The 101 best things to do in NYC by category

“Check out new artists at 54 Below. Everyone in the audience acts like they’re supporting family.”—Kenneth, Upper West Side

Elegant and sexy, this 1920s-style supper club is affectionately known as Broadway’s Living Room—with its dark mahogany and red banquettes, it’s easy to see how you could get comfortable there. Pre-theater dinner is offered nightly until 5pm, the lounge is open late and all tables for nightly shows are no more than 24 feet from the stage, which makes it the perfect vantage point to take in up to three shows per night.

“Drink a Club-Mate at the Bossa Nova Civic Club; it’s one of the only places where you can get one in America.”—Eric, Bed-Stuy

Situated beneath a subway overpass in Bushwick, this club caters to those craving a house or industrial techno fix on Sunday and Monday nights. You can trust that you’re in good hands: it’s owned by nightlife veteran John Barclay of Let’s Play House, Mister Saturday Night and Trip House parties in a four-story, 20-room mansion. He continues this tradition at Bossa Nova, where folks in the mood for a tropical vibe and big sound in a small space will feel right at home.

“Drink a Club-Mate at the Bossa Nova Civic Club; it’s one of the only places where you can get one in America.”—Eric, Bed-Stuy

Situated beneath a subway overpass in Bushwick, this club caters to those craving a house or industrial techno fix on Sunday and Monday nights. You can trust that you’re in good hands: it’s owned by nightlife veteran John Barclay of Let’s Play House, Mister Saturday Night and Trip House parties in a four-story, 20-room mansion. He continues this tradition at Bossa Nova, where folks in the mood for a tropical vibe and big sound in a small space will feel right at home.

“See stand-up at the Comedy Cellar. The price is right, especially when Aziz Ansari drops in!”—Caitlin, East Village

Even though it opened a second location at the Village Underground, the original Comedy Cellar is still the place to go if you want to see stand-up by legendary performers who often appear unannounced (Jon Stewart and Chris Rock recently dropped by). For those who like to plan ahead, check the calendar and make a reservation. Warning: If you sit up front, you might be part of the show.

“See DJs at Good Room—they’re always great.”—Ari, Ridgewood

A promising newcomer in the former Europa space, this Steve Lewis–designed club serenades vibing Greenpointers with techno, electronica and nu-disco. Stellar acoustics, a super dark main floor lit by circling blue spotlights and a chill side room, boasting a second DJ spinning vinyl and shelves teeming with records, makes it a decent spot for even club-hating locals.

“Going to shows at the Knitting Factory—I love listening to punk and rock music live.”—Danni, East Village

From modest beginnings in its original location on Houston Street in the late 1980s, the Knitting Factory has become Knitting Factory Entertainment, with concert venues from Brooklyn to Reno. Its Brooklyn location is still a great place to see everything from comedy to contemporary-folk and rock-and-roll. We recommend settling into the Federal Bar (attached to the venue) for pre-show drinks.

“See the Moth. Even though anyone can put their name in the hat, it's rare to encounter a bad storyteller.”—Dana, Crown Heights

Held monthly in various locations across the city, each StorySLAM sees 10 storytellers competing to see who spins the best tale on a specific theme, without using written notes. With so many writers, comedians and actors living in New York, it makes sense that the tales told at the slams are better performed and more engaging than in other cities. Unsurprisingly, this hugely popular event is always packed, so line up early to snag your spot.

“Dance to DJ sets at Output, because it’s a great place to hook up.”—Joel, Mill Basin

If putting out is what you’re after, there are plenty of dark corners at this sleek, pretension-free club to do so. Not that you’d even want to do much talking—the sound system is one of the best in the city, whether you’re losing yourself in electronica, techno or house beats. Take in the dance floor from the second level, or slip out to the rooftop if you need to chill out.

“See comedy at the PIT, then drink alongside the comedians at the bar.”—Nick, Park Slope

The PIT exists to nurture comedy through improv workshops, a writing program and—for those who prefer to watch—theater with improv shows seven-nights a week for as little as a buck. Get your drink on at The Love Bar, where everyone from students to performers party pre and post show.

