Broadway during the day is usually a bit busy with foot traffic. I prefer enjoying it's wide sidewalks at night when it's a lot quieter.

The amazing sidewalks across the street from the New York Public Library.

My favorite place on Bedford Avenue, this bookstore has both new and used titles. If you're patient and look close enough, you can usually find a book that's worth more than they're asking. Not to mention their stellar selection of magazine titles. Good for design, art, photography, sociology, fiction, and everything in between.

Books are Magic is a great local spot for bookworms. The staff is warm and friendly with regular events happening monthly. 

Having the experience of owning and running a coral reef aquarium (and frequenting this particular shop about once a week) - I was sad to hear it closed it's doors. Their reef display tank was always amazing. These pictures were taken from PetCo at Union Square (I also used to go there for my saltwater needs).