Thanks to my ever-so-loving parents, I've had the opportunity to move to the Big Apple this summer, so I'm kinda an expert on City life ever since I saw my first subway rat three months ago. While there are so many places I haven't made it to this summer, there are still hidden gems I can tell you all about.

Whether you're a true New Yorker or a poser, like me, these are 8 things you need to do before the summer is over:

1. Ride bikes at Governors Island.

Take the ferry off the big island and have yourself a day bike riding around Governors Island. You can rent fancy double bikes or stick to the normal Citi Bikes. Once you've had your exercise for the day, don't forget to treat yo'self to some ice cream from Mr. Softee.

2. Ride the merry-go-round at Battery Park.

I know this sounds lame, but this is 100 percent Instagram worthy. On August 20
swim on down the Battery Park. The aquatic merry-go-round is one of a kind and worth the journey to the tip of Manhattan. Don't trust me? See for yourself.

3. See a Broadway play.

Typical, I know -- but thanks to the app TodayTix you can enter daily lotteries for some of the hottest shows on Broadway. Paying over $50 for a ticket is a thing of the past. You can buy tickets weeks in advance or an hour before the show.

4. Spend the day at The Met.

If you're living in NYC this summer with air conditioning, you're one lucky SOB. If you're a peasant like, me living with just a fan, weekend activities almost always include staying out of the heat. The Met will consume your entire day and when you leave you'll realize you only saw one wing of the huge building. The Met is multiple trip kind of place. Bright side, though -- ticket prices are simply suggested donation (you pay how much you are willing to)!

5. Have a picnic on Roosevelt Island.

Taking the tram over the East River is half the fun. The four minute ride offers one of the best views of the city. After your picnic, take your pick of walking to the Northern point of the island to see the light house, playing soccer on the fields, sunbathing in one of the five parks or grabbing some iced coffee at the only Starbucks on the island.

6. Stuff your face at Smorgasburg.

Go early. Go often. With all the delicious smells and different tents, Smorgasburg can be overwhelming at first. You can easily miss Gooey&Co while on your way to the trendy raindrop cakes. Don't forget to bring a towel to sit on along the East River. If you're lucky, Häagen-Dazs might be there giving away free samples.

7. Catch the last Loft Movie night.

Anne Taylor's The Loft (yes, the clothing company) hopped on the outdoor movie trend this summer by hosting the LOL Tuesday movie nights at Solar One on the pier (23rd and FDR). These free ticketed events offer you a seat, free popcorn, and free drinks. Don't miss your chance to see the last movie of the summer. Next movie: My Blind Brother August 9th.

8. Drink your way down Stone Street.

Located in the FiDi, Stone Street is the perfect place to meet your friends (and future Wall Street banker hubby) for happy hour. Seating is very limited, so head straight there from work in order to get that order of guac you've been craving all day.