New_York_City_2012_-_Fodor_39_s

Bard. At the Steinhardt Conservatory, desert, tropical, temperate, and aquatic vegetation thrives. Don’t miss the extraordinary C. V. Starr Bonsai Museum for close to 100 miniature Japanese specimens, some more than a century old. Near the conservatory are a café and a gift shop, with bulbs, plants, and gardening books as well as jewelry.

Entrances to the garden are on Eastern Parkway, next to the subway station; on Washington Avenue, behind the Brooklyn Museum; and on Flatbush Avenue at Empire Boulevard. Free garden tours meet at the front gate every weekend at 1 pm. | 900 Washington Ave., between Crown and Carroll Sts., Prospect Heights | 11225 | 718/623– 7200 | www.bbg.org | $8; free all day Tues., Sat. before noon, and weekdays from mid-Nov. to mid-Mar. Combo ticket with Brooklyn Museum $16 | Mid-Mar.–late Oct.: grounds Tues.–Fri. 8–6, weekends 10–6; conservatory daily 10–5:30. Nov.–mid-Mar.: grounds Tues.–Fri. 8– 4:30, weekends 10–4:30; conservatory daily 10–4. Closed Mon. except holidays | Subway: 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy.; B, Q to Prospect Park.

Brooklyn Museum.

The Brooklyn Museum has long stood in the shadow of Manhattan’s Metropolitan. With more than 1 million pieces in its permanent collection, from Rodin sculptures to Andean textiles and Assyrian wall reliefs, the city’s secondlargest art museum now has a welcoming new design, more populist shows, and neighborhood events. The city is finally starting to appreciate this hidden gem.

Along with changing exhibitions, highlights include Egyptian art, one of the best collections of its kind in the world; African and pre-Columbian art; and Native American art. Seek out the museum’s works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Bellows, Thomas Eakins, and Milton Avery—all stunners. Also check out the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, which hosts traveling exhibits in addition to serving as the permanent home to Judy Chicago’s installation The Dinner Party (1974–79).

On the first Saturday of each month the museum throws an extremely popular free evening of art, music, dancing, film screenings, and readings, starting at 5 pm. | 200 Eastern Pkwy., at Washington Ave., Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/638–5000 | www.brooklynmuseum.org | $10 suggested donation. Combo ticket with Brooklyn Botanic Garden $16 | Wed. and weekends 11–6, Thurs. and Fri. 11–10; 1st Sat. of month 11–11; call for program schedule | Subway: 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy./Brooklyn Museum.

Central Library.

Across Grand Army Plaza from the park entrance is this sleek, modern temple of learning—the central location of the Brooklyn Public Library. The building resembles an open book, with the entrance at the book’s spine; on the facade, gold-leaf figures celebrate art and science.

Bright limestone walls and perfect proportions make this an impressive 20th-century New York building. Inside, more than 1.5 million books, public programs, and exhibitions in the lobby will keep you busy for at least a few hours. | 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/230– 2100 | www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org | Mon.–Thurs. 9–9, Fri. and Sat. 10–6, Sun. 1–5 | Subway: 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza; Q to 7th Ave.

Fodor’s Choice | Prospect Park.

Brooklyn residents are fiercely passionate about Prospect Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park was completed in the late 1880s. Olmsted once said that he was prouder of it than of any of his other works—including Manhattan’s Central Park.

A good way to experience the park is to walk along its 3.5- mi circular drive and make detours off it as you wish. The drive is closed to cars at all times except weekday rush hours. Families with children should head straight for the eastern side, where most kids’ attractions are clustered.

The park’s north entrance is at Grand Army Plaza, where the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch honors Civil War veterans. (Look familiar? It’s patterned after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.) Three heroic sculptural groupings adorn the arch: atop, a dynamic four-horse chariot; to either side, the victorious Union Army and Navy of the Civil War. The inner arch has bas-reliefs of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, sculpted by Thomas Eakins and William O’Donovan, respectively.

