano jam and Manchego cheese bocata, and duck
confit croquettes. There is a newer, larger location in SoHo at 171 Spring St. (phone 212-3434255).
53 West 19th Street (subway line F or M
to 14th Street, 1 or 2 to 18th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-255-4160
http://www.boquerianyc.com
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$.
Casa Mono
Food Network star Mario Batali made his name with Italian food, but his restaurant empire now
includes this standout tapas bar, whose small-plate offerings include pumpkin-and-goat-cheese
croquettes, fried duck eggs and silky crema Catalana. The restaurant is small and can get very
crowded—if you can't get a seat there, try Bar Jamon, the tiny sister wine bar next door, named
for Spain's favorite food (that's "ham" to you).
Daily for lunch and dinner. Bar Jamon stays open until 2 am Friday and Saturday. Reservations
highly recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
52 Irving Place, between 17th and 18th
streets (subway line 1 to 18th Street; N,
R, Q, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union
Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-253-2773
http://www.casamononyc.com
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El Quinto Pino
This rustic-baroque tiny tapas place with a curved marble bar and dimmed light has quickly
become a favorite neighborhood restaurant. Alexandra Raij from Tia Pol conceived this place
as a drinks-before-dinner bar, in the traditional Spanish sense. Seating is limited, but you can
enjoy your tiny plates at the bar. Try the uni panino or the pork cracklings.
401 W. 24th St., at Ninth Avenue
(subway line E or C to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-206-6900
Daily for dinner. Reservations not accepted. $$. Most major credit cards.
http://www.elquintopinonyc.com
Sevilla
Open since 1941, Sevilla Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists who wander
through the West Village. Customers return for the affordable prices and the warm environment
of the staff. Popular dishes include mussels, chicken and traditional Spanish tortillas.
Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. All major credit cards.
62 Charles St., at West Fourth Street
(subway line A, B, C, D, E, F or M to
West 4th Street; 1 to Christopher StreetSheridan Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-929-3189
http://www.sevillarestaurantandbar.com
Tia Pol
It's in a narrow alley and serves some of the best tapas in town. Dinner crowds regularly spill out
onto the sidewalk. This is also a great place for lunch over a glass of cava and a few small
plates after seeing art galleries on Saturday morning. Try the croquettes of the day, chorizo
finished with sherry, or the Galician-style octopus terrine.
Monday for dinner only; Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for brunch,
lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted. $$. Most major credit cards.
205 10th Ave., between 22nd and 23rd
streets (subway line C or E to 23rd
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-675-8805
http://www.tiapol.com
Vegetarian
Angelica Kitchen
This laid-back and friendly East Village eatery is a standard for vegetarians and vegans.
Daily 11:30 am-10:30 pm. Reservations not accepted. $$. No credit cards.
300 E. 12th St., at Second Avenue
(subway line N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th
Street-Union Square; L to First Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-228-2909
http://www.angelicakitchen.com
HanGawi
This cozy vegetarian joint in Little Korea has a warm, peaceful atmosphere. You'll be asked
(gently) to remove your shoes and have a seat on a comfy floor cushion beside a low wooden
table. Try the Emperor's Tasting Menu for a multicourse sampling of the restaurant's dishes,
including pumpkin soup and fried noodles. In the fall, it features dishes made with rare
matsutake mushrooms. While you're there, check out the tea shop, Franchia.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended.
$$$. Most major credit cards.
12 E. 32nd St., between Fifth and
Madison avenues (subway line 6 to 33rd
Street-Park Avenue South; B, D, F, M, N,
Q or R to 34th Street-Herald Square)
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-0077
http://www.hangawirestaurant.com
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Pommes Frites
Forget the diet and order a cone of the fresh, crisp fries at this tiny East Village spot. Ketchup,
mustard, Tabasco and vinegar are available for no extra charge, but why be boring when you
can dip your fried potatoes in such sauces as rosemary-garlic mayo and curry ketchup?
Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-1 am, Friday and Saturday till 3:30 am. $. Most major credit cards.
123 Second Ave., between Seventh and
Eighth streets (subway line 6 to Astor
Place; R to Eighth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-674-1234
http://www.pommesfrites.ws
Pure Food and Wine
A raw, vegan restaurant that sources its produce from the nearby Union Square Farmer's
Market. "Raw" means that no food is heated above 118 degrees, thus preserving its optimal
vitamin content. The zucchini and heirloom tomato lasagna with a basil-pistachio pesto gets
high marks.
Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$.
54 Irving Place (between 17th and 18th
streets; subway line 4,5,6,L,N,Q, or R to
Union Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-477-1010
http://oneluckyduck.com/pages/purefood-and-wine
Breakfast & Brunch
Blue Ribbon Bakery
A perennial best-brunch spot, Blue Ribbon serves a mix of creative and classic American food.
There is also a Blue Ribbon market just around the corner, which is a good option for takeout
and picnics.
Monday-Friday noon-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am-midnight. Reservations
accepted for groups of five or more only. $-$$$. Most major credit cards.
35 Downing St., at Bedford Street
(subway line 1 to Houston Street; A, B, C,
D, E, F or M to West Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-337-0404
http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com
Brasserie Beaumarchais
For a party brunch experience that's a quintessential part of the Meatpacking District scene,
Brasserie Beaumarchais is the place to go. Go during the earlier hours for a quiet experience.
Around 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday, the curtains close, and a DJ spins Top-40 beats to a
dancing crowd. Dishes are inspired by the south of France and have a nice balance of
simplicity and sophistication.
Tuesday-Friday for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations
recommended. $$-$$$.
409 W. 13th St. (subway line L to Eighth
Avenue; A, C or E to 14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-675-2400
http://www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com
Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
Known for its famous Pancake Month in which a different flavor is sampled each day, Clinton
Street Baking Company is a popular spot for locals and celebrities. The small joint fills up fast
with both loyal and new customers. It's a great comfort food dinner spot as well—and you are
given a bag of baked goods when you leave, which itself is a top-notch breakfast. Reservations
available for parties of six or more. Be prepared for a bit of a wait.
4 Clinton St., between East Houston and
Stanton streets (subway line F, J, M or Z
to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-602-6263
Open Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm and 6-11 pm, Saturday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday till 6 pm. Brunch is
served Saturday and Sunday. $.
http://www.clintonstreetbaking.com
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Essex
Located in Manhattan's historical Lower East Side, Essex has become a top brunch
destination (and a popular club by night). Its US$23.95 brunch special includes an entree and
three bloody marys, screwdrivers or mimosas for per person. Reservations are highly
recommended; the two-level restaurant fills up fast as regulars and large groups tend to linger
past the given time limit.
120 Essex St., at Rivington Street
(subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-533-9616
Brunch is served Saturday 11 am-4:30 pm and Sunday until 8 pm. $-$$.
http://www.essexnyc.com
Jane
The lines for this brunch hot spot are worth it. The atmosphere is airy and welcoming, and the
food is delicious traditional brunch fare with a twist. Try the Benedict Jane.
Daily for lunch and dinner; brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations accepted. $$. Most
major credit cards.
100 W. Houston St., between Laguardia
Place and Thompson Street (subway line
1 to Houston Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-254-7000
http://janerestaurant.com
Sarabeth's Kitchen
Weekend crowds flock to this homey Upper West Side eatery, and it's no wonder. The
thoughtful offerings range from scrambled eggs with chives to pumpkin waffles with a generous
dollop of sour cream. The homemade preserves are always fresh (you can buy a jar at the
bakery to take home), and the baked goods are delicious. There are also restaurants on the
Upper East Side (1295 Madison Ave., at 92nd Street; phone 212-410-7335), in Chelsea (75
Ninth Ave., at 15th Street; phone 212-989-2424) and on Central Park South (40 Central Park
South, between Fifth and Sixth avenues; phone 212-826-5959).
