Okay, after we get back over the bridge at, let's say, 1-2pm, how would you suggest we get back to the shopping area along 5th Avenue with plans to visit the Met (late nights on Friday) later that evening?

We are planning Chinatown, Soho, and Greenwich Village the next day. What about the Lower East Side--anything we could add to our list of "must dos" before seeking transportation back to midtown?

If you decide to go to the Lower East Side, just don't do it on a Saturday, as a lot of the businesses in that area are owned by Orthodox Jews and, therefore, will be closed on Saturday.

Just a tip about the Met on Friday and Saturday nights. You might already know this, but there is music on the balcony in the Great Hall from 5-8pm. It's really nice and there are small tables & charis set around the railing where you can have a drink. Makes a nice relxing finish to a wonderful day in NYC.

To answer your original question, you can take the 4,5 or 6 trains from the Brooklyn Bridge station (it's on the Manhattan side of the Bridge) to either 42nd or 59th Street and walk over to Fifth. My suggestion would be 42nd Street because you'd be able to explore Grand Central Staion upstairs (and maybe have lunch at the Oyster Bar.)

Because Brooklyn was my hometown I am a bit partial to it's famous bridge. So whatever you do, don't forget to bring your camera when walking the bridge. The entire symmetry of the bridge, from the huge arches and cables make for a dynamite picture against the NYC skyline. Take it from as many different perspectives as you can. When you return home, you will want to enlarge them to 8x10 or larger. You'll be amazed at the admiring remarks your friends and family will make. I've walked that bridge many times and have the prints displayed in my home. Priceless.

The Tenement museum on the lower east side is very popular. If you want to go, you should reserve for a tour. The place is small so they limit the number of people that can go in at one time. I do think the museum is open on Sat.

Here's a self guided walking tour of the lower east side

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/visitors.../jewishles.htm

Here's a shopping map of the area (it doesn't include all the stores)

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/images/s...3/maps/les.pdf