Much like Midtown West, the east side of Midtown is generally filled with business people during the day. And though this Manhattan district encompasses one of the central commuting centers, it is considerably more subdued come nightfall. Those who are looking for a less hectic version of the Midtown scene would do well to cast a careful eye at Midtown East.

Every morning, the main concourse of Grand Central Station is the first sight that out-of-town commuters glance of the city. And what a sight it is. The recently renovated, 12-story ceiling painted with the constellations of the zodiac gives the concourse an open, airy feel. For people about to head into a cramped corner office or cubicle, this may be the most personal space they'll be able to experience all day.

Since Grand Central happens to fall directly in the path of Park Avenue, the storied street has been forced to make a detour around the building. Park is elevated to the second story before it reaches 42nd, splits to go around the Station, then reconnects after first passing through the Met Life Building. This is one instance in Midtown where it's nice to have a car.

Many of Grand Central's commuters might well be heading to the nearby Chrysler Building. Like many skyscrapers in Manhattan, this Art Deco masterpiece briefly held the title of the city's tallest building. The plans for its glittering spire were kept so secret that like most people didn't know of it until it was raised through the roof!

Just before 42nd Street reaches the East River, it intersects with a small thoroughfare called Tudor City Place. The eponymous apartment complex located here is notable for their large panes of stained glass. To spare their occupants the unseemly sights going on along the East River, some of these buildings were built without any windows on their east side. Those builders are probably kicking themselves now.

The most notable change between the construction of Tudor City and the present is the presence of the United Nations Headquarters. This 18-acre plot that hugs the East River is comprised of the Secretariat and General Assembly buildings, and a rose garden that practically begs to be strolled through.

From September through December, all the leaders of the free world meet in the General Assembly Building. Surprisingly, general admission tickets are made available to these open sessions the day they are scheduled to occur. You might also want to note that once you step onto the Plaza grounds, you have technically left the United States and entered the jurisdiction of the U.N. members.

A headquarters of a different sort is St. Patrick's Cathedral. Located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, St. Patrick's serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The Gothic structure also happens to be the largest Catholic Cathedral in America. If you feel you've been paying too much attention to the needs of Mammon, a half-hour here should help you find your spiritual center.

When the workday is done, Midtown East slows its hectic pace considerably. With Midtown West only blocks away, its possible to have all the nighttime excitement of the city without having to worry about it being right under where you (or them) live.

Murray Hill Apartments

Murray Hill has long been known for its strong sense of community. Residents have fought to keep the area's distinct style intact since the middle of the 19th Century. To this day, the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association remains a vocal presence whenever developers attempt to infringe on the character of their homes.

The area took its name from the first prominent residents of the community, Robert and Mary Murray. Although Robert was responsible for purchasing the land that housed their estate, it is his wife who is usually first mentioned in history books. A proper member of society, Mary Murray would hold functions for various American luminaries. Her most famous guest, however, was a British general.

After being surprised at the battle of Kips Bay, the green American militia was forced to retreat across Manhattan. Mrs. Murray, a true patriot, invited General Sir William Howe and his men to rest at their estate. As the General enjoyed a spot of tea, the Americans took advantage of the delay to regroup. They defeated the British the next day at the Battle of Harlem Heights.

When the city started to encroach on the neighborhood, the Murray's descendents decided to do something about it. They submitted a registration with the city which stipulated that new residences be built only of stone or brick. The Murray Hill Restriction, as it became known, is what has kept the area in its pristine state.

One of the people who adhered to the restriction was John Pierpont Morgan, who purchased the entire eastern side of Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets. His enduring legacy is the Pierpont Morgan Library, which boasts one of the finest collections of rare books and illuminated manuscripts in the world. Unfortunately, it isn't a lending library.

Benjamin Altman was the first person to build a department store in Murray Hill. Although the store took up the entire 34th and 35th Street block between Madison and Fifth Avenues, Altman maintained a certain amount of modesty. It wasn't until over 40 years later that the store's name appeared on the building.