423 Amsterdam Ave., between 80th and
81st streets (subway line 1 to 79th
Street)
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-496-6280
http://www.sarabeth.com
Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. No reservations, so for
Sunday brunch, get there early to put your name on the waiting list. $$. Most major credit cards.
Veselka
Though this onetime greasy-spoon eatery has gone a tad upscale, it remains an East Village
institution, thanks to good Ukrainian-influenced diner fare. We like the potato pierogies and
raspberry blintzes. There is another location at 9 E. First St., at Bowery (phone 212-387-7000).
Daily 24 hours. Reservations not taken. $-$$. Most major credit cards.
144 Second Ave., at East Ninth Street
(subway line F to Second Avenue; N or R
to Eighth Street-NYU; 6 to Astor Place)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-228-9682
http://www.veselka.com
Cafes & Tearooms
Alice's Tea Cup
All dolled-up in lace and curlicues, Alice's is a feminine and fun place for a leisurely afternoon
tea. It serves more than 100 types of tea, and the standard fare is very good, particularly the
smoked chicken sandwich. A great place to pick up collectible teapots, too. There are two other
branches of this cafe: Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter II, at 156 E. 64th St., and Chapter III at 220 E.
81st St.
102 W. 73rd St., between Amsterdam
and Columbus avenues (subway line B,
C, 1, 2 or 3 to 72nd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-799-3006
Open daily 8 am-8 pm. $. Most major credit cards.
http://www.alicesteacup.com
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Cafe Lalo
This brick-walled cafe prides itself on its quaint atmosphere and 100 desserts. It doesn't take
reservations, and there's always a line. The good news is that you can wait on wonderful
wooden benches under festively lit trees outside the door.
Monday-Thursday 8 am-2 am, Friday 8 am-4 am, Saturday 9 am-4 am, Sunday 9 am-2 am. $$$. No credit cards.
201 W. 83rd St., between Amsterdam
Avenue and Broadway (subway line 1 to
79th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-496-6031
http://www.cafelalo.com
Le Grainne Cafe
A pleasant Parisian-style cafe in the heart of Chelsea. A great place to take a break from
visiting galleries and enjoy excellent sandwiches and great cappuccino.
Daily 8 am-midnight. $. Most major credit cards.
183 Ninth Ave., at 21st Street (subway
line C or E to 23rd Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 646-486-3000
http://www.legrainnecafe.com
Magnolia Bakery
One of New York City's most well-known bakeries. The colorful cupcakes are delicious, and the
banana pudding is a must. Multiple locations throughout the city, but the original is the best, set
on a quaint West Village corner.
Sunday-Thursday 9 am-11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am-12:30 am. $.
401 Bleecker St., at West 11th Street
(subway line 1 to Christopher StreetSheridan Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-462-2572
http://www.magnoliabakery.com
Radiance Tea House & Books
A unique destination in Manhattan, this tea house and book shop specializes in loose-leaf tea
and allows guests to learn more about the eastern world. The tea menu is quite extensive and
traditional cuisine is also served. Tea tastings also take place daily during select hours.
Monday-Friday 10 am-10 pm, Saturday 10 am-11 pm and Sunday 11 am-8:30 pm.
158 W. 55th St., between Sixth and
Seventh avenues (subway line N, R or Q
to 57th Street-Seventh Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-217-0442
http://radiancetea.com
Sanctuary T
Located in the fashion-forward SoHo neighborhood, Sanctuary T serves a wide variety of tea
blends, cuisine and signature cocktails including the Green Tea Margarita, Jasmine Caprioska
and Earl Grey Martini.
Open daily for breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner.
337-B West Broadway, at Grand Street
(subway line A, C or E to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-941-7832
http://www.sanctuaryt.com
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Tea & Sympathy
This tiny West Village restaurant, frequented by a young U.K. crowd, is so British you'll think you
stepped into a London tea shop. Afternoon tea is served daily for US$35 per person, but you
might also want to stop in for some shepherd's pie or bangers and mash. The attached store is
crammed with British goodies.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Store
open daily 11 am-10:30 pm. No reservations. $. Visa and MasterCard only.
108 Greenwich Ave., between 12th and
13th streets (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or
3 to 14th Street; L to Eighth Avenue)
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-989-9735
http://www.teaandsympathynewyork.com
The Doughnut Plant
If you're on a low-carb diet, stop reading. The humongous fresh doughnuts at this shop come in
crazy flavors (sometimes pomegranate or banana pecan, maybe ginger, rosewater or malted
milk) and simple and delicious flavors (the vanilla bean is fabulous). They're made fresh every
day, and the place closes up when they sell out (usually 5-7 pm).
Daily except Monday from 6:30 am. $. No credit cards.
379 Grand St., between Essex and
Norfolk streets (subway line F, J, M or Z
to Delancey Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-505-3700
http://www.doughnutplant.com
Veniero's Pasticceria
An institution and a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, this venerated Italian pastry shop
and cafe has been satisfying customers' cravings for cannoli, cheesecake, espresso and
cappuccino since 1894. You're likely to encounter a line on weekend nights. The front of the
restaurant remains a pastry shop, so if you have no time to sit and indulge in cake and coffee
on a late night, wait in the long (yet quickly moving) line to take some chocolate cheesecake
home with you.
Daily 8 am-midnight, weekends till 1 am. $. Most major credit cards.
342 E. 11th St., just west of First Avenue
(subway line L to 14th Street-First
Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-674-7070
http://www.venierospastry.com
Coffeehouses
88 Orchard
Walking into 88 Orchard on any given day, you are likely to see a packed house with young
locals typing away on their computers. This coffeehouse offers Wi-Fi in addition to its selection
of coffee drinks and cuisine.
Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-9 pm, Friday until 10 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-10 pm, Sunday
until 9 pm.
88 Orchard St., at Broome Street
(subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-288-8880
http://88orchard.com
Grounded
Quietly nestled between two quiet West Village streets, Grounded specializes in organic coffee
and tea blends. Staff is friendly and customers usually stay for extended periods to work and
study in a quiet environment.
Open daily 7 am-8 pm.
28 Jane St., between West Fourth Street
and Greenwich Avenue (subway line 1,
2, 3 or L to 14th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-647-0943
http://www.groundedcoffee.com
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Kaffe 1668
This pleasant TriBeCa spot has been at the vanguard of the city's growing appreciation of
single origin, pour-over coffee. There is a rotating menu of beans, each with vivid descriptions
—that may or may not make sense to the average Joe. But after your beans are ground to order
and you watch baristas carefully pour over water at just the right temperature, you will be a fan.
There's a second location at 401 Greenwich St.
Monday-Friday 6:30 am-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7 am-10 pm.
275 Greenwich St. (subway line A, C, E,
1, 2, 3 to Chambers Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-693-3750
http://www.kaffe1668.com
La Colombe
This Philadelphia roaster does some of the best cappuccino and iced coffee in town. It's a
great place to take a break from SoHo shopping. There's a second location at 400 Lafayette
St. and a third in TriBeCa at 319 Church St.
270 Lafayette St., at Prince Street
(subway line R or 6 to Prince Street)
New York, NY
http://www.lacolombe.com
Saturdays Surf
Not your traditional coffeehouse, Saturdays Surf is an apparel store for lifestyle brands and surf
gear with a complete espresso bar inside serving the house Colombian blend. During the
spring and summer months, the patio is open for seating and studying.
31 Crosby St., between Grand and
Broome streets (subway line N, R, 4 or 6
to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-966-7875
http://www.saturdaysnyc.com
Continental
The Russian Tea Room
The borscht is still remarkable at this classic favorite, and advance requests can bring you
those Russian classics, chicken Kiev and beef Stroganoff.
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted and strongly recommended Friday and
Saturday 6-8 pm. Jackets recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.
