New York, NY

NEW YORK is electric -- from the neon billboards of Times Square to Manhattan's night-lit skyline to the rush of people cramming the streets, subways, office towers, theaters and restaurants. An international capital of finance, fashion, media and the arts, it's a place where worlds collide to create an utterly distinctive energy. Underneath the cosmopolitan sheen, however, New York remains a city of neighborhoods. From the Lower East Side to Spanish Harlem, from Bedford Stuyvesant to Chinatown, Old World customs still have their place.

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Crime

During the day, walking alone or riding the subway is fairly safe; just make sure to hold your purse or wallet close (keep your wallet in your front pocket). Don't wear expensive jewelry. At night darkness and decreased activity present new dangers. Never walk through Central Park after dark and, as a rule, take cabs rather than the subway at night.

Beware of con artists in tourist areas, especially around Times Square. Just remember, if it's too good to be true, it's a con. Avoid Hell's Kitchen (west of the Theater District), Harlem and the Bowery at night. Do not walk down any block that looks desolate or sinister, and be wary of clusters of people standing on corners. Park your car in a garage (though you'll feel like you're being robbed when you pay the fee). Expect to be accosted by panhandlers on the streets and on the subway.

Business Attire/Practices

Business attire in New York is both formal and fashionable. Meetings and working lunches tend to be efficient rather than leisurely (don't take it personally). Punctuality is expected, but New Yorkers will understand if, for instance, your subway was held up in Times Square because of a track fire in Brooklyn. (It happens.)

Passport/Visa Requirements

Australians need passport, visa and proof of onward passage; citizens of the U.K. need passport and return proof of onward passage; Canadians need positive personal identification (in lieu of passport, a birth certificate along with an official photo ID). Confirm with carrier before departure.

Language

English. 

 Time Zone

Eastern. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Area Codes

Manhattan: 212. The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island: 718.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. When it's 8 am in New York City, it's 1 pm in London and 11 pm in Sydney. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Emergency Numbers

Dial 911 for police and medical emergencies. Dial (212) 577-7777 for Victim Services Hotline.

Emergency Health Care

Midtown on the West Side: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, 58th Street at Ninth Avenue, (212) 523-6800; St. Vincent's Hospital, Seventh Avenue and 11th Street, (212) 790-7997. Financial District: New York Downtown Hospital, 170 William St., (212) 312-5000. Midtown on the East Side: Beth Israel Medical Center, First Avenue and 16th Street, (212) 420-2840; New York University Medical Center, First Avenue and 30th Street, (212) 263-7300; Bellevue Hospital Center, First Avenue and 27th Street, (212) 561-4347. Upper East Side and East Harlem: Mount Sinai Hospital, Fifth Avenue and 100th Street, (212) 241-6500.

Emergency Pharmacies

Kaufman Pharmacy (open 24 hours), Lexington Avenue at 50th Street, (212) 755-2266; Elm Drugs, 298 First Ave. (between 17th and 18th), (212) 777-0740 or (212) 777-1467.

Banking Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 3 or 3:30 pm; some banks stay open till 5:30 or 6 pm one day. Some open on Saturday mornings.

Currency Exchange

American Express, Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange and Chemical Bank Foreign Currency Exchange have offices throughout the city.

Sales or Use Tax

8.25%; additional 5% plus $2-a-night for hotel.

Disabled Advisory

For a copy of Access for All (accessibility information for disabled travelers), call (212) 575-7660, or write to Hospital Audiences, Access Dept., 220 W. 42nd St., 13th floor, 10036. Costs $5. Or contact the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, 52 Chambers St., Office 206, 10007, (212) 788-2830.

Mail and Package Service

The Main Post Office is open 24 hours; special services have limited hours. 421 Eighth Ave. (at 33rd Street), (212) 967-8585.

Federal Express, 560 W. 42nd St. (at 11th Avenue), (212) 777-6500; United Parcel Service, 643 W. 43rd St., (212) 695-7500.

