-
St Patrick's Cathedral
Across from Rockefeller Center, this cathedral features an elaborate interpretation of French Gothic styles. It was built at a cost of nearly two million during the Civil War without the front two spires, which were added in 1888. Although it seats 2400 worshippers, most of New York's 2.2 million faithful will have been inside at one time or another.
-
St Patrick's Old Cathedral
Before St Patrick's on Fifth Ave stole its thunder, this graceful 1809 Gothic Revival church was the seat of the Catholic archdiocese in New York. Built by new immigrants, mainly from Ireland, it continues to service its diverse community by giving liturgies in English, Spanish and Chinese. It's brick-walled courtyard hides an ancient cemetery, and its mausoleum many a famous New York family.
-
St Paul's Chapel
Part of the Trinity Church parish, St Paul's Chapel was built as a companion to its larger, more elaborate sister house of worship. It's homey style wasn't too humble for George Washington, who had a pew inside. St Paul's was the center of rescue and recovery operations post-9/11 and has a permanent exhibit about that effort.
-
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Islanders know the fleet of hulking, dirty-orange ferry boats as commuter vehicles. Manhattanites like to think of the ferries as their secret little romantic, spring-day escape vessels. But the secret is long out, as many a tourist has been clued into the charms of the Staten Island Ferry - one of the most wonderful, free adventures in New York.
-
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognisable icons, up there with the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal, and its beloved image seems to have been coopted by everyone. You can't enter the statue anymore but you can visit the museum to peer into its intricate interior through a glass ceiling at the Lady's base, or enjoy the view from the observation deck.
-
Studio Museum
An eclectic mix of work by African American and Caribbean artists hangs on the walls of the Studio Museum. Exhibits range from abstract expressionism to political cartoons, and they go a long way towards debunking the myth that there have been no great African American artists to emerge in the first half of the 20th century.
-
Temple Emanu-El
Once part of the Jewish Community on the Lower East Side, Temple Emanu-El houses a renowned collection of Judaica, and tells the story of its transformation into a ritzy Upper East Side house of worship with murals on the walls.
-
Tenement Museum
Get a firsthand look at the crowded conditions endured by Jewish and Eastern European immigrants at the turn of the century. The tours through restored and refurbished apartments raise poignant feelings about early settlers' enthusiasm for a future in America. This is a truly unique and insightful place - do yourself a favor and check it out. Tours are only small so you might want to book ahead.
-
The Dakota
A turreted, gabled building described in 1884 as so far uptown it was in 'the Dakotas,' this sand-colored gem quickly became the epitome of cool, housing Boris Karloff, Rudolph Nureyev, Lauren Bacall, and most famously, John Lennon, who was fatally shot at its gated entrance.
-
Tibet House
With the Dalai Lama at the head of its board, this nonprofit cultural space is dedicated to presenting Tibet's ancient traditions through art exhibits, a research library and publications, and programs which include educational workshops, open meditations, retreat weekends and docent- led tours around the globe.
-
Advertisement
-
Tompkins Square Park
In 1874, 7000 angry workers took on 1600 police in this leafy enclave, and history's been repeated many times since then - Tompkins Sq Park lies at the heart of every East Village rebellion. This wide, pretty green spot is pastoral by day, communally welcoming at night, and still a bit sketchy in the wee hours.
-
Trinity Church
A hugely influential church in the annals of New York history, Trinity was built in 1697 by King William III. Its clergy were required to be Loyalists, even though many of its members were dedicated to American independence by the mid-1700s. Its serene cemetery, set above the street surrounded by skyscrapers, has headstones bearing names that would be familiar to any student of the American Revolution, couched in a wonderful garden of tulips, azaleas and magnolia and cherry blossom trees.
-
Ukrainian Museum
Ukrainians have a long history and a strong presence in the East Village, and a visit to this museum explains how and why. The collection of folk art includes richly woven textiles, ceramics, metalwork and traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs, as well as research tools for visitors to trace their own Ukrainian roots.
-
Union Sq
Opened in 1831, this park quickly became the central gathering place for surrounding mansions and grand concert halls. The later explosion of high-end shops gave the area its nickname of Ladies' Mile. Then, from the start of the Civil War, well into the 20th century, this became the site for protests of all kinds - for union workers as well as political activists.
-
United Nations
Enjoy the aura of international intrigue as you stride the East River promenade and stare up at the green-glass Le Corbusier buildings built in 1953. A tour inside is even better - a thousand languages and everyone talking at once.
-
Washington Mews
Private stables converted into homes line one side of the picturesque Washington Mews. Gaslights and horses have disappeared, but the tiny alley still embodies the essence of old New York. Famous residents include writers Sherwood Anderson and Walter Lippman, and artist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, founder of the Whitney Museum. It's surrounded now by New York University, which owns some of the properties.
-
Washington Sq Park
If the world's a stage, then everybody in Washington Sq Park is trying out for a bit part in someone's drama. This crazy place is the heart of what's left of bohemian life in Greenwich Village. But, if the city has its way, the park will undergo a radical redesign including a four-foot fence around it and the relocation of the famed Garibaldi fountain where, rumor has it, Bob Dylan sang his first folk song, among other changes.
-
West 4th St Basketball Courts
Don't step into 'the Cage,' as this fenced-in court is called, without bringing your A game; these guys play to win in fierce competition. You can have just as much fun watching in the 10-deep crowds that gather, especially on weekends. In summer the W 4th St Summer Pro-Classic League, now in its 26th year, hits the scene.
-
Whitney Museum of American Art
The sleek, polished Whitney exterior is as cool as its massive collection of predominantly American 20th-century art, featuring established artists like Rothko and Hopper, but also relative newcomers like Kiki Smith. The Whitney's a must for lovers of modern American works.
-
Wildlife Center
The penguins are the main attraction at this modern zoo, though there are more than two dozen other species to visit including polar bears, the endangered tamarin monkeys, and red pandas. Feeding times are especially rowdy, fun times to stroll through: Watch the sea lions chow down at , and and see the penguins gobble fish at and . The Tisch Children's Zoo, between 65th and 66th Sts, is perfect for smaller children.
-
Advertisement
-
Wing Fat Shopping Mall
One of the most unique malls you'll ever see, it lies underground and has businesses offering reflexology, collectible stamps and feng shui services. The most fascinating aspect is its history, as the tunnel is said to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad as well as an escape route in the early 1900s for members of rival Tong gangs, who fought up on the street and then disappeared below before police could even begin to search.
-
Wollman Skating Rink
Located on the park's east side, this is a romantic and popular skating rink to strap on rented ice skates and glide around, especially around the holidays, when its lit by flickering Christmas lights.
-
World Trade Center Site
The dust of September 11 2001 may have cleared, but controversy over what to do with Ground Zero is not settled. Discussion over what kind of redevelopment is appropriately soulful, strong, beautiful and useful has been fraught with drama, often pitting grieving survivors against the artists and architects trying to bring global meaning to the tragedy.
-
Yankee Stadium
The Yankees call their legendary ballpark (built in 1923) the 'most famous stadium since the Roman Coliseum', and with 26 championships to their name, who's arguing? The Yankees play April to October. Get to games early and stroll around Monument Park, where plaques commemorate such baseball greats as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio.