150 W. 57th St., between Sixth and
Seventh avenues (subway line F, N, Q or
R to 57th Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-581-7100
http://www.russiantearoomnyc.com
Late Night
Carmine's
Zesty Italian cuisine and large servings are what Carmine's is all about. Great for pre- or posttheater dining. There's also an Upper West Side location, at 2450 Broadway, between 90th and
91st streets.
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Serving until midnight Tuesday-Saturday and till 11 pm Sunday
and Monday. $$. Most major credit cards.
200 W. 44th St., between Eighth Avenue
and Broadway (subway line A, C, E, N, Q,
R, S, 1, 2, 3 or 7 to 42nd Street-Times
Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-221-3800
http://www.carminesnyc.com
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Chez Josephine
Some call the decor "bordello"; we'd rather say "dramatic," given that this bistro pays homage
to chanteuse Josephine Baker and is operated by her adopted son Jean-Claude Baker. The
waitstaff understands the urgency of "We have theater tickets," but staffers also understand why
crowds show up after the curtain and after the show: The piano music is soothing, and the food
is tasty.
Actors love to drop in, and the atmosphere itself is the best of the experience. The soups—
especially the mushroom soup—are wonderful.
414 W. 42nd St., between Ninth and 10th
avenues (subway line A, C, E, N, Q, R, S,
1, 2, 3 or 7 to 42nd Street-Times
Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-594-1925
http://www.chezjosephine.com
Open Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm-1 am, Sunday for brunch and dinner, noon-10 pm. Reservations
recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
Cloister Cafe
If you are not quite sure what nightlife you are in the mood for, Cloister Cafe may be your
answer. Located in the lively East Village, the space offers drinks, dinner and an outdoor
hookah garden, which is especially popular during warm weather. The cuisine is American with
exotic touches from Thailand. The surrounding area is filled with bars and restaurants, perfect
for hopping from one place to the next.
238 E. Ninth St., between Second and
Third avenues (subway line 6 to Astor
Place; R to Eighth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-777-9128
Open daily with extended weekend hours till 4 am. $-$$. Most major credit cards.
http://cloistercafe.com
Schiller's Liquor Bar
This is a casual spot for late-night suppers. Great food, frozen margaritas, hip crowd. It gets
extra credit for the doughnuts.
Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner (till 1 am
Monday-Thursday, 3 am Friday and Saturday). Reservations available. $$. Most major credit
cards.
131 Rivington St., at Norfolk Street
(subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey
Street-Essex Street; B or D to Grand
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-260-4555
http://www.schillersny.com
Seafood
Aquagrill
Happy hour is truly delightful at the oyster bar of this excellent seafood restaurant, which is the
place for oysters in the city. There are 25 to 30 varieties of oysters daily, from Alaska to Chile to
British Columbia to New Zealand.
Open Monday-Friday for lunch, Saturday and Sunday for brunch noon-3:45 pm, daily for dinner.
$$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
210 Spring St., at Sixth Avenue (subway
line E or C to Spring Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-274-0505
http://www.aquagrill.com
Blue Water Grill
Everyone loves the large portions and good service at this friendly spot. Be prepared for trendy
crowds. Perennial favorites are the crispy lobster-shrimp spring rolls. In the Jazz Dining Room,
you can have music with your meal.
Daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Daily sunset menu 4-5 pm. Reservations
recommended. $$. Most major credit cards.
31 Union Square West, at 16th Street
(subway line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th
Street-Union Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-675-9500
http://www.bluewatergrillnyc.com
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Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Everything in this city institution (open since 1913) is spectacular, from the Guastavino-tiled,
vaulted ceiling to the creamiest Boston clam chowder you've ever tasted. Take a seat at the
long, winding counter or relax in the dining room. Have a full meal or a quick fix at the raw bar
and some good wine while you're at it.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed on Sunday and major holidays. Reservations
accepted up to one month in advance. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
Grand Central Terminal, Lower Level,
42nd Street at Lexington Avenue
(subway line S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to 42nd
Street-Grand Central)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-490-6650
http://www.oysterbarny.com
Le Bernardin
In what is generally considered the finest restaurant in New York, French chef Eric Ripert
produces the most memorable seafood creations in the city, served in a sedate, highly polished
setting full of golden wood. Frequented by a well-suited, well-moneyed clientele.
Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required.
Jackets required for men. $$$$. Prix-fixe lunch US$76, dinner US$125; tasting menus vary.
Most major credit cards.
155 W. 51st St. (in the Equitable
Building), between Sixth and Seventh
avenues (subway line 1 to 50th Street; B,
D or E to Seventh Avenue; N or R to 49th
Street-Seventh Avenue)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-554-1515
http://www.le-bernardin.com
Oceana
If you love fish, your ship has come in and docked at Oceana. Located in a huge space uptown
from Times Square and near Rockefeller Center, the restaurant menu combines delicious
favorites with bold new options. Casual dining is available at the raw bar, and a lighter menu is
served in the cafe and cocktail bar.
Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for lunch, with a scaled-back
menu, and dinner. Reservations recommended and accepted up to 60 days in advance. Walkins are accepted if space allows. Jackets suggested for men in the formal dining room. $$$$.
Most major credit cards.
120 W. 49th St. in the McGraw-Hill
building (enter on 49th Street between
Sixth and Seventh avenues; subway line
B, D, F or M to 47-50th StreetsRockefeller Center; N or R to 49th
Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-759-5941
http://www.oceanarestaurant.com
Steak Houses
Dylan Prime
This hip TriBeCa steak house gets applause for its steak and its martinis. Great place for a
romantic date or a large party.
Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner only. Reservations
recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.
62 Laight St., at Greenwich Street
(subway line A, C, E or 1 to Canal Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-334-4783
http://www.dylanprime.com
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Keens Steakhouse
As a 17th-century tradition goes, men used to keep their churchwarden clay pipes at their
favorite inn. Keens has the largest collection of this type of pipe, and they are displayed lining
the ceiling and walls of the main dining room. It only started welcoming women after Lillie
Langtry, an actress and lover of England's King Edward VII, took Keens to court in 1905 for
denying her access to the gentlemen-only premises. The mutton chops are the house specialty.
There is also an attached pub, which offers a lower cost, more casual menu, and has a great
old-New York feel in an area lacking for good watering holes.
Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations
recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards.
72 W. 36th St., between Fifth and Sixth
avenues (subway line 1, 2 or 3 to 34th
Street-Penn Station; B, D, F, M, N, Q or
R to 34th Street-Herald Square)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-947-3636
http://www.keens.com
Peter Luger
This Brooklyn institution has been "steaking" a claim for more than a century. It is famous for
delivering the best-in-town porterhouse with yummy side dishes, including the sliced tomatoes
and onions topped with a signature sauce. Lamb chops and fish are the other options.
Daily for lunch and dinner (beginning at 12:45 pm on Sunday). Reservations are a must (at least
six weeks in advance for dinner) and must booked by phone. $$$. Accepts debit cards, checks
with ID and the Peter Luger credit card.
178 Broadway, at Driggs Avenue
(subway line J, M or Z to Marcy Avenue)
New York, NY 11211
Phone: 718-387-7400
http://www.peterluger.com
Smith & Wollensky
A longtime New York standard, Smith & Wollensky serves delicious dry-aged prime steak and
excellent seafood, including huge lobsters. There's also a grilled vegetable plate for herbivores.
Wine is taken seriously there—the award­winning cellar has more than 6,000 bottles. Leave
room for the unbelievable carrot cake (or, perhaps, the coconut cake).
Daily for lunch and dinner; the Grill is open until 2 am. Reservations required for the main dining
room; the Grill is first-come, first-served. $$$. Most major credit cards.
