1
Brooklyn Bridge
1
Tillary St. (at Adams St.)
Stretching across the East River, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge opened up back in 1883 to carry traffic (nonautomotive at the time) between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the bridge has been featured in movies and on television shows, and is a real piece of New York City history. A stroll across the elevated pedestrian walkway provides a true New York City experience. The Manhattan-side entrance is at Park Row and Centre Street, across from City Hall Park, east of City Hall; over on the Brooklyn side, enter at Cadman Plaza East or where Boerum Place meets Tillary Street.
2
New York Botanical Garden
2
2900 Southern Blvd.
The New York Botanical Garden, neighbor to the Bronx Zoo, is a wonderland for everything that grows. Featuring more than a million plants on 250 acres, the Botanical Garden is a place for study and research as well as enchantment and exploration. Take a seasonal walk to see what’s in bloom. Or explore the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, home to A World of Plants, which showcases the wonders of the Garden’s living collections in lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, curated displays of palms from around the world, aquatic and carnivorous plants, and much more.
3
Rockwood Music Hall
3
196 Allen St.
A beacon of emerging and established live music acts in New York City since 2005, Rockwood Music Hall boasts three intimate stages, all with top-notch sound systems, and at least one of which is always free to attend. Over the past 15 years, the venue has become one of the most respected names in NYC for finding and booking the next big thing in music.
4
Riverside Park
4
Riverside Drive to Hudson River<br>72nd St. to St. Clair Pl.
One of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in New York City, Riverside Park is regarded as Manhattan's most spectacular waterfront park. Stretching along the Hudson River, the park offers numerous recreational activities, including sports courts and fields, a skate park and a public marina. A number of monuments can also be found within the park, including the American Memorial to Six Million Jews of Europe. Be sure to visit during the summer for Shakespeare in Riverside Park.
5
Tacombi @ Fonda Nolita
5
267 Elizabeth St.
From a concept that originated in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this taqueria on wheels is parked in a former garage in the midst of NoLIta's boutique shopping district. It's an idiosyncratic, laid-back venue where you can pause for a quick, casual Mexican breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night snack. Buy casino chips at the beverage counter for the number of tacos, tamales or tostadas you want, then give your order at the vintage VW bus, which has been fashioned into a short-order kitchen. Just the right amount of lip-tingling heat is buried in the short rib tacos, for instance, but if you need to turn it up, there's salsa set out on the folding tables.