There are so many cool spots in New York City. Some can cost you big bucks but some are free or almost free. Since New York has been my playground for quite sometimes, I decided to round up my favorite cool spots in New York City and share it with all of you.

Maybe this is your first time in New York City or maybe you have visited it many times and need some ideas for your next visit. Whether it is your first time or a hundredth time, here are some cool spots in New York City you do not want not miss?

Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Many people probably are not aware that Metropolitan Museum of Art has rooftop café/bar with a view where you can access for free with admission to museum. It is located on the fifth floor of Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can access the rooftop garden via elevator in the European Sculpture and decorative Arts Galleries. The rooftop café is open seasonally from mid – April through October.  So make sure you visit Metropolitan Museum of Art between April to October to access its rooftop and a sweeping view of NYC.

230 fifth rooftop Bar

If you are not into drinking alcohol, this venue also serves brunch on the weekend. Imagine savoring your delicious brunch while enjoying the skyline of Manhattan. This place offers amazing view of Empire state building. But the best view is at night when you can see the entire city lit up.  Keep in mind that the venue is for 21 years old and above and if you want to visit it during the weekend evening, the dress code is upscale casual and the bouncer will enforce the dress code at the entrance.

Roosevelt Island

While Roosevelt Island is such a nice place to spend your evening or late afternoon stroll along the river and relax at the café, the real treat is a ride on the tramway from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. The tramway (cable car) ride is a highlight of the trip to Roosevelt Island. At 250 feet, it gives you a vantage point to Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline. For best view of New York Skyline, ride at nighttime. When you arrive at Roosevelt Island, if you are not fancy on walking, you can always catch a bus to take you around the Island. For its unique mode of transportation and its amazing view, Roosevelt Island is definitely one of my favorite cool spots in New York City.

High Line Park

This was an old elevated railway track converted into a park.  It is very refreshing to find this small oasis in the middle of concrete jungle. Since it is elevated, you have to climb stairs to reach the park. Because of that, it gives you a vantage point to Hudson River. Best time is right before sunset. This park is one of free cool spots in NYC free for everyone to access and you can stroll along while looking over the Hudson River.  Here are some of the entrance points to Highline Park: Washington Street at Gansevoort Street, 23^rd street, 20^th street just west of 10^th Ave.

Upper floor of Olive Garden Restaurant at Times Square

You want to enjoy the crowd but far and away from the crowd? Then this is a place for you. Perfect for people watching and best angle to view Times Square. It is a better way to enjoy the Times Square experience without being crammed in the crowd. I stumbled upon this restaurant by accident. Since then it becomes one of my go to restaurant whenever I am in midtown Manhattan. Surely it is one of cool spots in New York city. This restaurant is also close to some of Broadway shows, if you want to grab a bite before or after the show. Unlimited bread while sipping Italian soda, who can beat that?

Staten Island Ferry

While this is not really a place but it’s a mode of transportation, Staten Island Ferry made on the list of cool spots in New York City due to a view it offers during the ride. And did I say it is free? You can hop on a ferry from Staten Island ferry terminal or you can start your trip from Lower East Manhattan ferry terminal. You can do it one way or round trip. The view of Lower East Manhattan and Statue of Liberty especially during sunset will make your day. This is by far one of the best way to view Statue of Liberty for free.

Rooftop at Pier 17

Rooftop at Pier 17 is located within the Seaport Area in New York, right by Hudson River. It gives you dramatic view of Manhattan. When you are bored with the view, there are so many activities and stores you can shop in Seaport. Hot tips: on Sunday, a certain card holder will receive discount at numerous stores at the Seaport.

For more things to do in NYC, check this link “10 things to do in Central Park”.