1
Carnegie Hall
1
57th St. and Seventh Ave.
This world-famous concert venue is a New York City landmark and must-see music attraction. Carnegie Hall presents classical, jazz, folk, world and popular music with breakthrough and veteran performers. Since opening in 1891, this concert hall has become the emblem of musical achievement around the world, and has showcased the world’s finest artists—from Tchaikovsky to Mahler, Horowitz to Callas to Bernstein, even Judy Garland and the Beatles. Experience a concert, take the tour or visit the Rose Museum—all at Carnegie Hall.
2
Comedy Cellar
2
117 Macdougal St.
You never know who's going to pop up on stage at this subterranean comedy mecca: Colin Quinn, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes. All of the aforementioned have graced the Comedy Cellar with their live sets, spewing from a stage the size of a dining-room table in front of a crowd packed together tighter than sardines on a Ritz.
3
Peacefood Cafe
3
460 Amsterdam Ave.
Health food that tastes like a treat—not a way to deprive yourself—is the appeal at Peacefood Cafe. The young, earnest staff has hippie cred, spreading the word on the merits of veganism. Regular patrons embrace it, discussing biorhythms and zodiac signs (sample snippet of conversation: "I'm into being a Sagittarius") over forkfuls of raw cold sesame kelp noodles, fabulous quinoa salad and the signature chickpea fries. Soups of the day are always gratifying, and there are a number of gluten-free sweets. The dessert case is piled with refined sugar–free giant cookies, cakes and perhaps a raw passion fruit tart. Bowls of fresh fruit are at the ready for blending up imaginative combinations of juices and smoothies.
4
Colonel Charles Young Playground
4
Malcolm X Boulevard
Named for one of the first Black graduates of West Point, this Harlem playground features ball fields, basketball courts and accessible play equipment for kids.
5
Manhattanville Coffee
5
142 Edgecombe Ave.
This airy corner spot makes a fine stop for your morning espresso and breakfast sandwich or scone (lunch is also available)—take a seat by the window if you plan to stay a little while.