797 Third Ave., at 49th Street (subway
line 6 to 51st Street; E or M to 53rd
Street)
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-753-1530
http://www.smithandwollensky.com
Wolfgang's
The vaulted, tiled ceilings (left over from the old Vanderbilt Hotel), the mahogany paneling and
the curved bar give this steak house a clublike feel. It's the creation of Wolfgang Zwiener, who
was head waiter at Peter Luger's famous steak house in Brooklyn for 40 years. Perfect dryaged steaks, chops and seafood. Other locations include 409 Greenwich St. in TriBeCa (phone
212-925-0350) and 20 E. 54th St. (phone 212-588-9653).
Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for lunch and required for dinner, except
on Saturday and Sunday. $$$. Most major credit cards.
4 Park Ave., at 33rd Street (subway line
6 to 33rd Street-Park Avenue South)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-889-3369
http://wolfgangssteakhouse.net
Other Options
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Big Gay Ice Cream
It's here, and it's fabulous. Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff actually began operations behind
the wheel of an ice cream truck. They were so popular, they opened a storefront in the East
Village in 2011 (a West Village location, at 61 Grove St., soon followed). Consistently ranked
among the world's best ice cream parlors, their secret is simple: Use the best possible
ingredients. Vanilla and chocolate flavors are mixed at their own dairy in upstate New York. And
with an eccentric list of names, such as the Bea Arthur (vanilla ice cream with crushed Nilla
Wafers) and Salty Pimp (a chocolate-dipped vanilla ice cream cone with dulce de leche and
sea salt), the flavor combinations are spot on.
125 East 7th Street (subway line 4 or 6
to Astor Place, L to 1st Ave or F to 2nd
Ave)
New York, NY
http://biggayicecream.com
Sunday-Wednesday noon-10 pm, Thursday-Saturday noon-midnight. $. Most major credit cards.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
Children who love things that go bump in the night will love this unique dining establishment. It's
full of weird characters and special effects (its website will give you a taste of what to expect).
The food, fortunately, is reassuringly normal.
Daily for lunch and dinner till midnight, Friday and Saturday till 4 am. Reservations are not
accepted, although you may book a prepaid lunch or dinner package a week in advance. $$.
Most major credit cards.
91 Seventh Ave., between West Fourth
and Barrow streets (subway line A, C, E,
B, D, F or M to West Fourth Street, or 1
to Christopher Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-989-7701
http://www.jekyllandhydeclub.com
Sweet Revenge
Both a bakery and bar, Sweet Revenge specializes in pairing wines and beers with freshly
made cupcakes. It offers a happy hour, which includes a wine or sangria with a cupcake
pairing.
Monday-Thursday 7 am-11 pm, Friday 7 am-12:30 am, Saturday 10:30 am-12:30 am, Sunday
10:30 am-10 pm. $. Most major credit cards. Does not accept American Express.
62 Carmine St. (subway line 1 to Houston
Street; A, C, E, B, D, F or M to West
Fourth Street)
New York, NY
Phone: 212-242-2240
http://www.sweetrevengenyc.com
Security
Etiquette
Professionals in New York tend to conduct meetings and working lunches with an emphasis on efficiency. The short shrift given to niceties in
the city is often interpreted as rudeness by visitors used to a more leisurely style of business. Punctuality is expected, but New Yorkers will
understand if you're held up by mass-transit or traffic delays. As traffic can be quite bad at certain times and in certain parts of the city, it's
often quicker and more predictable to travel by subway. Don't hesitate to ask locals, as most New Yorkers are happy to opine on the best
way to get from A to B.
Personal Safety
Expect heightened security everywhere you go, with special emphasis on the checking of IDs and the inspection of packages and bags. If
you plan to enter an office building, you may pass several levels of security and be required to register with the front desk. You will almost
always need to present picture identification. Make sure you have with you a phone number for the person you are seeing, in case there is
any mix-up at the desk. It may be necessary to be cleared in advance before entering official government buildings.
Avoid walking through Central Park after dark. For other areas, consult your hotel's front desk. If that's not an option, trust your instincts: Do
not walk down any block in any part of the city that looks particularly desolate (shuttered, abandoned and dark) or otherwise sinister. When in
doubt, take a cab. Crowded areas are usually fairly safe. But remember to be wary of pickpockets in such crowds. The subway is usually
quite safe, even late at night—and often still crowded into the wee hours. Nevertheless, there can be crime, and as with walking, ask at the
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hotel about particular areas to which you may be travelling, and use your instincts.
We think New York is a fairly safe city. And at times, we agree with those who claim to feel safer walking around Manhattan—even at night—
than they do driving alone on city streets in most other American cities. But crime and danger can lurk in any part of any city. So our best
advice is to go about purposefully, aware of your surroundings at all times. Be careful when using smartphones, as these are increasingly a
favored target of thieves—and their use usually gives away that somebody is distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Police seem to
be on every corner in New York, even when you don't realize they're there. They know the city that never sleeps, and they want you to enjoy it.
Health
New York can get very hot and humid in the summer, so take care to stay hydrated and get out of the sun a bit. Likewise, winters can be very
cold. The city is densely populated, and a ride on the subway during cold and flu season sometimes sounds like a symphony of coughing.
But as anywhere, wash your hands and hope for the best.
Pharmacies are numerous, and many have extended hours. Duane Reade pharmacies have the most locations around the city. For 24-hour
locations, visit http://www.duanereade.com.
Hotel staff can usually help with referrals to doctors, dentists or other health care resources. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
Bellevue Hospital—Trauma, perinatal, AIDS, poison control and stroke center. First Avenue at 27th Street (subway line 6 to 28th Street),
Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-562-1000.
Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center—Level 3 perinatal care and stroke center. First Avenue at 16th Street (subway line 4, 5 or 6 to
14th Street-Park Avenue South; L to First Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-420-2000.
Harlem Hospital Center—Trauma, level 3 perinatal, AIDS, burn and stroke center. 506 Lenox Ave., at 135th Street (subway line 2 or 3 to
135th Street-Lenox Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-939-1000.
Lenox Hill Hospital—Level 3 perinatal care and stroke center. 100 E. 77th St., at Lexington Avenue (subway line 6 to 77th Street­
Lexington Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-434-2000.
Manhattan Eye, Ear And Throat Institute—Emergency services. 210 E. 64th St., between Park and Lexington avenues (subway line 6 to
68th Street-Hunter College), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-838-9200.
Mount Sinai Hospital—AIDS, perinatal and stroke center. 1190 Fifth Ave., at 99th Street (subway line 6 to 96th Street­Lexington Avenue),
Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-241-6500.
New York Presbyterian Hospital-New York Weill Cornell Center—Trauma, perinatal, AIDS, burn and stroke center. 525 E. 68th St., at
York Avenue (subway line 6 to 68th Street-Lexington Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-746-5454.
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital—Partner hospitals with facilities both uptown and in midtown. Trauma, level 1 perinatal, AIDS and stroke
center. St Luke's is at 1111 Amsterdam Ave., at West 114th Street, (subway line 1 to West 116th Street-Columbia University); Roosevelt is
at 1000 10th Ave., between 58th and 59th streets (subway line A, B, C, D or 1 to 59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-5234000.
Disabled Advisory
Most New York City landmarks and museums have ramps, elevators and other types of access for the disabled. Some museums offer signinterpreted tours.
Most Broadway performances provide devices for the hearing impaired; call Sound Associates for more information. Phone 212-582-7678.
You can book a wheelchair theater reservation through Telecharge (phone 212-239-6200). The Theater Development Fund offers a
membership program that aids people with different disabilities. Services include sign-language interpretation and accessible seating.
Apply for this free membership at http://www.tdf.org or call 212-912-9770 for more information. The website also lists upcoming opencaptioning and sign-language-interpreting performances for members.
Hospital Audiences, a nonprofit organization, is an excellent resource for disabled travelers. It has a variety of programs detailed on its
website. 548 Broadway, Third Floor, Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-575-7676. http://www.hospitalaudiences.org.
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website is an excellent resource for planning how to navigate public transportation by planning
routes involving accessible subway stations (some are not), as well as other means of transportation. http://web.mta.info/accessibility.