B. Altman & Co. declared bankruptcy in the late 80s, but his store opened up Fifth Avenue to other celebrated companies, including the original Tiffany & Company. After several years of vacancy, the Altman building is now home to the Oxford University Press, the City University of New York, and a branch of the New York Public Library.

The most noted building in the district, however, doesn't exactly conform to code. Built in a little over a year beginning in 1930, the Empire State Building towers over 1,400 feet over the rest of Murray Hill. 2.5 million people a year peer out over the majority of Manhattan from its 86th and 102nd floor observatories.

One of the great novelties of the Empire State Building is best viewed from the ground several miles away. Every day at dusk, colored lights illuminate the building. The colors change to match the season or holiday (red, white and blue on July 4th, red and green on Christmas), but they always go off exactly at midnight.

Although the Murray Hill Restriction is no longer on the books, the effect it has had on the area is a marked one. Many of the buildings here are over 100 years old, and a number of them have become designated landmarks. If you're looking for a neighborhood that remains true to its roots, then you need look no further than Murray Hill.

Chelsea Apartments

Over the course of its history, the neighborhood of Chelsea has definitely had its fair share of ups and downs. Currently, however, the area is seeing a revitalization unlike any other in its history.

Clement Clarke Moore, a clergyman and poet, is considered the founding father of the district. Realizing that downtown Manhattan was poised to launch itself uptown, Moore began to sell off his land in lots. The guidelines he set for building residences on the lots are still in force in much of the district. For an encore, Moore later composed the well-known poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.'

As the area grew, passenger liners began using the piers on the Hudson as passenger terminals. When the liners began making their home further uptown, the piers were taken over by freight companies. Warehouses and slaughterhouses sprung up nearby, and working-class people moved to the area to be near their jobs. When the piers ultimately fell into disuse, so did the region around it.

Perhaps it is fitting that one of the reasons for Chelsea's current upswing is once again the piers. The Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex recently opened on the newly renovated waterfront that spans the area between 17th and 23rd Streets. Located within the complex are basketball courts, a golf driving range, and a microbrewery. Because of its variety of amenities, the spot has become popular with residents of many nearby neighborhoods.

Another reason for the revitalization can be attributed to the interest of the gay community. Seeking a break from the increasingly crowded areas of the West Village, they have been an active voice in Chelsea's beautification. The country's largest gay and lesbian bookstore, A Different Light, is located on 19th Street near Sixth Avenue.

Sixth Avenue itself plays a very large part in today's Chelsea. Walk uptown from 14th Street and you'll find another sign of this section's upswing. Many of the large buildings that were unoccupied for years have been utilized as large retail spaces. Everything from bookstores to clothing store to home accessories shops have opened up within a ten block stretch.

If you want to find real bargains, keep heading north until you reach the parking lots on 26th Street. Every weekend, the city's largest antiques market takes over this space, much to the pleasure of local residents. Need to find that special lamp for your living room? Most likely you'll find it here-at a great price.

Also located in Chelsea's upper reaches is the center of the Flower District. Most of the city uses these stores around 28th Street to fill their horticulture needs, but you needn't worry about having to find them in the phone book. Simply take a stroll past any day of the week, and you'll find anything from Chrysanthemums to Cacti displayed right on the sidewalk.

The most famous landmark in all of Chelsea, however, has to be the Chelsea Hotel. This unassuming redbrick building has been a haven to artists almost since it opened in 1884. Its long list of distinguished guests includes Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd. And yes, you can still reserve a room here.

With all the recent activity that's been centered on the area, it's pretty clear that a new chapter in Chelsea's history is being written. Now more so than in the past 50 years, this is a neighborhood on the move.

Although Manhattan is certainly not lacking for greenery (simply take a gander at Central Park), somehow Gramercy Park managed to win the open space lottery. Although the neighborhood is not as large as some in the city, there are four separate parks to be found here.