“Listening to music at the Rockwood Music Hall, because the line up almost always includes a couple of fun local bands worth checking out.”—Ben, Gramercy

There are three stages at Rockwood, allowing the venue to host a staggering parade of local and touring bands on any given night. On weekends, the music often starts as early as 3pm and goes until well after midnight.

“Taking out-of-towners to the Museum of Natural History—looking at the big blue whale from their eyes reminds you just how amazing it really is.”—Alise, Upper East Side

While the most beloved and well-known exhibit is the blue whale—suspended from the ceiling in the oceans room to remind tourists and locals of the magnificence of the sea—it’s only one of the many reasons to visit. Two awesome new reasons to go, even if you’ve think you’ve seen it all: Dinosaurs Among Us (did you know some had feathers, similar to birds of today?) and Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World (opening the end of May), which features four live species, including a forest-dwelling crocodile.

“Seeing a show at the Bushwick Starr—it always has original shows that expand your horizons without breaking your wallet.”—Ade, West Village

The Bushwick Starr is what every city needs: a no-frills, black-box theater where young playwrights, actors, dancers, musicians and poets can afford to stage a show. Seating just 60 people, it’s a fantastically intimate space for experiencing up-and-coming talent.

“Look at the tapestries at the Cloisters, because they’re really beautiful and many are quite unusual—they took a lot of time and artistry to make.”—Catie, Bushwick

Want to feel like you’ve been transported to medieval Europe without leaving NYC? Head to Fort Tryon Park to visit the Cloisters and get lost looking at the chapels, sculptures, unicorn tapestries and gardens. Impress your history-buff friends with this fun fact: the museum was reconstructed from five European abbeys that were dismantled in the 1930s, sent to New York, and reassembled as the buildings you see today. See? History is fun.

“Watch weird foreign films at the IFC followed by a meal at Vegetarian Paradise 2—it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy day.”—Jeff, Crown Heights

Formerly the Waverly Theater, this venerable West Village art movie house shows some of the best international and independent films, from obscure gems to indie hits. The reasonably priced veggie fare at Vegetarian Paradise 2—located just a block up and across the street from the theater—offers some tasty brain food while you digest the films’ deeper meanings.

“Enjoy a Broadway show at a 100-year-old theater.”—Adam, West Village

For more than a century, the Great White Way has been the epicenter of American theater, and new musical spectacles, big-budget revivals and explosive straight plays need theaters befitting their content. The original Beaux Arts elements of the oldest theaters—the Lyceum (founded in 1903), New Amsterdam (1903) and the Belasco (1907) with its murals and Tiffany lighting—lend a grandeur and elegance to every performance.

“Watching an opera at Lincoln Center, because it just feels so sophisticated and I love supporting those phenomenal performers.”—Marcy, Park Slope

There’s something magical about walking into Lincoln Center itself, but nothing makes you feel as classy as watching an opera at the Met. With its plush velvet stairs, golden ceilings and sparkling lights—not to mention a set design so grand, it’ll impress even the most jaded opera-goer—it’s something you should treat yourself to at least once a year. Get in for as little as $25 to $35 bucks with the joint’s standing-room and student discounts. (And ask your wealthy friends to treat you to the good seats).

“Explore the Morbid Anatomy Museum. I’m really into their macabre exhibitions, and their events, like flea markets and lectures, are unusual and cool.”—Cazz, Greenwich Village

This is more than just a museum dedicated to the exploration and celebration of death: It’s a lecture space, coffee and gift shop filled with books, artifacts, skeletons, and other beautiful oddities that will delight anyone with a fascination with the afterlife. Try your hand at taxidermy in one of their fun (but pricey!) workshops, or check out the book release party forAnatomical Venus, written by co-founder and creative director Joanna Ebenstein, which explores the female anatomy through beautiful wax sculptures. Trust us, it’s awesome!