Facts
Dos & Don'ts
Do take a street map along when exploring the city—and don't hesitate to ask for directions. Contrary to some stories, New Yorkers are
generally quite willing to help.
Don't walk through Central Park or other parks at night.
Do get a wallet-sized subway map and check signs in the stations and at http://www.mta.info for changes in service. And consider buying an
unlimited MetroCard (depending on the length of your stay) to save money on subway fare.
Don't turn right on a red light if you drive in New York City.
Do try to walk everywhere as much as you can, especially across the Brooklyn Bridge. There is no better way to see the city.
Don't be surprised to hear many languages spoken, including some you may not recognize.
Do ride the Staten Island Ferry. It's one of the few free things in New York.
Don't forget to tip your cab drivers.
Do pick up a free copy of The L Magazine for up-to-date museum and gallery shows, jazz, theater and music performances, as well as great
insight into the burgeoning Brooklyn music scene.
Don't be surprised if you see celebrities out and about in stores or on the street; for many, New York is their hometown.
Geostats
Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean,
Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a
passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the
U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 8,336,697.
Languages: English, though many others are common, especially Spanish.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist.
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the
first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 212, 646 and 917, Manhattan; 718, 347 and 917,The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. You must dial the
area code before all local numbers;
Money
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Currency Exchange
ATMs are located inside banks and major terminals, such as Penn Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Grand Central Terminal. You
can also find Chase bank ATMs in Duane Reade stores. There are no ATMs in subway stations. Always be alert when retrieving money
from a cash machine in the city; try to use only those in well-lit, populated areas or in the secure lobby of one of the numerous banks. There
have been reports of identity theft involving some generic ATMs in small stores, so it's best to stick to those operated by banks if possible.
Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, but some banks open at 8 or 8:30 am and close at 5:30 or 6 pm. Many banks are
open Saturday and Sunday.
Credit cards are widely accepted, including in taxis. Subway ticket machines also accept credit cards, however it's best to have a bit of cash
handy, as problems sometimes arise.
There are currency exchange booths in most major tourist areas.
Taxes
Sales tax is 8.875%, which is a combined city and state tax. Clothing and footwear purchases less than US$110 are exempt from New York
City's 4.5% sales tax, and clothing and footwear less than US$55 are exempt from the entire sales tax. Hotel tax is an additional 5.875%
plus US$2 a night.
Tipping
The appropriate tip in restaurants is generally double the tax, about 17%-20%. You should also make sure you tip taxi drivers, tour guides
and hotel porters. A few dollars can really brighten someone's day. "Pay it forward" and leave your housekeeper a $5 tip for each day you
stay.
Weather
Songwriters have idealized New York in spring and autumn for a reason—the city is most beautiful then. If you visit April­June, you'll find
generally comfortable humidity, though July and August can at times be uncomfortably hot and humid. Temperatures in April range from a
low of 36 F/3 C to a high of 54 F/12 C. By June, expect daytime highs of 75 F/24 C and cool nights of 56 F/12 C.
In September and October, the clear days will be comfortable in the 60-70 F/15-21 C range, with nights demanding a warm jacket or
sweater. Winter can be cold and bitter in New York, and the damp wind cuts to the bone. But New York is magical and quiet after a heavy
snow (until it all turns to dirty slush). In general, extremes of temperature and humidity can make winter and summer the least dependable
times to visit.
What to Wear
As with all things New York, appropriate dress covers the full gamut. Bear in mind that at most public venues—Broadway theaters, concerts
and so forth—one encounters every kind of fashion, from T­shirts to tuxedos. "Business casual," the standard of many restaurants and
entertainment venues, means no sneakers, no shorts or jeans, and no shirts without sleeves (for men). You may want to inquire in advance,
and the prohibition on sneakers—at least more stylish ones—does seem to be fading a bit. "If I'm paying this much I can wear what I want"
doesn't work in New York, unless you're a celebrity with a publicist in tow.
In general, let the weather and your own comfort be your guide. This will mean wearing your sturdiest and most comfortable pair of shoes.
More than any other major U.S. city, New York is a town for walking, both to see the sights and because it's often the most efficient mode of
transportation. You will be walking much more than you expect, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Summertime can be extremely hot and humid, dictating light, breathable clothing. For sightseeing, shorts are certainly OK (although you'll
stand out as a tourist), and for summer evenings, casual or semiformal summer wear is acceptable. In spring or fall, take an extra sweater
and an umbrella. Winters can be as cold as summers are hot, and the winds are often strong and chilly. Warm shoes or boots and layered
clothing are the keys to keeping warm.
As you might expect, business attire in New York is both formal and fashionable, but business casual is making significant inroads.
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Communication
Telephone
When making phone calls within New York City, you must dial 1 and the area code before all local numbers. Long-distance charges may
apply if you make a call to another borough of the city—from Manhattan to Brooklyn, for example. Pay phones are available—even on
subway platforms—but a recent study showed that fewer than one in four actually worked.
Most cell phones do not work in the subway or on subway platforms. On the streets and in most office buildings, hotels and other venues,
service is generally excellent. Some businesses, such as restaurants, frown on cell-phone use and will ask their patrons to go outside. Be
aware that using a cell phone inside a New York City theater is illegal.
Internet Access
Internet access is available throughout the city at public libraries, Internet cafes and copy shops. Rates vary significantly.
FedEx Office has many outlets throughout the city; it also has the highest rates in town. It is, however, open 24 hours and offers many
services in addition to Internet access. There is free Wi-Fi in Bryant Park, behind the public library, bordered by Fifth and Sixth avenues,
between 41st and 42nd streets.
Those with the requisite technology on their laptop or other device may want to check out one of the free, public, wireless hotspots—Wi­Fi is
available in some local coffee shops and many hotels. A network map of those locations can be found at http://www.nycwireless.net.
Mail & Package Services
U.S. Post Office
The main U.S. Post Office is known to have a line of customers at all hours of the day. Try to avoid the rush 5-7 pm. Cutoff time for expressmail next-day delivery depends on destination. You must deposit regular mail by 6 pm for same-day postmark. The other U.S. Post Offices,
scattered throughout the city, are generally open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and are easily accessible. Some branches may have Saturday
hours. The government-issue blue mailboxes, including boxes for express mail, stand at many intersections, especially in Midtown
Manhattan. The main post office covers an entire block, across the street from Madison Square Garden-Penn Station. Open Monday-Friday
7 am-10 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm. 421 Eighth Ave., at 31st Street (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 34th Street). New
York, NY. Phone 212-330-3296. Toll-free 800-275-8777. http://www.usps.com.
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Newspapers & Magazines
The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are available everywhere. The daily tabloids—New York Newsday (respectable), The
New York Daily News (local and national news) and The New York Post (sensational local news, outrageously tacky headlines and an
excellent sports section)—are also available everywhere.
The Village Voice, an alternative weekly paper covering politics and the arts, has vast entertainment listings. It's published on Wednesday
and is available at most newsstands, now free in Manhattan. Pick up a Voice at your local deli to find clubs to attend and restaurants to try.
The New York Press is the Voice's competition. It can be found all over the city and is also free.
The L Magazine is another excellent free weekly source for entertainment and goings-on. You can find it around subway stations and in
boxes located all over the city. You will often have several free daily newspapers offered to you as you enter or leave the subway.
New York magazine is a weekly with articles on local trends and events plus entertainment and restaurant listings. You can access each
issue for free at http://www.nymag.com, an excellent resource for finding restaurants that includes reliable editors' picks. The New Yorker,
more a national than a local magazine, has complete weekly listings of local cultural happenings and stories of local interest. Time Out New
York, newer than the others, has extensive listings covering everything from where to tango to the best places for Cambodian food. Most
newsstands carry all three magazines.
