Getting Cozy in NYC: Ways to Relax in New York City

Slowing Down the New York Minute

New York City is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, but sometimes it’s nice to leave the fast track to truly appreciate the city around you. If you're looking to slow down your “New York Minute”, here are a few places to enjoy some quiet time in NYC.

People Watch at the Park 

One of the simplest pleasures in New York is grabbing a coffee and heading to one of the parks to people-watch. Whether you’re in Central Park, Washington Square Park, or the High Line, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by watching the buzz of the city pass you by. These green spaces amongst the skyscrapers offer a perfect refuge to slow down and observe Manhattan’s eclectic mix of characters in their natural habitat.

Stroll Through Galleries and Museums

New York is home to some of the most prestigious art galleries and museums in the world. Take a leisurely stroll through The Met, MoMA, or the Whitney Museum and let yourself get lost in the incredible collections. For something a bit more intimate, explore the city’s smaller galleries scattered throughout neighborhoods like West Village and SoHo. These galleries often feature emerging artists and avant-garde exhibits that can spark your inspiration and imagination.

Browse Through Bookstores

Independent bookstores in New York are perfect for a quiet escape. Whether it’s The Strand, McNally Jackson, or the Mysterious Book Shop, you’ll find cozy nooks to browse carefully curated collections of novels, poetry, and art books. Lose track of time as you flip through pages and find yourself discovering new authors, literary treasures, and stories that resonate with the soul.

Have a Movie Night

Who doesn’t love a movie night? Over the decades New York has been the backdrop for some of the most iconic romantic comedy movies ever filmed. The city offers stunning visuals for the silver screen and real life, so why not have a little fun by watching and re-enacting your favorite rom-com moments? Here are a few films and locations to get you started.

Meg Ryan Marathon

The uncontested queen of New York City rom-oms, Meg Ryan has starred in several iconic films. Here are a few scenes you can experience for yourself. 

• When Harry Met Sally: Recreate the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene at Katz’s Delicatessen.
• You’ve Got Mail: Take a walk through Riverside Park at 91st Street, where Kathleen finally learns the true identity of NY152 (aka. Joe Fox).
• Sleepless in Seattle: Head to the top of the Empire State Building to feel the magic of the final romantic scene.
  

Timeless Classics

From black and white stories to technicolor musicals, feel the magic and romance of New York in these timeless classics.

• Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Grab a coffee and croissant and stand outside Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue to recreate Holly Golightly’s timeless look.
• An Affair to Remember: If you are looking for an older, sadder, version of the Empire State Building Scene in Sleepless in Seattle, watch this heartbreaking film from 1939 or 1957. 
• West Side Story: Feel the passion and energy of Lincoln Center, the setting for many iconic musical numbers.
  

Eclectic Darlings

Looking for something a little off-beat? Explore more of New York's unique boroughs and culture in these eclectic darlings.

• Annie Hall: Most of the iconic locations visited by Annie and Alvin are now gone, but you can still visit the places they once were on Wall Street and Coney Island.
• Moonstruck: Enjoy a romantic, moonlit, dinner in Little Italy, where many of the film’s iconic scenes between Loretta and Ronny were shot.
• Coming to America: See New York City through a visiting Prince’s eyes in this unconventional 1988 jaunt around Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
  

See Something New

The cameras are always running in New York, so if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a film crew working on the next RomCom hit. Keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot a celebrity in action.

Eat Cozy Treats

A perfect moment isn’t complete without a delicious little treat. To truly savor the sweetness of slowing down, stop, sit, and sip on something sweet while you watch the city move. Here’s a list of some of the snug cafes, restaurants, and bakeries in New York City.

Cafes

A steaming cup of coffee or tea isn’t just the perfect way to warm your hands; it’ll warm your soul. If you are looking for a cozy cafe to spend the day, here are a few we recommend. 

• Bibliotheque: Part cafe, part bookstore, this reading cafe is perfect for spending a quiet afternoon.
• Tea & Sympathy: If you are looking for the perfect afternoon tea, look no further than this British tea shop. 
• Kobrick Coffee Co.: Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed, small-batch, hand-roasted coffee at this vintage cafe.

Restaurants 

Dim lighting, gorgeous decor, delicious food, and a calming ambiance are all key ingredients for a relaxing dining experience. Here are a few restaurants perfect for a quiet dinner in the city:

• Osteria Academia: Living up to its name, this small eatery fully of books is located close to Columbia University
• The Cabin NYC: American classic dishes with a gourmet twist, served in a cottage-like space.
• The Reading Room: Serving gourmet dishes in a luxury space, this up-and-coming restaurant is quiet now, but may not be for long.
  

Bakeries 

Whether you’re picking up a pastry in the morning, or nibbling on a nighttime snack, there’s no shortage of goodies to enjoy in Manhattan. Here are a few places we recommend 

• The Fancy Kook: This family-owned business makes creative pastries in a shop as sweet as their treats.
• The Love Bakery: Enjoy a treat without worrying about dietary restrictions at this gluten-free, vegan, bakery. 
• Magnolia Bakery: Still famous decades after its debut, this bakery keeps some cozy charm despite the hype.

About the Author

Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.