Which days ie. weekend, or mid-week? Evening or day distractions? Where are you staying?
- Central park is really nice this time of year. Sit down for a picnic and read your book or write in your journal for a couple hours. Walk from the bottom to the top, the topmost is least touristy and more wild, and there's lots to see inbetween;
- Museum of Natural History is off the park to the West, worth a look;
- The Cloisters in Harlem. A bit of a trek but a nice peaceful part of a busy city.
- Walk along the East River between the bridges (Manhattan side), walk the Brooklyn Bridge, be warned it's a pain to get onto and off at either end, also may be still in renovation;
- The 9/11 holes in the ground - pretty epic;
- The Calatrava dinosaur skeleton PATH station - epic inside space, even if it's effectively a shopping mall;
- STOMP (jk);
- Coffees and beers walking around Alphabet City;
- Get some Ramen at Minca (not the place next door); Bagel from Tompkin's Sq. Bagels, Sophie's and Josie's are great local pubs around the corner;
- Coney Island is a good idea but a bit of a trek. Be prepared for a grotty experience though - it's not high class. You can ride there quite easily if you can get hold of a bike, take the subway back.
- Washington Sq. park for some more park and sunning with pretty young things;
- The Ear Inn on Greenwich - historic Brit pub, one of the oldest in NY and you can drink on the street outside. Say hi to Gary;
- I'll add to this once I think of a few more;
Generally get on your walking shoes or a bicycle - you don't want to spend all your time on the subway.
EDIT 1:
- Williamsburg is a bit crappy nowadays. I haven't been to Bushwick in a while but it's probably still hip and happenin with reclaimed factory hipster coffee, furtniture, food spots
- Essex St. Market Skandiavian fish stall - get a Nordic sandwich (salmon, caviar, cream, nice);