Though best known for such landmarks as the Empire State Building and theater productions on Broadway, New York City has much to offer travelers looking for something off the tourist circuit. Since New York is a truly international city, it has activities for each and every preference or taste.
St. John the Divine is located on the Upper West Side near Columbia University. Although it is still not completely built, it is the largest place of worship in the country. When it is finished, its 601-foot length will make it the third largest cathedral in the world. St. John the Divine is famous for its stained glass windows, which include the largest panel in the United States. Though the cathedral suffered a fire in 2001, guests can still visit and worship as the construction continues.
El Museo del Barrio, located on the Upper East Side near Central Park, is dedicated to the culture of Puerto Rico. The museum, which opened in 1969, also features exhibitions and performances by all types of Latin artists. Part of its collection includes artifacts from the pre-Columbian Americas and things used in ceremonies and other rituals. El Museo del Barrio also includes art from non-Spanish speaking nations such as Haiti and Brazil.
New York's Museum of Sex follows the city's risque history from peep shows, to strip clubs to the burgeoning '70s porn scene. Though the museum does deal with explicit content, it is neither sleazy nor distasteful. The museum, which opened in 2002, houses a collection sex films, photos and artifacts such as old sex toys and vintage pornographic comics.
For those looking to escape the bustle of Manhattan, this Brooklyn park offers an abundance of attractions with fewer people. The 585-acre Prospect Park was created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park. Besides bicycle paths, meadows and barbecue pits, Prospect Park is home to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Located near the Brooklyn Art Museum and Public Library, this quiet getaway offers more than a day's worth of activities.
