Growing up I’d go to Staten Island a lot due to how close it was to my hometown. It wasn’t until I went back as an adult that I realized the uniqueness of this place, the outdated but also artistically beautiful aesthetic of the island, and appreciated it more. Plus the food (lots of diners and Italian food) is great and people watching is also pretty interesting.

The rooftop garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum floors below are a maze of tremendous art and inspiration, and taking the elevator to the rooftop garden is the icing on the cake. 360' views of verdant green Central Park bordered by cool glass and steel of Manhattan's cityscape in the distance.

Great mid-eastern food in Chelsea/Flatiron/NoMad/whatever you call that area.

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.

One of my favorite shops in NY, very well curated…  clothes, furniture, ceramics, great things.  Constantly showing new pieces.