“Take a date to the Museum of Sex—seeing how he reacts to the exhibits will tell you a lot about him and maybe give you both a few ideas.”—Zoe, Lower East Side

If you’re in a sexual rut—or if you’re just looking for a break from your typical museum experience—you’ll want to bring your partner to MoSex’s Splendor in the Grass, a campground-themed wonderland complete with a pheromone chamber. Consider it foreplay before you lovebirds get down and dirty in private.

“Watch a midnight movie at Nitehawk Cinema. I love seeing the horror films of my youth —and they serve beer!”—Bill, Greenpoint

While this theater caters to late-night movie lovers, it also welcomes new parents of babies one and younger on Tuesday afternoons. (Yay, new-mom activity!) The spotlight this summer is on comedians in film—you can never get enough of Beverly Hills Cop and Eddie Murphy Raw.

“Waste time in the main branch of the New York Public Library, because it’s a beautiful building and just by being there I feel smarter somehow.”—Jane, Lower East Side

A Beaux-Arts landmark with insanely high ceilings, stunning chandeliers and massive arched windows that flood the halls with natural light? Don’t mind if we do. Just try to keep your Ghostbusters reenactments to a minimum—people are trying to read!

“Swim in the Astoria Pool. It’s massive and has a stunning view of the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate bridges.”—Ali, Astoria

Not your typical NYC public swimming hole, the Astoria Pool is one of the largest in the country, with a 330-foot main pool, an Olympic-standard diving pool and an additional wading pool. City planner Robert Moses reportedly designed it in 1936 with somewhat narcissistic intent: Swimmers looking up from the water could see one of his greatest accomplishments: the Triborough (now RFK) Bridge, also completed in 1936.

“Ice skate around the tree at 30 Rock—the tree is so huge and beautiful that I feel the Christmas spirit, even though I’m Jewish.”—Rachel, Upper East Side

Aside from the free skating and the opportunity to fill yourself with holiday cheer, the BoA Winter Village rewards you just for visiting: Points at The Rink and Shops can be redeemed for anything from branded snow globes, mugs, blankets or cameras to capture you and your friends during all of the ringside fun. Skate rentals are just $15 a pair, and no worries if you can’t skate—the ring offers private, semi-private and group lessons. Just remember to reserve 48- hours in advance.

“See animals at the Bronx Zoo—for free!”—Danny, Flushing

If you’ve got a hankering to reconnect with wildlife, play hooky on Wednesday and visit the biggest metropolitan zoo in North America—for free! With over 265-acres of animals and wildlife, you won’t be able to see everything in one day, but you can take a two-hour tour of the Congo Gorilla Forest, World of Reptiles or the Himalayan Highlands exhibit. Be sure to pay a special visit to the American Bison, which was just declared America’s national mammal.

“Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge—it’s so romantic that is has the power to turn platonic relationships into something more.”—Javier, Little Italy

Fourteen years and 600 workers (including the original designer, who died during construction)—that’s how long it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge, which has been an iconic landmark of the city since 1883. Thankfully, the NYC Department of Transportation removed the hundreds of “love locks” that were attached to the bridge last year, protecting its status as a historic landmark.

“Walk the fruit streets of Brooklyn Heights. They have that Brooklyn-from-the-movies feel.”—Dana, Crown Heights

In the mid-1800s, prominent Brooklyn Heights resident Lady Middagh saw the “pretentious” street names in her ’hood—those named after Brooklyn’s wealthy families—and decided to take matters into her own hands by changing the street signs by cover of darkness to Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple. The names stuck and to this day add even more charm to the historic 19th-century brownstones and tree-lined streets where several movies, like Moonstruck, were filmed.

“Catch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park. There’s nothing like seeing a flick on the big screen with the city as your backdrop.”—Joe, Williamsburg

While this park is worth visiting year-round for its state of the art wireless network (yay, working outdoors!), the real draw in the summer is the Summer Film Festival, held Monday nights from 5-11pm. While this year’s lineup of classic films isn’t announced until mid-May, past showings have included classics like The Shining and E.T.

