Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Federal Hall, 26 Wall St., at Nassau St.
212/637-2019.
www.nps.gov/afbg
.
Tues and Thurs 10am. Subway: 2/3 or 4/5 to Wall St.; J/Z to Broad
St.
Brooklyn Brewery
More of a lecture than a tour, this popular weekend event entails a visit to a room full
of silver beer vats followed by a trip to the company store. Although the complimentary drink tokens have gone
the way of Prohibition, there are tempting discounts when you buy your pints in bulk ($20 will get you five).
Tours run Saturdays on the hour between 1 and 5pm and Sundays until 4pm. Doors open at noon. Friday nights
you can enjoy the same beer discounts, and other weeknights $8 gets you a small-batch tour and a tasting for four
house brews. Pizza delivery is encouraged, you'll find nearby Best Pizza (
718/599-2210;
www.best.piz.za.com
)
worthy of the hubris suggested by its name.
79 N. 11th St., btw. Wyeth Ave. and Berry St.
718/486-7422.
www.brooklynbrewery.com
. Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Central Park Conservancy Walking Tours
Central Park's rich history and hidden nuggets are explored
in these 60- to 90-minute walks. Themes range from landscaping to Revolutionary War sites to the rugged
Ramble. Check the website because times, dates, and locations vary. The tours run frequently (some 10 times a
week), year-round, in most any weather. Look out for the Conservatory Garden tours, which take you through
Manhattan's most beautiful garden.
212/360-2726.
www.centralparknyc.org
.
City Hall
When City Hall was finished in 1812, the builders didn't bother with marble and granite in the
back, thinking cheaper sandstone would be good enough for a side that would face a bunch of hills and trees.
Though the city has experienced a little bit of subsequent expansion, this small-scale building still houses offices
of the mayor and city council. The underpublicized guided tour here takes you through a graceful rotunda and
up to the Governor's Room, which has a priceless collection of portraits as well as a desk that was used by George
Washington.
Broadway at Murray St.
212/788-2656.
www.nyc.gov/html/artcom/html/tours/tours.shtml
.
Reserve in advance for tours Thurs 10am (group tours
available Mon-Wed and Fri at 10:30am). Subway: R to City Hall; 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; J/Z to Chambers St.; 2/3 to Park Place.
Evergreens Cemetery Tour
This boneyard on the Brooklyn/Queens border seems to stretch forever. As
the final resting place for over half a million people, it's a good thing there's ample space (225 acres to be ex-
act). Rolling hills and vegetation galore make a lush contrast to the city. Guided walking tours are held on select
Saturdays at around 11:15am, covering fascinating stories, like that of the businessman who moved into his late
wife's mausoleum and spent the last decade of his life chatting and reading to her. Call or check online for a
schedule and times.
1629 Bushwick Ave., at Conway St., Brooklyn.
718/455-5300.
www.theevergreenscemetery.com
. Tours assemble at the main entrance, Bush-
wick Ave. and Conway St. Subway: A/C/J/L/Z to Broadway Junction.
Free Tours by Foot
These energetic guides have so much confidence in their tours they're willing to give them
away for free. (The assumption being you'll be jazzed enough by a Chinatown food tour or a walk around Green-
wich Village that you'll throw a little something in the hat when it's done.) Tours run daily, and usually several
are available to choose from. They've also recently inaugurated a Saturday bus tour, although that one costs $16
to reserve a seat, on top of whatever you feel like tipping. Reservations can be made online and are strongly re-
commended (tours do “sell out”).
Locations vary.
646/450.6831.
www.freetoursbyfoot.com
.
Grand Central Terminal
On Wednesdays at half past noon, the Municipal Art Society, which helped save this
commuter temple, offers an hour-and-a-half-long walking tour. They ask for a $10 donation, but there's no form-
al fee, just whatever you care to contribute. Meet at the information booth in the middle of the concourse, amid
half an acre of gleaming Tennessee marble.
212/453-0050.
www.mas.org
. Wed 12:30pm. 4/5/6/7/S to 42nd St./Grand Central.