To the northwest of the arch, Neptune and a passel of debauched Tritons leer over the edges of the Bailey Fountain. On Saturdays year-round a greenmarket at the plaza sells produce, flowers and plants, cheese, and baked goods to throngs of locals. Other days, you can find a few vendors selling snacks here and at the 9th Street entrance.

If you walk down the park’s west drive from Grand Army Plaza, you’ll first encounter Litchfield Villa (718/965–8951 | Free | Weekdays 9–5), an Italianate hilltop mansion built in 1857 for a prominent railroad magnate. It has housed the park’s headquarters since 1883; visitors are welcome to

step inside and view the domed octagonal rotunda.

The Prospect Park Band Shell (718/855–7882 Celebrate Brooklyn Festival | www.bricartsmedia.org) is the home of the annual Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, which from early June through mid-August sponsors free films and concerts that have included Afro-Caribbean jazz, flamenco dance troupes from Spain, David Byrne, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

Styled after Sansovino’s 16th-century Library at St. Mark’s in Venice, the Prospect Park Audubon Center and Visitor Center at the Boathouse, built in 1904, sits opposite the Lullwater Bridge, creating an idyllic spot for watching pedal boats and wildlife, or just taking a break at the café. Here, learn about nature through interactive exhibits, park tours, and educational programs especially for kids. On a nice day, take a ride on the electric boat to tour the Lullwater and Prospect Lake. You can also sign up for a bird-watching tour to see some of the 200 species spotted here. | Prospect Park | 718/287–3400 | www.prospectpark.org/audubon | Audubon Center free; electric-boat tours $8 | Audubon Center: Apr.–Sept., Thurs.–Sun. noon–5; Oct.–Mar., weekends noon–4; closed in Jan.; call for program and tour times. Electricboat tours: May–Aug., Thurs.–Sun. noon–4:30; Sept.– mid-Oct., weekends noon–3:30, every 30 mins.

Lefferts Historic House (718/789–2822 | Free | Apr. and May, Sat. and Sun. noon–5; June and Sept., Thurs.–Sun. noon–5; July and Aug., Thurs.–Sun. noon–6; Oct., Thurs.–Sun. noon–4; Nov. and Dec., and Feb. and Mar., Sat. and Sun. noon–4) is a Dutch Colonial farmhouse built in 1783 and moved to Prospect Park in 1918. Rooms of the historic house-museum are furnished with antiques and reproductions from the 1820s, when the house was last redecorated. The museum hosts all kinds of activities for kids; call for information.

Climb aboard a giraffe or sit inside a dragon-pulled chariot at the immaculately restored Prospect Park Carousel, handcrafted in 1912 by master carver Charles Carmel. |

718/282–7789 | $2 per ride | Apr.–June, Sept., and Oct., Thurs.–Sun. noon–5; July–Labor Day, Thurs.–Sun. noon–6.

Small and friendly, Prospect Park Zoo is perfect for those children who may be overwhelmed by the city’s larger animal sanctuaries. Of the 400 inhabitants and 125 species, kids seem to be especially fond of the sea lions and the red pandas. An outdoor discovery trail has a simulated prairie-dog burrow, a duck pond, and kangaroos and wallabies in habitat. Be aware that there are no cafés, only vending machines. | 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights | 11225 | 718/399–7339 | www.prospectparkzoo.com | $8 | Apr.–Oct., weekdays 10– 5, weekends 10–5:30; Nov.–Mar., daily 10–4:30; last ticket 30 mins before closing | Subway: 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy.; B, Q to Prospect Park.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

A mile east of Grand Army Plaza is the oldest children’s museum in the world, now housed in a sparkling Rafael Viñoly–designed “green” building. Here kids can trek through natural habitats found in the city, run a bakery, create African-patterned fabric, and even become DJs, mixing the rhythms of the outdoors to make music. | 145 Brooklyn Ave., at St. Marks Ave., Crown Heights | 11213 | 718/735–4400 | www.brooklynkids.org | $7.50 | Tues.–Sun. 10–5 | Subway: C to Kingston–Throop Aves.; 3 to Kingston Ave., A, C to Nostrand Ave.

