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20 things to do in NYC

By Linda Perney | amNY.com

Whether you want to be on the cutting edge this summer or relax and go the more traditional route, here are our picks for 20 things you must-do in the city.

10 HIP THINGS TO DO IN NYC

The Beast
If you're looking for an excursion with added thrills, consider taking a ride on The Beast . These boats will zip you past such sites as the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty -- at a breakneck speed. Loud music blares, water balloon fights break out and expect to get wet from the spray from the waves as the boat picks up speed. These half-hour trips usually run from April or May until October. (The Beast, run by Circle Line tours; Pier 83 at W. 42nd Street and the Hudson River; 212-563-3200; http://www.circleline42.com/index.ihtml)

Shop the new Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue has long been known for its collection of antiques shops, but it has quietly been branching out. Now you'll find everything from housewares (A Cook's Companion) to cutting-edge fashion (Kimera) to great kids' stuff (Urban Monster). Stop at Sahadi's to pick up a snack or have lunch at one of the new restaurants along the way.

Have lunch at the Little Owl This small West Village restaurant deserves every whisper of its buzz. It's nearly impossible to get a dinner reservation, but now they're open for lunch, which means you stand a better chance. The food is unfussy, but well-prepared; the vibe is comfortably laid back, and there is (mercifully) a notable lack of attitude. (90 Bedford Street; 212-741-4695) .
Drinks at the Maritime Hotel
The Cabanas rooftop bar at this Chelsea hotel is a very hot spot to grab a drink and watch the beautiful people. It's open Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 6 pm during the week; 7 pm Fridays, and 8 pm Saturdays. (363 16th Street at 9th Avenue; (212) 242-4300); www.themaritimehotel.com

Helicopter Ride Over Manhattan
Liberty Helicopter offers a variety of high flying tours over New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Manhattan, the East River, Governors Island, and other landmarks. (West 30th Street at 12th Avenue. www.libertyhelicopters.com )

Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and picnic in Fulton Park
For spectacular views of New York City take the half-hour or so walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, starting behind City Hall at Centre and roughly Chambers streets. Once in Brooklyn, have a picnic at the scenic Empire-Fulton State Park tucked into DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). To get there, walk down Washington Street, take a left on Water Street and right onto Dock Street. The adjacent Brooklyn Bridge Park has a kids' playground, mini-beach and lawn for sunbathing.

Fly High at the Trapeze School
The Trapeze School New York caters to 'daredevils' from 6 to 60, who want to hone the finer points of trapeze or just have fun learning the basics. (The school is located in the Hudson River Park at West Street and Hudson. Phone: 212-242-TSNY; newyork.trapezeschool.com

Catch the free show on the East Village streets
For free street entertainment, walk the East Village and check out the kids, clothes, restaurants, clubs, music and Tompkins Square Park. Bounded by 14th Street, Avenue A, Houston Street and Fourth Avenue, the area is particularly lively when the weather is warm.

Take a Pedi-Cab
Yes, NYC has pedicabs! They have three wheels, two in back and one up front; passengers ride in the back on a canopy-covered bench while the driver pedals in front. You can hail a pedi-cab; prices vary depending upon distance and number of passengers. Some pedicab drivers are also licensed NYC tour guides. For info, call: Rickshaw (212-604-4729) ; www.manhattanrickshaw.com)

10 TRADITIONAL THINGS TO DO IN NYC