1. Visit a museum.
Oh my, so many museums. If you didn’t grow up in a cultural metropolis like New York City, then museums are definitely something that you want to experience. Go to the Met and gaze at the ancient artwork. Go see the MoMA’s Sixties collection, or where Ben Stiller watched the dinosaurs come alive at the Museum of Natural History, or play vintage arcade games at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. Just spend the day learning about the history of humans and art and life.
2. Grab a coffee and book.
Coffee is actually one of the things that define New York City, in case you didn’t know. I personally believe that everyone here drinks at least three cups a day based on how fast they speak and walk. If you are looking for a way to busy yourself, get a good cup of coffee from a cute shop. There are probably twenty of them within five miles of you. Also, stop by one of the city’s countless bookstores—The Strand is definitely an NYU favorite—and peruse the shelves until you find a story that suits you. My ideal Saturday would be spent getting a cozy Autumn-themed book, a large mocha, and finding a spot near the fountain in Washington Square Park to lose myself for a few hours. It’s the perfect way to put off my philosophy paper. (Writing articles for Odyssey are a close second.)
3. Catch an event.
You’re in New York, baby! At any given time, there are probably hundreds of events going down. Do a little research and find out what’s going on in the city. You can watch a sporting event, get tickets to a play, or see a concert! BTW: The Annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade takes place on October 22 this year. You’re welcome.
4. Lose yourself in the city.
This one sounds a little cliché, okay, I get it. But have you ever really just walked around the city? Have you ever ridden the subway to the end of the line? If not, then you’re missing out on a lot of cool stuff that you won’t get to see otherwise. Maybe while you’re walking up to 33rd St. you’ll see a cool place to have dinner. Maybe you’ll meet a cool person on the subway and strike up a conversation that will replay in your mind for hours after. If you have nothing to do, go explore!
5. Food … enough said.
Everyone knows that New York is the place to be if you’re looking for some good food. With influences from around the world, there is something for everyone’s taste buds! Check out those Instagram food blogs you follow (because if you aren’t following any, then you’re doing it wrong) and pick a place to eat! You’re bound to find someplace cool.
