You've heard about the reading room at the New York Public Library, haven't you? Then I need not go on. Just look at it. And you're allowed to hang around in there!
As Jim Jarmusch put it in the documentary Blank City, the address is roughly between Bowery, Avenue B, 14th Street and Houston. This area of the city is steeped in art, film, and music history; so many hugely influential artists, film makers, and musicians still live and work here. For such a small area, I think it's had more concentrated influence on contemporary art and culture than anywhere else.
Say Hi to "hip" in Greenpoint?! Yes: That´s the place for (late) summer nights and days: waterfront gastropub featuring American plates & cocktails, plus a patio with skyline views.
Weekends are crazy packed (of course).
A gorgeous place to wander and explore, especially during cherry blossom season when the colonnade of soft pink cherry trees are in full bloom on the esplanade. I’m also a big fan of the tropical and desert gardens.