The Highline: abandoned railroad line that was furnished into a long park. The park runs along the west side of NYC
East River Park: It is the place to sit down after a long day's work and dream and think.
Play The Building : This is an abandoned warehouse located in Battery park which artist David Byrne has transformed into a very large instrument. Byrne has used the building's features to create an instrument meant for the public to enjoy!
Urasenke: Japanese tea place on 69th, very serious tea etiquette. No jeans
Explorer's Club : Monday evening they host a wine/cheese reception and an interesting talk from an explorer. Can't beat $5 student tickets.
The Irish Hunger Memorial: (near the WTC, overlooking the Hudson) is beautiful. It looks like a piece of Ireland fell from the sky
Waterside Plaza: is a great place to hang out by the water without the normal tourist crowds you'd find along most of the Hudson River spots or South Street Seaport.:
Caffe Reggio: has a crucial role in the development of coffee culture in the United States — it was the first establishment to sell cappuccino in America back in the 1920s. The cafe still has its original espresso machine, which dates back to 1902, and was purchased by founder Domenico Parisi when he opened the place in 1927.
Roosevelt Island: Even though it is right across the East River from Manhattan and in plain sight many inhabitants have never been there. It is very quiet and provides an interesting contrast to the bustling island of Manhattan. A different perspective of the city.