The largest, Madison Square, runs from 23rd to 26th Street, and is bounded by Fifth and Madison Avenues. If you've ever wondered why Madison Square Garden got its name, it's because the current home of the Knicks and Rangers was first here. Though the sports and concert complex has since moved twice to its current location on Seventh Avenue, it has held onto the name.

Surrounding Madison Square are a number of landmark structures, chief among them the Flatiron, Metropolitan Life and New York Life Buildings. The Flatiron, south of the park, is probably one of the most photographed buildings in all of New York City , with its unique triangular shape coming to a rounded point near the Square. The Metropolitan Life Tower is actually two buildings connected by a skywalk that boasts Wyeth murals in its lobby. The New York Life Building is probably best known aside from its architecture for the fact that it was built where Madison Square Garden used to be.

Travel south down Lexington Avenue from 23rd Street and you'll soon run smack into Gramercy Park itself. Although it looks impressive from beyond its cast iron perimeter, don't expect to get a much closer look right away. Gramercy is the only remaining private park in the city. Only residents of the buildings facing the park can get keys.

One of those former residents was Edwin Booth, brother of presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth. Edwin was notable not only for his infamous brother, but for opening a place for actors right on the park which came to be known as The Player's Club. For the latter accomplishment he is memorialized with a statue in the center of the park.

Lexington Avenue ends when it hits the park. Continuing on the other side to 14th Street is a quaint stretch of street known as Irving Place. Named after Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving-whose nephew owned a place here-the street is lined with old row houses. There are plenty of excellent restaurants here, as well as Pete's Tavern, which claims to be the oldest saloon in New York.

Head west once reaching 14th Street and you'll soon come to Union Square. The Square's name derives from its history as a location for union organizing many decades ago. The buildings around this park house such stores as Barnes and Noble and Toys 'R' Us, a microbrewery, and an NYU dormitory. The feature that most people come here for, however, is the Greenmarket.

Four days a week, the northern end of the park is filled with vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables from as far off as Pennsylvania Dutch country. Although there are plenty of delicatessens and supermarkets that sell produce, there's really no substitute for buying straight from the source.

Along with Gramercy Park, Stuyvesant Park has been designated a national landmark. It is also surrounded by a cast iron fence, but this space is decidedly public. The other distinguishing feature of Stuyvesant is Second Avenue, which neatly bisects it. A little more off the beaten path than the other parks, this is a good spot for people looking to avoid crowds.

With easy access to every part of the city, a broad base of commerce and culture to choose from, and plenty of historical charm, Gramercy Park more than lives up to its excellent reputation.

East Village Apartments

Taken together, the East and West Village form the undisputed core of Manhattan's nightlife scene. Easily accessible by both the outer boroughs and the Jersey suburbs, the influx of partygoers keeps the area moving into the wee hours just about every weekend. There are plenty of features in the East Village, however, that make it easy to distinguish between them.

Originally considered part of the Lower East Side, the area still contains many of the tenements that initially made this the less desirable part of town. It was this edge that made the area so attracted many of the luminaries of the Beat Generation during the 1950s. And in the '60s, legendary rock promoter Bill Graham brought in the locals at the famed Fillmore East.

The most recent musical movement associated with the neighborhood, however, is punk. Although it has been more than twenty years since punk still began, you're liable to find a few clusters of dyed, pierced, and tattooed teens walking about here. There are still plenty of hole-in-the-wall clubs dotting the landscape, but the one you probably should see is CBGB.

A fixture on the Bowery for just about as long as anyone can remember, CBGB still retains its unkempt charm. Probably best known as the launching point for such groups such as the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Blondie, the club now puts on 6 to 7 'next big thing' bands a night.

If you walk north from the Bowery to St. Mark's Place, you'll find the true nucleus of the region. Lined with used record stores, clothing boutiques, cheap eats, and a myriad of students, this is a good place to either people watch or just browse at your own pace.

Heading west on St. Mark's eventually brings you to Astor Place. The spot is immediately notable for the steel sculpture "Alamo," a large cube balanced on one point. Although it appears immobile, the cube has been designed to rotate if pushed with sufficient force. Be warned, "sufficient" definitely means "more than one person."

