New Yorkers are famous for many things, not least of which is a sense of irony. One more instance of that can be found in the fact that Wall Street, by which most people really mean the New York Stock Exchange, isn't located on the street called Wall at all. It's actually at 20 Broad Street.

But, it's a minor quibble that most Manhattanites would rightly dismiss with a characteristic wave of the hand.

Though the stock exchange tour has been closed since 9/11, the building is still a sight to behold and the streets of the surrounding area could form a study in the history of architecture. George Washington was inaugurated in Federal Hall and important events have been occurring here ever since.

Whether viewing the stately, turn-of-the-century NYSE building or the ultra-modern American Express the area carved out by the Dutch in 1653 is full of amazing sights. The actual Wall Street did get its name from running alongside a wooden palisade erected then to protect the town from wild Indians. Now, along the short, random-angled streets is a cornucopia of people and buildings of all shapes and sizes.

And don't forget to take a photo near the now-famous bull sculpture, placed in 1989. Near the Cunard Building just down from Wall Street, this bronze behemoth is larger than your average bear. Some contend it has eclipsed its chief rival, a large red metal sculpture that no one could identify, including its creator.

The area houses not only large financial institutions and other corporate giants, but an array of pubs and restaurants to rival any of its uptown competitors. Just be careful what you say about your company there. You never know who'll be at the next table and the only thing that moves faster than trades here is the rumor mill.

Not far away (south) are the departure points for the Staten Island Ferry, or the tours of the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.

But, if those don't suit your fancy travel east a few blocks to the South Street Seaport along the East River at Fulton. There you'll find a hundred shops, dozens of restaurants and several outdoor venues including a maritime museum. Ships docked there hark back to the days when wind in sails was the main power source. You'll be surprised at how small the captain's cabin is!

Take a few minutes to just stand and look at the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge, the world's first wire-suspension type and an artistic marvel. From time to time, you'll even see private boats and yachts making their way up the river to docks connected to private apartments further uptown.

19th Century history combines with the most modern art and engineering here in one of New York's most popular tourist areas. The newly developing World Trade Center site, where the Freedom Tower is under construction, deserves a few moments of quiet contemplation.

Just be prepared to bump elbows with the crowds in the morning, at lunch and in the evening when the thousands of busy, temporary inhabitants flood the streets.

Tags: Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, New York

Constructed on the site where Montreal was founded in 1642, the Museum of Archeology and History is deservedly one of the most popular attractions in the city. First opened in 1992, the museum itself is built on some of the grounds that once held the objects now on display.

Housed partly in the triangular Eperon Building, the Pointe-à-Callière museum, as it's called locally, is so named for the point where the St. Pierre River merges with the St. Lawrence. For on this spot were found a treasure trove of archeological finds. Here scientists unearthed artifacts of French trappers, local native tribesmen and others who have passed through the area over the centuries.

You can visit any of the four sections into which the museum is divided. The Eperon Building itself is the main section, but there is the underground Archaeological Crypt, the Ancienne Douane Building and the outdoor Place Royale.

First, catch the 15-minute video in the auditorium that explains all about the museum and its contents. Providing an excellent overview of the territory from the Ice Age to the present, it's a fascinating history. Next, descend to below street level to see the collection.

Visitors walk on a self-guided tour through a labyrinth of cases containing items left by Scottish merchants, Iroquois and others. Part of the tour shows the city's first Catholic cemetery with several of the original tombstones still on display.

Centuries old pottery, some surprisingly well preserved, sits alongside strikingly detailed and realistic carved masks. In some cases, objects are placed in the exact location at which they were first discovered.

Along with the artifacts there's a permanent exhibit showcasing the history of Montreal, one of the oldest cities in North America. At the end, you exit into the Old Custom House, another popular Montreal attraction. Built in 1838, it provides an interesting look into the British influence in this largely French-origin city.

Inside the main building there is also the L'Arrivage cafe with an excellent view of Old Montreal (Vieux Montréal). Across from the main building is the Youville Pumping Station, dating from 1915 but long defunct. Fully restored, it serves as an interpretation center. Staff along the tour are happy to answer questions.

Located at 350 Place Royal, just exit the Metro (Montreal's subway) at Place d'Armes. Details are available at the website: http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca/

Tags: Museum of Archeology, Montreal

To most, the question "What time is it?" is mundane. But to the men and women whom, over the centuries since 1675, have worked at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich it is of huge importance.

Evolving from an era when, in 1386 at the Salisbury Cathedral, the time was measured in quarters of an hour indicated by the gong of a bell, the atomic clocks of today are precise to one second in a million years. Fortunately for visitors to Greenwich, approximately 23 minutes east of Big Ben, dozens of artifacts from everything in between those extremes has been preserved.

For much of the 20th century the organization wasn't actually housed at Greenwich. Owing to increasing urbanization, the observatory and staff were moved in in the 1920s, finding various homes over the years. Sites as close as Cambridge and as far away as Herstmonceaux in Sussex have been used.

During that time the original buildings became part of the National Maritime Museum. That's fitting given that the observatory was originally funded as a means to aid navigation, with considerable commercial impact to Britain and the world.

Over the centuries, the need for accurate navigation was felt by many. By the 18th century, the technology to fulfill it was rapidly evolving. In 1714 a Board of Longitude was established to address the problem.

After much scientific trial and political intrigue, the £20,000 reward was finally claimed. The money went, after 50 years of effort, not to an established astronomer but to an obscure Yorkshire carpenter and amateur clockmaker, John Harrison.

Wisely, the prime meridian - longitude zero degrees - was kept in place during the observatory's wanderings. It needn't have been so. During the late 19th century there was considerable debate about where to place the reference line. In 1884, the International Meridian Conference was convened to decide the question.

Paris, long home to astronomical and geodetic study, was a logical choice but was outvoted, 22 to 1. The US had already selected Greenwich and much sea-going commerce already depended on charts using the site as a standard.

Greenwich has been the official site ever since.

Today, visitors can see several interesting results of the efforts to establish accurate timekeeping. All four of his innovative inventions are preserved and kept in working order at the Harrison Gallery.

But there are many other interesting items on display, inside and out.

The Red Time ball has for decades slid up and down a pole atop Flamsteed House in order to mark the time. Flamsteed was the first Astronomer Royal. Visible on a good day for miles it has been used to synchronize clocks and provide amusement for millions.

A more modern timepiece is ensconced in one wall: a digital read-out kept accurate by connection to 200 atomic clocks around the world. You can quite comfortably, as the saying goes, set your watch by it.

Among other interesting artifacts on display are many of the observatory's 360 telescopes, dating from the mid-17th century. Everything from fashion accessories to gun-sighting telescopes used in WWI are housed here.

Naturally, while here, you will want to stand on both sides of the Prime Meridian and take a photo. There aren't many opportunities, after all, to be in two times at the same place.

The site is easily reached via the London Underground, i.e. the 'tube' or subway. Exit at North Greenwich.

Tags: Greenwich Royal Observatory, London -