Newspapers and Magazines

Newsstands are on street corners, subway platforms and in office-building lobbies. 24-hour newsstands include Lexington Avenue at 86th Street and Sixth Avenue at 8th Street. Hotalings sells out-of-town and foreign newspapers: 142 W. 42nd St. (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), (212) 840-1868. Hudson News also has a large selection of foreign papers and is more convenient to downtown: 753 Broadway (near 8th St.), (212) 674-6655.

The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are available everywhere, as are the daily tabloids: New York Newsday (respectable); The New York Daily News (local and national news); and The New York Post (sensational local news, excellent sports section). The Village Voice (liberal weekly; excellent entertainment listings) is published Wednesdays.

New York magazine, The New Yorker and Time Out New York all list local cultural happenings.

For More Information

The New York Convention and Visitors Bureau (publishes Big Apple Visitor's Guide), 2 Columbus Circle, 10019, (212) 397-8222.

ARRIVING BY AIR

Airport Transportation

New York is served by three major airports: LaGuardia Airport in Queens, 8 mi/13 km from Midtown; John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), 15 mi/24 km east of Midtown; and Newark International Airport in New Jersey, 16 mi/26 km west of Midtown.

Hotel Courtesy Vans

You'll find them in the Ground Transportation area outside of baggage claim. Most courtesy vans from hotels near the airports are free and run every 30 minutes.

Commercial Shuttles

Carey Airport Express Bus runs between the two airports (LaGuardia and JFK) and Grand Central and Port Authority Bus Terminal. At Grand Central you can pick up a free minibus shuttle for Penn Station and many Midtown hotels. $9 from LaGuardia; $13 from JFK. (718) 632-0500.

Gray Line Air Shuttle serves Manhattan hotels from LaGuardia, JFK and Newark. $13.50 from LaGuardia; $16.50 from JFK; $18.50 to Newark, $14 from Newark. (212) 315-3006 or (800) 451-0455.

Departing from Newark Airport, Olympia Trails Airport Express Bus makes stops at Penn Station, Grand Central Station and the World Trade Center ($7). (212) 964-6233, (908) 354-3330 or (718) 622-7700.

Delta Water Shuttle runs from LaGuardia's Marine Air Terminal to 34th Street and Pier 11 at Wall Street in Manhattan. Takes 25 minutes to 34th Street, 40 minutes to Pier 11. $20 one way, $30 round trip. (800) 54-FERRY.

Taxis

Taxi stands are outside baggage claim areas. Approximate fare from Newark to Midtown: $60; from JFK: $30 plus tolls and tip; from LaGuardia: $20-$25. Do not accept rides in "gypsy" (unofficial) cabs.

Limousines

Limousines are available from LaGuardia to Midtown. Reservations needed. Tel Aviv, $18 plus tolls and tip, (212) 505-0555; Olympia, $24 plus tolls (tip included), (212) 995-1200.

Rental Cars

Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National are on site at all three airports.

HOTELS

Choosing a hotel in New York is not always a simple matter; often the correlation between quality and cost appears slight. Convenience usually counts the most, and hotels closest to the business districts and attractions tend to be a little pricier. Nevertheless, beautiful rooms and even simple accommodations do exist, even in popular areas.

If you are traveling on business, make it a point to inquire about corporate rates. Also, most hotels allow children under 18 to stay free in the same room with their parents. Rooms fill fast during the week of the New York Marathon in November, during any of the annual holiday parades, and around New Year's Eve, but there is never really a quiet period. Below is a sampling of accommodations recommended by our correspondents; it is not intended to be a comprehensive list. Expect costs to fall within these general guidelines, based on the standard rate for a single room: $ = $65 to $125; $$ = $125 to $185; $$$ = more than $185.

AT OR NEAR THE AIRPORTS

JFK Airport Hilton: Conveniently located next to Kennedy International Airport and a 20-minute drive from Midtown Manhattan. Free airport shuttle. Exceptional business facilities, as well as a fitness room. $$. 138-10 135th Ave., Jamaica, (718) 322-8700, fax (718) 529-0749.