Recently, a number of chain stores have taken advantage of the cavernous buildings that surround Astor Place. K-Mart, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks all have stores within a block of each other. If you're yearning for something a little less on the fringe, this may be an idea spot to stop.

For a much older sight, check out the rather incongruous Colonnade Row just south of Astor Place on Lafayette Street. The buildings were once home to the likes of Cornelius Vanderbilt and John Jacob Astor himself. Long since broken up into much smaller spaces inside, the marble Corinthian columns are all the more impressive because of their rarity.

Across the street from Colonnade Row is Joseph Papp's Public Theater. Although Papp was probably best known for bringing Shakespeare to Central Park, the Public is the building that bears his name. There are a number of other Off-Off-Broadway theaters in the area, including the experimental La Mama E.T.C. and PS 122.

The East Village also envelops not one but two small ethnic cultures. A few blocks comprise the "Little Ukraine," and the strip of 6th Street between First and Second Avenues make up what is known as "Indian Row." There are literally a dozen Indian restaurants in a row on this block, and just about any makes a great place for a decent priced meal. Several feature live sitar players to add to the atmosphere.

The rough edge that the East Village used to present to the city has been softened in recent years. Many new residents are now recognizing that the area has a mixture of arts, culture, and commerce that suits them just right.

Wall Street Area Apartments / Financial District Apartments

There are a number of Manhattan streets and avenues that have become synonymous with some of the businesses that have historically clustered there. Mention Madison Avenue and you immediately think of the advertising industry. It is difficult to discuss Broadway without mentally adding 'Musical' after it. But the one location that is probably better known than all of these is Wall Street.

Wall Street truly is the heart of the economy both here and abroad, with the daily gains and losses on the Stock Exchange sending ripples throughout the portfolios of millions of both people and businesses throughout the city, country, and the world. There's truly no better place in the city to get caught up in a fiscal fever.

Trinity Church marks the beginning of Wall Street's journey east from Broadway. Surprisingly, this final resting-place of Alexander Hamilton was the area's tallest structure until the end of the 19th century. From here it is only a few blocks to what (as the definition of) stockbrokers and financial analysts the world 'round consider the most important building in the world-the New York Stock Exchange.

Dwarfed as it is by the much newer skyscrapers around it, the Exchange's classic-style architecture is still difficult to miss. Inside, visitors can watch from behind a glass wall as hundreds of runners and traders scurry across the trading floor in a constantly shifting chaotic ballet. A short film explaining the action on the floor is available for visitors.

Directly across the street from the Exchange is the slightly older Federal Hall National Monument. It was at this location that maybe George Washington accepted the Presidency of the United States. The front steps are a great place to put up your feet and enjoy lunch with the movers and shakers of the area.

Another famous landmarks of the area is the South Street Seaport. Located only a few blocks north of Wall Street, this section is particularly well renowned for its upscale shops and fine surf and turf restaurants. The end of Pier 17 is a great place to grab a bite as you watch the Brooklyn Bridge reach across the East River to connect Manhattan to Brooklyn.

If you notice that the fish tastes a little fresher in this neighborhood, it's probably because the Seaport is still being used as a fish market. Early every morning the latest catch is sold and distributed to restaurants and supermarkets throughout the metropolitan area from this section. If you have problems finding it, simply follow your nose.

About five minutes walk from the Seaport is another building that houses power of a different sort. City Hall is set apart from its surroundings by a park that insulates it on all sides. On any given day you can see some of New York's famous politicos giving a press conference, protesters plying for their cause, or a motorcade emerging from the near darkness of the aptly named Canyon of Heroes.

On the northeast corner of City Hall Park by the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge's pedestrian walkway is one of Manhattan's rarest sights-a public toilet. This self-cleaning marvel is worth utilizing simply for the novelty value, but could prove to be a godsend for those who have no nearby alternative.

