The Hispanic Society of America runs a free museum and reference library for the study of Hispanic arts and culture. The society's collections are unparalleled in their scope and quality, addressing nearly every aspect of culture in Spain as well as Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. The paintings by El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez are particularly impressive.
Best and worst times to go to the Hispanic Society of America
The best time to visit is Saturday afternoon, since the Hispanic Society offers free 45-minute tours of the building and collections every Saturday at 2 p.m.
Must see and do at the Hispanic Society of America
The society has extensive holdings of archeological finds, decorative arts, textiles, drawings, photographs, paintings and sculpture. Don't miss the comprehensive survey of Spanish paintings from the Middle Ages to the present, especially the works from the Spanish Golden Age (1550-1700), which is a particular strength of the collection. You will also want to spend some time admiring the building itself and the sculpture that adorns it: the Beaux-Arts courtyard in front of the Hispanic Society building offers an impressive statue of El Cid and reliefs of Don Quixote and Boabdil, all by Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Admission to the Hispanic Society of America
The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and most national holidays. The library generally follows the same schedule, although it is also closed for the entire month of August, and for extended periods around Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Note that the library's reading room closes at 3 p.m. in June and July
Admission to both the museum and the library is free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Hispanic Society of America
The Hispanic Society is located in on Broadway between 155th and 156th Streets. There is limited metered parking on Broadway and free on-street parking on 155th Street between Broadway and Riverside Drive (just be sure to check signs for alternate side regulations). There is also a parking garage on 153rd Street between Broadway and Riverside Drive.
By subway, take the #1 train to Broadway and 157th Street, or the C train to 155th Street. By bus, take the M4 or the M5 to Broadway and 155th Street.
Food at the Hispanic Society of America
The Hispanic Society does not have a café but there is an extensive selection of Spanish and Latin American restaurants in the neighborhood.
Insider tip for visitors to the Hispanic Society of America
The society's library owns more than 250,000 books and periodicals, including 15,000 volumes printed before 1701, along with approximately 200,000 documents such as medieval charters, holograph royal letters, sailing charts, patents of nobility, illuminated bibles, and books of hours, as well as historical and literary manuscripts from the eleventh to twentieth centuries. If it is open during your visit, don't miss the chance to peek into the library's reading room to see what's on display.
Other places to visit near the Hispanic Society of America
The American Academy of Arts and Letters and Boricua College are also located in the Audubon Terrace buildings.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
Before being converted to a museum in 1982, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid was used in World War II, Vietnam, and the space program. Exhibits include historic aircraft on the flight deck and multi-media presentations below. Plus you get the opportunity to explore the massive carrier itself, with more areas than ever open to the public. You can also view the U.S.S. Growler, which is the only American guided missile submarine open to the public; the British Airways Concorde, which made the fastest Atlantic crossing ever; and the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which showcases an actual space shuttle and has interesting displays about the space program.
Best and worst times to go to the Intrepid
The Intrepid is busiest on the weekends and always mobbed during Fleet Week, so if you can, visit on a weekday when you won't have to wait in line to see all the sights. Also, keep in mind that you will be out of doors a lot at this museum, so bring appropriate clothes (or reschedule your visit) if it looks like rain.
Must see/do at the Intrepid
When you first arrive at the museum, head up to the flight deck. As you walk among the many planes and helicopters, take note of the AV-8 Harrier plane which can take off vertically; the A-12 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world and the first to fly at three times the speed of sound; a Polish Mig-21; and the Bell Sea Cobra Helicopter, used in Vietnam and the Gulf War. As you wander around, enjoy the views of the enormous cruise ships on the north side of the Intrepid, and the busy Circle Line boats on the south side. The view of New Jersey on the other side of the Hudson is nice, too.
You will also have access to the Intrepid's "island," the command structure that protrudes from the deck. Be sure to climb up to the navigation bridge and "take the helm." Take note the Commanding Officer's stateroom and compare it to the crew quarter's you'll see below. You'll also find chart tables, radar consoles, communications equipment, and plenty of volunteers on hand who will explain everything to you.
