Cristina Gibson

History buffs will love this Upper West Side institution. Built in 1804, it's the oldest museum in New York City. In a nod to history, the museum kept the hyphen in its name—that’s how the city’s name was spelled back in the early 1800s. The New-York Historical Society features more than 1.6 million works that explore the history of the city and the country, including exhibits, art and historical artifacts. The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library has more than three million books, newspapers, maps, photographs and more from our nation’s founding through slavery and Reconstruction and beyond. The Gilder Lehrman Collection is also housed in the New-York Historical Society, where you can view signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment and the Constitution. If all that history makes you hungry or thirsty, enjoy lunch or dinner at Storico, an Italian Starr restaurant, or grab a java at Parliament Espresso and Coffee Bar. The institution opened a free exhibition mounted in the museum’s rear courtyard, “Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine” on August 14. At the height of the quarantine, writer and human-rights activist Kevin Powell and photographer Kay Hickman spent two days traveling the five boroughs to interview and take photos of ordinary New Yorkers living during an extraordinary moment for the outdoor show. Its museum and library reopens on September 11. Don’t miss floor fourThe museum recently opened the Henry Luce III Center on the fourth fl

Everything you need to know about visiting Brookfield Place (230 Vesey St, New York 10281). There’s something for everyone, from label-loving fashionistas and discerning foodies, at this waterfront shopping and dining mecca in Battery Park City. In addition to housing corporate offices, Brookfield Place has a myriad of luxury stores, including Burberry, DVF, Gucci, Hermes Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch. Not looking to spend a lot of dough during your visit? There’s also a Rite Aid Pharmacy for any essentials you may need and an Equinox Fitness Center if you’re in search of a sweat session or spa trip. If you’re hungry for delicious cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options for every budget, whether you’re seeking a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite on the go. Meat eaters have plenty to chew on, including steakhouse staples Del Frisco’s and P.J. Clarke’s, mouthwatering BBQ from Mighty Quinn’s or a juicy burger at Umami Burger. Le District Marketplace serves up French fare, including hand-cut fries and frosé, while Dos Toros Taqueria, Chop’t Salads and Black Seed Bagel offer less expensive options you can nosh on between your window shopping. Got a sweet tooth? Swing by Sprinkles for a cupcake, and don’t leave without catching the sunset over the Hudson River. Get cookingBrookfield Place also features the Institute of Culinary Education, where you can learn to cook and mix cocktails from the pros themselves. Summer 2017 classes offered include Summer

UPDATE: Make sure to check for changes in its reopening plan here. Although it’s no longer the tallest building in New York City, this world-famous landmark remains a Manhattan icon for good reason. The main deck on the 86th floor is the highest open-air observatory in NYC, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and more ($34, seniors $31, children $27). Famous faces such as Chrissy Teigen, Celine Dion and Neil Patrick Harris have all been spotted enjoying the views from the top, which you’ll recognize from countless movies and TV shows. If you can’t get high enough, head to the 102nd floor's indoor observation deck for a full view of Central Park ($54, seniors $51, children $47). The Dare to Dream exhibit on the 80th floor honors the 3,400 people who built the 1,454-foot skyscraper and features original photographs, architectural sketches and construction notes. Before visiting, download the ESB app on iTunes or Google Play for exclusive content and access to a free audio tour. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things do in NYC Why wait?The best time to visit with shorter lines is between 8 and 11am. If you’ve got no time at all for lines, nab an Express Pass ($60 for main deck, $80 for both decks), which will allow you to skip past everyone. But take note: The Express Pass is strictly sold online, so don’t be fooled by any people peddling them on the street. Be an early bird and night owlWhat better place to catch a