Going to school on Long Island is an amazing opportunity to explore New York City. If you’re not familiar with NYC, it can seem incredibly daunting to figure out what to do first. The city has much more to offer than the typical attractions like Times Square or the Statue of Liberty. Here’s a list of fun things to do in New York that aren’t too touristy.
1. The Cloisters
If you travel up into Hudson Heights, you’ll arrive at the Cloisters. This museum of medieval art is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Once you’ve spent $12 for student admission (or a donation of your choice), you have passes for any other of the Met’s exhibits. Also, there’s an entire room of unicorn tapestries, which is pretty cool.
2. Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is the perfect place to go for a day of fun-filled activities. Even without an appointment, you can participate in a number of activities, such as bowling, rock climbing, and golfing, with an amazing view of the Hudson River. Chelsea Piers is also home to NYC’s only year-round ice skating rink.
3. Smorgasburg
If you head into Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on weekends, you’ll stumble across Smorgasburg: the largest weekly, outdoor food market in the country. With over 100 local vendors, there are endless culinary choices at this market. Don’t want to go to Brooklyn? This summer, the founders created an abbreviated version called “Smorg Square,” located in SoHo.
4. Albertine Books
The Albertine is the only bookstore dedicated solely to French and English literature in all of NYC. Located inside the Payne Whitney mansion, complete with a hand-painted mural of the night sky on the ceiling, the atmosphere of the Albertine is the perfect mix of cozy and breathtaking that will allow you to get lost in a good book. Plus, it’s a short walk to Central Park and the Met, making it the perfect pit stop on a day trip to NYC.
5. Bite Lip Lab
The Bite Lip Lab is a must for makeup lovers. Journey down to SoHo to create your very own lipstick. With over 200 shades, 4 finishes, and 9 scents to choose from, there are endless possibilities. While $55 for one lipstick and $80 for two might be a little steep, the Bite Lip Lab will finally allow you to create your perfect shade.
6. Burger Joint
New York was home to plenty hidden bars during Prohibition, and this burger joint uses that concept. It’s hidden inside the lobby of the Parker Hotel in Midtown and is easy to miss even when you’re looking for it. Burger Joint serves great burgers and shakes in a cozy atmosphere.
7. Manhattan Community Boathouse
This nonprofit, located at Pier 96, offers free kayaking off the shore of Manhattan from May to October. The kayaks are supplied on a first come, first serve basis, provided that you’re 18 or older. The Manhattan Community Boathouse also has free training classes for kayakers of all skill levels.
8. The High Line
An alternative to the famous Central Park, the High Line is an elevated linear park on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. This park is built on out-of-service train platforms above the streets of the city. The park is filled with walking paths, plant life, and art exhibits.
NYC is truly the city that never sleeps; there are more things than a person could possibly do in four years. Hopefully, this list gives you a few unique places to start.
Cover image courtesy of Jonathan Riley via Unsplash.