Leonardo's NYC
Published 05/17/2017
Mix it up on this itinerary of monuments and hideaways, venturing to the tops of buildings for a sense of perspective and to the quietest of retreats for something equally reflective.
1
United Nations
1
First Ave. at 46th St.
The United Nations Headquarters in NYC isn’t just a place for diplomats and people of political power; it’s actually an international territory belonging to the 193 Member States of the UN. A one-hour tour takes you through the the General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chambers and to see some fabulous pieces of artwork.
2
FDNY Fire Zone
2
New York City’s fire-safety learning center provides hands-on experiences, like climbing onto a realistic fire truck, trying on firefighter gear and the chance to meet an actual firefighter. Learn how to react in a fire emergency by practicing crawling through a smoke-filled hallway or just pick up a few cool FDNY souvenirs.
3
Chinese Scholar's Garden
3
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
This relaxing oasis—in Staten Island’s Snug Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan—includes pavilions, waterfalls, a bamboo forest path, a koi pond and beautiful rock formations that are modeled after different gardens in China, bringing a bit of tranquility to the big city.
4
One World Observatory
4
One World Trade Center
Step onto the elevator at One World Observatory, and within 60 seconds you’re at the top of the tallest building in the western hemisphere. You’ll want to spend far more time taking in the observatory’s awe-inspiring views A sky portal with a glass floor enables you to see 100 stories down.
5
Empire State Building
5
20 W. 34th St.
See the City from an open-air observatory on the 86th floor—and feel free to double down and soldier on to the other lookout on the 102nd floor. Those are the main payoffs, but you should also check out the art deco lobby, the Dare to Dream exhibition that highlights the building’s history, engineering and construction, and a sustainability display that showcases the building’s groundbreaking retrofit.
6
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
6
The New York Historical
Located within the New-York Historical Society, this downstairs collection celebrates New York and American history through the lens of a child. Character-based pavilions, interactive exhibitions, games and a comprehensive library help kids better understand the past—including how Alexander Hamilton’s childhood influenced him.
7
New York City Fire Museum
7
278 Spring St.
Trace firefighting history from the “bucket brigades” of Peter Stuyvesant’s New Amsterdam up to the present, in an old firehouse in Hudson Square. Ancient equipment, modern gear and everything in between sits alongside fire-related art and artifacts. A permanent collection is dedicated to the FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11.
8
New York Public Library
8
Fifth Ave. & 42nd St.
Backed up against Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, the beaux-arts NYPL main branch, known as the Stephen A. Schwartzman Building, is guarded by world-famous marble lions Patience and Fortitude. Inside, explore the newly restored Rose Main Reading Room, the ornate Periodicals Room and the free exhibitions and daily tours.
9
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
9
1 FDR Four Freedoms Park
Built as a tribute to the longest-serving president, Four Freedoms Park gets its name from a theme of FDR’s 1941 State of the Union speech. You’ll probably be more interested in the views of Midtown and the quiet contemplation the wide-open plaza affords. Getting here via the Roosevelt Island Tram is also half the fun.
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