Things To Do
Theater District
New York has the best theater scene in the country. Of course, there are some obvious hits everyone should see, but if you're looking for recommendations beyond the blockbusters (Hamilton, Lion King, etc.), here are some great tickets to Snag of less-well-known productions: - Hadestown (haunting and beautiful score with a stunning production - & Juliet (a fun juke-box musical that's a spin on Romeo and Juliette) - Merrily We Roll Along (if you can get a ticket, the cast of this show is really incredible - Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe both won Tonys this year). - Suffs - a new musical that is a great history lesson and a really great score. - Once Upon a Mattress - If you're a Sutton Foster fan, this may be your best chance to see her in a production.
The High Line
If you're an architecture lover, this is probably the best views you'll get of the city outside of the Brooklyn Bridge. The fun thing about this is you can "get on" and "get off" really anywhere along the elevated park and see some great things on your way. The Chelsea Market and Whitney Museum are right at the southernmost point, and the Hudson Yards are at the end for some good shopping and where you can also book tickets to the Edge if you want to get an aerial view of the city.
Central Park
Ok, so this is still a pretty "touristy" pick, but the Park is amazing and has some incredible museums along the edge. Some places to hit up while you are there: - The Natural History Museum (which is right down the street from Strawberry Fields). - The Great Lawn: For some stunning views of midtown architecture and a great place for a picnic. - The Jacky O Resevroir: Fun for a quick hike that also includes some great views of the city. - The Metropolitan Museum of Art: This can be kind of overwhelming, but is a "pay what you wish" museum with some great artwork.
The Museum of Modern Art
Not that we're biased, but this museum is probably one of the most impressive collections of art in the world. Go see a bunch of the artworks you saw in your art history class (Van Gogh, Metisse, Picasso, Monet, Warhol and more). If you want a more intimate art museum experience, also try out... - The Frick Collection: A mansion estate that hosts the Frick private collection which feels much more like you're viewing it outside of a museum setting. There are some stunning pieces that are just hanging casually on the wall. - The Cloisters: If you're a medieval art fan, this is the place to go, and the setting, while far away from downtown/midtown is really beautiful. The museum itself is a monastery that was shipped over from Europe.
Prospect Heights
Go visit the first neighborhood where we lived together (and get a look at our first apartment building at 586 Vanderbilt Avenue). So many memories and great restaurants here - you really can't go wrong. While you're there: - The Brooklyn Museum has a great art exhibit, including classic American works (Hopper and others) and an impressive ancient art exhibit as well. - Prospect Park: for a smaller, hipper, less crowded version of Central Park (designed by the same landscape artist). - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens: Smaller than the Bronx Botanical Gardens (also worth a visit) but plenty big enough for a robust visit. - Weather Up: Probably the best cocktails in the city - it's a speak-easy, so while you can find it on google maps, it's not easily identifiable from the street. They have a "bartender's choice" option, where they'll ask you about your favorite flavors/spirits and craft a cocktail from their encyclopedia of bar knowledge. (or get absinthe if that's more your speed).