There is never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps. New York City is the perfect year-round travel destination, with lots of things to do no matter the season. This is part of why so many are drawn to this concrete jungle. And with the sheer number of tourists that visit every year, it’s easy to feel like every nook and cranny of the Big Apple has already been explored at some point in time.
All great cities never run out of secrets, however, and NYC is the greatest city of them all. While destinations like Times Square and Central Park are definitely worth a visit, there are so many other attractions that, although off the beaten path, embody what makes NYC a great urban center.
Get your next read at a cozy bookstore
Three Lives and Co
Tucked away in a corner of Greenwich Village, Three Lives and Co. has been in operation since 1968, establishing its reputation as a neighborhood mainstay. Publishing Perspectives’ Rachel Aydt notes that the selection is small but well-curated, spanning fiction and nonfiction works alike. The shopkeepers, however, are what make Three Lives and Co. a bookstore unlike any other. All of the sellers are verified bookworms, and can often be seen chatting endlessly with a customer on what books they recommend. It’s this homey, neighborhood feel that keeps people coming back to this charming establishment, often walking away with a book (or two, or three) in hand.
Pause and take a breath
Dream House
While you may be tempted to be constantly on the move, the best way to immerse yourself fully in NYC is to take a break every once in a while and recharge. You could very well go back to your hotel, but MELA Foundation’s Dream House provides a meditative escape in the middle of TriBeCa, where visitors can pay as much as they want to take a couple of breaths in this calming, ethereal space. It’s perfect for a quick time-out before you head to your Broadway show or dinner date.
Go up high, but without the crowds
The Woolworth Building
Manhattan is a true concrete jungle, home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions as well as the poshest and most expensive homes in the world. In fact, a ‘Buy vs. Rent in NYC’ article by Yoreevo claims that homes in this borough have gone up to a whopping $2 million on average, with many likely to be even higher. Such grandeur is what tourists come to see, with many flocking to the Empire State Building to get a view of NYC’s skyline. For the same breathtaking view that’s infinitely less crowded, head over to the Woolworth Building. Not only can you climb up, you can also enjoy the building’s elegant architecture. The Woolworth Building also represents a piece of NYC history: It was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930, solidifying NYC’s prominence as a dream city even a century ago.
Order a classic New York bite
Barney Greengrass
NYC will always be known for its pizza, but there are so many other dining options to choose from. For instance, the late Anthony Bourdain called Barney Greengrass his favorite deli, relying on its Nova Scotia lox egg scramble with a bagel as a quintessential New York breakfast. NYC’s deli scene is a subculture of its own, with families handing down the counter across generations and building up a rapport with their customers. You should also use this opportunity to dispel the idea that New Yorkers are brash and unfriendly; strike up a conversation with the cashier — and before you know it, it’s time for another meal.
Take a different art tour
Klimt And The Women
The Met, MoMA, and the Guggenheim — these names have become synonymous with NYC’s art scene, but you should know that these places aren’t the only museums that the city has to offer. Thankfully, there are other great museums in the city for when you want to get your fill of art sans the crowds. Neue Galerie is right along Museum Mile and hosts a wide collection of German and Austrian art; you can also opt to have a quick coffee stop at the museum cafe.
Photo Credits
Three Lives and Co – Shoot New York City
Dream House – ArtLab
The Woolworth Building – The Skyscraper Center
Barney Greengrass – The Infatuation
Klimt And The Women – artnet News
Contributing Author Bio
Larissa Anne Cheng
Larissa Anne Cheng is an NYC native who is currently pursuing further studies in journalism. You can probably find her cruising around Brooklyn or making her way further uptown, provided that the trains aren’t delayed.
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