Barrier-free in the Big Apple, Beantown or the City of Brotherly Love.

NEW YORK, BOSTON, and PHILADELPHIA were built long before accessibility was a consideration. But they have landmark buildings, historic sites, gourmet restaurants, and an unmistakable urban pulse.

Quintessential experiences

Nothing shows off New York like the Circle Line's Harbor Lights cruise. A wheelchair-accessible gangway provides easy access. As night falls, you sail past the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State, and Chrysler Building. The Empire State Building offers another perspective: a breathtaking open-air observation deck with lowered telescopes and accessible viewing areas.

Though constructed in 1912, Fenway Park in Boston accommodates wheelchair users with retrofitted seats. Boston Common, America's oldest park, created in 1634, has paved walkways throughout and adjoins the Public Garden, replete with the historic Swan Boats. Board with the help of patient boat operators who give wheelchair users roomy front-row seats.

Wheelchair users can enter Philadelphia's Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, only if they bring portable ramps or choose to be lifted into the building. But the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall Visitor Center have outstanding access.

Walk 'n' roll

While all New York MTA bus lines have wheelchair lifts, other public transportation may or may not be easy to use. However, walking or rolling works! New York's 5th Avenue has a mile of major museums, all with wheelchair access.

Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path through Boston connecting 16 historic sites, could have better access, but access to the Old South Meeting House is superb--thanks to a $ 7 million renovation.

Philadelphia has hundreds of colorful way-finding signs to downtown attractions. Our favorite is the Italian Market district and its Philly cheese-steak stands.

Finding an accessible hotel room

In this trio of big cities, hotel rooms can go for $200 and up. Work with a good travel agent and look for weekend packages at the hotels that cater to business travelers.

Be specific. Do not ask if the room is accessible. Ask if the door openings to the room and the bathroom are 32" wide, if there is a 5-foot circumference in the bathroom, if there are grab bars on all three sides of the tub. A hotel manager may be willing to rent or purchase access equipment. Mention that it's good business and the items can be used again.

In addition to price and arrival date, ask that your confirmation letter specify all the arrangements you have been promised, including the number of beds in the room.

Finally, hedge your bet. Consider bringing portable shower benches, ramps, and reachers. There's no question that hotels should provide some rooms accessible to all customers. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it's the law. But a vacation is no time for a battle.

Accessible restaurants, sporting, and cultural events

The city convention and visitors bureaus offer free guides that list wheelchair-accessible facilities. These brochures are rarely detailed enough to rely on, but they do provide a quick way of narrowing down your choices. Always call ahead, ask lots of questions, and be persistent. When we make restaurant reservations, we always say that one of us uses a wheelchair, and we always buy tickets for events in advance, to ensure that we're in the barrier-free seating area.

Information please

New York Convention and Visitors Bureau: 800-692-8474 or 212-397-8200; Circle Line, Pier 83, West 42nd Street: 212-563-3200; Empire State Building: 212-736-3100; public transportation (MTA): 718-330-1234.

Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau: 888-SEEBOSTON; Boston Red Sox, 4 Yawkey Way: 617-267-1700; MBTA Office for Transportation Access: 617-222-5976.

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Center: 215-636-1666; public transportation (SEPTA): 215-580-4000.

The authors are recipients of a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism medal from the Society of American Travel Writers.