Kayak for free on the Hudson River: unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline from a tranquil offshore vantage point, at an unbeatable price.

Romantics will love every aspect of Bookmarks Lounge, on the rooftop of the Library Hotel. Have a drink under the stars, in their greenhouse or in front of the fireplace.

Jim Burnham ’80

Stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge and take a walk down to Montague Street. Grab a bite at any of the restaurants lining both sides of the street. The spring rolls with plum sauce at Lantern Thai restaurant are my favorite. The view from Brooklyn Bridge Park is amazing . . . almost picture perfect of Manhattan, Staten Island and Jersey.

Head to Grand Army Plaza. Go to the botanical garden to see the cherry blossoms if it’s spring or stop next door at the Brooklyn Museum, where the exhibits are always changing.

Rafelia Collis ’07

Alta, for tapas in the West Village. Fav dishes are fried goat cheese with lavender honey and the lamb meatballs. Plus, amazing sangria.

Cienfuegos is a Cuban place tucked away in the East Village; best rum cocktails!

Evening Bar at the Smyth Tribeca hotel: new and cozy cocktail bar with a fireplace; try the Apple Buck.

Kayla Gogos ’05

The Jersey City waterfront walkway is a hidden gem of the NYC area. Take a N.Y. Waterway ferry from Midtown or World Financial Center over to Paulus Hook in Jersey City. A riverfront walkway starts at the tip of Jersey City and extends all the way to Hoboken, N.J.; there are sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline throughout.

Spencer Tirella ’13