Wanderlust World Wanderlust World New York City is famed for its nightlife. But for those of us who prefer to be up and out with the sun, there is a great deal to do and see. Even during winter, New York City is alive with events and activities both for those on the go and and for those who like to move at a more leisurely pace.
Experience America before the arrival of Europeans at the National Museum of the American Indian. A branch of the Smithsonian, and sister to the DC location, you can easily spend an entire day here observing exhibitions dedicated to Native American language, music, culture, life, history and art works. The museum is free and located downtown near Battery Park---a good place for a picnic underneath a tree.
Spend an afternoon in Medieval Europe. The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to Medieval Europe. Take the A train to Washington Heights and exit at the Fort Tryon stop. The museum was constructed from five different French Monasteries that were removed and reassembled in the park. When you're not viewing exhibits, step outside for a view of the tree-lined Hudson River.
Walk down Fifth Avenue and shop until you drop. Some of the most expensive retailers in the world have branches along this famous avenue. If you don't have an extra $300 to spend on that designer t-shirt, you can still window shop. Stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bulgari, Cartier, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Takashimaya.
Beg for forgiveness for your rampant materialism at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Located just south of the above-mentioned retail stores on Fifth Avenue, this neo-Gothic church has been luring Catholics to confess since 1878. Even if you're not Catholic you may still walk in and admire this impressive structure.
Meet those who feed the city at the Union Square Farmer's Market. This outdoor market is a festive place to buy good, cheap produce, baked goods and specialty items. Open year-round on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and on a smaller scale on Saturday, the market is popular and you can almost always find entertainment of some kind along the southern edge of the park.
Take your goods from the market and then head south to Tompkins Square Park for a picnic on the benches or grass. Located in the East Village, this park has great significance in the city's history as a meeting point for counter-culture gatherings and those voicing political dissent. Numerous rallies and riots have taken place here starting as far back as 1857.