“Geo-cache around Central Park. By playing the game and following my navigational device I visited all 24 bridges and arches of Central Park—there’s so much history and beauty there.”—Mary, Ridgewood

Think of geocaching as a high-tech treasure hunt—an app gives you coordinates and clues to locate hidden, marked boxes holding logbooks for finders to sign. The Geocaching app ($9.99) has plenty of games that take you around the park, including Bridges & Arches of Central Park. It’s the best way to make a stroll in the park feel like an Indiana Jones adventure (minus punching).

“Hit some baseballs at Chelsea Piers Batting Cage, because it’s a fun way to exercise and blow off steam away from the gyms.”—Julian, Staten Island

Not just for kids, Chelsea Piers’ 80,000-square ft. sporting complex the Field House offers athletic opportunities aplenty, including indoor rock climbing, gymnastics classes and a spot to practice your swing. So go ahead and channel your inner A-Rod as the machine throws your choice of fast, medium, or slow pitches.

“Celebrate the Sakura Matsuri [Cherry Blossom Festival] at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It doesn’t feel like spring until I’m surrounded by cherry blossoms, and I love the elements of Japanese culture.” —Liz, Windsor Terrace

When the winter finally begins to thaw in early April, the pink buds on the cherry blossom trees greet the rising temperatures, and it’s a sight to see. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden pays homage to the Japanese spring festival Sakura Matsuri with Kabuki dance, tea ceremonies, anime/manga cosplay and cherry blossom as far as the eye can see.

“Go bird watching on the FDR [East River] Promenade. I love seeing the nature that’s still in Manhattan.”—Gavin, Marble Hill, Bronx

When the city began construction on the FDR Drive back in the 1930s, there was no green space on the Lower East Side’s industrial waterfront to speak of—but city planner Robert Moses added a 10-ft wide extension to the Island’s shorefront, thus giving the neighborhood the much-needed East River Park. The park’s promenade offers great views of the Williamsburg Bridge and a spot to take in the sights and sounds of the river.

“Rejuvenate at Aire Ancient Baths. It’s like an underground temple to relaxation.”—Zach, Tribeca

Lit by candles flickering from terra-cotta lanterns, this Spanish-imported spa offers calm and relaxation away from its bustling downtown neighborhood. Only 15 people are allowed in at a time to take advantage of the six thermal baths, which range from 100-plus degrees to 46; the space also includes a salt water pool, steam room, and eucalyptus-infused aromatherapy room. The experience is co-ed and swimsuits are required; we recommend adding a massage for extra relaxation.

“Finding great gifts at Brooklyn Charm—they have so many unique charms to choose from that I can keep going back to find new necklaces and earrings for my friends.”—Caroline, Williamsburg

If you’re into making jewelry out of taxidermy, gemstones, and other imported materials sourced from around the world, Brooklyn Charm is the place to be. The helpful staff members will help you create unique pieces at one of their on-site jewelry classes, which include wire-wrapped ring and pendant-making, stamping, engraving and how to craft chandelier earrings. Not into DIY? Pickup a pre-made piece at their Etsy shop, which includes meat cleaver pendants, area code charms, and a custom-engraved “boss bitch” pendant.

“Buy comic books at Forbidden Planet—it’s an independent bookstore with a great selection and the people who work there are really nice.”—Joey, Murray Hill

We’ll let the door handle at this Union Square shop do the talking: It’s a replica of Captain America’s shield. Comic book fans visiting this geek paradise can snag graphic novels, toys, movie memorabilia, Magic: The Gathering cards and more.

“Peruse the $1 shelves at Strand Book Store. it’s a great way to kill time.”—Rachel, Washington Heights

Founded in 1927, Strand is perhaps the most beloved indie bookseller in the city, with more than 2.5 million new, used and rare tomes—or as the sign outside says, 18 MILES OF BOOKS—cramming the shelves. Not only are there plenty of $1 used options out front, but many new titles are sold well below list price. Bibliophiles can spend hours checking the staff picks, classic novels, poetry, novels and nonfiction. We suggest walking up to the third floor, where early editions and rare signed copies are available for purchase.

Your guide to getting outdoors to the best beaches, pools, parks, outdoor bars and restaurants, and events in New York