- New York Botanical Garden
- This is one of the largest and oldest
botanical gardens in the United States. There are 12 outdoor display gardens,
horticultural displays in the crystal pavilions of the Enid. A Haupt Conservatory and
walking trails throughout the 250 acres which includes 40 acres of New York City's
original Forest. Location: 200th St and Southern Boulevard. Bronx, NY. Take the D or the 4
train to Bedford Park, then take the #26 bus East. There is also a weekend shuttle from
Manhattan by reservation. (718) 817-8700
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- New York Public Library
- The famous library, home of the larger-than-life lions
Patience and Fortitude, has frequent events and exhibits. Open since 1911, the library is
stunningly beautiful inside and out. Bryant Park, located behind the library, has several
food stands, a restaurant, and a film festival on Monday evenings during the summer.
There are free tours of the library Monday to Saturday at 11am and
2pm. Group tours are by appointment only; call (212) 930-0501 for reservations and fees.
The Library is open: Monday and Thursday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Wednesday from
11am-7:30pm, and closed on Sunday. Admission is free. The New York Public Library's main
building is at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. Take the N, R, 1, 2, 3, 9, B, D,
F, or Q train to 42nd St., or the 7 train to 5th Ave. (212) 930-0830
Rockefeller Center
Tour this famous mid-town complex by picking up the well
written, easy-to-follow self guided tour map in the lobby of the GE building. It details
Rockefeller Center's historical and cultural highlights, 24-acre underground shopping mall
with over 300 shops, and the golden statue of Prometheus and the Channel Gardens. There
are 35 restaurants in the complex, including the famous Rainbow Room. Located between 5th
and 6th Avenues, and between 49th and 50th Streets. Take the B, D, F, and Q trains to
Rockefeller Center.
Roosevelt Island
This 4 minute aerial tramway ride to Roosevelt Island, just
east of Manhattan, has been praised in the New York Times as "the most exciting view
in New York City!" A bus (25 cents) runs the length of the island and meets up with
the Tramway, giving easy access to the fields and picnic areas. The tramway leaves from
Second Avenue and 60th Street on Sunday-Thursday from 6am-2am and on Friday and Saturday
until 3:30 am, and costs a mere $1.50 each way. Students with tram permits ride free;
senior citizens and the disabled pay $1.50 round trip. Roosevelt Island Operating
Corporation: (212) 832-4540
South Street
Seaport
What used to be a bustling seaport in the 18th and 19th
centuries, South Street Seaport now encompasses newly restored buildings which house a
variety of restaurants,
specialty food shops and boutiques. Also, nearby, the South Street Seaport
Museum is located within the 12 square block Landmark Historic District that stretches
from Fulton Street to the Brooklyn bridge. Take the 2, 3, 4, 5, J, or M train to Fulton
Street, or the A or C train to Broadwy-Nassau.
The Statue of
Liberty
This grand lady has welcomed millions of foreigners coming
to seek freedom and opportunity in America. She was an extravagant gift from France to a
young new America. The trip to Liberty Island where lady liberty stands takes 15 minutes.
Round trip fare is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, $3 for children 3-17 years old,
and free to children 3 and under. Ferries operate 7 days a week. Ferry information:
212-269-5755.
- Times Square
- Known as the Crossroads of the World, Times Square is the
heart of New York City, where commerce meets the performing arts, a magnet for both
business and tourism. Located at 42nd Street where 7th Ave. and Broadway cross. Take the
N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, or 9 train to the Times Square station.
- United
Nations
Located on the banks of the scenic East River, this
international zone is the only section of land in Manhattan that is not part of the United
States. The 181 flags in front represent each of the member countries' commitment to
working together for peaceful means of conflict resolution. Guided tours operate daily;
English tours leave about every 15 minutes, from 9:15am to 4:45pm. Admission is $7.50 for
adults, $6.00 for seniors, $5.00 for students, and $4.00 for kids ages 5-14. Children
under 5 years old are not permitted on tour. For tours in other languages, call (212)
963-7539 on the morning you want to visit to find out the schedule, or reserve a foriegn
language tour with a large group. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.
First Ave at 46th Street. For information and reservations call: (212) 963-7113.
World Trade Center
Observation Deck
The 107th floor enclosed observation deck gives tourists an
unsurpassed view of Manhattan and the surrounding area, plus a simulated helicopter ride,
a 750-building model, and more. The rooftop promenade is open to visitors, weather
permitting, making it the world's tallest viewing platform. Open seven days a week, 9:30am
to 11:30pm during the summer (May 29-Sept. 4, 2000); 9:30am to 9:30pm all other times.
Admission: Adults, $13.00, children ages 6-12, $6.50, Seniors, $9.50, and students (13-17
or valid ID) $11.00. Two World Trade Center, Liberty St. between Church and West Streets
in Lower Manhattan. Take the A, C, or E train to Chambers, the R, N, 1, or 9 to Cortland,
or the 4 or 5 to Fulton. Phone: (212) 323-2340. FAX: (212) 323-2352.
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