WHERE TO EAT IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE

al di là.

$$ | ITALIAN | This northern Italian hot spot has been consistently packed since it first opened in 1998, and it’s easy to understand why: affordable prices, a relaxed and charming environment, and simple yet soulfully comforting cuisine such as the red beet ravioli swimming in butter and poppy seeds. The no-reservations policy ensures that the place always has a buzz around it from waiting patrons. |

248 5th Ave., at Carroll St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/783– 4565 | www.aldilatrattoria.com | Reservations not accepted | MC, V | No lunch Tues. | Subway: F to 15th St.–Prospect Park; R to Union St.

applewood.

$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Do the math: lavish devotion to seasonal ingredients + supporting local farmers + relaxed service in a pretty pale-yellow dining room + simple flavors layered in interesting ways = one thing—an amazing restaurant. The menu changes constantly; recent highlights have included a sautéed North Carolina wreckfish with tomato-okra stew, parsnips, and mixed greens. | 501 11th St., at 7th Ave. Park Slope | 11215 | 718/788–1810 | www.applewoodny.com | D, MC, V | Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Fri. | Subway: F to 7th Ave.

Franny’s.

$ | PIZZA | Though many swear by Grimaldi’s for the borough’s best pie (or the two Brooklyn newcomers: Roberta’s in Bushwick and Lucali in Carroll Gardens), this Park Slope pizza upstart has developed quite a following of its own. The crisp, thin-crust pizzas run the gamut, from a “naked” pie with olive oil and salt to their justly famous clam-and-garlic iteration. Many of the toppings are seasonal and locally sourced. | 295 Flatbush Ave., Park Slope | 11217 | 718/230–0221 | www.frannysbrooklyn.com | Reservations not accepted | MC, V | No lunch weekdays | Subway: B, Q to 7th Ave.; 2, 3 to Bergen St., 4, 5, N, R to Pacific St.

James.

$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Occupying the ground floor of a brownstone on a leafy corner of historic residential blocks, this neighborhood find is serious about its seasonal food and dedicated service. Pressed-tin ceilings, an antique bar, leather banquettes, and a dazzling light fixture on the ceiling grace the softly lighted dining room. The food reflects old-world European techniques, with fresh herbs picked from the restaurant’s adjacent garden. | 605 Carlton Ave., Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/942–4255 | www.jamesrestaurantny.com

Tom’s Restaurant.

¢ | AMERICAN | For friendly service and great diner fare, like fluffy pumpkin-walnut pancakes served with homemade flavored butters, head three blocks north of the Brooklyn Museum to this family-owned restaurant, which opened in 1936. On weekends lines are long, but your wait is eased by free coffee and orange slices. | 782 Washington Ave., at Sterling Pl., Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/636–9738 | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | No dinner | Subway: 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza.

NIGHTLIFE IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE

Barbès.

It’s not quite like stepping into the funky Parisian neighborhood of the same name, but this cozy bar does have French-accented bartenders, pressed-tin ceilings, and a red-tinted back room. Diverse events range from the energetic Slavic Soul Party performance on Tuesday to classical music concerts. | 376 9th St., at 6th Ave., Park Slope | 11215 | 347/422–0248 | www.barbesbrooklyn.com | Subway: F to 7th Ave.

Southpaw.

Folk, rock, and pop for refined tastes are on the bill at this Park Slope hangout, recognized as one of South Brooklyn’s most popular music venues. The sprawling space is packed with glam twentysomethings on any given night, but country music showcases and the occasional kidfriendly family show on weekends keep everyone in the neighborhood happy. | 125 5th Ave., between St. Johns Pl. and Sterling Pl., Park Slope | 11217 | 718/230–0236 | www.spsounds.com | Subway: R to Union St., F to 7th Ave.

Union Hall.

You’ll feel immediately comfortable at this large, airy hangout. Grab a beer up front in the classy library, or, if you’re up for a little sport, join friendly locals in a game of bocce ball. In the basement, check out some rising indie rock stars on stage. | 702 Union St., at 5th Ave., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/638–4400 | www.unionhallny.com | Subway: R to Union St.

