JUST THE FACTS

SLEEPING The Bowery House markets itself as "part museum and part hotel." Once the longterm residence of soldiers returning from World War II, it now offers bunk rooms and affordable private cabins in a prime downtown location. Carefully restored cabins with windows start at $94 U.S. a night. theboweryhouse.com. With Andy Warhol’s face stenciled into the hotel pool, Thompson LES is a masterpiece of haute minimalism. Rooms from $299 U.S. 212-460-5300; thompsonhotels.com. A regular haunt of the Hollywood set, The Bowery, a short walk from the Lower East Side, has a stunning lounge that’s worth a visit. Rooms from $425 U.S. 212-505-9100; theboweryhotel.com.

DOING Tours at the Tenement Museum vary in length, though each is US$20 an adult. Optimally, combine a tenement tour with a neighbourhood tour. A culinary tour through the Lower East Side is also available. 212-982-8420; tenement.org. Nearby, the New Museum offers some of the best contemporary art in New York. Admission is $12. 212-219 -1222; newmuseum.org.

DRINKING For high class jazz and martinis, visit the Moldy Fig on Stanton Street. 646-5592553; moldyfigjazzclub.com. The Delancey offers burlesque shows on Wednesdays with DJ Jess Scooter Pie. 212-254-9920; thedelancey.com.

SEEING The off-Broadway revival of Rent is playing at New World Stages on West 50th Street. Tickets from $69.50, available through Telecharge. 212-2396200; telecharge.com.

WEB SURFING nycgo.com, lowereastsideny.com