Excursions

Some excursions offered by New York Esperantist potential guides are: Tree Tour of Central Park, Tour of UN by Former Employee, Esperanto Cafe, World Trade Center Site. The official excursion(s) that will be part of the convention program have not been decided on yet; we'd like your feedback. The following is a list of other possibilities. Also, you could do these on your own before or after the convention.

Walking Excursions

The Garment District: Historically the area to the north of the convention site was a center for garment factories, wholesalers, and suppliers, and the pelt trade.

Chelsea: A diverse residential neighborhood today, this was the location where the famous poem "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" was written. It is rapidly becoming a center for art, and some 400 galleries are to be found there.

Chelsea Waterside Park: Follow 8th Avenue south to 23rd Street and go to the right to reach the Hudson River. The park extends to the left. Madison Square Garden (MSG): Follow Seventh Avenue north to 31st Street to a large circular building covering four city blocks. A venue for sports and concerts Madison Square Garden occupies the site of the old Pennsylvania Station, an architectural masterpiece whose destruction to develop MSG sparked the creation of the landmark preservation movement in New York.

Empire State Building: On 34th Street between 6th and 5th Avenues. Art Deco architecture may be viewed in the exterior and lobby. An observation deck on the 86th floor offers a panoramic view of the city. Because of security carry ID and no large bags. Times Square: Walk north along 7th Avenue to 42nd Street.

Union Square: Follow 23rd Street east to Broadway and then south. On the way see the Flatiron Building at 23rd and Broadway, New York’s first skyscraper. Stand at the point of the building and look up. Union Square and adjacent 14th Street in the summer host street markets and cheap clothing shops.

Post-Convention Excursions

Sightseeing Cruise around Manhattan: Even in the heat of the summer the breezes on the water refresh, as you see the city in panorama. A guide describes the landmarks and history of the city. New York has eight suspension bridges and you will pass under or see six or seven of them. A three-hour cruise costs $29.

Sightseeing Bus through Manhattan: This is slower, but penetrates to all parts of the island. There are several routes in Manhattan, and one can spend an entire day exploring them. You may also get a pass to stop along the way and reboard another bus. Various prices from $49.

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island: Liberty Island has a park and the Statue of Liberty. You can climb the stairs to the head of the statue. The inside of the statue is dehumidified and illuminated. Very interesting details of the structural framing are highlighted. A museum in the base of the pedestal shows the history and construction of the monument. Including waiting on line the visit takes three to four hours. On Ellis Island you can visit the main receiving hall where 12 million immigrants entered the US. Poignant human histories are evoked in the exhibits. Ferries leave continuously from lower Manhattan and land at both islands. For your ticket you can visit both islands. The fare is $11.50.

United Nations: Guided tours of the building and grounds last about one hour and cost $12.

Coney Island: Historic amusement park in Brooklyn. Travel there by subway. Eat hot dogs. A six-hour pass with unlimited access to most rides costs $23.

Bronx zoo & Botanical Garden: Spend a whole day visiting these two adjacent parks. Travel by subway. Tickets cost $8 for the zoo. The Garden has various shows and events and the ticket price may vary to include these. Basic entry price starts at $5.

Museums: The Museum of Natural History has one of the largest dinosaur collections and the Hayden Planetarium. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has sections on classic art, antiquities, and medieval art and armor. Tickets are $5 to $8. The Indian Museum presents art and artfacts from the Americas.