If you are choosing to stay in the city this spring break, here are some things to do instead of just watching Netflix. Be a tourist in your own city. Except, be the type of tourist who has looked through the right amount of Yelp reviews and knows the good, undiscovered gems of New York. There's no place like home.
Recommended for you
What: New York Philharmonic
Price:$16 Student Rush
To-Do List: Get dressed up and make it a night out at the orchestra. Easily accessible by the 1 train, it's about a 30-minute trip from the West 4th Street station. Also, there's a Starbucks right across the street if you get there early. Make sure to check out the Lincoln Center surrounding area; they have some awesome fountains for you to sit and take pictures with after the concert. If you feel up to it, Central Park is just a few avenues over and you can stroll through there, look at the ponds, and feed some ducks. After the performance, book a reservation at The Smith. Located conveniently close to Lincoln Center, walk over after you had your fix of beautiful melodies. Indulge in the classic mac and cheese to oysters to salads, all for a relatively cheap price for the given area. Treat yourself to S'mores in a Jar or three giant homemade chocolate chip cookies. Your choice; may the sweetness be ever in your favor. To dine for two at the Smith, it would cost about $90.
What: Staten Island Ferry
Price: Free
To-Do List: Accessible by the 4, 5, 6 subway line, the entrance is located in the Financial District, so just head on down and hop on to this free ferry (find the schedule here). Enjoy your all expenses paid cruise, and say hello to Lady Liberty. Also, once you dock walk around Staten Island and check out the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. When you get back to Manhattan, stop for some food on Stone Street, known for classic eats and after-work drinks. You can't go wrong with a burger and fries from the Growler Bites & Brews.
What: Walk the Complete Length of Manhattan
Price: Free (depending on what you choose to do!)
To-Do List: Starting in Washington Heights and ending in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan should take around four and a half hours, but that's without stopping. Pack some snacks, slip on your walking shoes, and enjoy passing through the many different neighborhoods of the island. I'd recommend walking down Broadway the whole time, but feel free to move with the traffic lights and stop to experience some local fare. Some notable stops may include Tom's Restaurant, East Harlem's Graffiti Hall of Fame at Jackie Robinson Playground and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Explore the New York Public Library, check out the Flat Iron Building, shop the farmer's market in Union Square, munch on a gourmet burger and milkshake at Black Tap in SoHo and end with a beautiful sunset in Battery Park City. 
What: Walk the High Line
Price: Free (maybe $4.75 for a croissant donut)
To-Do List: Located on the very west side of Manhattan, the High Line is always a good way to see the more of the city. You can check out the Whitney Museum of American Art while you are over there, and see some of the new exhibits on surrealism and security. Also located next to the High Line are some great Chelsea art galleries on 28th Street, and the Chelsea Market. End by watching the sunset on Christopher Piers -- the New Jersey skyline will never look so good. Stop at tthe Donut Pub on the way back for a croissant donut (maple is the best).
What: Volunteer through New York Cares
Price: Free
To-Do List: There are so many ways to get involved, and with all your free time it'll feel good to get out and give something back to the city. With opportunities in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island you have a lot of freedom to choose. They have a lot of categories to choose from including Environment & Revitalization, Children, Animal Care, Hunger, Special Needs and many more. Rally some friends together and get to know some more about your New York neighbors.
What:Bowlmor at Chelsea Piers
Price: $11+
To Do List: This bowling ally has something for the gamer in everyone. Complete with bowling, billiards, laser tag, a ropes course, ping pong, and arcade games, this "luxurious venue" really does have it all. If you and some friends are planning on going, you can book a party, otherwise just go and check it out! Would highly recommend the laser tag to foster some quality team building and you'll feel badass. Who doesn't like to run around in the dark with flashing lights?
