When you think of New York, you probably think of great restaurants, Broadway shows, endless kinds of entertainment, and of course, museums.

New York has about 80 museums, most of which are found in Manhattan. Here is a list of some of New York’s most famous (and rightfully so) temples of western culture.

•    The Museum of Modern Art–

MOMA has an astounding collection of at least 150,000 pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and more. Also stored with her walls are 22,000 works of media, videos and films. The library of the museum has 300,000 books, periodicals and artist books. MUSEUM HOURS Galleries open Sat., Sun., Mon., Wed., and Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Thurs. in July and August 10:30 a.m.–8:45 p.m. Closed Tues., Thanksgiving day, and Christmas day. (212) 708-9400.

•    Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum–

This extraordinary museum is itself a piece of artwork. Designed by the avant-garde architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum of modern and contemporary art or as the Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Guggenheim, Nancy Spector says, “It’s the museum of the new,” is certainly worth a visit.  1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128, Phone: 212 423 3500.

•    Ellis Island Immigration Museum–

Part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, at this unique museum the immigrant experience comes to life as visitors learn about the moving stories of the 12 million people who entered the US through the ‘golden door’ of Ellis Island. It is necessary to take a ferry to the island, which is located at the mouth of New York Harbor. Ellis Island is one of the country’s most important historic sites and also one of the most heavily visited monuments. Carefully planning your trip will make it more enjoyable. Statue Cruises provides ferry transportation to Ellis Island from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with extended hours in the summers. For ticket rates and availability and schedule information, call 1-877-LADY TIX or 1-877-523-9849 or visit www.statuecruises.com. The audio tour can be purchased along with your ferry ticket or on site at the Discovery Audio booth.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the  jewels in the crown of New York’s special significance as a world center of culture. No matter what you love, or what your interests might be, there is something that will fascinate you at this repository of some of the world’s most unique, educational and enlightening artifacts.

If you have never been to the AMNH, or if it’s been a while since your last visit, then you should take my advice and get over there soon. Here is a list of some of the special exhibitions which will without a doubt intrigue and inspire you.

• Brain: The Inside Story–

This exhibit, which is open until August 14, 2011, will bring you inside what is the most amazing product of evolution, developed over millions of years. “The human brain is the most complex and fascinating biological structure known, and we are delighted to explore its many facets in Brain: The Inside Story,” says Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This exhibition illustrates how our remarkable brains work and what makes them so special, while featuring what is currently one of the hottest and most promising fields in science today—neuroscience. Visitors will not only learn what’s in store for our brains in the 21st century, but will come away with an enriched perspective on the extraordinary brain, the vehicle for all of the things that makes us human.”

• Body and Spirit: Tibetan Medical Paintings—

This exhibit features 64 Tagkas, or Tibetan medical paintings, which are part of the AMNH’s collection. These are hand-painted reproductions of traditional scroll paintings, and are on view for the first time in a museum exhibition. The paintings allow us to get a glimpse into the history of early medical knowledge in Tibet, and it is also thought that this group of paintings is among only a tiny number of such sets which exist in the world. “The Museum’s Tibetan collection, from which these paintings are taken, comprises nearly 2,800 objects, and is among the finest in the United States,” said Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This new exhibition represents the continuation of a great artistic tradition and will offer visitors a unique and fascinating perspective on early Tibetan culture.” Until July 17th.

• Hayden Planetarium Space Shows—

Using the most up-to-the-minute technology the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center of Earth and Space is able to bring the world of science into sharp focus. Showing now are two fascinating presentations: “Journey to the Stars,” narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, will take you back 13 billion years to the very beginning of the universe. The second show is  a double feature, with “Passport to the Universe,” narrated by Tom Hanks, and “The Search for Life: Are We Alone?” narrated by Harrison Ford.

For More Information Contact the Museum: (212) 769-5100

Eating out in New York is more than just a ‘thing to do.’  Eating out is closer to a ritual which New Yorkers partake of almost religiously. With that in mind, here are a few of New York’s best restaurants to make your eating out moments even more rewarding.

Aldea

• Aldea is a Portuguese restaurant in the Gramercy/Flatiron section on 17th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Aldea is a low-key vehicle for one of New York’s most original chefs, George Mendes.  Don’t let the minimalist environment fool you; the food is anything but simple. Try a complicated starter of coconut curry broth leading up to tender baby cuttlefish with sea beans, bonito flakes and mint. Even more known Portuguese fare gets a haute spin at Aldea. (212) 675-7223.

Brooklyn Fare

• Brooklyn Fare is a 5,000-square-foot retail gourmet grocery which includes everything a well-stocked shop would carry plus a menu of ready-made foods created by Bouley protégé Cesar Ramirez,  including sushi, sandwiches and take-home meals. Brooklyn Fare is located in Brooklyn Heights on Schermerhorn Street at Hoyt St. (718) 243-0050.

Minetta Tavern

• Minetta Tavern has been restored with loving care and made into what might be called the first iconic restaurant of post-millennial New York.  The place is a-buzz with people who must be as drawn by the happy atmosphere as the food, which is impressive. Try the incredible blackened veal chops surrounded by crisp sweetbread nuggets. Aside from the Black Label burger at $26, the prices here are reasonable. However the burger is worth every penny, being as tender and fatty as foie gras. Check it out at 113 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. (212) 475-3850.

Aldea