Less known but also impressive are Paper and Gotham magazines. These slick glossies focus on New York's avant-garde music, nightlife
and arts action, as well as on interesting little-known shops and restaurants. Their event listings are more limited than those of the weeklies,
but the articles are more involved and perhaps better capture the flavor of the city's cultural offerings.
Two free entertainment guides are found in most hotels: Guest Informant and Where. Informant contains information on shopping, dining
and sightseeing. Where has more comprehensive information regarding shopping, entertainment, dining, art and antiques. The best
entertainment guides, however, are in The New York Times (especially the Arts & Leisure section on Sunday), The Village Voice and Time
Out New York.
Transportation
There are three major airports in the metropolitan area: La Guardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark International
Airport. A fourth, MacArthur Airport on Long Island, is sometimes used by visitors to New York, but it's quite a distance from the city. Allow
plenty of time before your flight—these are busy, congested airports at the best of times. Likewise, when traveling to the airports, be aware
that traffic can be heavy and can cause significant delays when traveling by road. At certain times of day, subways and trains may be a more
reliable option.
You won't need a car—in fact, a car will be more hindrance than help, as parking is expensive and in short supply. This is a mass­transit city.
Taxis are easy to hail and reasonably affordable, especially if there's more than one person in your party. A ride from Midtown to Greenwich
Village, for instance, runs in the neighborhood of US$12—depending on traffic, of course.
Our favorite way to travel in New York, though, is by foot. As you make your way, be alert for cars, taxis and even buses running red lights.
Also, cabs will make left or right turns at an intersection without a thought for the pedestrians crossing with the green light. The best strategy
is to walk purposefully and don't hesitate when you cross a street.
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Air
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is 15 mi/24 km east of Midtown and about 20 minutes farther (in light traffic) by car than La Guardia. Be sure to leave yourself ample
time to get there, especially on Friday afternoon and during rush hours—traffic can make the journey long and costly. As far as convenience
to Manhattan, both La Guardia and Newark airports are superior.
For more airport information, call 718-244-4444. http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
If you're traveling alone or with one other person, and not in a great hurry, an efficient and inexpensive way to get to and from JFK is via a
New York Airport Service bus that takes travelers to midtown Manhattan. (Be advised that, because of the airport's distance from Manhattan
and the congested highway system, it can take more than an hour—sometimes closer to two—to reach Manhattan.) Buses link the airport
with Grand Central Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Catch the bus right outside the baggage claim. US$10-$15 one way.
Phone 718-560-3915. http://www.nyairportservice.com.
Other options:
SuperShuttle operates a 24-hour, door-to-door service to Manhattan (handy, but because it's a shared-ride system, you'll likely make
additional stops). Rates are approximately US$15 and an extra US$10 for each additional guest, plus tax, depending on your destination.
SuperShuttle is a safe and guaranteed method of transport. (It generally arrives at your residence quite early and leaves you at the airport
hours ahead of time.) Phone 800-258-3826. http://www.supershuttle.com.
You'll also find hotel courtesy vans in the ground transportation area outside the baggage claim. And taxis are plentiful, with rides to
Manhattan for a flat fee of US$45 plus tolls (fares to the other boroughs are determined by the meter).
If you are traveling light, one of the easiest ways to get to and from JFK is by subway and Airtrain, an elevated train that links the airport
terminals to the Howard Beach-JFK Airport or the Jamaica Center subway stations. It is also an effective transport method to avoid Midtown
and rush hour traffic congestion. To board the Airtrain, you will need a special MetroCard, sold at any Airtrain station. This is separate from
subway fare. The cost for a one-way Airtrain ticket is US$5, plus US$2.25 for the subway (helpful city employees will likely try to assist you
and may be able to provide special rates); the ride could take between 35 minutes and an hour.
At Howard Beach, you can change to the A train to other parts of the city. At Jamaica Center, you can board subway line E, J or Z. Using the
subway will be easier and more efficient if you have some previous knowledge of the mass transit system. Keep in mind that not all subway
stations have elevators or escalators. http://web.mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm .
For a faster connection (20-30 minutes), take the Airtrain to Jamaica Center and hop on a Long Island Railroad train bound for Penn
Station. Buy tickets at the station, as the price almost doubles onboard. US$8 peak travel times, US$5.75 off-peak. Phone 718-217-5477 or
visit http://mta.info/lirr for schedules.
Rental cars and private car services are also available. New York, NY.
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La Guardia Airport (LGA)
La Guardia, which mostly handles domestic flights, is the closest airport to Manhattan—8 mi/13 km east of Midtown. Be aware that
renovation of the airport is ongoing. Because La Guardia is near Citi Field (home of the New York Mets), the roads are clogged before and
after games, so allow for extra time if you're flying on a game day. A taxi ride between the airport and Midtown usually takes 20-50 minutes,
depending on traffic. For more airport information, call 718-533-3400. http://www.panynj.gov/airports/laguardia.html.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Many visitors immediately jump in a taxi, which is an attractive option (fares to Midtown run US$25-$30 plus tolls and tip, depending on
traffic and time of day). But the most inexpensive (and frequently less harrowing) way to get to and from La Guardia is the New York Airport
Service. Buses operate between the airport and Grand Central Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. At Grand Central you can
transfer to a free minibus shuttle for Penn Station and many Midtown hotels. Buses stop outside the baggage claim of each terminal. US$12
one way. Phone 718-560-3915. http://www.nyairportservice.com.
Other options:
SuperShuttle operates a 24-hour, door-to-door service to Manhattan (additional stops for other passengers may eat up time). Rates are
approximately US$15-$20, depending on your destination. Phone 800-258-3826. http://www.supershuttle.com.
You can also take public transit into Manhattan, although it's not quick: Take the M60 bus from all terminals to the N or Q lines at Astoria
Boulevard in Queens or the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 lines at 125th Street in Manhattan. Catch the Q47 bus on the lower level of the
Marine Air Terminal or the Q33 bus on the lower level of the other terminals to the Roosevelt Avenue subway stop in Queens. There you can
board subway line E, G, F, R or 7. Rental cars and private car services are available for arriving passengers. New York, NY.
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Newark Airport is 16 mi/26 km west of Manhattan in New Jersey. Depending on your destination, it can be as good an option as La
Guardia. It's definitely much closer than JFK Airport, though some public transportation options into and out of Manhattan run less frequently.
Traffic can sometimes make the trip into the city an hour or more. For more airport information, call 973-961-6000.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty.html.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Coach USA/Olympia Trails operates express bus service between Newark Airport and New York. Buses leave daily every 15 minutes 6:45
am-11:15 pm, every 30 minutes throughout the night. Manhattan stops are 120 E. 41st St., between Park and Lexington avenues, near
Grand Central Station; Bryant Park; and 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It offers
one-way transfers from Grand Central to Manhattan hotels for a fee. Buses stop outside the baggage claim at Terminals A, B and C. US$16
one way, US$28 round-trip, US$8 seniors and US$10 youths ages 12-16, free for children younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult,
US$5 for military personnel in uniform with military ID. Phone toll-free 877-863-9275. http://www.coachusa.com/olympia.
Other options:
AirTrain Newark, a monorail system that connects the airport's terminals, will take you to the Newark International Rail Link station, not far
from the airport terminals. US$5.50. From there you can take Amtrak or New Jersey Transit into the city. When using this option to get to the
airport, make sure you take a train that stops at Newark Airport (EWR), not just Newark Penn Station, which does not connect to the airport.
New Jersey Transit Authority's Bus 62 stops at all terminals and runs to Penn Station in Newark (not New York City's Penn Station). From
Newark's Penn Station, you can take the PATH subway train into Manhattan. It's a complicated way to get into the city, especially if you have
luggage.
SuperShuttle operates a door-to-door service to Manhattan (additional stops for other passengers may make the trip seem longer). Rates
begin at US$15 per person, depending on the destination. Phone 800-258-3826. http://www.supershuttle.com.