SHOPPING IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE

Seventh Avenue is Park Slope’s main shopping street, with long-established restaurants, bookstores, shops, cafés, bakeries, churches, and real-estate agents (one favorite neighborhood pastime is window-shopping for new apartments). More fun, however, are the newer restaurants and cute boutiques along 5th Avenue.

Start out with a snack from gourmet food store Bierkraft

(191 5th Ave., near Union St., Park Slope | 11215 |

718/230–7600 | www.bierkraft.com). In addition to nearly 1,000 craft beers (available by the bottle), they also sell artisan cheeses, boutique chocolates, olives, and other edible goodies.

Just one of the many excellent women’s clothing stores dotting the area, Bird (316 5th Ave., between 2nd and 3rd Sts., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/768–4940 | www.shopbird.com) is one of the oldest and best. In addition to their many well-curated brands of women’s clothing, like Martin Margiela and 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bird also stocks both men’s apparel and baby clothes, and has two other Brooklyn locations (in Cobble Hill, at 220 Smith St., | 718/797–3775, and in Williamsburg, at 203 Grand St. | 718/388–1656).

At Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. (372 5th Ave.at 7th St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/499–9884 |

www.superherosupplies.com) young superheroes can purchase capes, grappling hooks, secret identity kits, and more from staff who never drop the game of pretend. Proceeds benefit the free drop-in tutoring center (run by nonprofit organization 826NYC) in a “secret lair” behind a swinging bookcase.

PERFORMING ARTS IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE

THEATER

Puppetworks.

Familiar childhood tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Peter and the Wolf come to life most weekends in this 75seat neighborhood theater. | 338 6th Ave., at 4th St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/965–3391 Reservations essential | www.puppetworks.org | Subway: F to 7th Ave.

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Exploring | Where to Eat | Shopping

Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of a New York City summer: hot dogs and ice cream, suntan lotion, excited crowds, and weathered old men fishing.

Named Konijn Eiland (Rabbit Island) by the Dutch for its wild rabbit population, the Coney Island peninsula has a boardwalk, a 2.5-mi-long beach, amusement parks, and the New York Aquarium. Eating a Nathan’s Famous hot dog (1310 Surf Ave., Coney Island) and strolling seaside has been a classic New York experience since 1916.

And then there are the freakish attractions at Sideshows by the Seashore and the Coney Island Museum, the heart-stopping plunge of the granddaddy of all roller coasters—the Cyclone—and the thwack of bats swung by the minor-league team the Cyclones at MCU Park. The area’s banner day is the raucous Mermaid Parade, held in June. A fireworks display lights up the sky Friday nights from late June through Labor Day.

A pleasant stroll down the boardwalk is Brighton Beach, named after Britain’s longstanding beach resort. In the early 1900s Brighton Beach was a resort in its own right, with seaside hotels that catered to rich Manhattan families visiting for the summer. Since the 1970s and ’80s Brighton Beach has been known for its 100,000 Soviet émigrés.

To get to the heart of “Little Odessa” from Coney Island, walk about a mile east along the boardwalk to Brighton 1st Place, then head up to Brighton Beach Avenue. To get here from Manhattan directly, take the B or Q train to the Brighton Beach stop; the trip takes about an hour.

EXPLORING CONEY ISLAND AND BRIGHTON BEACH

Cyclone.

One of the oldest roller coasters still operating, this worldfamous, wood-and-steel colossus first roared around the tracks in 1927. Unfortunately, the adjacent, carnivalesque Astroland recently shut down, after pressure from developers. But fear not, thrill seekers: the landmark Cyclone will keep running, ensuring future generations of New Yorkers and visitors their most satisfying case of

whiplash ever. | 834 Surf Ave., at W. 10th St., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/265–2100 | $8 for first ride, $5 for additional rides | Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily; call for seasonal hrs | Subway: B, F, N, Q to Coney Island– Stillwell Ave.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

You get a new perspective atop the 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel, built in 1920. Though it appears tame, its swinging cars will quicken your heart rate. Fortunately, Deno’s lease runs until 2020, so Coney-lovers still have time for the Spook-A-Rama, the Thunderbolt, and bumper cars. | 3059 Denos Vourderis Pl., at W. 12th St., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/372–2592 | www.wonderwheel.com | $6 per ride, 5 rides for $25 | Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily 11 am– midnight; Apr., May, Sept., and Oct., weekends noon–9 | Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.

