Midtown, Manhattan

If you're looking to enjoy a leisurely walk with little to no crowds, don't come to Fifth Avenue. And really don't come to Rockefeller Plaza. But if you can deal with some people-packed sidewalks for a bit, the plaza is worth a look-see. The hundreds of flags waving in the air are beautiful enough but the crown jewel is of course the ice skating rink (turned outdoor cafe in the summer time), which is watched over by the golden Prometheus. Look up and you'll notice you're right under the oh-so-well-known 30 Rock building (made even more famous by Tina Fey's TV show of the same name). Please note this is a prime celeb-spotting area. I'm sure you'll be jealous when I tell you that I sat on a bench next to Hoda from The Today Show last summer (big time celeb, I know). She surprisingly didn't have wine in hand. And yes, I agree, seeing Alec Baldwin would have been eight million times better.

New York Harbor, Manhattan/Staten Island

The Staten Island Ferry may not be quite as iconic as the Statue of Liberty but it is a free and easy way to get some of the best views of the city without walking up the 354 steps inside Lady Liberty. You can hop on the ferry at the tip of Manhattan on South Street and take it across the harbor while enjoying the ocean breeze and a beer from the snack bar. During the 25 minute ride, you'll sail past not only the Statue of Liberty but also Ellis Island and Governor's Island. Once you land on the Staten Island side, well, you'll notice there's not much going on there... yet. But they are building the biggest ferris wheel in the world right on the water by the ferry dock, which will no doubt boast one of the best views in the entire city once it's finished. In case you didn't catch a theme here, I'm really into finding kick-ass views of the city.

West Village, Manhattan

Quite possibly my favorite neighborhood on the entire island of Manhattan, the West Village is filled with adorable, super old nooks and crannies that you could walk by and totally miss if you're not paying attention. That's how I stumbled upon what I think has to be one of the cutest spots in the whole city. On Grove St between Bedford and Hudson, there is the most gorgeous little private square (that happened to be snow-covered and demurely-decorated for the holidays when I took this photo) with very old, very beautiful red brick brownstone houses that encompass the court. I suppose I should also note this piece of 1800s perfection happens to be a few hundred yards from the apartment featured in the show Friends. I swear I would have found it regardless of it's proximity to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the West Village... eventually.

Over the East River, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Bridge is easily one of the most identifiable New York landmarks -- probably right under the Statue of Liberty. It's pretty much a rite of passage for anyone living in or visiting the city to walk across the bridge at some point during their stay. And although it can get crowded on weekends (as it is with most things in this city), it is well worth the trek on a sunny day. The views are AWESOME... I'll leave it at that. Oh actually one more thing. If you're walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn, make sure to take a rest after and get a pizza to-go (this part is key to avoid a ridiculous line) from Grimaldi's in Dumbo -- then take it to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to eat it. Many more kick-ass views to be seen there.

Central Park, Manhattan

This memorial to John Lennon lies in the center of Strawberry Fields, a beautifully-curated section of Central Park dedicated to the memory of the Beatles member. He lived just across the street from where the memorial is now placed in The Dakota on W. 72nd St. and Central Park West -- it's also the site of his murder in 1980. The memorial has become a gathering point for New Yorkers and tourists alike who look to remember what John Lennon stood for. You'll often find large crowds around the mosaic and if you happen to go on October 9th (Lennon's birthday) or December 8th (the day of his death), you'll be welcomed into a circle of people paying tribute and singing his songs late into the night.

Chelsea, Manhattan

 

There was an old, dilapidated elevated subway track in Chelsea from the 1930s. And one day in 1999, two dudes decided it should be made into a park. Fast forward 10 years later and you have The High Line. It is without a doubt one of the city's most popular tourist attractions now (which can make it a little crowded on weekends, I should note) but it does live up to the hype as one of New York's most innovative green spaces. Both tourists and locals enjoy the 20-block stroll that is filled with thousands of flowers and plants, tons of art and sculptures, amazing views of both the water and the skyscrapers, fancy little food carts for a quick bite, and plenty of lounge space to nap, relax, and/or read the New York Times -- if you're into that sort of thing.

Upper West Side, Manhattan

The Upper West Side, which is the neighborhood I call home, is perfectly smushed between Central Park and the Hudson River. If you're exploring the river side of things, you'll find yourself in Riverside Park (you see what I did there?). The park literally runs the whole length of the UWS along the river. And if you happen to be around where 79th St intersects with the park, you'll find yourself at the 79th St Boat Basin where fishing boats, sail boats and yachts alike live during the warm months. The cafe overlooking the marina, aptly named Boat Basin Cafe, is the perfect spot to have a burger, drink some sangria and watch the boats come in from an evening on the water.