New York is an incredible place to live in. It’s even more exciting when you’re living in Manhattan, New York, with a bunch of roommates that share the same interests as you!
The cherry on top is all five boroughs of New York City have something exciting to offer. They have tons of their own charm. You’re bound to find culture and history and an inspiring amount of diversity here — no matter where you’re from!
Don’t feel like getting out? Here are 8 Fascinating Documentaries About New York That Will Give You A Taste Of The Greatest City On Earth
That being said, if you’re living in New York with your roommates, ever so often you’re going to come across a weekend where you’re all free. On days like these, we recommend having a fun day out to explore the city on your terms! (All while taking the necessary precautions, of course ?)
Given Manhattan’s size, it’s going to take you some time to explore everything that this part of NYC represents. So by no means are we saying that this is an exhaustive list. (Here’s us winking at a definite part 2)
Anyhoo, here are some of the best things to do with your roommates in Manhattan!
Capture the beauty of Manhattan with some ‘grammable shots of The Vessel!
?20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
This is one of the newer attractions in Manhattan, situated at Hudson Yards. Opened in 2019, this stunning sculpture is 150-foot high and made in the shape of a beehive. It’s made up of stairways and platforms and adds quite the picturesque elegance to Manhattan’s silhouette.
Thomas Heatherwick’s unique installation found its inspiration in the ancient stepwells of India — where over a hundred flights of stairs descend dramatically deep into the earth.
The 2500 steps you’ll find here are the equivalent of 15 storeys — making this an attraction you must add to your ‘things to do when in New York’ list. But also ensure you and your roommates are donning the right footwear!
Visit the Top Of The Rock if you’re a sucker for views.
?30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
There’s so much you can do in Manhattan with your roommates. But nothing beats letting the mystique of New York sink in from this viewpoint.
There’s a stunning view of the Empire State Building that you can catch from here too.
However, make sure to pre-book your tickets, especially if you want to watch the sunset from here. Tickets cost anything between $36-$75, depending on if you want VIP access. There’s also Rockefeller Center tours you can book when you’re here!
Relive the legacy of J.P. Morgan at The Morgan Library And Museum
?225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Source: https://www.themorgan.org
Located not too far from the Empire State Building, this library sings (cue jazz music) the legacy of J. P. Morgan. This was once a private facility that was turned into a library and museum after his death, per J.P. Morgan’s will.
Visitors pay a relatively small fee for entrance and it’s completely worth it! It’s one of the best ways to catch a break if you and your roommates are looking to catch a break from the hustle and bustle of New York’s streets.
Fancy a stroll in Manhattan? Take your roommates to walk the Highline!
?820 Washington Street New York, NY 10014
Source: thehighline.org
Sure you could visit Times Square just for kicks but, don’t. Unless you’re a tourist and you absolutely want to. Instead, take yourself to walk the Highline.
Easily one of the best things to do in Manhattan, this gem is made using issued metro lines. These metro lines have been transformed into a green walkway. Go here to get a spectacular escape from the streets of NYC on a sunny day.
This 1.45 mile-long elevated linear park is sure to add the most New York-esque charm to your day out with your roommates!
When the strolling’s done, grab a bite at Bubby’s!
?73 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Source: Bubby’s Facebook Page
A mandatory spot after a stroll at the Highline, Bubby’s serves the brunch of all our dreams. Think Southern comfort. Good old fashioned homely southern cooking is their forte.
And they’ve made it to one too many “hidden gems of NYC” lists as well as movies — so don’t let anything stop you from getting a scrumptious meal here.
Their website has some insanely drool-worthy images of pancakes and pies. And they have at least two locations in Manhattan alone!
Want to chill a little? Take a trip to Renwick Smallpox Hospital
?Roosevelt Island. New York, New York, 10044
Source: Atlas Obscura User KTNNS
Eerie doesn’t quite capture the eeriness of this place. A little further away from Manhattan, this hospital is one of New York’s most haunted spots.
“*In New York City, the southern tip of Blackwell’s Island (now Roosevelt Island) provided ferry access but kept the infected patients far away from the population. Better known for Grace Church on Broadway and St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Madison Avenue, James Renwick Jr. designed the smallpox hospital in his Gothic Revival style. From 1856 until 1875, the hospital treated about 7,000 patients a year.
In 1875, the building was converted into a nurses’ dormitory, and the city smallpox hospital was moved to North Brothers Island, in part because Blackwell’s Island had become more densely populated. By the 1950s, Renwick Hospital had become useless and was abandoned by the city, quickly falling into disrepair.
However, in 1975, the Landmarks Preservation Commission took interest in the dilapidated structure and declared it, in its ruin, a city landmark. They reinforced the walls to prevent it from completely falling apart but have not renovated it or opened it for tours. Only some of the outer walls and the foundation remain today. It is behind a fence on the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.”
— Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins In Manhattan, New York by Atlas Obscura*
This haunted hospital building is accessible from Manhattan via tramway or subway. It’s also quite justly known as New York’s most chilling attractions.
So if you and your roommates are like us and love getting a whiff of some scares every now and then, this is the spot to chill at. (That ghostly pun is most definitely intended ?)