MCU Park.

Rekindle your Brooklyn baseball memories (or make some new ones) at a Brooklyn Cyclones game. When this Metsowned single-A farm team moved to Brooklyn, it brought professional baseball to the borough for the first time since 1957. Now the intimate, bright park is especially great for introducing kids to the game. The park often holds special promotions to get the little ones on the field. | 1904 Surf Ave., between 17th and 19th Sts., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/449–8497 | www.brooklyncyclones.com | $8–$17 | Games June–Sept.; call for schedule | Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.

New York Aquarium.

Home to more than 8,000 creatures of the ocean, New York City’s only aquarium is also the nation’s oldest. Tropical fish, sea horses, and jellyfish luxuriate in large tanks; otters, walruses, penguins, and seals lounge on a replicated Pacific coast; and a 90,000-gallon tank is home to several different types of sharks. | 502 Surf Ave., at W. 8th St., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/265–3474 | www.nyaquarium.com | $17 | Early Apr.–Memorial Day and Labor Day–Oct., weekdays 10–5, weekends 10–5:30; Memorial Day–Labor Day, weekdays 10–6, weekends 10–7; Nov.–early Apr., daily 10–4:30; last ticket sold 45 mins before closing | Subway: F, Q to W. 8th St.; N, D to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.

Sideshows by the Seashore and the Coney Island Museum.

Step right up for a lively circus sideshow, complete with a fire-eater, sword swallower, snake charmer, and contortionist. Upstairs, the small museum has Coney Island memorabilia and a great deal of tourist information. | 1208 Surf Ave., at W. 12th St., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/372– 5159 | www.coneyisland.com | Sideshow$7.50, museum 99¢ | Sideshows: Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily shows; Sept.–May, some weekends. Museum: weekends noon– 5. Hrs vary, so call ahead. | Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.

WHERE TO EAT IN CONEY ISLAND AND BRIGHTON BEACH

Nathan’s Famous.

¢ | AMERICAN | No visit to Coney Island would be complete without a hot dog from this stand that first opened in 1916. On the Fourth of July thousands come to see their world-famous hot dog–eating contest; the record stands at 68 in 10 minutes. | 1310 Surf Ave., at Stillwell Ave., Coney Island | 11224 | 718/946–2202 | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.

Primorski.

EASTERN EUROPEAN | Enjoy inexpensive lunch specials or lavish dinner banquets complete with Vegas-style floor shows under the disco ball at this Georgian-style restaurant and nightclub. Adventurous eaters can order off the à la carte menu—try khinkali (boiled or fried Georgian dumplings), lavash bread, and solyanka (spicy lamb stew flecked with tomato and coriander). Banquets, which range from $38 to $65 per person, should be arranged in advance. | 282 Brighton Beach Ave., near Brighton 2nd St. | 11235 | 718/891–3111 | www.primorski.net | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, Q to Brighton Beach.

SHOPPING IN CONEY ISLAND AND BRIGHTON BEACH

The shops, bakeries, markets, and restaurants along Brighton Beach Avenue, the neighborhood’s main artery, all cater to the neighborhood’s Russian community. This is the place to find knishes with every filling imaginable, borscht, blinis (small crepes or pancakes), and cups of dark-roast coffee, plus caviar at prices that can put Manhattan purveyors to shame. | Brighton Beach Ave. from Brighton 1st St. to Brighton 6th St. | 11235.