Like its neighbor Battery Park City, the Wall Street/South Street Seaport area does not have much nightlife to speak of, but just about every block has a subway or bus stop should you want to spend a night out. For hard working people looking to roll out of bed and be seconds away from work, then this historically rich section could be your ideal spot.

Henry James. Edgar Allan Poe. Norman Rockwell. Eugene O'Neill. Jackson Pollack. Bob Dylan. The West Village has been home to more notable writers, artists, and musicians than perhaps any other part of the city. Not bad for an area that was initially notable as a place to get away from yellow fever.

People looking to escape the epidemics of the more crowded downtown area initially settled the West Village (which is usually shortened to "the Village") in the late 18th Century. It is somewhat ironic that Washington Square Park, the area's focal point, was once reserved for those people who didn't make it.

Of course, the park has changed quite a bit since then. After its initial morbid use, Washington Square was converted into a parade ground. By the time Henry James penned his own Washington Square, the park had already become the outdoor focus of the neighborhood. It remains so to this day.

Moderately busy during weekdays, the park becomes a hive of activity on weekends. Students like to lounge in the grass, neo-folkies and jugglers spread themselves around, and stand-up comics rehearse their material in the center fountain. Not even a tenth the size of Central Park, this tiny plot appears just as popular.

The most notable landmark in the park is undoubtedly the Washington Arch. The structure, which was originally constructed of wood, was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of our first president's inauguration. Peer north through the arch and you can see the beginning of Fifth Avenue.

The West Village area contains many landmark streets and buildings. Especially notable is Washington Mews, located between Fifth and University Avenues. Many of the homes on this cobblestone street were once stable houses for the buildings on Washington Square North. Strolling through here is recommended for anyone who has ever wanted to know what European villages are like.

Another historically significant building is located on 75½ Bedford Street. At 9½ feet, this converted carriage entrance is New York's narrowest dwelling. Why would someone want to live in something so narrow? At one time, taxes were assessed on building owners based on the width of their residence. So, this brownstone could actually be viewed as a tax loophole!

Continue following Bedford Street west, and eventually you (or him or her) will run into Christopher Street, the center of the gay and lesbian community. The sheer number of stores and restaurants on the street, many of them owned by people living in the area, make this a natural place for a pleasant day of window shopping.

It is also on Christopher Street where one of the most historically significant events in the gay rights movement occurred. At a bar called the Stonewall Inn on June 27, 1969, a group of gay men finally grew tired of watching other members of their community being arrested, and they fought back. The riots that erupted on that evening at 51 Christopher became a rallying cry for the gay movement.

Yet another street not to miss is Bleeker between Sixth Avenue and LaGuardia Place. Here you'll find the best strip of music clubs in town, with no less than four all concentrated in this small area. Many of these places have been hosting unknowns since Peter, Paul and Mary used to play here. After the gig, there are several outdoor cafes near MacDougal Street where you can enjoy coffee and a slice of cake as you watch the people walk by.

Because of the irregular grid structure, and the high volume of traffic, the village is one neighborhood where it's better not to have a car. Most conveniences are only a block or so away, and the beauty of the brownstones are best viewed on foot. It's no wonder that this area has remained popular with both tourists and residents alike.

SoHo Apartments

Like so many of Manhattan's neighborhoods, SoHo went through a number of incarnations before becoming the artistic and commercial hotspot it is today. There was a significant period of time when the area wasn't supposed to be supporting residents at all. Interestingly, the history of the area has only recently come full circle.

The area South of Houston-from which SoHo received its name-along Broadway was a brisk shopping spot in the 1850s. Back then, the city hadn't yet expanded its reach over the entire island. But as the city continued to grow, the stores began moving further uptown. In their place arose a myriad of warehouses.

Unlike Tribeca, the warehouses in this section were generally filled with material such as boxes, furs, and even rags. Because the majority of these materials were highly flammable, innumerable fires broke out in the area. The neighborhood soon acquired the rather unattractive nickname of Hell's Hundred Acres.

