Been going here a long time. Solid Italian spot with freshly made pasta. Get the cavatelli with Sausage.

Lunch there before a visit at the MET with a walk in Central Park

Tucked away on the second floor, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Manhattan. Order the Ika geso (squid legs) and the nankotsu (chicken cartilage), my personal favorites. You might notice people waiting around a nondescript door inside the restaurant; this is actually the entrance to the speakeasy bar Angel’s Share.

Strand is a castle of books. It claims 2.5 million new and used books, across 18 miles of shelves, cared for by 200 employees—so set aside a couple of hours. Plenty of art books and good prices. Get your healthy huff of that old book smell.

I think it takes place every Saturday morning to afternoon, vintage shopping while having a great view at the Manhattan skyline from the East River State park. You will find lots of vintage shops and warehouses around this area of Williamsburg.