New York, New York, the city so nice they named it twice. Its also the city that never sleeps, and for introverts like me, it can be a nightmare to always be surrounded by noise and crowds.
I place a high priority on my quiet alone time, and finding that in NYC is just a little bit difficult at times.
SO, I have compiled a list of places that I have found to be most helpful to go to when I am in need of some alone time or just some peaceful scenery. Plus these places are free, so they really fit into that college student budget that I'm currently working with.
1. Central Park.
Yes, I know what you are thinking - wow what a novel idea, to put Central Park on this list of relaxing places. BUT Central Park is just so nice. It has grass, which is a rarity in the city. It also offers many cool places to explore and things to see and places to sit. I would recommend Sheep's meadow, Bethesda Fountain, the Swedish Cottage, and Belvedere Castle.
BONUS: if you're one of those people that relaxes by exercising, Central Park has a multitude of running and walking trails for you!
2. Rooftops
Rooftops, in my opinion, are one of the best parts of living in the city. The feeling of being so high up and looking down on the busy streets below has an oddly calming effect on me. They're a great place to escape to do some reading or make a phone call. (If your building doesn't have a rooftop, make friends with someone who does... or just sneak onto one...)
3. Kayaking
PSA: This is only offered certain months out of the year, but boy oh boy is it a fun time.
Kayaking is one of those things that I never really thought I would enjoy, but after going a couple of times it has become one of my favorite things to do. Here I was this whole time thinking that I would be so stressed out by floating aimlessly in the water, trying to steer my boat with a paddle that I had little knowledge how to use, but oh how wrong I was. It is easily one of the most relaxing experiences I have had since moving to the city a little over two years ago.
Places to experience the wonder that is kayaking include: Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96 and New York City Downtown Boat House at Pier 26.
4. The Met
Here I go again, stating what must be so obvious to all New Yorkers - that the Met is a fun place to go when you think you have some down time and are in the mood to feel cultured. While I frequently feel neither of those things, the Met is a great place to go if you enjoy people watching or staring at art for long amounts of time. Personally, people watching is one of my favorite hobbies, and I have found that the Met is one great place to do it. With its visitors ranging from aspiring artists to completely lost tourists, it makes for a delightful break in the mundane and a fantastic place to wind down.
5. The Staten Island Ferry
I didn't discover this little jewel until just recently, but the Staten Island Ferry is just incredible. While Staten Island itself may be a little lack-luster, the boat ride getting there is nothing short of refreshing. There is just something about standing at the back of the boat as it slowly glides away from the city that gives me shivers. People aren't super talkative on the ferry, so pop in some headphones, put on a relaxing song, and watch the skyline fade away and boom, you're relaxed.
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