I loved the New York Historical Society Museum, just across 77th St from the Natural History Museum. I particularly wanted to see the Audubon watercolours, which were magnificent (only 4 on display at any time) but was also really impressed by the other exhibits such as the Tiffany lamps, and the early American portraits. And there is an excellent temporary exhibition of Jules Feiffer's work (one of my favorite cartoonists). It's not really "hidden" but there were hardly any other visitors when we were there.

FYI, the Cloisters is a branch of the Metroplitan Museum, and if you visit them both in the same day you only have to pay admisison once.

Yes, allan_b, and anyone else--I want to hear your thoughts about Chinatown! What makes the area you suggest (east of Bowery) "better?" We've wandered up and down Canal Street and a few side streets on two other occasions to NYC; this time we're coming with relatives who have never been, and I want to show them the best time possible (as if our few trips makes us experts! hardly...)

thanks.

Most of the restaurants we like are along East Brodway or Division Streets which are east of Bowery.