Visiting NCCAT

NCCAT is located within the main NYSBC site in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan (Directions)

Where to stay

Accommodations

NCCAT Guest House

NCCAT has guest housing available at CCNY’s The Towers for a fee of $100 per night/room
Any user that has been awarded time on their NCCAT user proposal is eligible.
Housing fees should be paid by check to “New York Structural Biology Center”.
For more details read out Guest House Info page.
For availability email nccatinfo [at] nysbc.org.

Other options:

Hotels

Aloft Harlem
2296 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York
http://www.aloftharlem.com
*This is the only hotel within walking distance of NCCAT other than the NCCAT Guest House.

Beyond walking distance, New York City offers myriad accommodations at many price points satisfying different needs and tastes. There are too many for us to make specific recommendations. If you plan to use public transit to come to NYSBC each day, see our transportation section to consider neighborhoods convenient for commuting.

Short term rentals

The Harlem neighborhood is a popular destination for many short term rental-by-owner options.

Short Term Rental tips for NYC

Getting to New York City

There are multiple good options for getting to New York City. The best option for you will depend on where you’re coming from and when.

By Air

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens: ~30 min. by car, ~45 -60 min. by public transit (M60 bus). Fun fact: While LGA is the closest distance to NYSBC, unique regulations limit flights to and from LGA to trips under 1,500 miles, so you may not find a direct flight, depending on your origin.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens: ~40 min. by car, ~1.5 h by public transit (AirTrain to subway). Fun fact: Yellow Taxis (located at official taxi stands) have a flat fare from JFK to any location in Manhattan.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey: ~30-40 min. by car, ~75 min by public transit (Airtrain to NJ transit train to subway). Fun fact: Newark was once the busiest commercial airport in the world until the construction of LGA in 1939.

All three airports are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with easily navigable websites providing current taxi, car-share, and shuttle information in the “To & From” sections of their respective websites. Use the links above to get more information.

By Rail

Amtrak serves NYC with multiple routes, arriving at either Penn Station or Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan (both are ~25-30 min. by car or subway to NYSBC).

The MTA and NJ Transit also provide regional service.

By Bus

Multiple carriers offer longer-haul bus service to New York City, including (but not limited to) services such as: Greyhound, Peter Pan, & MegaBus.

By Car

If you are driving to NCCAT, NYSBC does not have visitor parking. Permits are not required for street parking in NYC. Private parking garages are another option. For more information about parking and street regulations see the NYC Department of Transportation Website

Getting around NYC

New York City is a great place to walk, but for longer trips, the city is also easily navigable without a car.

Public transit: the MTA operates subway, bus, and train service (commuter rail). Subways run 24/7 and the MTA website and mobile apps offer useful trip planners. NYSBC is closest to subway lines: A, B, C, D, 1 and bus routes: M1, M7, M10, M15, M102, M103, M104, M106, M116.

Car: The NYC Taxi and Limmosine Commission regulates for-hire vehicles and provides information on it’s website. Yellow or Green (“Boro”) taxis can be hailed on the street or by the Curb app. Fun fact: Green “Boro taxis” are identical to yellow taxis except they can not pick up passengers south of E 96th St or W 110th St. They can drop off anywhere.

Other ride hail services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in the city (note: in our experience, for shorter rides, app based ride-hailing services in NYC can be more expensive than taxi rides. They are however quite useful in the outer boros where taxis are scarce).

Visitors Guide

The Neighborhood

Harlem has long been known for its intimate jazz clubs, soul food institutions and African-American heritage. Harlem draws a diverse crowd of locals and visitors. Trendy eateries, stylish clubs and hip bars make for an energetic nightlife scene. The area features a mix of 19th-century brownstones and modern high-rises. Its main artery, 125th Street, is home to the iconic Apollo Theater, as well as chain stores and restaurants.

Public Transportation

Closest Subway Lines: A, B, C, D, 1

Closest Bus Routes: M1, M7, M10, M15, M102, M103, M104,, M106, M116

What about lunch?

While you’re visiting NCCAT, there are many options within walking distance to buy lunch during the day (see our recommendations below).

We also have a consistently-brewing coffee maker, and a full size refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and toaster oven in our kitchenette that you are welcome to use if you prefer to bring your own provisions.

Some of our recommendations:

Nearby Dining

Manhattanville Market

Cafe One (at Amsterdam and 140th St – no website but cheap cafe eats and coffee)

Local bodegas, abundant in the area, offer quick and affordable simple sandwiches and salads. Ask us for recommendations.

Nearby Coffee

Plowshares (5 min. walk)

I Like it Black Coffee Shop (7 min walk)

Dear Mama (inside the Jerome L. Green Science Center, 8 min walk)

Double Dutch (10 min. walk)

Groceries

Closest to NCCAT and the Guest House:

Foodtown of Morningside Heights (Amsterdam Ave and LaSalle St)

Foodtown of Frederick Douglas Blvd (132nd St and Frederick Douglas Blvd)

KeyFood Harlem (125th St and Morningside Ave)

CTown Supermarkets (135th St and Broadway)

More options with a slightly longer walk:

Whole Foods (125th St and Malcom X Blvd)

Shopping

Shop local

https://www.shopharlemmade.com/home

One Stop Shopping

East River Plaza

Bronx Terminal Market

Want to go for a run?

Manhattan has some great routes. If Strava’s heat maps leave you wanting, we’ll point you to the endorphin lovers in our group who are happy to share their favorites.