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.
Grand Central is big and beautiful and it also periodically hosts free cultural events - poets at typewriters custom-composing poems on demand - or Alvin Ailey dancers performing in Artist, Nick Cave's horse suits!