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Above Greenwich Village, Manhattan is laid out on a straight grid plan, with the avenues running to the north and south, and the streets crossing east to west. All are one-way, alternating the direction with each block, except for Park Avenue, which runs both ways. 5th Avenue is the dividing line between the East and West sides.

To locate the nearest cross street for avenue addresses in Manhattan, drop the last digit of the street number, divide by 2 and add these key numbers:

• 1st Avenue; 3
• 2nd Avenue; 3
• 3rd Avenue; 10
• 8th Avenue; 9
• Lexington Avenue; 22
• Madison Avenue; 27

For further address formulas, check the Yellow Pages.

Traffic lights show red for stop, yellow for caution, and green for go for vehicles, and spell out “walk” and “don’t walk” for pedestrians. The “don’t walk” sign blinks when the lights are about to change; given the aggressive traffic, it’s wise not to attempt to beat the light.

Subways run north and south up and down the city on Lexington Avenue, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue/ Broadway, and 8th Avenue. The N, R, E, F and W trains to Queens run east to west, crossing Manhattan. A free copy of the current subway map is available at any station booth.

Manhattan buses run on every north-south artery except on Park and West End avenues. The most useful crosstown buses run on 96th, 86th, 79th, 67th, 57th, 49/50th, 42nd, 34th, 23rd, and 14th streets. Route numbers are posted on a lighted strip above the front windshield. Free maps are available on most buses.

Metrocards are sold in subways and in shops displaying the sign and are good for subways and buses. Each ride deducts one $2 fare from the card; transfers within two hours are free on buses or subways. Weekly passes for unlimited travel cost $21.

Manhattan yellow taxis can be hailed anywhere you spy one. Lights atop the cab go on when the car is available, or to show that the driver is off-duty. Hotel cab stands are good places to look for a cab.

Rentals offices are found throughout the city; drivers must be over 25, and have a valid license and major credit card. Weekends are heavily booked, so phone in advance.

Street parking is not available midtown and is scarce elsewhere. Some avenues have curb meters allowing 15- to 60-minute stays; overstaying means a ticket or having your car towed away, both of which are extremely expensive. Side streets have “alternate side” regulations banning cars, during certain hours and on alternate days, from parking on alternate sides of the street.

New York Waterways ferries connect Manhattan with New Jersey and provide transportation to New York Yankee and Mets baseball games. Water taxis run from East 90th Street Pier to Pier 84.