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel: In the heart of the Flushing commercial center, about three miles from the airport. Gourmet lobby restaurant, excellent meeting facilities and health club. One mile from Shea Stadium and one mile from the U.S. Open Tennis Center. $$. 135-20 39th Ave., Flushing, (718) 460-6666, fax (718) 445-2655.

Newark Airport Holiday Inn North: Two miles from the airport; free shuttle (5:30 am to 1:30 am). Outdoor pool. $. 160 Frontage Rd., (201) 589-1000, fax (201) 589-1000.

DOWNTOWN

Marriott at the World Trade Center: Located between the Twin Towers, this hotel is perfectly located for taking advantage of the plethora of shopping and dining options in the World Trade Center and the World Financial Center. Roof top fitness center with pool, jogging track and racquetball court. Great views of the Hudson. $$$; special weekend rates (from $189) may include continental breakfast and parking. 3 World Trade Center, (212) 938-9100, fax (212) 444-3575.

NEAR MIDTOWN AND ATTRACTIONS

Best Western Woodward: Located in the heart of the theater district in a renovated beaux-arts building. The multilingual staff, food service is from the Carnegie Deli (try the famous overstuffed pastrami or corned beef sandwiches). Complimentary access to Prescriptives Gym. $$. 210 W. 55th St. (212) 247-2000 or (800) 336-4110, fax (212) 581-2248.

The Plaza Hotel: This city and national historic landmark is beautiful, luxurious and right in the thick of things. You have only to cross the street to be in Central Park, walk a few blocks to see Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, and stroll up Fifth Avenue a mile or so to visit the Metropolitan Museum. The Oak Bar in the hotel is a comfortable (and expensive) place to have a drink. Exercise room. $$$. Fifth Avenue at 59th Street, (212) 759-3000, fax (212) 546-5234.

The Wellington Hotel: A real oddity: A reasonably priced hotel, with adequate rooms, in a great location. Don't expect anything fancy (promised amenities are restricted to air-conditioning, private bath and cable color TV), but if you're looking for a clean place to lay your head in the heart of Midtown, give it a try. $$. 55th Street and Seventh Avenue, (212) 247-3900, fax (212) 581-1719.

Paramount: They don't get any hipper than this. What was once a residential hotel on the outskirts of the Theater District has been totally transformed by Philippe Stark. The lobby is spare but grand, and the rooms: few are larger than most cruise-ship cabins: are crammed with surreal touches. The clientele includes young foreign travelers who seem to be more fashion conscious than your average backpacker. Restaurant open till 12:30 or 1:30 am, Whiskey Bar open till 4 am. Fitness center, playroom. $$-$$$. 235 W. 46th St., (212) 764-5500, fax (212) 354-5237.

The Essex House: Now owned by the Nikko chain of hotels, the Essex House consistently gets rave reviews. Updated during extensive renovations a few years ago but retains the 1930s exterior and art deco elevator doors. Small spa, exercise room, two restaurants. $$$. 160 Central Park South (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), (212) 247-0300, fax (212) 315-1839.

Le Parker Meridien: Modern French hotel with comfortable rooms, great location, a rooftop swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. $$$; special weekend rates from $$. 118 W. 57th St., (212) 245-5000, fax (212) 307-1776.

EAST SIDE

Morgan's: An elite little hotel favored by artists, designers, producers and celebrities. It's within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal and shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenues. The decor is basic black-and-white art deco, with fresh flowers and a VCR in every room. Androgynous, too-perfect staff provides good service. Continental breakfast free of charge. Currently undergoing renovations. $$$. 237 Madison Ave. (between 37th and 38th Streets), (212) 686-0300, fax (212) 779-8352.

The New York Mayfair: An exceptional hotel close to shopping (on Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue), the Metropolitan Museum and Central Park. Famous for its tea lounge (its famous restaurant, Le Cirque, has moved). Health club. $$$. 455 Madison Ave., (212) 288-0800, fax (212) 737-0538.