Below the flight deck is the gallery deck, where you can see the ship's combat information center (CIC): complete with radar scopes, wax plotter boards and communications equipment, this area was top secret and state-of-the-art for its day. It was also one of the first spaces to be air conditioned (you'll see why).
Be sure to leave time for exploring the bulk of the museum, which is housed in the hangar deck, the level below the gallery deck.
Admission to the Intrepid
The Intrepid is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April 1 to October 31, museum hours are extended until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The Intrepid is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Ticket prices range from $12 to $31, depending on whether you want general admission or admission to special events like the current Hubble@25 exhibit, and whether you fall into one of the museum's many discount categories. Members, active/retired U.S. military, and children under 3 are always free.
Parking and Public Transportation the Intrepid
Although the Intrepid does not have parking facilities, you can park nearby at the garage near Pier 83 and the Circle Line.
Since there is no subway station near Pier 86, you will be in for a walk if you take the subway. The quickest train to take is the C or E to 50th Street. Walk west until you reach the West Side Highway, and then walk south four blocks.
If you have never seen Times Square, we recommend that you take a subway there (the N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 trains all have stops at Times Square) and do a little extra walking. From Times Square, walk north on Broadway to 46th Street and then continue west towards the Hudson River.
Buses are a better bet if you don't like to walk--the M50 (which goes west on 49th Street) drops you off right in front of the museum.
Food at the Intrepid
Food is available at the Intrepid's Mess Deck Café on the third deck. You can also buy a meal or snack from the food trucks on Pier 86. There are vending machines on both the pier and the flight deck.
Insider tip for visitors to the Intrepid
The Intrepid offers a full schedule of special events, including free movie nights in the summer, plus special days to honor specific groups in uniform so be sure to see what's happening on the day you plan to visit. Kids are invited to host their birthday party at the museum or to spend the night via Operation Slumber. And for children who are particularly interested in all that the Intrepid offers, the education department offers Intrepid Camp and SOSI (School's Out, Ships In) events.
Other places to visit near the Intrepid
The Circle Line on Pier 83 offers a variety of boat rides on the rivers around Manhattan, offering a different perspective of the city. The Hudson River Park is a pleasant place to walk: if you are really ambitious, you can walk north to the George Washington Bridge or south to the World Financial Center.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
In Manhattan's oldest standing residential house, the lives of wealthy residents unfolded during an era when peach orchards and grazing sheep dotted the fields of Upper Manhattan. The mansion was also briefly the Revolutionary War headquarters of George Washington until it was seized by British troops. Morris-Jumel Mansion will satisfy the interest of American history buffs, while the surrounding homes in this historical district will delight anyone interested in New York City's architecture.
Parking and public transportation at Morris-Jumel Mansion
The most convenient option is the C train to 163rd Street. Walk just past the C-Town Supermarket, up the stone steps to the left, and onto the cobblestoned Sylvan Terrace. The mansion will be directly in front of you. The 1 train to 157th Street is another option, but requires more walking. If driving, parking is available on the streets surrounding the mansion.
Best and worst time to go to Morris-Jumel Mansion
Docents lead mansion tours every Saturday at noon and neighborhood tours on the first Sunday of each month. Call ahead or reserve a spot online; walk-ins are accommodated based on space. The mansion hosts regular lectures and concerts, and portions of the house may be blocked off to accommodate the event, inhibiting your exploration. Check the frequently updated website.
Admission to Morris-Jumel Mansion
The mansion is open every day except Monday, and closed on major holidays. Regular adult admission starts at $10; tours start at $12. Discounts are given to children, students, and seniors.
Must see/do at Morris-Jumel Mansion
Each elaborately furnished room is meant to evoke the eras of the various residents. Don't miss the dining room where George Washington hosted a cabinet dinner, or Eliza Jumel's elegant, silk-draped bedroom, said to contain Napoleon's bed that she brought home from France. The kitchen displays cooking utensils and dishware used by the mansion's residents and guests.
Other places to visit near Morris-Jumel Mansion
The mansion is surrounded by lovely brownstones once occupied by jazz luminaries such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Eliza Jumel's final resting place is a short walk away at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum. The Hamilton Grange also makes for a fitting side trip considering Hamilton's killer, Aaron Burr, resided at Morris-Jumel Mansion during his brief marriage to Eliza.
