Apollo Theatre

253 W 125th St, between 7th and 8th Ave, Harlem, NY 10027-4408 212-531-5337

Description: HARLEM. Home of the famous "Showtime" and "Amateur Night at the Apollo," this theater has a very rich history of bringing some of the most talented African-American performers to the stage. Interestingly enough, when the building first opened in 1913, it was a whites-only burlesque hall. But its purchase by the Shiffman and Brecher families in 1935 opened the stage for greats like Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five. Today, the theater operates under nonprofit status and is still popular with young audiences for hosting fresh local and national talent. Tours are available for groups of 20 or more. Call 212-531-5337 to set up a date and time. TRAIN: A, B, C, D to 125th St
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Big Onion Walking Tours

476 13th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 212-439-1090

Description: BROOKLYN. The Big Onion offers walking tours all over Manhattan Island, including: "Before Stonewall: A Gay & Lesbian History Tour," "Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Heights," "Chinatown," "The East Village," and "The Upper East Side." Many of the tours are themed, and all are conducted by professional tour guides who are enthusiastic about sharing what they know about the Big Apple. Tours last approximately two hours, and most depart at 1pm.
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Central Park Walking Tours

New York, NY 10022 212-360-2726www.cent

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. What better way to spend a gorgeous New York afternoon than exploring the nuances of famed Central Park? The Park Conservancy offers a variety of guided walking tours on a seasonal basis. Favorites include the Ravine Retreat Tour, which explores the bridges, streams and wooded areas of the North park as well as Harlem Meer and the Conservatory Garden Tour, which leads guests through the Park's six-acre European-style garden. Best of all, tours are free. Central Park Conservancy Visitor's Centers are located at: the Dairy, mid-Park at 65th Street; Belvedere Castle, mid-Park at 79th Street; and The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, off Fifth Avenue at 110th Street. TRAIN: A, B, C, D to 59th St, 66th St-Lincoln Center, 72nd St, 81st St-Museum of Natural History, 86th St, 96th St, 103rd St, 110th St-Cathedral Parkway; 2,3 to 110th St; N, R to 5th Ave
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Circle Line Tours

Broadway at Battery Pl, Battery Park, New York, NY 10004 212-269-5755

Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Circle Line operates the Statue of Liberty ferry and offers several entertaining sightseeing tours. Harbor cruises aboard the historic Miss New York depart from Battery Park and provide an overview of some of New York City's best-known sights. A similar tour is available aboard the modern Zephyr, a three-deck catamaran that transports you in style. Alternatively, step aboard the Shark to enjoy a lively 30-minute speedboat tour. Both the Zephyr and the Shark depart from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport. All tours are narrated; tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 212-269-5755.
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Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

2460 Grand Concourse, Poe Park, New York, NY 10458 718-881-8900

Description: BRONX. The last home of America's first, and perhaps greatest, gothic writer, this Colonial-style cottage is located in an area that was once known as Fordham Park. The home, which dates from 1812, served as Edgar Allan and Virginia Clemm-Poe's home until she died of tuberculosis in 1847. Among the Poe memorabilia you'll see here are original manuscripts, personal items and a unique collection of antique furniture. TRAIN: D, 4 to Kingsbridge Rd
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Gray Line New York Sightseeing Tours

8th Ave at 42nd St, Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York, NY 10036 212-397-2600

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. This tour company offers a night tour, as well as a three-day, "Super Savor Tour" that includes admission to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empire State Building. The most popular tour is "The All Loops Tour" with over 50 hopon, hop off stops. Other tours vary by name and length. This is the best way to get the buzz about what's going on in and around the city. TRAIN: A, C, E to Port Authority
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Historic Richmond Town

441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306 718-351-1611

Description: STATEN ISLAND. Take a step back through time when you visit Historic Richmond Town, a settlement that dates back to the 17th century. This living museum offers glimpses of colonial buildings, furnishings, and tools ­ much of it original. Highlights of the tour include stops at the Courthouse, the Stephens-Black House and General Store with their authentic period décor, and the home where Elizabeth Lake Tysen was born. Historic Richmond Town also hosts numerous family-oriented events and festivals throughout the year.
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Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

132 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023-6903 212-239-6200

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. The Lincoln Center covers nearly 15 acres and stands as one of the world's foremost performing arts venues. Started in the 1950s, the center serves as the home of the New York Philharmonic, the Chamber Music Society and numerous arts festivals throughout the year. Trivia fact: over 5 million people attend performances here every year. Contact 212-875-5370 for tour details. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 9 to 66th St
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Lower East Side Tenement Museum

108 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002-3106 212-431-0233

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. The historic gateway to America, Manhattan's Lower East Side is home to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. In the 19th century, millions of European immigrants poured into New York Harbor. A tour of the Tenement at 97 Orchard Street illustrates the way of life for many of these new arrivals. All tours begin at 90 Orchard Street. Tours of 1863 Tenement house are offered Tue-Sun. Tours of the Confino family apartment are on Sat-Sun. Lower East Side Stories Walking Tour offered Sat-Sun, April-December only, 1pm and 3pm. TRAIN: F to Delancey
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NBC Studio Tours

