DRAG and ZOOM MAP Right click mouse to zoom. Place mouse pointer inside map to drag.
The location of Bristol Plaza is excellent: it is situated in the heart of Manhattan's fashionable Upper East Side and within minutes of Midtown and Central Park. Bristol Plaza is within close proximity to Manhattan's most celebrated restaurants, premier shopping district on Madison and Fifth Avenues, major museums, art and antique galleries and a convenient location to New York's financial and business centers.
Buses and Subways -- Children under 6 years of age ride for free on MTA buses and subways. Otherwise, full fare is $1.50, paid with a MetroCard, subway token, or $1.50 in exact change (exact change can be used on buses but not subways). A great option is the $4 MetroCard FunPass, which you can use as many times as you want for a day on all MTA buses and subways. The pass is activated the first time you use it and is good until 3am the next morning. There are more than 3500 MetroCard merchants, so finding one will never be a problem. You can purchase MetroCards and tokens at all subway stations; free maps are available at most of them. Kids love riding in the first car of the train and looking out the front window as the underground tracks go flying by; if you ride a bus, kids can look out the window and the passing pagent of city life. The subways and buses are safe, clean, and graffiti-free. Transfers are free between buses and buses and subways. Ask for a transfer (you'll get a slip of paper with transfer points listed on the back) when you get on the bus if you will need to switch to another bus en route. You will not need a transfer slip if you use a MetroCard for a transfer; subway stations do not give out transfers. 718/330-1234 or 800/METROCARD.
Double-Decker Buses -- These London imports travel throughout Manhattan, stopping at all of the top visitor attractions. They charge a flat fee for one to two days of unlimited riding.
The Staten Island Ferry -- These ships are used by thousands of commuters every day to travel between Manhattan and Staten Island, but your kids will think that this is a great ride! The ferry is a genuine New York bargain -- free for everyone! There are incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, cargo ships, tug boats, and the Manhattan skyline. 718/727-2508.
Taxis -- New York's cabs let everyone ride together for one price -- the fare is per cab, not per person. (Four passengers maximum per cab.) Taxis can be found anywhere in New York -- just stick out your arm and wave, or whistle to a cab with the rooftop number light lit, which means it's vacant. Kids love hailing cabs since it gives them a good reason to jump up and down and yell. Ride in licensed yellow cabs only.
Walking -- New York is a city of walkers -- very few New Yorkers own a car. Walking is a great way to see the city up close; you'll be able to stop into shops at your leisure and discover things you wouldn't have otherwise. Wear very comfortable shoes, stay to your right, and either hold your childrens' hands or keep them in front of you because in certain areas, the streets are busy and the pace is fast.
Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation -- Walruses, sea otters, seals, and penguins, plus a full program of activities for kids. Brooklyn. 718/265-3474.
Breezy Point in the Gateway Recreation Area -- Ask about the junior ranger program for kids. Queens. 718/318-4300.
Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park -- The largest urban zoo in the The Bronx. 718/367-1010.
Central Park -- Home of an antique carousel, the Alice in Wonderland statue, and a terrific zoo. Manhattan. 212/794-6564.
The Cloisters -- Medieval art for adults; a cool castle setting for kids. Northern Manhattan. 212/923-3700.
Coney Island -- A beautiful boardwalk, a lovely beach, and one of the scariest roller coasters in the world -- the Cyclone! Brooklyn. 718/266-1234.
Flushing Meadows - Corona Park -- Former site of two world's fairs, the park is now home to a zoo, a hall of science, an ice skating rink, the United States Tennis Association Center (site of the annual U.S. Open) and a museum featuring the world's largest scale model (835,000 buildings!) of New York City. This park is home to the Unisphere (enormous model globe) and the two structures used as space getaway vehicles in the movie Men in Black. Queens. 718/760-6600.
Prospect Park -- More than 520 recreation acres, including a zoo and a 1776 Dutch colonial homestead. Brooklyn. 718/788-0055.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center -- National historic district of American architecture, on 83 acres. Concerts, art, children's museum, gardens, and gifts. Staten Island. 718/448-2500.
Staten Island Zoo -- A small zoo with one of the world's finest collections of reptiles, plus children's programs. Staten Island. 718/442-3101.