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Main Table of Contents

Getting Oriented

Queens

The Bronx

Staten Island

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Making the Most of Your Time | Getting Here | Fodor’s Choice | Top Experiences | Best for Kids | Nearby Museums | Area Shops

Updated by Alexander Basek

Many tourists miss out on seeing these three boroughs, and that’s a shame. They contain some of the city’s best restaurants, museums, and attractions, and the subway’s handful of express trains means that they’re closer than you might think.

A patchwork of diverse neighborhoods best describes Queens, each a small world with a distinct culture, all fascinating to explore. Thanks especially to the borough’s strong immigrant population (almost 50%), you’ll also find some of the city’s most interesting cuisine here. Art lovers will definitely want to make the short trip for museums such as PS1 Contemporary Art Center and the Noguchi Museum.

The Bronx is the city’s most maligned and misunderstood borough. Its reputation as a gritty, down-and-out place is a little outdated, and more than a little incorrect.

There’s lots of beauty in the Bronx, including more parkland than any other borough, one of the world’s finest botanical collections, and the largest metropolitan zoo in the country.

Be aware that the borough covers a large area and its attractions are spread out. Whether you’re relaxing at a ball game or scoping out exotic species at the zoo, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

Staten Island is legally a part of New York City, but in many ways it’s a world apart. The “Forgotten Borough,” as some locals refer to it, is geographically more separate, less populous, politically more conservative, and ethnically more homogeneous than the rest of the city.

Along with suburban sprawl, there are wonderful small museums, walkable woodlands, and a historic village replicating New York’s rural past. And for a view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, nothing beats the 25minute free ferry trip to Staten Island.

WHAT IT COSTS

At Dinner

¢under $10

$$10–$17

Price per person for a median main course or equivalent combination of smaller dishes. Note: if a restaurant offersonly prix-fixe (set-price) meals, it hasbeen given the price category that reflectsthe full prix-fixe price.

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Queens is rich with superb museums. An afternoon in Long Island City and Astoria will enable you to take in the PS1 Contemporary Art Center, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the Noguchi Museum. After that, jump on the 7 train and have dinner in Jackson Heights or Flushing at one

of the borough’s excellent restaurants.

It is easy to spend a full day at either of the Bronx’s treasures: the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo. To visit both, start early and plan on a late lunch or early dinner in the Arthur Avenue area. The garden and the zoo are less crowded on weekdays during the school year.

Many tourists’ only sight of Staten Island is during a roundtrip ride on the ferry, but the borough also holds unexpected offerings in its small museums and historic villages. Set aside the better part of a day for Historic Richmond Town, and add on a couple of hours for the Museum of Tibetan Art.

GETTING HERE

Queens is served by many subway lines. To get to Astoria, take the N train. For Long Island City, take the E, M, or 7 train. To get to Jackson Heights, take the 7 subway train to the 74th Street–Broadway stop. You can also take the E, F, R, or M train to Roosevelt Avenue.

The Bronx is serviced by the 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D subway trains. The attractions in the Bronx are spread out across the borough, so you’ll need to take different lines to get where you want to go, and it’s not necessarily convenient to make connections across town. The B, D, and 4 trains all go to Yankee Stadium, and the B and D continue uptown to take you to Arthur Avenue from the west. The 2 and 5 trains take you to the Bronx Zoo and to Arthur Avenue.

From the scenic and free Staten Island Ferry you can catch a local bus to attractions. Tell the driver where you’re going, and ask about the return schedule.

FODOR’S CHOICE

Bronx Zoo

New York Botanical Garden

MoMA PS1

Staten Island Ferry

TOP EXPERIENCES

Traveling around the world through the restaurants of Queens

Standing in the shadow of the World’s Fair Unisphere

Catching a game at the new Yankee Stadium or Citi Field

Taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry

BEST FOR KIDS

Bronx Zoo

The Museum of the Moving Image

Queens Zoo

NEARBY MUSEUMS

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Museum of the Moving Image

New York Hall of Science

The Noguchi Museum

Queens Museum of Art

AREA SHOPS

Arthur Avenue Retail Market

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