Grand Hyatt New York Hotel: Towering over Park Avenue at Grand Central Terminal, this 34-story hotel complex is close to shopping, theaters and a variety of restaurants (the hotel itself has two restaurants). Full health club, pool and whirlpool. $$$. 109 E. 42nd St., (212) 883-1234, fax (212) 697-3772.

The Peninsula: Rooms are furnished with original art nouveau, and the lobby is transfixed by a sweeping marble staircase. There's a state-of-the-art health club and spa on the tri-level, glass-enclosed roof. Two restaurants, the Adrian and the Bistro, plus Pen-Top Bar for cocktails, light snacks and panoramic city views. $$$. 700 Fifth Ave. (55th Street), (212) 247-2200, (212) 903-3949.

RESTAURANTS

New York's reputation for culinary excellence is a truism. With so many restaurants per square mile, representing every ethnicity on the globe (and a few unusual fusions: Cuban-Chinese, for example), several at least would have to be outstanding. For Indian food, go to any of the embarrassingly low-priced restaurants on 6th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue (Panaa is a good choice, though very cramped). Give in to your temptation and buy a hot dog with the works from any curbside vendor, or a soft pretzel slathered in mustard, or hot chestnuts in winter, or a falafel sandwich or pizza by the slice (to eat New York-style, fold the slice before eating). For breakfast, try one of the coffee shops or Greek diners on most blocks. Remember that ordering coffee "regular" at a diner will get you coffee with milk.

It is advisable to make dinner reservations at hot spots one to two months in advance, particularly for weekend nights. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one with one drink and tip: $ = less than $10; $$ = $10-$20; $$$ = $20-$50; $$$$ = more than $50.

BEST IN TOWN

Le Cirque: Due to reopen in a new location in early 1997, this restaurant has a long-standing reputation for excellence. Miraculous meals are served in close quarters. The wine list is extensive and reasonable. Unless you absolutely cannot take another bite, do not pass up the creme brule! Monday-Saturday 11:45 am to 2:45 pm and 5:45 to 10:30 pm. Reservations necessary. Major credit cards. $$$$. New address: 455 Madison Ave., (212) 794-9292.

Chanterelle: The menu changes monthly, but the food, wine list and service are always first rate. Monday 6 to 10:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday noon to 2:30 pm and Monday-Saturday 5:30 to 11 pm. Reservations recommended. Major credit cards. $$$$. 2 Harrison St. (at Hudson), (212) 966-6960.

Daniel: By all accounts one of the best new restaurants in New York. Specialties include scallops with porcini, lobster consomme with fennel and caviar, and veal shank with swiss chard and cranberry beans. Monday-Saturday 5:45 to 11:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday noon to 2:30 pm. Reservations necessary. All major credit cards. $$$$; three-course prix-fixe lunch $33, 8-course tasting dinner $96. 20 E. 76th St. (in the Hotel Surrey), (212) 288-0033.

LOCAL FAVORITES

Peter Luger: A real New York steak house decorated in wood and brass with an elbow-worn oak bar. No menus are needed: Choose either the juicy, broiled porterhouse steak or the double lamb chops. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am to 9:45 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:45 am to 9 pm. Reservations necessary. No credit cards. $$$$. By subway, take the Marcy Avenue stop on the J train. 178 Broadway (next to Williamsburg Bridge), Brooklyn, (718) 387-7400.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Many hotels have computers, audiovisual equipment, photocopiers, fax machines and secretarial assistance available for their guests. Additional resources are listed below.

Audiovisual Equipment

ACE Audio-Visual, 13 E. 31st St., (212) 685-3344; King Cole Audio-Visual Service (24-hour service), 47-59 49th St., Woodside, Queens, (718) 937-1170 or (212) 532-6780.

Cellular-Phone Rental

Shared Technology Cellular Rental, 358 Seventh Ave., (718) 335-4072 or (800) 933-3836; InTouch USA, 1560 Broadway, Suite 416, (212) 391-8323.

Computer Rental

All Service Computer Rentals (business rentals only), 600 W. 58th St., Suite 9117, (212) 524-0003; Vernon Computer Rentals, 77 Selleck St., Stamford, CT, (800) 827-3434.

