Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
around the town, as well as bus combos with Circle Line cruises, heli-
copter flights, museum admittance, and guided visits of sights.
There's no real point to purchasing some combination tours—you
don't need a guide to take you to the Statue of Liberty, and you don't
save any money on admission by buying the combo ticket.
777 Eighth Ave. (btwn 47th & 48th sts.). Tours depart from various locations.
&
800/
669-0051
or 212/445-0848; www.graylinenewyork.com. Hop-on, hop off bus tours
start at $49 adults, $39 children 3 to 11.
HARBOR CRUISES
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A New York institution,
the Circle Line is famous for its 3-hour tour around the entire 35
miles of Manhattan. This
Full Island
cruise passes by the Statue of
Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, the United Nations, Yan-
kee Stadium, the George Washington Bridge, and more, including
Manhattan's wild northern tip. The panorama is riveting, and the
commentary isn't bad. The big boats are basic but fine, with lots of
deck room for everybody to enjoy the view. Snacks, soft drinks, cof-
fee, and beer are available onboard for purchase.
If 3 hours is more than you or the kids can handle, go for either
the 2-hour
Semi-Circle
or the
Sunset/Harbor Lights
cruise, both
of which show you the highlights of the skyline. There's also a 1-hour
Seaport Liberty
version that sticks close to the south end of the
island. But of all the tours, the kids might like
The Beast
best, a
thrill-a-minute speedboat ride offered in summer only.
In addition, a number of adults-only
Live Music and DJ Cruises
sail regularly from the seaport from May through September
($20-$40 per person). Depending on the night of the week, you can
groove to the sounds of jazz, Latin, gospel, dance tunes, or blues as
you sail along viewing the skyline.
Departing from Pier 83, at W. 42nd St. and Twelfth Ave. Also departing from Pier 16
at South St. Seaport, 207 Front St.
&
212/563-3200.
www.circleline42.com and
www.seaportmusiccruises.com. Check the website or call for the most up to date
schedule. Sightseeing cruises $12-$29 adults, $16-$24 seniors, $13-$16 children
12 and under. Subway to Pier 83: A, C, E to 42nd St. Subway to Pier 16: J, M, Z, 2, 3,
4, 5 to Fulton St.
SPECIALTY TOURS
The
Municipal Art Society
(
&
212/439-1049
or 212/935-3960;
www.mas.org) offers historical and architectural walking tours aimed
at intelligent, individualistic travelers. Each is led by a highly qualified
guide who offers insights into the significance of buildings, neighbor-
hoods, and history. Topics range from the urban history of Greenwich
Village to “Williamsburg: Beyond the Bridge,” to an examination of
