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About the Museum of the City of New York: The Museum of the City of New York's vivid programming and peek-into-the-past exhibitions are ideal for history lovers and, of course, fans of all things New York City. Photographs and relics capture the ambience of past eras—from the buildings, apartments, parks and streets that make up NYC's urban landscape to the cultures, people, sights, sounds and styles that constitute its unmistakable identity. Check out the ongoing video installation Timescapes: A Multimedia Portrait of New York, a 22-minute journey through the history of the City. Visit mcny.org to learn about the exhibitions currently on view and entertainment offered at the space, including musical performances, talks with historians and readings.

While you're in the neighborhood: If you're in the mood to visit a restaurant whose menu features nearly every imaginable traditional Italian dish, simply walk north on Fifth Avenue until you reach Gran Piatto d'Oro. If Creole-style eats—like okra gumbo or roast chicken topped with crawfish—are more your cup of tea, try Creole Restaurant and Music Supper Club (if you're lucky, you'll catch a jazz performance or jam session while you nibble). The typical flavors of El Barrio (Spanish Harlem), though, are Latin ones—and they can be found throughout the area. Amor Cubano dishes up Cuban classics (say, ropa vieja) and a wide array of mojitos to go with regular live music events. The popular La Fonda Boricua, meanwhile, is home to as-authentic-as-it-gets Puerto Rican fare. Chef Bobby Flay attempted to top the spot's famous arroz con pollo on his show Throwdown! With Bobby Flay—he failed. Even the steak houses in Spanish Harlem boast a bit of Latin flair. Case in point: Ricardo Steakhouse, where you can order a New York strip and accompany it with avocado salad or beef empanadas.