Convention Services and Meeting Planning

New York Convention and Visitor's Bureau, 2 Columbus Circle, 10019, (212) 484-1200 or (800) NYC-VISIT; Circles Special Events, 404 Park Ave. S. (between 28th and 29th), (212) 686-2200; Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (city's convention center), 655 W. 34th St., 10001, (212) 216-2000.

Messenger Service

Airline Delivery Services (24 hours), 60 E. 42nd St., (212) 687-5145; Bullit Messenger Services (24 hours), 405 Lexington Ave. (Chrysler Building), (212) 855-5555 or (212) 221-7900.

Photocopying

Sprint Copy Center, 2790 Broadway, (212) 864-5491; Kinko's (24 hours), 16 E. 52nd St., (212) 308-2679, plus two other locations.

Secretarial Services

Type Quik Typing Service, 400 E. 85th St., (212) 744-2529; Network Temporaries; 18 E. 41st St., (212) 683-2300.

Translators and Interpreters

Berlitz Translation Services, 257 Park Ave. S., (212) 777-7878 or (800) 628-4808; Rennert Bilingual Translations, 216 E. 45th St., 17th floor, (212) 819-1776.

SIGHTSEEING/SHOPPING

New York is very much a walking city, so hit the pavement. Stay alert! Half the fun is uncovering the sights between the sights.

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty: Trace the steps of immigrant ancestors. Take Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry at Battery Park (Lower West Side of Manhattan). Statue of Liberty, (212) 269-5755; Ellis Island, (212) 363-3200; ferry, (212) 269-5755.

Greenwich Village: Longtime artist community; lovely place to stroll and stop for tea. Houston Street north to 14th Street, Broadway west to Hudson River.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Art and artifacts covering 5,000 years of world culture. Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, (212) 570-3711.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): Art from the 1880s to the present. 11 W. 53rd St., (212) 708-9400 or (212) 708-9480.

Museum of Natural History: Recently renovated dinosaur exhibits and much more. Central Park West at 79th Street, (212) 769-5100.

New York Stock Exchange: Visitors' gallery overlooks the trading floor. 20 Broad St., (212) 656-5167.

Rockefeller Center: Famous for its Christmas tree, ice-skating rink and NBC Studios. Fifth Avenue between 47th and 52nd Streets, (212) 698-8900. NBC Studio tours: (212) 664-7174.

Times Square: Huge billboards, porn palaces and Broadway theaters clamor for attention along with the new Virgin Megastore music emporium and the Disney Store. Broadway to Seventh Avenue, between 42nd and 47th.

World Trade Center: See beyond New York Harbor from 107 stories up. Downtown, bordered by West, Church, Liberty and Vesey Streets, (212) 323-2340.

St. Patrick's Cathedral: Enormous and ornate Gothic-style cathedral. Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, (212) 753-2261.

Central Park Wildlife Center: A delightful, beautifully landscaped zoo. (212) 439-8030.

New York Public Library: Beautiful beaux-arts building, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995. Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, (212) 930-0800.

Frick Collection: Henry Frick's fabulous collection of 14th-to 19th-century European paintings, objets d'art and furniture. 1 E. 70th St., (212) 288-0700.

Sony IMAX Theater: Eight-story screen; 3-D imaging. Broadway at 68th Street, (212) 336-5000.

From the elegant Fifth Avenue department stores to the small specialty shops and bargain basements, New York is truly a shopper's heaven. The city offers whole districts of stores devoted to such particulars as antiques, jewelry, sewing notions and plants.

Trendy Shopping Areas

Fifth Avenue from Central Park South (59th Street) to 42nd Street; Upper East Side, between 57th and 96th and Madison and Lexington; SoHo (South of Houston); Greenwich Village and the East Village, below Washington Square; South Street Seaport (J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Gap), Fulton Street at the East River.

