Paley Park

Paley Park

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.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden

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.

Empire State Building Observatory

Empire State Building Observatory

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.

Rubin Museum of Art

Rubin Museum of Art

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.

Lenox Lounge

Lenox Lounge

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

Subway Inn

Subway Inn

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

MoMA

MoMA

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