MUSEUMS
American Craft Museum 40 West 53rd Street New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-956-3535 Fax: 212-459-0926 The nation's premier art museum, specializing in 20th-century American crafts. Exhibitions on American and international crafts. Gift shop. Adults $5, seniors/students $2.50, kids free. Closed Mon. Unique midtown location, ideal for events, receptions. http://www.americancraftmuseum.org
American Museum of Natural History Central Park West @ 79th Street New York, NY 10024 Phone: 212-769-5100 The largest and most important collection of vertebrate fossils in the world, demonstrating the evolution of vertebrate life. Wonders of the universe demonstrated in sky shows, exhibitions, and special programs. Weekend laser light shows. IMAX theater. http://www.amnh.org
Center for Jewish History 15 W 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Phone: 212-294-8307 Fax: 212-294-8311 Extensive collections related to Jewish history, culture, and languages. Accessible through a public reading room and exhibition halls. Genealogy services. Public lectures, films, and music programs. http://centerforjewishhistory.org
Children's Museum of Manhattan The Tisch Building 212 West 83rd Street New York, NY 10024 Phone: 212-721-1223 Fax: 212-721-1127 Five floors of interactive exhibitions for children and families. Exciting, fun, hands-on exhibits/daily workshops for children 18 months to 10 years, featuring Seuss!, Waterwhirl, and SoundsFun. Gift shop. AV staff. Auditorium. http://www.cmom.org
Cooper-Hewitt Nat'l Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution 2 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128 Phone: 212-849-8420 Fax: 212-849-8401 In the Andrew Carnegie mansion. Historical and contemporary design. Changing exhibitions, year-round public programs. Outdoor garden. Library (50,000 volumes) by appointment. Gift shop. http://www.si.edu/ndm
Forbes Magazine Galleries 60 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10011 Phone: 212-206-5549 Fax: 212-206-5106 Toy boats, Faberge imperial eggs, Trophies, Objets d'art. Exhibitions of paintings, presidential papers. Free. Closed Sun.-Mon. Guided tours on Thursday for groups of 15-30, by appt. only
The Frick Collection One East 70th Street New York, NY 10021 Phone: 212-288-0700 Fax: 212-628-4417 Mansion featuring paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, Renaissance through 19th century, including Rembrandt, Titian, Vermeer, Whistler. Admission $7, seniors/students $5, children under 10 not permitted. Closed Mon. http://www.frick.org
Guggenheim Museum Soho 575 Broadway New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212-423-3500 International center of contemporary art in SoHo. Showcases 20th-century collections, exhibitions with an emphasis on multimedia art. Admission: adults $8, seniors/students $5, kids free. Gift shop. Closed Mon.- Tues. http://www.guggenheim.org
The Hispanic Society of America 613 W. 155th Street @ Braodway New York, NY 10032 Phone: 212-926-2234 Fax: 212-690-0743 Focuses on the art, literature, and culture of Spain, Portugal, the Philippines, and Latin America. Works by Goya, El Greco, and Velasquez, as well as sculpture, cosmetic arts, textiles, and archaeological artifacts. Giant reference library. http://www.hispanicsociety.org
Historic House Trust of New York City The Arsenal Room 203 Central Park 830 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10021 Phone: 212-360-8282 Fax: 212-360-8201 Preserves and promotes historic house museums located in New York City parks in all five boroughs, in a public/private partnership with the city of New York/Parks & Recreation. Call or write for a free brochure. http://www.nyc.gov/parks
International Center of Photography 1130 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10128 Phone: 212-860-1777 Fax: 212-360-6490 New York's only museum devoted exclusively to photography. Changing exhibits, education programs, resource library, collections. Admission. http://www.icp.org
Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum West 46th Street @ 12th Avenue New York, NY 10036 Phone: 212-245-0072 Fax: 212-957-8284 Walk the decks of the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid, tour a submarine and a destroyer, experience an F-18 mission. Admission. Closed Mon.-Tues. in winter. The museum is available for conferences, dinners and receptions on indoor and outdoor decks. http://www.intrepidmuseum.com
The Jewish Museum 1109 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10128 Phone: 212-423-3200 Fax: 212-423-3232 4000 years of history. Renovated and expanded facilities. Devoted to Jewish art and culture, ancient and modern. Two gift shops, cafe. Closed Fri., Sat., Jewish holidays. Guided tours, Continental Breakfast and Afternoon Sweets packages available. http://www.thejewishmuseum.org
