Walk from Bowling Green station and take in the Charging Bull and the NYSE facade. Step into the Federal Hall steps for a free view and grab a photo of the iconic street canyon.

Enter through the Broadway gate and see the Gothic Revival interior plus the historic cemetery with Alexander Hamilton's grave. Free admission and a peaceful break from the financial district.

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This cobblestone pedestrian alley between Mill Lane and Broad Street is lined with brick facades and outdoor tables. Wander the side lanes off Stone Street for hidden pubs and small eateries that come alive at lunch.

Located at 80 St Marks Place in the East Village, this small speakeasy-style museum covers 1920s Prohibition crime history. Buy tickets ahead online as walk-in slots are limited.

Book a guided apartment tour at 103 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side. The tours walk you through restored immigrant homes and tell real family stories from the 1800s.

Start at City Hall Park and walk the wooden promenade across to Brooklyn. Time it for sunset to catch the Manhattan skyline glowing behind you, then loop back via the pedestrian walkway.

The Ambassador Theatre is at 219 West 49th Street in the Theater District. Check TodayTix or TKTS booth for discounted same-day rush tickets to this long-running Broadway hit.

A jewel box of a museum on Madison Avenue at 36th Street. Hit the McKim building's rotunda and the historic library rooms early before crowds. Entry is $22 but free on Fridays after 5pm, so consider reordering your day if on a budget.

Head to the Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 476 Fifth Avenue. Walk through the grand Astor Hall and check the rotating exhibits in the Gottesman Hall, all free with no ticket needed.

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Runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on the north end of Union Square Park near 17th Street. Pick up fresh apples, cider donuts and local honey from upstate farms, great for snacks and picnic supplies.

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Enter at 1000 Fifth Avenue and start with the American Wing before tackling the European paintings. Pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and students, otherwise admission is by suggested donation. Grab a floor map and prioritize the Temple of Dendur and the Arms and Armor galleries.

The central gathering point of Central Park at 72nd Street, reachable by walking across the park from the Met. Look for the Angel of the Waters statue and the Minton tile ceiling under the arcade. The autumn trees framing the terrace make this a prime photo stop at golden hour.

Take the 1, 2 or 3 train to Penn Station at 34th Street and 7th Avenue, the Garden's entrance is right there. Arrive early to catch the opening act and grab a drink at one of the arena concessions. Security lines can be long, so budget 30 extra minutes before doors.

Walk under the Brooklyn Bridge arches and head to Washington Street for the iconic bridge-framed view. Look for the St. Ann's Warehouse building and the nearby Jane's Carousel, then follow the waterfront promenade.

Stroll the Promenade along the East River for Manhattan skyline views, then wander the brownstone-lined side streets between Pineapple and Cranberry. Find the hidden pedestrian-only paths and the historic Plymouth Church on Orange Street.

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A quieter rocky shoreline under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, accessed via stairs down to the water at the end of Montague Street. Bring a jacket as the autumn breeze off the harbor is chilly. Great spot for a reflective break with views of the Statue of Liberty.

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Indoor food hall at 55 Water Street in Dumbo with many local vendor stalls under one roof. Wander the stalls to compare prices before choosing, and head upstairs for the free rooftop terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Search for small basement jazz rooms along Fulton Street or Lafayette Avenue, away from the main tourist strip. Fort Greene's scene is intimate and affordable, with cover charges usually under $20. Check listings at the local record shops on the avenue for that night's sets.