A Guide to Art and Travel in New York City

Planning your own art tour of New York City is the best way to see what you want to see in the time that you have available. Even though there is some convenience and interesting guide information offered by guided tours and tour companies, I find that I can get around quicker, see more and pick and choose the tours and guides I want when I feel they are necessary.

Here are my favorite museums, galleries, tours and things to do when I am in New York City and want to focus on the great art to be seen around town.

Museums
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue. New York
The world renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the most varied collections that I have had the opportunity to view. Because of the huge collection and overall wealth of art that makes up this museum, I recommend taking a look at the website and choosing two or three galleries that you are interested in and want to focus on. By choosing just a couple galleries you get to see what you really do not want to miss and don't get sidetracked by everything else. If you have time later on your visit, you can always squeeze in another trip.

Some of my favorites in The Met include the Ancient Egypt collection, the early American art collection including Washington Crossing the Delaware, and the Middle Age arms and armor collection. Another must see destination, The Cloisters, which is part of The Met, just in another location.

The Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), New York, NY
The Guggenheim is not only a world famous museum of art, but it is also an architectural gem, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. While I enjoy taking in the modern art that makes up the museum's permanent collection, the special exhibits that are hosted here throughout the year. Find out if there is anything going on at the Guggenheim during the time that you are visiting New York City and try to catch that first.

Before going, visit www.guggenheim.org to find out what exactly is on display so that you can plan out your trip better. This will also give you audio tour information, let you purchase advance tickets, and allow you to print out a program so that you know what to see and where to find it.

Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, New York City
A trip to the Museum of Modern Art is essential because there is always something interesting and new, with artists pushing the boundaries of art all the time. MoMA has a huge collection of art photography and the biggest and most influential collection of American artists so there Is definitely plenty to see and do while here.

Hotels
Tribeca Grand Hotel,2 Avenue Of The Americas, New York
As far as location and ambiance go, the Tribeca Grand Hotel has it all. For art lovers, it is an exceptional choice because it is located right in the heart of New York City and drops you in the middle of everything that you are going to want to see. The Tribeca Grand is a couple subway stops from some of the best art galleries, the art museums that I mentioned, and some of the best art shopping districts to be found. www.tribecagrand.com

The Franklin Hotel, 164 East 87th Street, New York
Just down the street from Central Park, The Guggenheim and The Met, is The Franklin Hotel, which was voted Best Bed and Breakfast in 2007. The Franklin caters to art lovers and offers special promotional weekends combining days at The Met with a weekend stay. With the popular art district as a focus of this hotel, you are sure to get insider information on exhibits and events in town. www.franklinhotel.com

Guided Tours
With the number of art galleries in New York City and the speed at which their collections and showings change, it is important to know someone who knows something about as many galleries as possible. For that reason I like to go with a reputable new York City tour company to make sure that I get to see the best of the best in the limited amount of time that I have. Try the New York Gallery Tour at www.nygallerytours.com.

Deals
One of the best deals offered for a New York City art sights is the New York Explorer Pass which allows you to see a set amount of attractions in NYC. Included in the choices are all the art museums I mentioned, but also the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Hop On Hop Off Tours that can take you around and near the best art galleries and sights in the city. The price of the pass depends on the number of attractions you decide to see, but you have thirty days to use up all your visits in and you end up saving money either way. www.smartdestinations.com