Madame Tussaud's 234 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 Phone: 212-512-9600 Fax: 212-719-9440 Get up close and personal to over 175 amazingly lifelike wax figures of the world's top celebrities, movers, and shakers, AND take a virtual midnight hansom cab ride through time to recapture some of New York's greatest moments. http://www.madame-tussauds.com
Metropolitan Museum of Art 5th Avenue @ 82nd Street New York, NY 10028 Phone: 212-879-5500 Fax: 212-570-3825 Spans the history of world art. Hundreds of world-famous masterpieces. Gift shop. Closed Mon. http://www.metmuseum.org
Morgan Library 29 East 36th Street New York, NY 10016 Phone: 212-685-0610 Fax: 212-685-0713 Collections of illuminated manuscripts, printed books and bindings, prints and drawings, historical documents, music, objets d'art. Cafe, bookstore, gift shop. Groups: 10+. Private meeting rooms: 2; capacity 74-196 sit-down, 300 reception. Daily tours. http://www.morganlibrary.org
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 East 61st Street New York, NY 10021 Phone: 212-838-6878 Fax: 212-838-7390 Built in 1799, operated as the Mount Vernon Hotel from 1826 to 1833. Federal and Empire furniture, eight period rooms, beautiful garden. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11-4. $4 adults, under 12 free. http://www.ny.com/museums/abigail.adams.smith.museum.html
Museum for African Art 593 Broadway New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212-966-1313 Fax: 212-966-1432 The Museum for African Art is dedicated to increasing the public's understanding and appreciation of traditional and contemporary African art and culture. http://www.africanart.org
Museum of American Financial History 28 Broadway New York, NY 10004-1763 Phone: 212-908-4110 Fax: 212-908-4601 Nation's 35th Smithsonian affiliate. The only independent museum dedicated to capitalism, entrepreneurship, and free enterprise. Teaches the power of a free market economy to better the financial lives of individuals, companies, and nations. http://www.financialhistory.org
Museum of Jewish Heritage A Living Memorial to the Holocaust 18 First Place Battery Park City New York, NY 10280 Phone: 212-968-1800 Fax: 212-968-1369 The 20th century Jewish experience before, during, and after the Holocaust as described through personal accounts, artifacts, photos, and film. Audio tours, gift shop, cafe. Can be rented for private events. Closed Saturdays and on major Jewish holidays. http://www.mjhnyc.org
The Museum of Television & Radio 25 W. 52nd Street New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-621-6600 Fax: 212-621-6700 Collection of over 100,000 programs available for viewing and listening. Holds screening and listening series, seminars with the people behind radio and television, and festivals to celebrate various aspects of radio and television. http://www.mtr.org/welcome.htm
Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10029 Phone: 212-534-1672 Fax: 212-426-6891 New York's premier museum depicting the history of the city. Changing and permanent exhibitions, educational programs, and research services. Museum store. Closed Mondays; open Tuesdays for pre-registered groups only. http://www.mcny.org
National Museum of the American Indian One Bowling Green New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212-514-3700 Fax: 212-514-3800 Part of the Smithsonian Institution. Largest collection in the world devoted to North, Central, and South American Indian cultures. Multilingual. Gift shop, bookstore. Free. Seven days. Closed Christmas Day. http://www.si.edu/nmai
New Museum of Contemporary Art 583 Broadway New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212-219-1222 Fax: 212-431-5328 The only New York museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art by internationally known and emerging artists. Bookstore. Admission. Closed Mon., Tues. http://www.newmuseum.org
New York City Police Museum 25 Broadway New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212-301-4440 Fax: 212-301-4436 Historical and contemporary displays of NYPD artifacts and memorabilia. Interactive exhibits. Gift shop. Free admission. Available for private events and meetings. http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org
New York For Less Metropolis International (US), Inc. 198 Broadway, Suite 906 New York, NY 10038 Phone: 212-587-0287 Fax: 212-587-0247 Visitors' guidebook, map, discount card for visitors - save 20-50% at top museums, attractions, tours, restaurants, shops, shows. Fold-out city and subway map, unique minimaps, color photos, detailed, up-to-date practical information. http://www.for-less.com
New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street Corona, NY 11368 Phone: 718-699-0005 Fax: 718-699-1341 Visit NYC's only hands-on science center, featuring 225 exciting exhibits. Admission. Gift shop, bookstore, food service, multilingual. Six function rooms; capacity 300-1000. Bus parking. http://www.nyhallsci.org
