While we all love living in the fast paced environment of NYC, everyone can agree that at times the city can be overwhelming. Sometimes we just want a few moments (or even hours) to ourselves. To hear yourself think, breathe, and decompress without the constant external noises pestering you.
Remove yourself from the outside chatter and enjoy some “you” time at any of the places listed below.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
All walks of life will find peace and quiet at the St Patrick’s Cathedral. Even with tourists wandering in and out, once you take a moment to just sit and reflect, you’ll see that calmness can be easily attained in this beautiful building.
NYPL Rose Main Reading Room
You’re never too old to sit at a library and enjoy silence. Grab a good book off a shelf and get out of your head for a while at the Rose Main Library Room.
Spa
Go for a massage, float in a sensory deprivation pod at Lift, or just spend a few hours lounging around the ancient baths at AIRE. A peaceful day indoors with some tea and sunshine (or floating in the dark with music playing)—doesn’t get much better than that.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Stroll through the gardens and reconnect yourself with nature. You’ll finally be able to hear yourself think, unlike in the city where the non-stop commotion can quickly drown out your thoughts.
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
You may not want to travel this far out of the city, but if you’re looking for a day trip away consider a relaxing day exploring the Tibetan art museum on Staten Island.
Ichiran
While you’ll have to be hungry to visit this spot, Ichiran offers the most peaceful meal in the city. When you arrive to this restaurant you merely have to slide into a seat with curtains, order through a bamboo panel, and eat when the food input through the panel without ever speaking to anyone.
Wave Hill
Overlooking the Hudson River in the Bronx is the tranquil estate, Wave Hill. The views from the terrace are beautiful, and perfect for some alone time to reflect. You can also find some quiet while walking through the various gardens.
New York Marble Cemetery
Some may see this and think a cemetery seems like a rather morbid destination, but they can also be incredibly peaceful. Step away from the craziness of the East Village on the fourth Sunday of each month between April and the end of October (which are the only days visitors are allowed). There are no tombstones in the New York Marble Cemetery, so if that’s what freaks you out about entering a cemetery then you won’t have to worry it.
Featured image source [Photo Modified: Flickr / Dan / CC by 2.0]