Insider tips for visitors to Morris-Jumel Mansion
The mansion has a rich history of ghost sightings, particularly that of Madame Jumel. Some docents don't care to discuss this, as it takes away from the actual history. If you're interested in ghosts, approach the topic gently.
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. As an apartment dweller, she thinks a mansion on top of a hill in Manhattan is pretty awesome. Follow her on Twitter.
Cavalli Biachi seeks to blend excellent style with excellent taste. The Cavalli Bianchi company got its start in New York City, back in 2012. Back then, the company's aim was to create great-looking, fashionable belts. Since then, we've expanded our product line considerably, and now offer a wide range of accessories, clothing, and similar products.
Famous for standing on the site where George Washington took his presidential oath, this building is now a museum and memorial devoted to the birth of the United States government. It is run by the National Park Service.
Best and worst times to go to the Federal Hall National Memorial
The area surrounding Federal Hall can be crowded and crazy when traders are entering or leaving the nearby Stock Exchange, so it's best to avoid entering or leaving the building at 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Must see/do at the Federal Hall National Memorial
Don't leave Federal Hall without a glimpse of the George Washington Inaugural Bible, which is on display in the Inaugural Gallery on the first floor. And note that although the tours provided by the National Park Rangers may take longer than the self-guided tour, they are well worth your time.
Admission to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) and Christmas Day (December 25). Admission is free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Note that because of security concerns, no cars are allowed on the section of Wall Street immediately outside of Federal Hall. In addition, street parking in lower Manhattan is extremely limited and parking garages in the area are expensive. Therefore, public transit is the best option when you are visiting Federal Hall. By subway, take the 2 or 3 to Wall & Williams Streets; the 4 or 5 to Wall Street & Broadway; the J or Z to Broad Street; the 1 to Rector Street; the R to Rector Street; or the A or C to Fulton Street. Or take the M5 bus.
Insider tip for visitors to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall has long been a focal point for free speech and new ideas, and the National Park Service encourages citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights. As a result, you will often see protests and demonstrations on the front steps.
Other places to visit near the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall is located on Wall Street in New York City's financial district, just steps away from the Museum of American Finance and the New York Stock Exchange. A short walk will take you to the 9/11 Memorial and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Author's Bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
Cobblestone streets merge with sleek cafes, blending the past and present in a breezy waterfront setting. In one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, visitors can explore South Street Seaport's storied maritime past. It's also a major shopping destination, with retail shops and eateries that have created space for local artists and merchants. The seaport is currently undergoing a major renovation project, which will rehabilitate the area while preserving its history.
Parking and public transportation at South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is easily accessible by public transportation. Fulton Street is the closest subway station. Paid parking spaces are available in the area.
Best and worst time to go to South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport draws large weekend crowds, especially in the summer. Fewer people visit on weekdays, opening up more outdoor seating options and a quieter overall experience. In the winter, an ice skating rink is open November through March, offering an alternative to congested uptown skating venues.
Admission to South Street Seaport
Admission to the seaport and to the Street Seaport Museum is free. A two-hour cruise on the Pioneer, the museum's 19th century schooner, can be booked for a fee.
Must see/do at South Street Seaport
Climb aboard for a boating excursion. Whether you take a water taxi or a harbor cruise, the skyline view from New York's waterways is unmatchable. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, the East River Esplanade is nice for a leisurely stroll or bicycle ride. The South Street Seaport Museum offers rotating exhibits and six historical vessels on display on the Street of Ships.
Other places to visit near South Street Seaport
The Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the best views in town. The Financial District is also a short walk from the seaport, where you can snap pictures of the New York Stock Exchange and the iconic Charging Bull.
Insider tip for visitors to South Street Seaport
A TKTS Booth is tucked away on the corner of Front and John Streets. Discounted theater tickets are available for same-day evening performances and day-before matinees. Availability and discounts are the same as in Times Square, but you'll most likely avoid the long lines.
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She wishes everyday could be a lazy day by the water. Follow her on Twitter.