The New-York Historical Society 2 West 77th Street New York, NY 10024 Phone: 212-873-3400 Fax: 212-595-5253 Library and museum of New York history, including fine and decorative arts of unparalleled diversity. Multilingual. Landmark park-view auditorium and renovated galleries permit any combination of meeting activities. Multilingual. http://www.nyhistory.org
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 1071 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10128-0173 Phone: 212-423-3564 Fax: 212-941-8784 Popular landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Unique, flexible setting for corporate members' cocktail parties and dinners. Spiral rotunda, sculpture terrace overlooking Central Park, cafe, elegant galleries. Capacity: 25-250 sit-down, 2,500 reception. http://www.guggenheim.org
Sony Wonder Technology Lab 550 Madison Avenue Annex New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-833-8100 Fax: 212-833-4445 Four floors of cool, interactive fun where visitors of all ages can freely explore hands-on, multimedia exhibits on communication technology. Best of all, it's always free! http://www.sonywondertechlab.com
South Street Seaport Museum 207 Front Street New York, NY 10038 Phone: 212-748-8600 Fax: 212-748-8610 An 11-square-block historic district. Historic ships, changing exhibits, tours, films, harbor sails aboard 19th-century schooners. Gift shop. Adults $6, seniors $5, students $4, kids $3. Galleries closed Tues. only. http://www.southstseaport.org/index.htm
Spiritual Recollections 561 Broadway Suite 6A New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212-219-7777 Fax: 212-226-1625 Dedicated to the replication of historical artifacts and jewelry which have value in today's world. Our mission is to provide quality products that are fashionable and portray a meaningful story
Whitney Museum 945 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 Phone: 212-570-3676 Fax: 212-606-0205 American art of the 20th century. Changing exhibitions include visual arts and film and video programs. Free exhibition tours. Gift shop. Adults $12.50, seniors/students $10.50, kids free. Closed Mon. Midtown branch at Philip Morris, Park Ave. at 42nd St. http://www.whitney.org
Yeshiva University Museum 15 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Phone: 212-294-8330 Fax: 212-294-8335 Dramatic exhibitions and thought-provoking programs explore all aspects of Jewish art, culture, and history. Multilingual. Adults $3, seniors/students/kids $2. Gift shop, food service. Closed Fri., Sat., Mon., Jewish holidays. http://www.yu.edu/museum
Atlantic Grill| Seafood 1341 Third Ave. 212-988-9200. Fresh catch are done in a splashy setting.
Aureole | New American 34 E. 61st St. 212-319-1660. The blossom scented duplex delights diners with unexpected flavor combos.
Cafe Boulud | French Surrey Hotel, 20 E. 76th St 212-772-2600. Foodies find culinary ecstasy in every bite of chef Daniel Boulud's eclectic fare.
Cafe Pierre | French Pierre Hotel, 2 E. 61st. St. 212-838-8000. On the edge of Central Park, this eatery is the epitome of elegance, with classic cuisine and satiny decor.
Cello | French 53 E. 77th St. 212-517-1200. In a landmark 1901 townhouse, chef Laurent Tourondel turns seafood into stunning taste sensations.
Centolire | Italian-American 1167 Madison Ave. 212-734-7711. Restauranteur Pino Luongo's newest outing focuses on homestyle country cucina with a contemporary twist; the menu features a selection of dishes cooked in a coccio (crock), covered with crosta di pane (bread dough).
Daniel | French 60 E. 60th St. 212-288-0033. Bursting with beautiful flavors, chef Daniel Boulud's seasonal cuisine is matched only by his restaurant's opulent decor.
Harry Cipriani | Italian Sherry-Netherland Hotel, 781 Fifth Ave. 212-753-5566. The city's movers and shakers swear by the upscale Venetian menu in this belissimo Manhattan institution.
Mark's | French/American The Mark Hotel, 25 E. 77th St. 212-879-1864. An inventive menu changes weekly in this lovely dining room reminiscent of a private London supper club.
Park Avenue Cafe | New American 100 E. 63rd St. 212-644-1900. A comfy yet stylish room plus chef David Burke's innovative menu equal a memory.
The Boathouse | American Central Park 212-988-0575. Forget the skyscrapers, gaze at the sky in this open-air kick-back-and-relax cafe beside the model boat pond.
Baci | Italian Lucerne Hotel, 412 Amsterdam Ave. 212-496-1550. Locals praise this neighborhood Sicilian for its homey decor and delicious, reasonably priced pasta.
Tavern on the Green | Continental 67th St. & Central Park West 212-873-3200. With its festive twinkling lights, topiary menagerie, and elegant cuisine, this serene eatery is a fave.