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 212-664-7174

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. New York City is home to many of the world's major music, television and film productions, and a good number of stars call NY home. Many tourists visit hoping for a brief street-side encounter with their favorite celeb, but this may not be the most effective way of touching the hem of stardom. Several of the most popular shows are taped at NBC Studios, including "Saturday Night Live," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". The popular "Today" show with hosts Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer, broadcasts live weekdays from 7am to 9am from its glass-walled studio on the corner of 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. Hour-long studio tours are also offered ­ the first stop is the NBC History Theatre. TRAIN: B,D,F,N,V,W,R,1
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Radio City Music Hall

1260 6th Ave, at 50th St, New York, NY 10020-1797 212-307-7171

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. Host to some of the top performers of all time, Radio City Music Hall was built in 1932 with the slogan, "The Showplace of the Nation." Radio City was the brainchild of theatrical impresario "Roxy" Rothafel. Saved from demolition in the 1970s, the building was given landmark status in 1978. Walking tours give visitors the chance to see the gold-leaf ceilings, 30-foot chandeliers, decorative carpeting and the backstage area with a historic costume shop. The highlight of the tour is a meeting with a Rockette, one of the world-renowned high-stepping dancers who have graced the stage since its inception. TRAIN: E, F to Fifth Ave
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Seagram Building

375 Park Ave, Between 52nd & 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Designed and built in the mid-1950s by architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, the Seagram Building stands as one of Manhattan's finest examples of the modern school. The 38-story façade is noteworthy for its alternating tinted glass and bronze plating, both of which make this sleek building appear to be taller than it is. The classical granite plaza and exquisite lobby, decorated by a huge Picasso print and home to the Four Seasons restaurant, combine to make this building surprisingly unique in New York. Free guided tours are offered at 3pm on Tuesdays. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to Lexington St
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Staten Island Ferry

Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004

Description: The best boat ride in the world! Leaving Manhattan, you gaze at the most enduring symbol of the city, the Statue of Liberty, ahead on the right, with the sleek Verrazano-Narrows Bridge dominating the left. Then you realize that skyscrapers are assuming postcard dimensions of grandeur behind you. It is New York, even America, at its best, a truly thrilling experience! The magnificence of the Brooklyn Bridge soon completes the view behind you on the right. And it's free! Once at the terminal on the Staten Island side, just grab a departing boat and enjoy the dramatic view in reverse. Hint: avoid the newer, faster craft with no outside deck. The Ferry Terminal on Peter Minuit Plaza is at the end of South and State Streets. No vehicles are allowed on the ferry until further notice. TRAIN: 1 or 9 to South Ferry; N or R to Whitehall St/South Ferry
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Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island

New York Harbor, New York, NY 10004 212-363-3200

Description: These two sights represent freedom for millions of people, and the Statue of Liberty, a 450,000 pound gift from the people of France, is a must-see for anyone visiting the Big Apple. Access to the islands is via a Circle Lines ferry, and a (free) timed pass is required. Ranger-led tours detail the history and technical aspects of the statue. Inside the base of Lady Liberty you'll find a number of exhibits and concessions, and from the observation deck the city and harbor views are unbeatable. Circle Lines recommends that guests arrive at least two hours in advance of their scheduled departure time. Reservations are essential ­ call 866-882-8834 or visit www.statuereservations.com.
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United Nations Headquarters

3 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-4414 212-963-8687

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. An approach from Grand Central offers the best view of this immense complex ­ a place where the representatives of more than 185 nations join together in an effort to preserve international security and promote worldwide peace. Tours of the grounds include the General Assembly and the Conference Building, which contains the chambers of the Security Council, Trusteeship Council and Economic and Social Council. Advance ticket reservations for groups of 12 or more can be procured by calling 212-963-4400. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, 7 to Grand Station
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Yankee Stadium

161st Street and River Ave, New York, NY 10451 718-579-4531

Description: BRONX. The Empire State Building. Central Park. The Statue of Liberty. Yankee Stadium. Few sights define the Big Apple as well as these. The historic "House that Ruth Built," which dates from the Roaring '20s, has been the stage for some of the game's greatest performers and singular events: Lou Gehrig's famous retirement speech and the on-field exploits the Babe, Joe DiMaggio and M & M Boys, Mr. October and the heroes of today. Watching a game here is a must for any sports fan, as is taking a stroll through the hallowed Monument Park, where the greatest Pin-Stripers are honored. Guided stadium tours available; reservations required for group tours. NB 2008 is the last year for tours at the current Yankee Stadium. In April 2009, the doors will open to their new complex. TRAIN: 4, D, C to 161st St
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