Eventually, the manufacturers left the area, leaving their warehouses unoccupied. The big, low cast-iron buildings didn't require large interior walls to support their weight, and had enormous interiors and larger windows than most apartment buildings. Artists found them perfect places in which to both work and live.

There was only one small catch-it was illegal to live there. The city had zoned the area for commercial, not residential, use. This didn't prevent artists from moving in, they just had to be more surreptitious about it. Eventually, there were enough people residing in the area that they were able to successfully lobby that the district be rezoned.

With all the artists now living in the area, it was only a matter of time before some of them began displaying their work to the public. Within the space of ten years, the neighborhood became the hottest spot for galleries in the city. Hell's Hundred Acres were forgotten, and the SoHo name was adopted in its place.

Of particular note in this district is the miniature version of Museum Mile to be found between Houston and Prince on Broadway. In the space of this one block you'll find no less than four. Included among them are the New Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum for African Art, and the SoHo branch of the Guggenheim.

For sheer browsing pleasure, than the strip of Prince Street between the two Broadways should fit the bill. In between the assorted galleries are several hip stores, restaurants, and bars. Although certainly not as inexpensive as in the past, you may be able to find that obscure little item you've been hunting for.

The indisputable epicenter of SoHo, however, would have to be West Broadway. Bustling with pedestrians just about any time of the week, this street kicks into overdrive during the weekends. In addition to the many outdoor cafes that place tables out on the sidewalk, many local artists and knick-knack vendors display their wares for the numerous passers-by.

As part of their struggle to keep their buildings intact, the artists who initially inhabited these cast-iron buildings had many of them declared historic landmarks. Now, newer stone and steel buildings model themselves in the same ornate style to such a degree that you might have trouble telling them apart. Chances are, however, that the newer buildings aren't quite as spacious inside.

If you feel like you'd like to spend your time in a low-rise district with lofts big enough to play racquetball in, then give SoHo a look. If you're new to the area, you might want to remember this handy pronunciation guide. Hew-ston is in Texas, How-ston is in Manhattan.

TriBeCa Apartments

Virtually devoid of full-time residents twenty years ago, the TRIangle BElow CAnal has since changed into one of the hottest and hippest places to live. Which is even more impressive considering that it was originally used as a market area.

The history of renters in the area, however, goes back much further. The land in this area was originally owned by Trinity Church (which still sits at the beginning of Wall Street), given to them when America was still a colony of England. The church then divided up the area into lots and allowed people to lease them for long periods of time.

Between the 1860s and the 1890s the area became the produce center for the city, and was known as Washington Market. Remnants of this time in the neighborhood's history can be found at Washington Market Park on Chambers Street. It was around this park that the first major transformation of the area began.

In order to fully take advantage of the market's sales potential, some of the wealthier merchants began building warehouses to store some of the imported goods. It was these large structures that gave the area the distinct features that it retains to this day. Unfortunately for the merchants, modern times would render Washington Market temporarily obsolete.

As the development of Manhattan continued its northern expansion, the streets and avenues were being made wider. Washington Market simply couldn't accommodate the larger vehicles being used to transport goods, and business migrated elsewhere. Eventually, the area slipped into relative obscurity.

When the rents in nearby SoHo began going higher, the artists who had originally settled in that area needed to find other locales to work and live in. The market area, with its undeveloped raw spaces, was a natural fit. Soon the cycle that began in SoHo began again in what was now becoming present-day Tribeca.

As Manhattan climbed out of the economic downturn of the 1970s, Tribeca became more of an open secret. Professionals and businesses took a marked interest in the area, until it has become the hot spot of the present.

Are you talkin' to me? It is impossible to mention Tribeca without mentioning one of the people who took such an active interest-Robert DeNiro. Not only is he responsible for the production and screening facilities that make up the Tribeca Film Center, he is also a major partner in the hottest restaurant located on the ground floor of the same building.

