NEW YORK'S MOST POPULAR SIGHTS LIST LINKS INFORMATION

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The world's largest cathedral, St. John the Divine is located at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00am-6:00pm and Sunday from 7:00am-8:00pm. The Cathedral shop is open seven days a week from 9:00am-5:00pm and the grounds and gardens are open during all daylight hours. Public tours take place Tuesday through Saturday at 11:00am and Sunday at 1:00pm. The cost is $3.00 and the tour meets at the Visitor Center. Vertical tours up the 124 foot stone staircase to the top of the Cathedral take place on the first and third Saturday of every month, cost $10.00, and require a reservation. To make a reservation for a Vertical Tour, or for a group of ten or more, call (212) 932-7347. For directions and parking information click here. For general Information call (212) 316-7540.

 

Central Park

Central Park spans two and a half miles from 59th Street to 110th Street and half a mile from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and was the first urban landscaped park in the United States. Originally conceived in the salons of wealthy New Yorkers in the early 1850's, the park project spanned more than a decade and cost the city ten million dollars. Today, the park is home to numerous restaurants, playgrounds, the Metropolitan Museum, the Central Park Zoo, and Wollman Rink.

 

City Hall Park

"This landmark building has been home to 57 mayoral administrations and has been the seat of City government for 186 years," said Mayor Giuliani. "City Hall is one of the City's most enduring and distinguished structures." Built between 1803 and 1812, City Hall was recently restored and renovated. School Groups of 13 or more can visit the Governor's Room, which was used for ceremonies and now offers historical documents and furniture, and the blue room, where the mayor holds all of his press conferences. There are video machines outside and tons of printed material to help you find your way around the surrounding neighborhood. Location: City Hall Park, Broadway and Chambers. Take the N or R to City Hall or the 2 or 3 to Park Place. (212) 788-3000.

Chrysler Building

One of New York City's finest office buildings, the Chrysler Building was designed as a tribute to the booming automotive industry. Built in 1930, it was the world's tallest skyscraper at the time, until the Empire State Building claimed the spot just months later. There are no organized tours or exhibits, but the gleaming chrome lobby is open to tourists daily. Location: 405 Lexington Ave, at 42nd Street. Take the 4, 5, 6, or 7 subway lines to Grand Central. (212) 682-3070.

Empire State Building

It's no longer the world's tallest skyscraper, but the classic Art Deco architecture and rich history make the 102-story Empire State Building a popular stop for visitors to the City. Built in 1931, the 1,454 foot tall building has an exterior observatory on the 86th floor from which visitors can see up to 80 miles away on a clear day. The observatory is open seven days a week, 9:30 am to midnight (last tickets sold at 11:15pm). Special holiday hours are observed. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for military personnel, senior citizens and youths ages 12-17, $4.00 for children aged 6-11, and free for children under 5 and military in uniform. Security has been tightened recently so leave extra time and make sure to bring a picture ID. 350 Fifth Ave, at 34th Street. (212) 736-3100.

Ellis Island

Ellis Island is currently fully open. Liberty Island is also open, though access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty Monument is restricted as a security measure. For more information, call the Circle Line Ferry at 212-269-5755, or check their website, www.statueoflibertyferry.com.
Over 40% of the U.S. population descend from the 17 million immigrants that have passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. The three story Ellis Island Museum is housed in the same building that the immigrants came through in those 64 years. Ferry boats leave from Battery Park for the 27 acre island, including an option to visit the Statue of Liberty, located on an island nearby. Round trip fare is $8 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, from approximately 9:30am to 5:00pm. For specific ferry schedules and information call, (212) 269-5755.

Gracie Mansion

The Mayor's House is on East End Avenue and East 88th Street. Built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a Scotish emmigrant who had established a trading company and become one of the wealthiest men in the City. In 1942 Fiorello H. LaGuardia moved into Gracie Mansion with his family, inaugerating the building as the official residence of the Mayor of New York. Tours are available by reservation on Wednesdays only at 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm. Contact the curator at (212) 570-4751.

Grand Central Terminal

This Beaux Arts building, built between 1903 and 1913 faces down Park Avenue at 42nd Street. Free tours of this magnificent railway structure are given weekly on Wednesday and Friday at 12:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 11am. The tours are run by different companies, but each tour covers the construction, history and design of the terminal, as well as the monumental effort that went into restoring it. For information on the different tours of Grand Central Terminal, click here. Reach Grand Central on the S, 4, 5, 6, and 7 subway lines. Grand Central Event Hotline: (212) 340-2210.

Grant's Tomb

Civil War general and two-term U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant rests beside his wife in the largest mausoleum in the United States. The two grand sarcophagi enclosed within are modeled after Napoleon's tomb in Les Invalides in Paris. The white granite mausoleum which overlooks the Hudson River and Riverside park was completed in 1897, and contains Grant memorabilia and Civil War artifacts on display. Admission is free. Open seven days a week, 9am-5:00pm. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. Take the 1 or 9 train to 116th St. Phone: (212) 666-1640.

