The New York Earth Room is an interior sculpture by the artist Walter de Maria that has been installed in a loft at 141 Wooster Street since 1977. Go see!

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.

The oldest, best, and probably dirtiest underground train system in the world. 24 hour service that links me to anywhere I want to go in the city.

Printed Matter—organizer of the NY and LA Art Book Fairs—is a non-profit supporting the work of artists and independent publishers through the circulation of their books. At their store in Chelsea, you can shop an insanely diverse selection of artists’ books, zines, posters, and more. They’re also always hosting awesome in-store exhibitions and events, from book launches and talks to lectures and performances.

This simple Manhattan salt house is shaped like a monumental grain of salt. The Shed is an effort by the city to make even their most utilitarian architecture into unique pieces of art.