Best Department Stores

Bergdorf Goodman (expensive array of designer clothing, perfumes and other lofty-priced merchandise), 754 Fifth Ave., (212) 753-7300; Henri Bendel (exclusive constellation of lush boutiques), 712 Fifth Ave., (212) 247-1100; Saks Fifth Avenue (legendary for service and style), 611 Fifth Ave., (212) 753-4000; Bloomingdale's (famous and unequivocally trendy), 59th Street at Lexington, (212) 355-5900; and Barneys New York (expensive designer clothes and furnishings for young, wealthy professionals), 106 Seventh Ave. (at 17th Street), (212) 593-7800.

Jewelry

Tiffany & Co. (fabulous gems, china, glassware), Fifth Ave. at 57th St., (212) 755-8000; Harry Winston (understated, expensive elegance), 718 Fifth Ave., (212) 245-2000; International Jewelers Exchange (discounted jewelry in the Diamond District), 578 Fifth Ave., (212) 382-2270.

Bookstores

Barnes & Noble, Fifth Avenue at 18th Street (and its bargains annex across the street), (212) 807-0099; J. N. Bartfield Galleries and Books (first editions and antique books), 30 W. 57th St., Third Floor, (212) 245-8890; Strand Book Store (miles of new and used), 828 Broadway, (212) 473-1452; Rizzoli (international selection), 31 W. 57th St., (212) 759-2424.

Unique or Unusual

Tourneau Watches (fine, rare timepieces), 500 Madison Ave., (212) 758-3265; Steuben (glass sculpture), 715 Fifth Ave., (212) 752-1441; Zabar's (superdeli), 2245 Broadway, (212) 787-2000; F.A.O. Schwarz (the ultimate toy store), 767 Fifth Ave., (212) 644-9400.

Best Discount Stores Century 21 (vast selection of marked-down designer clothing), opposite the World Trade Center at 22 Cortland St., (212) 227-9092; Syms (best for men's designer suits, coats and sweaters), 42 Trinity Place near Rector, (212) 797-1199; Daffy's (cheap clothing and marked-down lesser-known designers), 111 Fifth Ave., (212) 529-4477.

Antiques

Florian Papp (English and European furniture), 962 Madison Ave., (212) 288-6770; Philippe Farley (antique furnishings), 157 East 64th St., (212) 472-1622; Laura Fisher/Antique Quilts & Americana, Gallery 84, 1050 Second Ave., (212) 838-2596.

Art Galleries

The prominent galleries in Manhattan are located in three areas: 57th Street west of Fifth, Madison north of 63rd Street, and SoHo.

Markets

GreenMarket (produce market; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), Union Square, (212) 477-3220; The Annex (antiques/flea market; Saturday and Sunday), Sixth Avenue at 26th Street, (212) 243-5343.

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE

PERFORMING ARTS

The lights and legend of Broadway attract the brightest new talent and the finest dance, musical and dramatic productions.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: This hydra-headed complex houses the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the Juilliard School, the New York City Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Opera, the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Lincoln Center Theatre, the School of American Ballet and the New York Public Library's Library and Museum of the Performing Arts. Columbus Avenue at 64th Street, (212) 875-5400.

Carnegie Hall: Continuous performances of classical, pop and jazz. 881 Seventh Ave. (at 57th Street), (212) 247-7800.

Radio City Music Hall: Flashy art deco hall hosts everything from Christmas concerts with kicking Rockettes to Liza Minelli. 1260 Sixth Ave. (at 50th Street), (212) 247-4777.

City Center: Alvin Ailey and other dance companies perform here; home of Manhattan Theatre Club. 131 W. 55th St. For tickets: (212) 581-7907. For Theater Club: (212) 581-1212.

Madison Square Garden: Above Penn Station, a versatile entertainment complex. Home of New York Knicks and Rangers. Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd, (212) 465-6000.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music: Showcases new dance, music, opera and theater productions. 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, (718) 636-4100.

New York Grand Opera: Performs free at the Central Park Summerstage June-August. (212) 360-2777.

Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theaters: Check the listings at the end of the Calendar section, as well as in various local papers.

We don't need to tell you that this city never sleeps. A very small sample of nightlife options follows.

