Rather than going on a costly vacation, I’m sticking around a while and taking in the best NYC has to offer. The staycation is easy to do in a place like NYC. Here even old haunts can be seen with fresh eyes—and new places are constantly waiting to be discovered. Of course, going on a staycation in Manhattan can be costly; luckily it’s summertime and lots can be had for free.
1. Chinatown
I’m a romantic. I like to walk the Brooklyn Bridge toward Manhattan and breathe in the views. I then usually cross into Chinatown for dim sum. My favorite spot is Oriental Pearl Restaurant (103 Mott, between Canal and Hester), which means cheap prices in a rowdy and fun banquet hall setting. In Chinatown, I often just like to wander the streets and check out the multiple kinds of fish; dried noodles of all kinds; nuts, dried plums, and berries; and sweets like Chinese New Year butter cookies and guava candy. If I haven’t had my fill of sweets, I usually head to one of the many bakeries for coconut buns and Bubble Tea (try K and D Bakery at 143 Mott). Even better—the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.
2. Lower East Side
Ever since watching the movie Crossing Delancey (1988), I’ve been fascinated with this ever-changing neighborhood. This summer I’m going down to the LES to revisit the Tenement Museum (call ahead to reserve) at 108 Orchard Street, which has added many more exhibits over the years. I’ll then wander over to the landmarked Eldridge Street Synagogue for breathtaking architecture, which I haven’t seen since its renovation. I’ll follow it up by a visit to the Essex Street Market and Economy Candy for—you guessed it—old-school candy.
3. NoHo/Village
Browsing at the Strand Bookstore (Broadway and 12th Street) is one of my greatest pleasures. Expect miles of books, great bargains, and very knowledgeable, though admittedly sometimes inefficient, service. There’s always a great lineup of nightly readings to boot. Stroll south on Broadway and indulge in the sweetest street food—the Dessert Truck (8th Street University Place). For a casual and inexpensive dinner, I often visit ’Ino Café and Bar (21 Bedford Street) for their extensive wine list and mouthwatering panini, tramezzini, and bruschetta. I then head over to the Film Forum to check out a classic or independent film—unless I decide to keep imbibing at ’Ino.
4. Central Park and Its Environs
The beauty of Central Park is that nothing is ever the same, so you can wander forever and see something new (or so it seems). The park was made for people watching, too. I like to enter at Strawberry Fields and see as much “wildlife” as I can. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the summer, check out Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater (enter the park at 81st and Central Park West). It’s magically free; but you must book your tickets ahead of time, which has its own challenges. SummerStage is also a good bet, serving up music, dance, poetry, and comedy—mostly for free.
5. The Met
There’s nothing like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at 82 Street), especially on Friday and Saturday nights when it’s open late. (On Fridays there is a suggested $20 museum admission, though most pay at their own discretion.) Check out the roof garden for amazing views of Central Park and the City—and sculpture (Jeff Koons is on view now)—while indulging in martinis. Now that feels like vacation to me.