The Tribeca Grill is unquestionably the place to go stargazing in lower Manhattan. Aside from Mr. DeNiro himself, a number of celebrities who live in the area tend to favor the spot for its decidedly delectable cuisine. Be advised that this is not the restaurant to get a burger and fries. The food is taken quite seriously here, and the prices reflect that.

In general, people who are looking for an ideal place to raise a family have found Tribeca perfect for their needs. Although not quite as tourist friendly as SoHo, but a bit more animated than Battery Park City, the area is perfect for those who enjoy city life but don't want to be overwhelmed by it.

Battery Park City is unique among Manhattan's neighborhoods. During the day it is a busy hive of business activity, but it transforms itself into a quiet residential area once the sun sets. If you're looking for an enclave that offers both of these contrasts, then this just might be the neighborhood for you!

Using some of the dirt generated from the World Trade Center excavation, Battery Park City was attached to Manhattan island much like an addition to a home. Because of its relative newness, the neighborhood was designed to be much more in tune with its environment than other parts of the city. There are an abundance of trees on most of the streets, and the esplanade along the Hudson River waterfront makes for a wonderful stroll any time of the day.

The most instantly recognizable landmark of this section are the four interconnected buildings that comprise the World Financial Center. Every day of the week the pulse of national and international commerce quicken their rhythms as distant commuters and nearby residents work together to keep the lifeblood of business flowing smoothly.

The most striking feature in the Financial Center itself is undoubtedly the Winter Garden, an enclosed atrium that provides a wonderful view of the river, the 100+ foot yachts docked in the nearby marina, and what may be the only palm trees you'll find north of the Mason-Dixon. It's a great place to enjoy lunch, with frequent concerts and other events keeping the atmosphere lively.

A few blocks north of the Financial Center is what is probably the most distinguished learning institutions in all of New York after Columbia University: Stuyvesant High School. Only those students who earn the highest scores on the Specialized Science High School Admissions Test are allowed to attend. The good news is that residents can take advantage of Stuyvesant's swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts when school isn't in session-regardless of your test score.

For exercise of the mental variety, you can walk south to Wagner Park and visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The museum's mission is to educate people on Jewish life both before and after the Holocaust, and the more than 2,000 photographs serve as a moving testament to this time period in Jewish history.

Directly adjacent to Wagner Park is Battery Park itself. For a mere 50 cents each way, you can hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a speedy jaunt through New York Harbor. Those looking to get a better look at the Harbor's famous landmarks can also find ferries here to take them to either Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty. Understandably, tourists flock to these famous attractions during the summer months.

Staying in Batter Park City would be akin to having a place in the suburbs without having to pay for gas and tolls. Leaving the neighborhood does require walking across or above the West Side Highway, which is a bit of a chore if you just want to pop out for a quick slice of pizza. However, there are enough services already in the area (including two supermarkets) that this should present a problem only to those who can't live without immediate convenience.

Lower East Side Apartments

The Lower East Side has been a haven for immigrants through the past all the way up to the present day. This is one of the rare neighborhoods that contains a vibrant shopping district as well as generally lower prices than many of its purportedly posher counterparts.

The area has definitely risen above its original tenement origins. Settled first by Irish and German and then mostly Jewish immigrants, the section at one time had the highest density of people per square mile. Whole families crammed together in two, and sometimes one, room apartments. Nowadays the makeup of the area is primarily Chinese and Puerto Rican, with more and more refugees from the East Village also making their way over.

A worthy testament to this mostly vanished way of life can be found at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum on Orchard Street near Broome. The building has been restored to all its grimy ramshackle glory, and the guided tours are recommended for anyone who thinks that there couldn't possibly be anything smaller than their place.

If you continue on Orchard toward Houston Street you'll run straight into what is known as the Bargain District. Sundays here are a scene of chaotic commerce, with people arriving from all over in order to grab the best deal. Bring plenty of singles, and be prepared to haggle.

Although there are precious few remnants of the area's Jewish roots, thankfully there still extist two culinary classics. One is Katz's Deli on Houston, where your doctor would recommend you have your cholesterol checked before ordering the monstrous pastrami sandwich. The other is Ratner's, a kosher establishment which has recently made a nod to the changing makeup of the area by opening a hip bar in the back.

