One of Manhattan’s first “pocket parks”—”a tiny, elegant space, an oasis tucked between tall buildings, with trees, plantings, and a waterfall. Also food and moveable chairs, both important elements in a successful public place.”—Lynden B. Miller, New York City public garden designer.

An 18th-century carriage house erected on the banks of the East River “when it was farmland; became a hotel in 1826.”—Arthur Marks, who has led New York walking tours for decades.

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.

one could spend months—years—at great art’s New York bastions (the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Frick, Guggenheim, Whitney), but this relatively new kid on the block is an exciting trove of works from the Himalayas and surrounding regions.

An iconic swinging and soul-food classics jazz for almost 70 years now, it’s been a venue for all the greats and classics.

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

Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo: 416style

Photo: Ed Yourdon