This is one in a series of Off-the-Beaten-Path reports on cities around the world. We know you’re familiar with the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center and the celebrated places to shop and eat. These city-guides will tell you about places you might overlook; places our insiders (and long time residents) have fallen in love with.

By Eileen McDermott

NYC Sights to See:

THE LION LIBRARY (New York Public Library, 42nd St. & 5th Ave)
Gorgeous Beaux-Arts building with incredible decor, inside and out

1. Home of the famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude
2. Look for a Gutenberg Bible, First Folio edition of Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson’s hand-written copy of the Declaration of Independence

INSIDER TIP: Check out NYPL Live, which presents speakers like documentary film-maker Ken Burns and author Umberto Eco for as little as $10-per person.

THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE (bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn)
Take a walk across the bridge for the very best views of the Manhattan skyline

1. Turn right at the end of the bridge, go about 5 or 6 blocks to some exceedingly hip Brooklyn neighborhoods

INSIDER TIP: Try Teresa’s Restaurant; the pierogis are to die for

WORLD TRADE CENTER CHAPEL (St. Paul’s Chapel, 211 Broadway)
Adjacent to the World Trade Center site: this is where victims were cared for and emergency workers slept and ate in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks
Georgian Classic Revival church (1766) where George Washington worshipped

1. New York’s only surviving church of the Revolutionary era
2. The city’s oldest public building in continuous use

INSIDER TIP: Numerous patriots are buried in St. Paul’s beautiful cemetery

THEODORE ROOSEVELT BIRTHPLACE (28 East 20th Street, NYC)
They didn’t put Teddy Roosevelt on Mt. Rushmore for nothing!

1. A little-known gem of a museum in Manhattan; this beautiful brownstone is birthplace of the first U.S. President of the 20th century
2. First U.S. President to win the Nobel Peace Prize

INSIDER TIP: With a U.S. National Park Service passport, entry is FREE

NYC Places to Shop:

ZOOTIQUE (At the Central Park Zoo, 830 5th Ave.)
Zootique is one of the best gift shops in the city

1. Giant giraffe-jewelry boxes, monkey-masks and more
2. Cutest, softest stuffed-animals in the city (take that, FAO Schwartz!)

INSIDER TIP: You don’t have to visit the zoo (and pay admission) to shop here

PEARL RIVER MART (477 Broadway, in SOHO)
Pearl River is a treasure-trove of all-things-Asian

1. Traditional & modern ceramics, dishes and cookware
2. Clothing, pillows, furniture and more

INSIDER TIP: Terrific for party supplies (paper lanterns, lights, etc.)

DIAMOND DISTRICT (W. 47th St. between Fifth & the Ave. of the Americas)
The world’s largest shopping district devoted to diamonds and other gemstones

1. Home to more than 2,600 jewelry merchants
2. Pearls, watches and antique jewelry also for sale
3. NOTE: Closed on Saturday

INSIDER TIP: Dont accept the first price offered; do a little bargaining

THE CHESS DISTRICT (On Thompson St. in the West Village)
Shop The Village Chess Shop or The Chess Forum

1. All kinds of chess sets: classical, whimsical, themes
2. Stores open ’til Midnight, and you can usually find a game here

INSIDER TIP: Avoid the Washington Square Park players; they’re sharks!

STREET VENDORS
Some great, cheap stuff can be found at tables and blankets on the streets

1. Union Square Park paintings and other artworks
2. Broadway near 14th St. necklaces, earrings and bangles
3. 5th Ave. between 40th & 59th Sts. watches and handbags

INSIDER TIP: Some vendors will bargain, others will not; give it a try

NYC Places to Eat:

PEARL OYSTER (18 Cornelia St., West Village)

• No atmosphere, just fantastic fresh fish at reasonable prices

INSIDER TIP: Try their famous lobster-roll.

CAFE L’EXPRESS (249 Park Ave., at 20th St.)

• Traditional French-bistro food served 24-hours a day; reasonable

INSIDER TIP: Go for breakfast; wonderful croissants and pain au chocolat

DANAL (59 Fifth Ave., between 12th & 13th Sts.) 212-982-6930

• Romantic & cozy: excellent steak and a seasonal, country-French menu

INSIDER TIP: Hungry? Order the skirt steak

THE SHAKE SHACK (in Madison Square Park, at Madison Avenue & 23rd)

• Outdoor, seasonal spot for the best burgers, brats and shakes in town

INSIDER TIP: They also serve beer & wine and terrific vegetarian burgers

MCSORLEY’S ALE HOUSE (15 E. 7th St., East Village)

• Established in 1854; don’t bother eating here, just enjoy the libations

INSIDER TIP: Its customary to order 5-beers at a time; they come in tiny mugs

NYC Where To Stay:

THE LIBRARY HOTEL (41st St., between Madison & Park Aves.)

• Lovely boutique hotel near city’s main library; rooms are filled with books
• Amazing indoor/outdoor bar on the roof; lovely city views

INSIDER TIP: Basic rooms are $400 & up, but look for advertised specials

THE BEEKMAN TOWERS HOTEL (49th St. and 1st Ave.)

• Art deco icon, built in 1928
• Top of the Tower restaurant has great food, with city and river views

INSIDER TIP: Question the clerk at check-in about room/view; some are of uneven quality