Cross over Houston Street to the lettered avenues and you'll be arriving in what used to be known as Alphabet City. In the early eighties this was an area to be tread carefully during the day, and avoided altogether if possible at night.

Time certainly has had an effect here, however. The same residents who were quick to avoid the area now flock here in hopes of escaping the rising prices of the surrounding neighborhoods. There is also a decidedly more bohemian feel to the area than ever before.

Nowhere is this more evident than travelling north from Avenue A. Restaurants, clubs, retail outlets and all-night diners can all be found along a ten-block stretch, many of them only a few years old. As a lot of these hot spots are just now being discovered, the area around here has an active nightlife, and is especially busy on summer and weekend nights.

An area that has also gone through a significant metamorphosis is Tompkins Square Park. Up until the late '80s the small park was a de facto shelter for the homeless, drug dealers and users, and various squatters. An aggressive police campaign has reclaimed the park for use by local residents, and reminders of that past are virtually nonexistent.

Those looking to find a bargain in a neighborhood not quite yet at its peak should be advised that the word is already out on the street about the Lower East Side. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be!

Little Italy Apartments / Chinatown Apartments

While their respective sights and sounds generally distinguish other neighborhoods in Manhattan from each other, Little Italy and Chinatown are probably better known for their tastes and smells. Each portion of these intermingling areas is rich in culinary tradition that has been kept alive since the days immigrants first brought them to our shores.

Although much smaller now than it was at its peak some decades ago, the core of Little Italy is still relatively easy to spot. Simply head north from Canal Street on Mulberry and you'll find a plethora of Italian restaurants and dessert shops, each more mouth-watering than the last. Ferrara's on Grand Street is famous both here and abroad for their Italian pastries, and an ideal spot to stop for coffee after dinner. Somewhat subdued during the day, this section comes alive at night and especially on weekends, with lines of people out in the street waiting to get in for dinner a common occurrence. The area reaches its manic peak during the week-long San Gennaro festival in mid-September. Thousands of people squeeze into the confines of Mulberry Street for more food, drinks, and entertainment than is probably good for them. If you decide to go, leave your concept of personal space behind.

Within the past five years, the boundaries of Little Italy have grown a little tighter as SoHo has begun spilling into its northern section. The area around Little St. Patrick's Church on Mulberry has seen the greatest effect of this recent influx, and is now occasionally referred to as Nolita (for North of Little Italy). This expansion is but an echo, however, of the shift happening in Little Italy's southern portion.

Because of a strict set of immigration laws near the turn of the century, Chinatown was originally an area of only a few blocks south of Canal Street on the east side of the island. After 1965, when the law was lifted, the Chinese immigrant population grew substantially from its confined space and into both the Lower East Side and Little Italy.

Canal Street during the day is a scene of constant commotion. Many of the local businesses compete fiercely for business, with almost every store displaying their inventory on the street right where it can be seen and purchased by casual strollers. This is an excellent place to pick up a novelty item or find a real bargain on a piece of electronics.

The culinary mainstays are mostly to be found in the narrow, jam-packed streets and alleys south of Canal. Meals here are generally less extravagantly priced than their Little Italy counterparts, but you still shouldn't expect to go away hungry. For those who like to wake up early on weekends, Dim Sum on Sunday morning is an experience not to be missed.

Columbus Park, near the heart of Chinatown, is one of New York's oldest examples of a neighborhood beautification campaign. In the early 19th century the spot was known as the Five Points (for the five streets that intersected there), and was a stronghold of violent Irish gangs. When the gangs were driven out in the latter half of the century, the park was built to improve the area. It is still popular with both the young and elderly of the area.

Despite all of its activity, the district retains its "neighborhood" feel, with generations growing up blocks from their childhood home. It is also a testament to the ideal of New York as melting pot, as fresh waves of immigrants slowly become a part of the larger cultural landscape.