National rustic cuisine with a very homely feel.

Revolutionary 1902 masterpiece by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, in the exuberant colors and shapes of art nouveau. UNESCO World Heritage site. Tip: Guided visits in English daily at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Gaudí’s masterpiece, the city’s iconic building, still in progress. Fascinating to see how the parts built when he was still alive—all rippling curves and motifs of plants and animals carved in stone that seem to flow down the walls like melted candle wax—contrast with the recent work.

Arrive at dusk; get your ticket at the second-floor box office. Head up to the 102nd floor to “witness magic as the lights of the city come on.”—Brian Silverman, Frommer’s New York author.

The Brooklyn Bridge (originally the New York and Brooklyn Bridge) stretches 5,989 feet (1825 m) over the East River (main span of 1,595 feet 6 inches) connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn On completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world–fifty percent longer than any previously built, and the first steel-wire suspension bridge

The Presidio is a national park and an important place in military history. Some of the military buildings are over 250 years old and range in from Spanish Colonial to Georgian architecture. Great trails for walking / jogging through the native plants species, and you can even spot rare birds and animals. Photo: Steve Snodgrass

Clean, well maintained, with stunning views to the sea the bridge. Photo: Sharon Mollerus

Fantastic views of the bridge. A fancy but pricey delight. Photo: Jill Shih

Photo: Daniel Huggard Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St

Photo: Mo Riza