About: A pioneering museum celebrating African diaspora culture through art, music, and social programs.
How to Get There: Steps from Fort Greene Park and BAM. G train to Fulton St.
Address: 80 Hanson Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
About: A radical cultural space focused on political education, film screenings, and community events.
How to Get There: Near Penn Station and Hudson Yards. A/C/E to 34th St–Penn Station.
Address: 320 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
About: Art exhibitions, live shows, and media-making labs make BRIC a cultural hub.
How to Get There: Near BAM, Atlantic Terminal. B/D/Q/N/R/2/3/4/5 to Atlantic Ave–Barclays Center.
Address: 647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
About: Historic site preserving one of America’s first free Black communities.
How to Get There: Near Lincoln Terrace Park. 3/4 train to Utica Ave.
Address: 158 Buffalo Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
About: Showcases powerful photojournalism and media with a social conscience.
How to Get There: Nearby St. Mary’s Park. 2/5 train to 3rd Ave–149th St.
Address: 614 Courtlandt Ave, Bronx, NY 10451
About: Old-school folk venue hosting live Americana music and banjo classes.
How to Get There: Near Valentino Pier and Red Hook Winery. B61 bus to Columbia St.
Address: 315 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
About: A tribute to the Harlem Renaissance, with talks, exhibits, and live jazz.
How to Get There: Near Marcus Garvey Park and Harlem Shake. 2/3 train to 125th St.
Address: 58 W 129th St, New York, NY 10027
About: Cutting-edge theater and music venue set in a renovated tobacco warehouse.
How to Get There: Under Manhattan Bridge, next to Brooklyn Bridge Park. F to York St.
Address: 45 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
About: A Puerto Rican and Latin art and performance center inside a repurposed school.
How to Get There: Near LES galleries and ABC No Rio. F train to Delancey St.
Address: 107 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002
About: A modern natural history museum housed inside a freight elevator, showcasing tiny oddities and rotating micro-exhibits.
How to Get There: Walk to Canal Street or Hudson River Park. 1 train to Franklin St.
Address: 4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013
About: A small, eccentric museum of NYC artifacts like seltzer bottles and old subway tokens.
How to Get There: Near Domino Park and Bedford Ave shopping. L train to Bedford Ave.
Address: 370 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
About: A volunteer-run archive of political posters, zines, and ephemera from activist movements.
How to Get There: Close to Whole Foods and local breweries. F/G to 4th Ave–9th St.
Address: 314 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
About: An elegant, high-tech museum dedicated to canine history and breed standards.
How to Get There: Near Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building. 4/5/6 or 7 to Grand Central.
Address: 101 Park Ave, New York, NY 10178
About: A hidden gem inside a restored 1887 synagogue with gorgeous stained glass and Jewish history.
How to Get There: In Chinatown, walkable to LES and Canal Street. B/D train to Grand St.
Address: 12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
About: Dedicated to the architecture and design of tall buildings, especially in NYC.
How to Get There: Next to Battery Park, One WTC nearby. 1 train to South Ferry.
Address: 39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280
About: A room filled with 280,000 pounds of earth—a long-term installation by artist Walter De Maria.
How to Get There: Near shopping on Prince and Spring Streets. B/D/F/M to Broadway–Lafayette.
Address: 141 Wooster St, New York, NY 10012
About: An intimate venue known for its eclectic lineup—cabaret, spoken word, experimental music.
How to Get There: Close to Astor Place and Cooper Union. 6 train to Astor Pl.
Address: 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
About: Wild late-night dance parties, circus acts, and themed nights in a psychedelic space.
How to Get There: Near Roberta’s and art galleries. L train to Jefferson St.
Address: 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
About: Avant-garde jazz, electronic, and international acts in a late-night lounge vibe.
How to Get There: Close to Tompkins Square Park. L train to 1st Ave.
Address: 151 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009
About: Legendary burlesque, variety shows, and late-night risqué comedy.
How to Get There: Orchard St. and Ludlow nightlife nearby. F to Delancey.
Address: 167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
About: Improv, alt-comedy, and midnight shows from rising performers and pros.
How to Get There: Near Domino Park and North Williamsburg bars. L to Bedford Ave.
Address: 167 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
About: Classic NYC jazz club with late-night sets and world-renowned talent.
How to Get There: In the Village near Washington Sq. Park. A/C/E/B/D/F to W 4th St.
