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.
Chinatown in general, I've lived in chinatown on and off for my entire time in New York and i never tire of it’s textures, smells, artificial lighting and grime. There's some amazing things to happen upon there as you trek about your way, a true city experience. Love this little culture shop Aeon, gems of records, art and ephemera tucked away like most good things are.
I can’t get enough of the dioramas, but my favorite parts of the AMNH are the Halls of Meteorites and Minerals. There are some beautiful specimens here, and best of all you can actually lay your hands on the 4.5-billion-year-old Cape York Meteorite.