Jacob K. Javits Center

"Marketplace for the World", the new and improved Javits Center offers interactive kiosks to check the latest news and send email, television and webcasting facilities, private office suites and workstations, and restaurants and snackbars. On 11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets. Take the A, C, or E trains to 34th St. and walk west 3 blocks. (212) 216-2000.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway between 62nd and 66th Streets. This large complex is home to the Juilliard School of Music, Avery Fisher Hall, Metropolitan Opera House, NY State Theater, Mitzi Newhouse Theater, NY Public Library and Museum of the Performing Arts, and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Take the 1, 9 trains to 66th St./Lincoln Center. General Information: (212) 875-5000

 

Nasdaq MarketSite

The Nasdaq MarketSite as a high-tech interactive experience designed to illuminate the future of investing in a digital world. Located in Times Square, MarketSite uses the latest technology to bring today's-and tomorrow's-stock market to life. Open Monday through Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm. Tickets are $7.00 and advanced purchase is strongly recommended. Call 1-877-NASDAQ-1 (1-877-627-3271) or come to the MarketSite lobby ticket office at 43rd St. and Broadway. Take the N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, or 9 train to Times Square Station.

 

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

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

New York Stock Exchange

World's largest securities marketplace exhibit hall has panoramic displays which dramatize the Wall Street story, and a gallery overlooks the bustling exchange floor. Located at 20 Broad Street between Wall St. and Exchange Pl., the NYSE is open to visitors Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-4:30pm. Trading hours are from 9:30am-4:pm. Tickets are free and limited, so pick them up early in the day from the admission booth in front of 20 Broad St. For directions and general information: (212) 656-5165.

Riverside Church

Riverside Church is modeled after the 13th Century gothic cathedral in Chartres, France. Construction began in 1927 with the first service held on October 5, 1930. The church covers a two-block area extending between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue and 120th Street to 122nd Street. The Claremont Avenue entrance (91 Claremont Avenue) is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Take the 1 or 9 train to 116th St.

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 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. Students with tram permits ride free; senior citizens and the disabled pay a reduced fare. Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation: (212) 832-4540

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Now dwarfed by surrounding mid-town buildings, the classic French Gothic style cathedral was considered "out of town" when it was constructed in 1879. It is currently the 11th largest church in the world. Fifth Avenue at 50th Street. Take the E or F train to 5th Avenue. Phone: (212) 753-2261

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. Phone: (212) SEA-PORT.

Staten Island Ferry

For an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, the Staten Island Ferry makes a one-hour round-trip between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. The ferry is a FREE 24-hour service that runs seven days a week. During peak hours, it departs every 20 minutes after 6:30am; weekends from 7:30am-9:30pm every half hour, and thereafter every hour. The ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal at Whitehall Street and South Street. Take the 1 or 9 train to South Ferry, the N or R to Whitehall, or the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green. Phone: (718) 815-BOAT.

The Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island is currently fully open. Liberty Island is also open, though access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty Monument is restricted as a security measure. For more information, call the Circle Line Ferry at 212-269-5755, or check their website, www.statueoflibertyferry.com.
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 $8 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.

Theater District

New York City's Theater District is contained within a thin strip of Manhattan, from 53rd to 42nd streets, between 6th and 8th Aves, called the Great White Way. There are approximately 36 theaters crammed into this small area of the city, most of which host world famous productions nightly.

Theodore Roosevelt House

This site was the home of Theodore Roosevelt for the first fourteen years of his life. The building on the site is a 1923 reconstruction of the house in which Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm. There are tours on the hour until 4:00pm. Admission is $2. Located at 28 East 20th Street between Park Ave. and Broadway. Take the N, R, or 6 trains to 23rd Street. (212) 260-1616.

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.

Now open in Times Square, the Nasdaq MarketSite, a high-tech interactive experience of the stock market designed to illuminate the future of investing in a digital world.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in the United States, and has been destroyed and rebuilt twice since it was originally chartered in 1697. The current church was built by Richard Upjohn in 1846 in the Neo-Gothic style. Open Monday through Friday 8:00am-6:00pm and weekends 8:00am-4:00pm. Guided tours take place Monday through Friday at 2:00pm. Located on Broadway at Wall St. in Lower Manhattan. Take the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Wall St., the A, C, or E train to Chambers, or the 1, 9, or R train to Rector St. (212) 602-0800.

 

TV Show Tapings

New York has been called the talk show capital of the world. Tabloid TV and institutionalized gossip come to life in the studios of the city. Tickets are free, but people stand in line hours and hours before the designated time for tickets. Get there early and wear comfortable shoes if you are serious about getting in. Click here to find out how to attend such shows as The Today Show, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Rosie O'Donnell, Saturday Night Live, and Sally Jesse Raphael.

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.

Woolworth Building

This famous skyscraper, 792 feet tall, was commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth, the owner of the five and dime chain. Built by Cass Gilbert between 1911 and 1913, the building was nick-named early the "Cathedral of Commerce." 233 Broadway at Barclay St.