Address: 131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
About: Sleek audio-forward music venue, record bar, and vegan café open late.
How to Get There: In the warehouse district, near Canal and 3rd Ave. R train to Union St.
Address: 233 Butler St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
About: Actor Alan Cumming’s eclectic bar with drag shows, queer cabaret, and dance parties.
How to Get There: St. Mark’s Place and Tompkins Sq Park nearby. L to 1st Ave.
Address: 505 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
About: A wild, forest-like section of Central Park filled with winding trails and birdwatching spots.
How to Get There: Between 73rd and 79th Streets. B/C train to 72nd St or 81st St.
Address: The Ramble, New York, NY
About: A waterfront park on the East River with industrial-chic design, fountains, playgrounds, and skyline views.
How to Get There: Near Williamsburg restaurants and bars. L train to Bedford Ave.
Address: Domino Park, Brooklyn, NY
About: A historic and peaceful cemetery with rolling hills, sculpture, ponds, and incredible views.
How to Get There: Near Park Slope and Industry City. R train to 25th St.
Address: 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
About: Outdoor park and art space with changing large-scale sculpture exhibits and Manhattan skyline views.
How to Get There: Near Noguchi Museum and Astoria Park. N/W to Broadway, then a walk.
Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria, NY 11106
About: Elevated parkland made from repurposed materials, offering sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
How to Get There: Ferry from Battery Maritime Building or Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Address: 10 South St, New York, NY 10004
About: Lush hilltop park with gardens, river views, and the medieval art museum (The Cloisters).
How to Get There: Overlooks the Hudson. A train to 190th St (elevator exit).
Address: Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY
About: A newer rooftop green space above Chelsea’s waterfront with incredible views of the Hudson and Midtown skyline.
How to Get There: Next to Little Island and the High Line. A/C/E to 14th St.
Address: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
About: A vast recreational park with waterfront trails, fields, and hidden spots for picnics or running.
How to Get There: Reachable by pedestrian bridge from East Harlem. 6 to 125th, then walk or bike.
Address: Randalls Island Park, New York, NY
About: Scenic walking paths, hidden waterfalls, and dense woods in the heart of Brooklyn.
How to Get There: Accessible from Grand Army Plaza or Parkside Ave. B/Q/S train.
Address: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
About: A bike and pedestrian path running the full west side of Manhattan, ideal for scenic long walks.
How to Get There: Runs through Tribeca, Chelsea, UWS. Access near any West Side avenue.
Address: Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY
About: Tiny, Parisian-feeling cafe with no Wi-Fi, ideal for quiet writing and local eavesdropping.
How to Get There: On 11th St near Prospect Park. F/G train to 7th Ave.
Address: 318 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
About: A used bookstore and café run by a nonprofit—great for solo work and watching cool people browse books.
How to Get There: Near Broadway shopping and galleries. R/W train to Prince St.
Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
About: Minimalist aesthetic, third-wave brews, and sunlight pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows.
How to Get There: Near Morgan Ave warehouses and studios. L train to Morgan Ave.
Address: 18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
About: Jungle-chic interior, lush plants, skylights, and Colombian coffee with space to spread out.
How to Get There: Bedford Ave shopping and Domino Park nearby. L train to Bedford Ave.
Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
About: Quiet but stylish spot with great espresso, friendly staff, and local regulars.
How to Get There: Close to NYU and St. Mark’s. L train to 1st Ave or 6 to Astor Pl.
Address: 136 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
About: A hip coffee bar inside the Ace Hotel with seating in the moody, elegant lobby.
How to Get There: Koreatown and Penn Station nearby. 1/2/3/N/Q/R to 34th St–Herald Sq.
Address: 18 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
About: Grab a cup and sit in Bryant Park among chess players, readers, and tourists.
How to Get There: Next to NYPL and Midtown skyscrapers. B/D/F/M to 42nd St–Bryant Park.
Address: 54 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
About: Known from *Girls*, this spot is serious about its coffee and has a calm, no-laptop vibe.
How to Get There: Residential and quiet Greenpoint blocks. G train to Nassau Ave.
Address: 193 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
About: Spacious seating, street-facing views, and a big writing crowd among the laptop set.
How to Get There: Off the Jefferson Ave strip. L train to Jefferson St.
Address: 146 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
About: A sleek, independent bookstore with well-curated sections and a café inside.
