My favorite things to do in New York
Five places in New York I actually send people to.
Morgan Library — Murray Hill
J.P. Morgan's private library, three floors of books behind bronze grille, and a painted ceiling almost nobody looks up at. Go on a weekday morning. The East Room is the whole point — everything else is a bonus.
Aire Ancient Baths — Tribeca
Thermal baths in a 1883 textile factory, all brick and candlelight. Book the earliest slot of the day and it stays nearly empty. Ninety minutes, no phone, no clock. It's the only place in this city where nobody wants anything from you.
Mercer Labs — Financial District
Museum of Art and Technology, and interactive here doesn't mean a photo wall. Rooms that respond to you. Go in without reading about it first — the not-knowing is most of it.
The Met — Upper East Side
Art on art on art. You will not finish it. Pick one wing, do it properly, leave while you still like it. Pay what you wish if you're a NY, NJ, or CT resident — bring ID.
Drawing Room — Williamsburg
A quiet studio with good light where you can draw, paint, and eat snacks while doing it. No skill required, which is the appeal. The rare place in Brooklyn that lets you be bad at something for an afternoon.
Save it for your next week here.
#newyorkcity #nycguide #thingstodoinnyc #morganlibrary #nycitinerary
Visiting New York City is always an adventure, but beyond the crowded landmarks, there are hidden gems that offer a more personal and enriching experience. For instance, the Morgan Library & Museum in Murray Hill is truly a sanctuary for book lovers and history enthusiasts. I found that arriving early on a weekday morning allows me to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the East Room without distractions—this room alone justifies the visit, with its intricate bronze grille and a stunning painted ceiling that visitors often overlook when rushing through. In Tribeca, Aire Ancient Baths offers a rare, tranquil escape from the city's hustle. Booking the earliest time slot means you can soak in the thermal water surrounded by exposed brick walls and flickering candles, creating a peaceful ambiance. This 1883 textile factory turned bathhouse is not just about relaxation; it’s about disconnecting with no phones or clocks, which I found rejuvenates both body and mind. For a more interactive experience, Mercer Labs in the Financial District offers a museum that transcends traditional exhibits. Rooms that respond to your movements and presence invite you to experience art and technology in a fresh, spontaneous way. I recommend going without preconceptions or looking up the exhibits beforehand, so you can embrace the unexpected and engage fully in the sensory journey. If art is your passion, The Met on the Upper East Side is an overwhelming treasure trove. My advice is to choose one wing and explore it thoroughly rather than trying to see everything at once, which can be exhausting. As a bonus, if you're a resident of NY, NJ, or CT, bring your ID to take advantage of the pay-what-you-wish policy. I usually leave while still feeling inspired and eager to return, rather than fatigued. Lastly, Drawing Room in Williamsburg is a unique creative studio perfect for anyone wanting to try their hand at painting or drawing without pressure. The space encourages embracing imperfection and simply enjoying the process. I've found that even if you think you're 'bad' at art, this welcoming environment makes it fun to dabble and unwind. Each of these places reveals a different facet of New York City, from culture and history to peace and creativity. Saving these spots for your next week in the city can provide a more meaningful and personal exploration that goes beyond the typical tourist route.
