There’s always something interesting on at The Met, and whether you’ve lived in New York all your life or are visiting for the very first time, you’re guaranteed to see something you haven’t before.

I discovered the Frick my first week in New York, during a heat wave in August. The galleries were surprisingly empty, with only the occasional visitor strolling through the rooms, gently creaking the floorboards. I stood for a while in front of the Bronzino, a portrait of a boy standing against a background of green drapery, and then sat in the courtyard for a long, cool hour.

The naked baby dolls piled up in the front window of SEARCH & DESTROY is a good preview for what you’re in for. If you’re looking for something weird, this East Village shop is a good starting point. In addition to vintage clothing with a seriously punk rock lean, they also sell everything from sex toys to Manic Panic hair dye.

This burlesque club contains a stripper pole, but is hardly worth it unless you know someone who will hook up drinks.

For art books, monographs and catalogs new and used at a discount. I can never manage to leave here without a bag full of books in tow.