With so few weeks left in the semester, it can be hard not to think about the irresistible lure of summer vacation. But since most of us will be heading home as soon as our last final ends, there aren’t that many opportunities left to explore the city that never sleeps until next fall. So, if you can fit it into your schedule, here are a few places you should check out in the city before getting on that plane.
1. Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Source: cityneversleeps.com
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe on the Lower East Side is, yes, a bit of a ways away by subway, but it’s totally worth it. Go check out an open mic or slam poetry night and listen to some amazing New Yorkers from all different backgrounds blow your mind. The crowd is always energetic, and even though it can end pretty late at night on weekends, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to return.
2. The Met Cloisters
Source: nycgo.com
Sure, we all know and love the Met, but fewer people have checked out the Cloisters, a branch of the museum located up in Fort Tryon Park. The vibe is a bit different from the Met itself, since getting there from the subway stop means walking through a beautiful park, and because the museum itself looks like a medieval castle. That last detail is fitting, since the main focus of the museum is medieval Europe. It has paintings, tapestries, and even small gardens located inside. If you’re like me, you’ll end up spending a whole day there without even realizing it.
3. The Center
Source: ny.curbed.com
The Center, officially called the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is in Chelsea, and is a great place to check out, whether you’re LGBT or not – it’s dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for the NYC community where everyone can feel accepted. The Center also hosts arts and culture events, provides health and career resources for the LGBT community, and has a bathroom that was decorated by Keith Haring – an absolute must-see. They’re also dedicated to educating people about LGBT history.
4. Algonquin Hotel
Source: hauntedrooms.com
The Algonquin Hotel, located near Times Square in Midtown, is a great place to get coffee at the end of the night after a day of exploring the city. If you’re a literary nerd, you’ll find it pretty cool that the members of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and actors that included Dorothy Parker and Harpo Marx, would meet in the hotel to discuss ideas almost every day. The lobby is also beautiful, and if you’re a struggling writer (and I don’t know any writers who aren’t struggling), you can even get a discounted price for lunch.