How to Get There: In the heart of SoHo. R/W to Prince St.
Address: 134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
About: Beloved indie bookstore with readings, cozy vibe, and bright murals outside.
How to Get There: Surrounded by charming brownstone blocks. F/G to Bergen St.
Address: 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
About: NYC’s oldest independent bookstore, known for rare and antique books.
How to Get There: Near Rockefeller Center and 5th Ave. E/F to 53rd St.
Address: 116 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
About: Community-driven bookstore with local events and staff picks that never miss.
How to Get There: Near BAM and Fort Greene Park. C to Lafayette Ave.
Address: 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
About: Avant-garde and art-focused bookstore with beautiful secondhand finds.
How to Get There: Near Tompkins Square Park. L to 1st Ave.
Address: 72 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
About: Asian American woman-owned bookstore centering marginalized voices.
How to Get There: Close to Dimes Square. B/D to Grand St.
Address: 44 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
About: A warm, literary nook for fiction lovers and die-hard New Yorkers.
How to Get There: On beautiful Waverly Pl. 1 train to Christopher St.
Address: 154 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
About: Zines, indie comics, and small press heaven with punk energy.
How to Get There: Steps from Bedford Ave. L to Bedford Ave.
Address: 536 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
About: A charming, one-of-a-kind shop filled with vintage and rare cookbooks.
How to Get There: Tucked in a basement near MacDougal. A/C/E to W 4th.
Address: 28 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10003
About: Travel- and language-focused bookstore that doubles as a language school.
How to Get There: Near Madison Square Park. N/R to 28th St.
Address: 617 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
About: Historic 18-mile-long bookstore featured heavily in this Netflix holiday rom-com.
How to Get There: Union Square shopping, Astor Place, NYU. 4/5/6/L/N/Q/R to Union Square.
Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
About: Historic alley behind Beekman St used in gritty corporate or noir-style scenes.
How to Get There: Near City Hall and the Beekman Hotel. 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall.
Address: Theatre Alley, New York, NY 10038
About: The now-iconic elevated park is a central scene in Anna Delvey’s Soho walks.
How to Get There: Chelsea Market, Whitney Museum, Little Island. A/C/E to 14th St.
Address: 500 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
About: Iconic hotel with lavish steps featured again in the HBO Max reboot.
How to Get There: St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center nearby. B/D/F/M to 47–50th.
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
About: Roy family drama filmed in this decadent Midtown classic.
How to Get There: Near Carnegie Hall. N/Q/R/W to 57th St–Seventh Ave.
Address: 150 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
About: A key East Village spot for Nadia’s time loops and late-night pierogi.
How to Get There: Tompkins Square Park and indie theaters nearby. L to 1st Ave.
Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
About: Sky-high viewing platform used in thriller sequences of Kaley Cuoco’s HBO Max series.
How to Get There: Shops at Hudson Yards, Vessel, and the High Line. 7 train to Hudson Yards.
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
About: Narrow cobblestone street used in many flashbacks and as European stand-ins.
How to Get There: Historic Financial District. 2/3 to Wall Street.
Address: Stone Street, New York, NY
About: Academic-centered Netflix series starring Sandra Oh, filmed around NYU.
How to Get There: Greenwich Village cafes, chess boards, live performers. A/C/E to W 4th.
Address: Washington Square Park, New York, NY
About: Midge takes a rare break from stand-up and showbiz among vintage rides and beach scenes.
How to Get There: Luna Park, Nathan’s, ocean views. D/F/N/Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Address: Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
About: A honeycomb-like public sculpture that spirals upward offering city views (climbing currently suspended).
How to Get There: Located in Hudson Yards near The Edge and High Line. 7 train to Hudson Yards.
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
About: A pop art icon by Robert Indiana, perfect for Instagram photos and midtown energy.
How to Get There: Near MoMA and Rockefeller Center. B/D/F/M to 47–50th St–Rockefeller Center.
Address: 1359 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
About: A long-standing tribute to NYC street art inside a public schoolyard.
How to Get There: Near Marcus Garvey Park. 6 train to 103rd St.
Address: 106 and Park, New York, NY
About: Whimsical bronze sculptures populate this public space, often delighting both kids and adults.
How to Get There: Near Hudson River Park. A/C/E to 34th St–Penn Station.
Address: 505 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
About: Features rotating sculptures and the famous ‘Long Island’ Pepsi-Cola sign across the river.