Plenty of taxis wait outside the baggage claim area. The taxi fare to Manhattan from Newark can run more than US$60, plus tip. You will also
need to pay tolls, including for the driver's return trip. If you use this option, make sure to agree on the total amounts before the trip begins.
Rental cars and private car services are also available. New York, NY.
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MacArthur Airport (ISP)
MacArthur Airport is about 45 mi/70 km east of Manhattan in Islip Township, Long Island. The ride into Manhattan takes 90 minutes or
longer, depending on traffic. For more airport information, phone 631-467-3300. http://www.flylima.com.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station. US$15 at peak travel times, US$10.75 off-peak. Buy tickets at the station, as they
are more expensive onboard. The closest LIRR stop to MacArthur Airport is the Ronkonkoma station. The railroad station is about a 10minute cab ride from the airport (http://mta.info/lirr). Colonial Transportation of Long Island offers a shuttle service from the airport to
Ronkonkoma station. It departs from in front of the terminal. US$5 adults. Phone 631-589-3500. http://www.colonialtransportation.com.
Other options:
Taxis are readily available, but it's an expensive ride to Midtown: US$90-$110 plus tolls and tip. Major rental car companies have branches
at the airport. Ronkonkoma, NY.
Bus
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Nearly all long-distance bus service from New York City departs the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Greyhound, Olympia Trails and Peter Pan
(incorporating Bonanza) are among the bus companies that offer service to and from New York, as well as the very inexpensive Megabus
and Bolt Bus companies. Note that Megabus and Bolt Bus operate from nearby street corner locations, and not the Port Authority. These are
particularly good options for travel to other destinations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue. New
York, NY. Toll-free 800-221-9903. For bus schedules, contact the individual carrier. http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/port-authority-busterminal.html.
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Car
You must be 16 years old to drive a car in New York. Also, drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or
older. Drivers with learner's permits may not drive on streets within parks in New York City, or on any bridge or tunnel within the jurisdiction of
the MTA Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
You must be 25 years old to rent a car (drivers ages 20-24 may also rent cars, but it will cost more: some companies charge young drivers
up to a US$100 daily surcharge). It is illegal in New York to use your cell phone while driving to send or receive texts, emails or messages of
any kind.
Unless you are planning a day trip out of town, there is absolutely no reason to take a car into New York City, particularly Manhattan. If you
are considering a rental car, it can often be substantially cheaper—and easier—to pick up a vehicle outside of Manhattan. Check locations
such as in Newark, New Jersey; Jersey City, New Jersey; and Stamford, Connecticut, which are easily accessible by public transportation,
as well as airport locations. Be sure to shop around as prices vary. Also note that many vendors restrict or prohibit rentals to people younger
than age 25.
The major East Coast interstate highway is Interstate 95. From New England, take I-95 South all the way into The Bronx, then take the
Bruckner Expressway to the Robert F. Kennedy (formerly Triborough) Bridge (US$7.50 toll, US$5.33 with an E-ZPass) and continue into
Manhattan via the FDR (or East Side) Drive.
From New Jersey and the south, take the New Jersey Turnpike to the Lincoln Tunnel (US$13 cash, $11 with an E-ZPass), which will take you
straight into Midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street. You can also travel over the George Washington Bridge (US$13) and enter Manhattan via
the West Side Highway (also known as the Henry Hudson Parkway).
Many hotels offer packages that include parking, and it's worth asking about specials and checking for Internet deals. However, be aware
that garage rates are often very high—more than US$30 per day, particularly in Midtown, and many garages will refuse space for very
expensive or large vehicles or charge an extra US$10 or more per day. Even with hotel discounts, these rates will still be much more
expensive than anywhere else in the country.
With patience and luck, you can find street parking in almost any area of New York, though it is much more difficult in Midtown. Be aware of
daily and weekly street-cleaning schedules, which are posted on signs. Cars must be moved during these hours, which are different for
every block, and even long-time residents have trouble keeping them all straight.
Ferry
New York Water Taxi (NYWT)
If you don't feel like hailing a cab and would rather opt for a scenic, relaxed method of transportation, try New York Water Taxi. Located
beside New York Harbor, NYWT works as a great means of transportation to several spots in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The water
taxi runs daily 10 am-8 pm. Fares range from US$10-$30 (depending on where you board) and can be bought in economical 10-40 packs. .
New York, NY. Phone 212-742-1969. http://www.nywatertaxi.com.
Staten Island Ferry
Crosses Upper New York Bay from the southern tip of Manhattan to St. George on Staten Island. A transportation link since 1905, as well as
a sightseeing attraction, the ferry is a pleasant way to see the city's skyline from the water—and it's free. A 25­minute ride each way, it
comes within snapshot range of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Try to go at sunset so that you can see the lit buildings in Manhattan
during the return trip.
The schedule is on the website, http://www.siferry.com/SIFerry_Schedules.aspx. For information on updates or changes, see
http://www.nyc.gov/dot or dial 311, the city information line.
Ferries operate around-the-clock, seven days a week. They depart every 15-20 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes-hour the rest
of the day. Free. The Manhattan terminal is at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, known as South Ferry (subway line R or 1 to WhitehallSouth Ferry (you must be in the first five cars of the train to get off at South Ferry); 4 or 5 to Bowling Green). New York, NY.
Public Transportation
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates the bus and subway systems in New York as well as several commuter railways. In
general, we've found that subways are the best means of moving north-south in Manhattan (e.g., from uptown to downtown, and vice versa),
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and buses are best for moving east-west (e.g., from the West Side to the East Side and vice versa). Subways are also by far the best
means of getting from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx.
Purchase a MetroCard to use the buses and subways (you swipe it through a card reader on the bus or at the subway turnstiles). You can
put any desired dollar amount on a Metrocard, or you can buy seven-day or 30-day passes. MetroCards can be purchased at many subway
stations and in shops and newsstands that display the MetroCard logo. (Ask at your hotel for the closest place to purchase a MetroCard.)
For more information, including interactive maps of the bus and subway routes, visit http://www.mta.info.
Subway—The cheapest and usually the most efficient means of getting around, and referred to as "the train." Although lots of movies have
portrayed New York's subway as a place of crime and danger, it's generally safe, assuming you exercise common sense. Today nearly all
subway cars are made of gleaming stainless steel, and the air-conditioning usually works, though the platforms are extremely hot and
uncomfortable in the summer.
Plenty of people ride the subway at night, but it's safer during the day and early evening. If you ride at night, wait for the train in the
designated off-hours waiting area (usually in the middle of the platform) and board a car that has other riders.
The system can be a bit confusing because of the large number of lines and trains. Pick up a copy of MTA's The Map (available at subway
stations and many hotels), which shows the subway routes. There are also maps posted in the subway stations and in all train cars. The
trains are identified with numbers or letters. Signs outside the stations indicate which trains stop there. Many subway cars now feature
electronic marquees that display what the next stop is. Beneath the stop listing, connecting trains are also listed by number or letter.
Be sure the train you take is headed in the proper direction: In Manhattan, where the majority of lines run north-south, the platforms are
usually labeled as Uptown (for northbound trains) or Downtown (southbound). Others may read Brooklyn or Queens. At some stations, a
street entrance may take you only to one of the two platforms. In those cases, you often have to go back up to the street level, cross the street
and locate the other entrance, so make sure you've used the right entrance before you swipe your MetroCard. As you enter the station, look
for the sign (usually above the stairs) that gives the name of the line; it will say "uptown only" or "downtown only" if it leads to only one
platform. It will also tell you if the station has limited hours and if a station agent is available at the booth. The subway operates 24 hours a
day, but not all station entrances are accessible at all times or have full-time agents.
You will also encounter express and local trains: The express trains stop only at selected stops (identified on The Map with white circles)
rather than at every station on the line. Watch for frequent service changes, particularly on the weekends. These are posted on the MTA's
website and on signs in all stations. However, changes can be confusing and often lead to longer-than-expected travel times, particularly if
you are traveling to or from Brooklyn or Queens. Don't hesitate to ask other riders, as keeping up on weekend service changes is something
of a sport for New Yorkers.
