New York Top Ten

Empire State Building

1. Check out the city before your first appointment --there's n better overview than from the top of the 102-story Empire State Building. It's not as tall as downtown's World Trade Towers, but this Art-Deco treasure has been wowing visitors since 1931. (350 Fifth Avenue, at 34th Street, 212-736-3100)

2. A beacon of freedom around the world, the Statue of Liberty can be reached by ferry from Battery Park. One price includes a free stopover at Ellis Island, home to the profoundly affecting Museum of Immigration. (New York Harbor, 212-269-5755)

Statue of Liberty

3. A Circle Line Cruise sails past all the major sights of Manhattan, and the narrated three-hour tour will turn you into an instant expert. Best seats are on the upper deck, in the back, on the left side. (Pier 83, West 42nd Street, at the Hudson River, 212-563-3200)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

4. Highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, largest in the Western Hemisphere, include the majestic Temple at Dendur and the dazzling Costume Institute. Friday and Saturday nights, unwind with clients on the rooftop garden, where drinks are served. (Fifth Avenue, at 82nd Street, 212-535-7710)

5. The world's biggest naval museum and a National Historic Landmark, the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum floats on a 900-foot-long converted World War II aircraft carrier. Objects on permanent display include a Lockheed A-12 Blackbird spy plane, among the fastest aircraft in the world. (Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, 212-245-0072)

6. Pitch to your baseball-loving clients while cheering New York's World-Series-winning team in it's Yankee Stadium home, up in the Bronx. The 2000 season opener is April 11. (East 161st Street, 718-293-6000)

Broadway

7. The lights of Broadway are brighter than ever, now that the Times Square Theater District has been spiffed-up. Invite your best customers to join you to see a comedy, drama, or musical. (Broadway, between 42nd and 49th streets)

Central Park

8. For a breath of fresh air and a patch of green, head for Central Park. Right outside this urban oasis' 59th Street entrance: toy store extraordinaire FAO Schwarz and Bergdorf Goodman, which maintains separate but elegant department stores and salons for men and women.

9. World-renowned Rockefeller Center is home to the newly renovated Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios as well as indoor restaurants and outdoor cafes, above and underground shops, Art-Deco sculptures and lush garden displays. (49th to 52nd streets, Fifth to Sixth avenues)

Brooklyn Bridge

10. Spanning the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn for more than a century, the Brooklyn Bridge features walking and bike lanes with panoramic views of the city. After completing your round-trip journey, catch a cab to nearby Chinatown for lucnh or dinner. (Bridge entrance near Chambers Street)

Source: Fortune Magazine, September 25, 2000