How to Get There: Waterfront views and nearby ferry access. 7 train to Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave.
Address: Hunters Point South Park, Queens, NY
About: Home to immersive art installations from top contemporary artists.
How to Get There: Close to the High Line and other Chelsea galleries. A/C/E to 23rd St.
Address: 525 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
About: Annual summer installations curated by MoMA PS1 in a coastal military ruin.
How to Get There: Take a ferry or A train to Rockaway Park.
Address: Fort Tilden, Queens, NY
About: Rotating outdoor exhibits with city skyline as backdrop.
How to Get There: Near Noguchi Museum. N/W to Broadway.
Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria, NY 11106
About: Massive murals from global artists beneath the BQE and Manhattan Bridge.
How to Get There: Next to Time Out Market and Brooklyn Bridge Park. F to York St.
Address: DUMBO Walls, Brooklyn, NY
About: Vibrant mosaics by Chuck Close and others in the newest line of the NYC subway.
How to Get There: Connects with Q train. Explore the LES before/after.
Address: 2nd Avenue Subway Station, New York, NY
About: The classic cobblestone shot of the Manhattan Bridge framed between brick buildings.
How to Get There: Next to Washington St & Water St intersection. F train to York St.
Address: Washington St %26 Water St, Brooklyn, NY
About: Offers sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan and Central Park—best at sunset.
How to Get There: Located in Rockefeller Plaza. B/D/F/M to 47–50 St–Rockefeller Center.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
About: Interactive color-themed art experience with curated selfie moments and confetti rooms.
How to Get There: Surrounded by SoHo boutiques and cafés. A/C/E to Canal St.
Address: 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
About: Futuristic transit hub with stunning architecture perfect for wide-angle shots.
How to Get There: Next to One World Observatory and 9/11 Museum. E to World Trade Center.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
About: Floating park with sculptural concrete columns and floral walkways over the Hudson.
How to Get There: Off the West Side Highway near Chelsea. A/C/E to 14th St.
Address: Pier 55, Hudson River Park, New York, NY
About: Everything pink—from the awning to the bathroom. Hashtags practically required.
How to Get There: In Nolita. 6 train to Spring St.
Address: 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
About: Sky-high shots from the Vale Rooftop Bar with Brooklyn and Manhattan in view.
How to Get There: In Williamsburg. L to Bedford Ave.
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
About: A glowing, iridescent carousel ride inside glass fish—a whimsical photo-op by the water.
How to Get There: Steps from the Staten Island Ferry and Castle Clinton. 1 to South Ferry.
Address: The Battery, State St, New York, NY 10004
About: Iconic view of the Empire State Building and Central Park from Rockefeller Center.
How to Get There: Located in Rockefeller Plaza. B/D/F/M to 47–50 St–Rockefeller Center.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
About: Triangular observation deck jutting out from Hudson Yards with glass floors and panoramic views.
How to Get There: In Hudson Yards above The Shops. 7 train to Hudson Yards.
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
About: Stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge from a peaceful walkway.
How to Get There: In Brooklyn Heights near Montague St. 2/3 train to Clark St.
Address: Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn, NY
About: East River waterfront with unobstructed views of Midtown Manhattan and the UN building.
How to Get There: In Long Island City. 7 train to Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave.
Address: Gantry Plaza State Park, Queens, NY
About: Take the aerial tramway for a cinematic view of the East River and Midtown skyline.
How to Get There: Access from 2nd Ave & 60th St. Take the F train or tram entrance.
Address: Tramway Plaza, New York, NY 10075
About: Unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan.
How to Get There: In Jersey City across from Battery Park. Take PATH to Exchange Place, then Light Rail.
Address: Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
About: Chic rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Manhattan Bridge and skyline.
How to Get There: In DUMBO, near Brooklyn Bridge Park. F train to York St.
Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
About: Observation deck atop One World Trade Center with 360° views.
How to Get There: Next to 9/11 Memorial. E to World Trade Center.
Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10007
About: Castle-like structure in Central Park offering romantic views over the park and skyline.
How to Get There: Near the Great Lawn. B/C train to 81st St or 86th St.
Address: Belvedere Castle, New York, NY
About: Free boat ride with classic views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
How to Get There: Departs from Whitehall Terminal. 1 train to South Ferry.
Address: Whitehall Terminal, New York, NY
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