The folk singer Ani DiFranco once called New York the "city that never shuts up." It's true. There's so much street noise and people noise and I-can't-even-hear-myself-think noise. You can escape it all ... outside of NYC. Or if that's too extreme, check out the Central Park Conservatory Garden on Fifth Avenue at East 105th Street open each day from 8 to dusk. The beautiful gated spot is divided into French, Italian, and English sections and full of flowers and benches. Sports equipment, bikes, boomboxes, and cellphones are prohibited, so bring your camera and bask in the quiet. When you're done, you can walk down Fifth Avenue and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, and more.

www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/north-end/conservatory-garden.html
Fifth Ave & 105th St, New York, NY, United States
+1 212 860 1382
Google map: bit.ly/iZjob0

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The High Line, an elevated park made from an old freight railway, has been a popular place for sunbathing and people watching since it opened in June 2009. Section 2 of the park opened last week, expanding the park by 10 blocks. The park runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 30th Street, with stair or elevator entrances every two or three blocks. The High Line's open from 7-11 throughout the summer. I'd suggest arriving early with a camera, a blanket, and sunscreen. Leave your bike, rollerblades, or skateboard behind, as they're prohibited.

www.thehighline.org/about/park-information

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It's a bit redundant mentioning Yelo since it's appearing in all sorts of guides, but it really deserves the praise.

Pop in for tea, a massage, and a nap in one of their custom-made sleep pods. You'll leave feeling 10ft tall.

315 W 57th street, New York
+1 (212) 245-8235
www.yelonyc.com
Google map: bit.ly/htiTVl

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