The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The complex includes architectural monuments from five French monasteries, plus a Romanesque chapel and extensive gardens. The famous Unicorn Tapestries are displayed here as are numerous paintings, sculptures, glorious stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and other objects from medieval times.
Best and worst times to go to The Cloisters
It's best to visit The Cloisters in nice weather so you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and view the architecture from the outside as well as from the inside. Also, visiting on a rainy day prevents you from seeing the stained glass in its full glory.
Must see/do at The Cloisters
A visit to The Cloisters is a must for those interested in the art and architecture of the Middle Ages--and for anyone interested in stunning views of the Hudson River. Highlights tours of the collection are available Mondays through Fridays and Sundays at 3 p.m., year-round. If you've come as much for the gardens as for the art and architecture, consider taking one of the garden tours, which are offered daily from May to October at 1 p.m. Tours are free with museum admission.
Admission to The Cloisters
The Cloisters is open 7 days a week. From March to October, hours are 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; from November to February, hours are 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. The recommended admission fee is $25 for adults and $17 for seniors and students; free for members and children 12 and under. This fee includes admission to The Cloisters museum and gardens and same-day admission to the main Metropolitan Museum building.
Parking and Public Transportation to The Cloisters
Visitors to who drive to The Cloisters may use free city parking available in Fort Tryon Park.
By subway, take the A train to 190th Street and Overlook Terrace and then take the #4 bus to Fort Tryon Park/The Cloisters. Or simply take the #4 (Madison Avenue) bus all the way to the Cloisters (this second option is easier, but it takes longer).
Food at The Cloisters
The outdoor Trie Café, which offers sandwiches, snacks, dessert, cold beverages, and coffee, is open from April through October.
Insider tip for visitors to The Cloisters
The Cloisters frequently hosts Sunday afternoon concerts in the 12th-century Spanish Fuentiduena Chapel, which is often cited as one of the most visually and acoustically appropriate places for medieval music performances. Ticket prices for these concerts also includes museum admission. For further information, call 212-650-2290.
Other places to visit near The Cloisters
The Cloisters are at the northern end of Fort Tryon Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the architect of Central Park. Bring a picnic, run, play, and soak up the delights of the gardens and grounds of this beautiful park.
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.
Not everyone knows that the grand French Renaissance-style chateau on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 79th Street is actually open to the public. But it is: the Ukrainian Institute of America promotes the art, music and literature of Ukraine by hosting art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, poetry readings, literary evenings, children's programs, lectures, symposia and other programs. Each of these events provides an opportunity to glimpse the splendors of this grand 19th century town house.
Best and worst times to go to the Ukrainian Institute of America
If you can, visit the Institute during the summer when the Art Show and Sale takes place. Not only are the hours longer during this exhibition, giving you more flexibility to fit a visit into your schedule, but you'll have more room to move around and explore than you would during the busier and more time-constrained evening events.
Must see/do at the Ukrainian Institute of America
Take some time to admire the details of the ornate façade of the building before heading inside. The elaborate decorations continue inside—note in particular the carved woodwork of the lobby staircase and the ceiling in the Chandelier Room.
Admission to the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute's hours and admissions fees vary according to what events are taking place. For the 2015 Summer Art Show and Sale (through September 8, 2015), hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute is located on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 79th Street. To reach the Institute by subway, take the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, or 6 lines to the 77th Street Station and then walk 2 blocks north and 3 blocks west. By bus, take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 buses on Fifth and Madison avenues. The Institute does not have a parking garage, but on-street parking is available in the neighborhood (just be prepared to feed the meters on the avenues) or you can park at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Food at the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute occasionally serves food at event receptions. If you are attending an event that does not include a catered reception but you want a snack, consider grabbing a hot dog or ice cream from one of the street vendors in Central Park, which is across the street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Ukrainian Institute of America
Even if the event you are attending doesn't include a tour of the exquisitely paneled Members Room, ask if you can peak inside to admire the woodwork.
Other places to visit near the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Ukrainian Institute of America is like a tiny jewel-box located near the enormous and sometimes overwhelming Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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.
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.
Visitors with an interest in science and history will find much to learn at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Exhibits range from fossils found in the ground to the stars and planets up in the sky. Human evolution and culture are also explored in exhibits at the museum.
Best and worst time to go to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum is extremely popular, so you're likely to find a crowd any time you visit. Try to arrive when it opens to beat the crowds.
Must see/do at the American Museum of Natural History
Several rooms filled with dinosaur bones are unmissable, with exhibits explaining the linkage between dinosaurs and birds. The Hall of Human Evolution displays our ancestors, including famous Lucy. Many people don't realize the museum includes a planetarium, and the sky shows there explain the origins of the universe.
Admission to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum's posted admission rates are around $20 for adults, with lower rates for students and seniors. If you buy tickets in advance, you'll pay that rate, but if you pay when you arrive, admission is "pay any amount." There are separate charges for special exhibits and 3-D movies.
Parking and public transportation to the American Museum of Natural History
There's a subway entrance right inside the museum; it's easily reached by bus as well. The museum has a parking garage, but you may be able to find free parking on nearby streets.
Food at the American Museum of Natural History
The museum has a food court and several smaller cafés throughout. You can also step outside the museum to purchase food from the food trucks lining the street outside.
Insider tip for visitors at the American Museum of Natural History
You'll get around the museum much faster taking the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.
Author's Bio: Elissa Gilbert is a native New Yorker. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://elissaexplores.com.
