Exploring Harlem

The Alexander Doll Co., makers of Madame Alexander dolls, has a heritage gallery where you can see the classic dolls, which have been made in Harlem since 1923. See hundreds of dolls, from Alice in Wonderland to Eloise.

Tours are available, free, every day.

A behind the scenes tour, by appointment only, adds visits to design, sewing and production, and the doll hospital. These are $8/adults, $4/children. There are also create-a-doll workshops where you customize your own doll.
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Address: 615 W. 131st St.
Phone: 212-283-5900
Hours: Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday call for schedule (212-283-5900)

If you think the ordinary city supermarket is frenetic, then Fairway Market is on speed. It is not for the cautious, the claustrophobic or the newly emerged walker.

Like its older downtown sibling, this Fairway begins with a sumptuous produce display, tempting even the most persnickety. Then there is the huge selection of bread and cheese.

But outweighing all is the "cold room" filled with fish, meat and dairy. It's so cold that Fairway provides jackets.

You can pick up snacks here, packaged sushi, dessert or just window-shop.
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2328 12th Ave. (at 130th Street)
212-234-3883
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Hours
Daily 8am-11pm
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www.fairwaymarket.com

The Abyssinian Baptist Church has a Sunday gospel service, with fabulous singing, that attracts huge crowds.

The huge sanctuary also has elaborate stained-glass windows.

Though the church welcomes tourist, they are allowed only to the 11am Sunday service. Entry is first-come, first-served and you can't wear tank tops, flipflips or shorts.

You have to wait outside at the tourist entry point, West 138th Strest and Adam Clayton Boulevard.
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132 Odell Clark Place (138th Street)
212-862-7474
www.abyssinian.org

Sylvia's Restaurant has a live music gospel brunch on Sundays, from 12:30-4pm, but you can get the signature chicken and waffles all day.

The soul food restaurant, open since 1962, caters more to tourists than locals, but it is a must-see for every visitor.
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328 Lenox Ave
212-996-0660
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Hours
Monday-Saturday 8am-10:30pm
Sunday 11am-8pm
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www.sylviassoulfood.com

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine offers vertical tours on Saturdays; climb up spiral staircases to the top of the world's largest cathedral. The roof offers great views and the tour lets you see the stained glass up close. For ages 12 and older; reserve at 212-932-7347.

Look for peacocks walking around outside.
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Address: 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Phone: 212 316-7490

Tours:
Tuesday-Saturday 11am, 1pm and Sunday at 2pm

Vertical Tour:
When: Saturdays at 12pm and 2pm (lasts 1 hour)
Price: $15 per person, $12 for students and seniors

Walk around the Ivy League campus of Columbia University. The self-contained campus is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York

You can't get in the buildings without an ID. Pick up a map for a self-guided tour in the visitors center in Low Memorial Library. It's open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. There are also non-academic guided tours at 1pm Monday-Friday.
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Address: 2960 Broadway
Phone: 212-854-4900
Tours: FREE

Tom's Restaurant, immortalized by Suzanne Vega and renamed Monk's Diner on "Seinfeld," is a classic Greek diner and hangout for Columbia students. It is cash-only and inexpensive.

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Address: 2880 Broadway
Phone: 212-864-6137
Hours:
Monday-Wednesday, Sunday 6am-1:30am
Thursday-Saturday 6am-5:30am