Geek Guide to New York City

New York's sleek and chic love the geek. After all, they elected Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an electrical engineer famous for his financial information terminals. And they've elevated some New York geek institutions to stylish status: the Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, say, or the Museum of Television and Radio. But visitors can still unearth the geek equivalent of an Off-Off-Broadway hit. For a start, try the following tech oases.

Buried: New York City Transit Museum

The Transit Museum is underground in more ways than one. Not only does it live in a refurbished subway station, but it doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. It's simply one of New York's most enjoyable museums, and it's engineering-oriented to boot. Engineers and construction workers become heroes in an exhibit that tells the story of New York's extensive subterranean system. Another interactive display dramatizes a diesel engine, and vintage subway cars take visitors on a trip back in time.

Flighty: Historic Aircraft Restoration Project

Visitors to New York once flew into Floyd Bennett Field, the city's first municipal airport. Now the field serves as a destination in and of itself. Among its attractions are Hangar B, which houses a C-47 Gooney Bird, a Grumman Goose seaplane, and 10 other antique aircraft. Volunteers lovingly restore these planes to museum-quality condition, and every Saturday they offer public tours of their works-in-progress. Visitors can also stop by on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, either to watch volunteers in action or to grab a wrench and join in.

Eco-friendly: The Solaire

The Solaire, built in 2003, was the first "green" apartment building in a gray city. In fact, the Solaire was one of the first green apartment buildings in the whole United States. The luxury tower sports solar panels, refrigerant-free heating and cooling, and a built-in wastewater treatment system that recycles toilet water. Call the office for information on tours, which take place about twice a month. Or visit the leasing agent if you're in the market for a multimillion dollar Manhattan home.

Sleepy: MetroNaps

Most tourists trek to the top of the Empire State Building, but you need only go to the 24th floor to feel like you've landed on the moon. A dark room at the end of the hall holds ten space-age vessels built for a heavenly purpose: napping. An attendant tucks you into an ergonomic pod, which looks like a dentist's chair topped with a giant football helmet. Ethereal music over Bose headphones lulls you into oblivion, and gentle vibrations awaken you. After a splash with a lemon-scented washcloth, you'll feel recharged — at least until you get the US $14 tab for your 20-minute snooze.

Wild: Barcade

The Williamsburg section of Brooklyn recently changed from an industrial wasteland into a trendsetter's hangout. Now it's a geek hangout too. Videogame fanatics and trendy hipsters rub shoulders — and joysticks — at Barcade, a hot new nightspot. The fully stocked bar takes second place to Donkey Kong, Frogger, and other authentic arcade games from the past. Even geeks on a budget can enjoy the retro fun: All games cost the original 25 cents.