Security has been increased on all New York City subways and other transportation modes. All packages and bags are subject to
inspection at any time.
The fare is US$2.50 per ride (US$2.75 when bought as a single ride), US$30 for a seven-day pass and US$112 for a 30-day pass. All
passes are valid until midnight of the last day. When you put US$5 or more on your card, you receive a 5% bonus. There is a fee of US$1
when purchasing a new MetroCard (you can avoid this fee by keeping and reloading a used card).
Bus—MTA operates a huge fleet of public buses. More than 80% are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Bus routes run north­south and east­
west, with schedules usually posted at the bus stops. Buses run 24 hours a day, though service on most lines is heavily scaled back late at
night.
Local buses make frequent stops, generally every two blocks. This means that you rarely have to walk very far to a bus stop, but it also
means that buses are not the fastest method of transportation and are generally slower than the subway. It may be more time-efficient to
walk that extra block or two to the nearest subway station in lieu of sitting on a bus in traffic.
MetroCards are used to pay fares on the bus. The basic fare is US$2.50 for a ride on a regular bus, US$6 for a ride on an express bus. The
fare is US$30 for a seven-day unlimited pass, US$55 for a seven-day express pass, US$112 for a 30-day pass. All passes are valid until
midnight of the last day except the daily pass, which is valid until 3 am. You get a 5% bonus if you buy a card worth US$5 or more. You can
also pay a bus fare with coins (exact change, no bills), but few people do that anymore.
Phone 718-330-1234 for current subway and bus status information.
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Ship
Most cruise ships dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, located at Piers 88-94, 12th Avenue between 48th and 55th streets. Cruise lines
usually can provide transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal. However, if you're spending extra time in the city, you may need to
arrange your own. The closest airport is Newark, followed by La Guardia. The docks can be reached from the West Side Highway (also
called 12th Avenue) by car, taxi or bus. The closest subway stop is 50th Street and Eighth Avenue on the C or E lines. For more information,
call the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Phone 212-246-5450.
Ships also dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Pier 12 in Red Hook, at Bowne and Imlay streets, Brooklyn. Phone 718-246-2794.
http://www.nycruise.com.
Taxi
Although airports, many hotels and some restaurants have taxi stands, you may hail yellow cabs anywhere ("grab a cab"). They're so
numerous in Manhattan, you seldom have to wait long to catch one, and you never actually have to phone for a cab. Just walk to a corner,
make yourself visible and raise your arm as the river of traffic comes toward you. If the yellow light on the top of the cab is entirely on or off,
the cab is either occupied, off duty or on call. If the center portion of the light is on, the cab is available.
Rush hour and evening supplements are added to the metered fare. The fare from John F. Kennedy Airport into Manhattan is a flat US$52,
plus tolls and tip. You will get a fare ticket from the taxi dispatcher outside the baggage claim. The fares from the other airports are metered,
plus tolls and tip. La Guardia is the closest airport to the city and can be an inexpensive cab ride (if you travel late at night or early in the
morning, when traffic is light).
One fare covers all passengers. It's always a good idea to ask for a receipt when paying—the receipt will have the cab identification
number, which will help if you've left behind an umbrella or shopping bag. Note that cabs have a series of surcharges, including US$0.50 at
night and US$1 at peak hours. Most taxis accept credit cards.
Livery cabs are non-yellow cabs with TLC on the license plate. They're not supposed to pick up passengers in the business areas of
Manhattan. Most of their pickups are in the outer boroughs and in Harlem. If you spot a cab that's not yellow, be sure it has TLC on the
license plate. The livery cabs are not metered, so negotiate a rate before you get in.
We do not recommend using gypsy cabs, unofficial taxis that roam the streets offering rides for negotiable fees. If you are a tourist, the
gypsy cabs will spot you immediately and may be aggressive in their pursuit of your easy business. This is a particular problem at the
airports, where it is not uncommon to be approached in the baggage claim area. Just ignore them or tell them that you are not interested,
and they will go away without too much trouble.
New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission
Complete information about taxi fares, policies and regulations can be obtained there. Phone 311. New York, NY.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/contact/contact.shtml.
Train
Grand Central Terminal
At least 1,000 trains rumble into and out of this station each day, including Metro-North trains (five commuter lines to Connecticut and the
New York suburbs). The enormous, vaulted main room, with its sparkly ceiling of stellar constellations, is reason enough to go.
Grand Central Terminal also offers its fair share of shopping. With a food court, upscale clothing stores, bookstores and even a gourmetfood market, the terminal caters to the wealthier travelers in and around New York. 42nd Street at Park Avenue (42nd Street-Grand Central
subway station). New York, NY 10017. http://www.grandcentralterminal.com.
Penn Station
In addition to lots of commuter traffic into and out of New Jersey and Long Island, this terminal handles the longer, commercial train routes to
other major cities. Carriers operating from Penn Station include Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, the Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey
PATH.
It also houses an array of restaurants and pubs where you can pass the time while waiting for a train (office workers who spend their days in
the enormous surrounding buildings shop and eat there). Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd streets (34th Street-Penn Station subway
station). New York, NY.
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For More Information
Additional Reading
Central Park: An Anthology by Andrew Blauner (Bloomsbury USA).
My City, My New York: Famous New Yorkers Share Their Favorite Places by Jeryl Brunner (Globe Pequot Press).
Here is New York by E.B. White (Little Bookroom).
The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America by Russell
Shorto (Vintage Books).
Just Kids by Patti Smith (Deckle Edge).
The Last Bohemia: Scenes from the Life of Williamsburg, Brooklyn by Robert Anasi (Farrar, Straus and Giroux).
New York Diaries: 1609-2009 by Teresa Carpenter (Modern Library).
It Happened in New York City: Remarkable Events That Shaped History by Fran Capo (Globe Pequot Press).
travel42 Tipster. How to spend a less-crowded holiday season in New York. http://www.travel-42.com/tipster/post/2011/11/15/A-slightlyless-crowded-holiday-in-the-city.aspx.
travel42 Tipster. A handful of the city's best hotels and the best things to do in each neighborhood. http://www.travel42.com/tipster/post/2012/05/14/The-best-hotels-for-the-best-New-York-vacation.aspx.
travel42 Tipster. How to embrace the crowds during the holidays so you don't miss any classic New York moments. http://www.travel42.com/tipster/post/2011/11/29/A-happy-holiday-in-New-York.aspx.
Convention & Visitors Bureau
NYC & Co.
Provides both paper and electronic maps, plus information on hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping and theater. Touch screens in
multiple languages allow creation of individualized itineraries. You can also request the Official NYC Visitor Guide. In addition to the main
office, there are other locations at 144 W. 125th St., the southern tip of City Hall Park, and the meeting point of Canal, Walker and Baxter
streets.
The Official NYC Information Center in Midtown is open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. 810 Seventh Ave.,
between 52nd and 53rd streets (subway line B, D or E to Seventh Avenue; N or R to 49th Street; 1 to 50th Street). New York, NY. Phone
212-484-1200. http://www.nycgo.com.
Events
Theater Listings
The following productions are in progress or are scheduled to begin soon. Call to confirm that the play or musical you're interested in is still
being shown. Phone numbers listed are for the theater box office or Telecharge. More information is available at
http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com.
Most tickets may be secured through ticket brokers such as Ticketmaster, toll-free 800-745-3000; or Theatre Direct International, toll-free
800-276-2392.
At the TKTS booth at 47th Street and Broadway, patrons can line up for discounted, same-day tickets to some shows. A second TKTS
location is in lower Manhattan at 199 Water St. in the South Street Seaport (corner of Front and John streets), where matinee tickets are
sold one day prior to performance.
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