Comedy Clubs

Caroline's Comedy Club (up-and-coming comedians), 1626 Broadway, (212) 757-4100. Comic Strip Live (small, popular), 1568 Second Ave., (212) 861-9386.

Live Music

The Bitter End (blues, folk, jazz), 147 Bleecker St., (212) 673-7030. The Blue Note (top jazz performers), 131 W. Third St., (212) 475-8592. CBGB (loud, raucous alternative music), 315 Bowery, (212) 982-4052. Sounds of Brazil (S.O.B.) (live reggae, Latin and Caribbean music), 204 Varick St., (212) 243-4940. Sweet Basil (high-profile jazz), 88 Seventh Ave. S., (212) 242-1785. Village Vanguard (jazz institution), 178 Seventh Ave. S., (212) 255-4037.

Nightclubs and Dancing

Au Bar (international crowd), 41 E. 58th St., (212) 308-9455. China Club (beautiful people, aging rock stars), 2130 Broadway, (212) 877-1166. Webster Hall (hip clientele, popular), 125 E. 11th St., (212) 353-1600. Rainbow Room/Rainbow and Stars Club (romantic views, ballroom dancing), 30 Rockefeller Plaza, (212) 632-5000.

Taverns and Pubs

Fraunces Tavern (George Washington was a regular), 54 Pearl St., (212) 269-0144. North Star Pub (vast selection of British beers), 93 South St., South Street Seaport, (212) 509-6757. Chumley's (warm and inviting), 86 Bedford St. (corner of Bedford and Barrow), (212) 675-4449. White Horse Tavern (popular West Village bar), 567 Hudson St. (at 11th Street), (212) 243-9260. Uncle Charlie's (a friendly gay pub), 56 Greenwich Ave. (between 6th and 7th Avenues), (212) 255-8787. Zip City (beer brewed on premises), 3 W. 18th St., (212) 366-6333. McSorley's Old Ale House (an old, atmospheric saloon), 15 E. 7th St. (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), (212) 473-9248. Heartland Brewery (popular microbrewery on Union Square), 35 Union Square West (between 16th and 17th Streets), (212) 645-3500.

Golf

Bethpage Public Golf Course (five courses), about an hour east of New York on Long Island, Quaker Meeting House Rd., Farmingdale, (516) 249-0701; Spook Rock Public Golf Course (top public course), about an hour from the George Washington Bridge, 199 Spook Rock Rd., Ramapo, (914) 357-6466.

Health Clubs

New York Health and Racquet Club (indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, latest equipment), 24 East 13th St., (212) 924-4600; Cardio-Fitness Center (fitness evaluation, personal trainers), 9 W. 57th St., (212) 753-3980; Prescriptive Fitness (cardiovascular machines, personal trainers), 1926 Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets, (212) 874-0942; Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex (indoor ice-skating rinks, swimming pool, hot tub, driving range), Hudson River between 17th and 23rd Streets), (212) 336-6666.

Note: New York health clubs seldom offer one-day visits.

Jogging

A popular destination for runners is the 1.58-mi/2.5-km cinder path looping around the Reservoir in Central Park (between 84th and 96th Streets). Daytime venue only.

Spectator Sports

Shea Stadium is home to baseball's New York Mets. Flushing, Queens, (718) 507-TIXX.

The New York Yankees play baseball at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx, (718) 293-6013.

The New York Knicks play basketball at Madison Square Garden. 33rd and Seventh Avenue, (212) 465-6040.

The New York Giants and New York Jets play football at the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ. Giants: (201) 935-8222; Jets: (516) 538-7200.

The New York Rangers play hockey at Madison Square Garden. 33rd and Seventh Avenue, (212) 465-6486.

The New York City Marathon is in November. For information, call (212) 860-4455.

The U.S. Tennis Open is in late August-early September. National Tennis Center, Flushing, Queens, (718) 760-6200.

The Virginia Slims Tennis Championships are in November at Madison Square Garden. 33rd and Seventh Avenue, (212) 465-6500.