points of interest
1 Central Park (one block)
One block from AKA Central Park lies 863 acres of winding paths, leafy trees, meticulously manicured lawns and ball fields, and even a one and a half mile wide reservoir named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers and historic architecture, one can easily get lost for an entire day in the expansive park, and it’s worth exploring. You may stumble upon ice skating in the winter, row boats in the spring, or even the Central Park Zoo, which features exotic animals from around the world. If your feet are tired, hop into your own horse drawn carriage for a ride.
2 5th Avenue Shopping (one block)
The corner of 58th Street and 5th Avenue is home to some of the world’s most famous shopping destinations. These are not merely stores; but actual experiences one should not miss while in New York City. The 6-story Bergdorf Goodman building welcomes one into the world of high-fashion and luxury; the windows alone are worth a trip. For those in search of toys and gadgets, look no further than the famed Apple Store which allows visitors to test all the newest technology, and its neighbor, giant toy retailer, FAO Schwarz. Other stores worth stopping into include Niketown, Bvlgari, Tourneau, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Giorgio Armani.
3 The Russian Tea Room (one block)
A staple on the New York City dining scene for over 80 years, The Russian Tea Room is known for its decadent dishes, extravagant décor and famous patrons. The menu includes such unique offerings as ‘Vodka Hour’ Monday through Friday, a business express lunch for those on a schedule as well as an impressive offering of caviars for tasting on the dinner menu.
4 The Time Warner Center (4 blocks)
The Time Warner Center’s 77 story mixed-use towers are a one-stop shop for shopping and dining. Those who are not fortunate enough to own a condo in one of the center’s towers can still enjoy the perks of Time Warner Center’s top-notch dining with city views and every type of store one could imagine from a sprawling Whole Foods Market to a massive Barnes and Noble.
5 Rockefeller Center & "Top of the Rock" (8 blocks south between 5th & 6th Ave.)
Although probably most famous for its Christmas décor and ice skating rink, Rockefeller Center is a favorite New York City attraction year round. Highlights of this neighborhood icon include taking a tour through NBC studios or catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall. Perhaps the most exciting activity is a trip 70 floors up to “Top of the Rock” where one can take in breathtaking 360 degree views of New York City.
6 Carnegie Hall (one block)
Carnegie Hall hosts over 200 performances a year from the world’s most talented performers. With seasonal festivals and visiting artists year round, there is always an opportunity to experience Carnegie Hall.
7 Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (10 blocks)
Lincoln Center is comprised of twelve resident organizations presenting shows and performances year round, as well as visiting productions. Ballet, jazz, opera and theater options abound; for more information, visit the website at www.lincolncenter.org.
8 Museum of Modern Art (5 blocks south between 5th & 6th Avenue)
Explore one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art at the MOMA. The museum features classic paintings, sculpture, architecture and experimental pieces from artists around the world, along with visiting exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is $20 for adults, except for Friday nights when the fee is waived.
9 Museum Mile
Stretching along 5th Avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street, New York City’s Museum Mile includes the massive Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, The Jewish Museum and several others. The best way to approach these celebrated collections of art is with plenty of time. Set aside a day to discover one or two of these museums, as well as the architecture of 5th Avenue’s historic buildings.