The best way to enjoy Manhattan is from Brooklyn. Transmitter Park offers views without the crowds, and you can pick up coffee-to-go and treats from nearby Ovenly. The India St/Greenpoint Ferry is a 5 minute walk and will take you all the way to the Rockaways in the Summertime.

I love this excellent independent arthouse theater in the Lower East side. Metrograph projects archive quality 35mm and independent films. Tastefully decorated, there is also a candy store, bookstore and restaurant.

Why not 

This is my favorite bar in the city: original cocktails, an unpretentious crowd and live jazz.

The Chelsea Market is filled with great restaurants and speciality food stores and pop up shops. I love stopping in and getting a gourmet grilled cheese from Lucy's Whey or a healthy juice from raw food restaurant One Lucky Duck, while shopping for dinner ingredients at the Italian market Buon Italia. For a great sit down restaurant, I love The Green Table, which serves great farm to table food.