Would like opinions on 3 museums: the Cloisters and the police and firefighter museums.

The Cloisters is magnificent. You also get admission to the Met with your ticket, so you can go to both museums in the same day. The only downside to the Cloisters is that it's all the way at the top of the island and a bit of a hike on the subway. It is in a beautiful area, however, and I think it's 110% worth the trip.

I agree with Lizzie. It is especially nice to visit on a nice day since there are outside areas and gardens. Ft. Tryon park itself (in which the Cloisters sits) is also beautiful.

A third on the Cloisters. It has a midieval feel that is practically impossible to find in the US. And if you take the bus it's not really that hatd to get there. Just be aware it's on top of quite a high hill - so be prepared for the walk.

(For some reason a lot of people think New York City is flat. Although much of midtown is fairly flat (or flattened I should say) Manhattan is really quite hilly - much of it is bedrock {hence the skyscrapers} since it's the terminal morraine from the last ice age).

A fourth on the Cloisters, just don't underestimate the amount of time it takes to get there. I would say that allocating 4 hours (depending on where you're staying) is not unreasonable.

What about the firefighter and police museums? I am also interested in those? Anyone?

If you take the bus to the Cloisters, it will take a while, but consider it a free tour of Harlem and northern Manhattan.

Or, if you're in a rush to get there, take the subway.