Outdoors

City Hall Park

Battery Park Battery Place, State and Whitehall Sts

Battery Park offers a great location from which to wave at Lady Liberty, have a picnic, watch street performers, or begin a lovely waterfront stroll up the Hudson River. Ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from the park grounds.

British Garden Hanover Square

Established to honor the British victims of September 11, the British garden offers a convenient spot in which to eat a bagel from nearby Leo's or check e-mail using the free wireless Internet.

City Hall Park Broadway, Park Row and Chambers Sts

A great place to soak in architecture and people watch, City Hall Park is surrounded by beautiful government buildings that date back to 1812. A popular lunch spot for downtown workers is the recently reconstructed Mould Fountain.

Elevated Acre 55 Water St

If not reserved for a private event or a free summer movie showing, the Elevated Acre is open to the public and features a boardwalk, lawn and garden, as well as gorgeous Brooklyn vistas. Just take the escalator up from 55 Water.

South Street Seaport Fulton and South Sts, Pier 17

Rush through the vendors and crowds around to the back of the Seaport Mall, or grab ice cream or a drink at the second floor food court and head out to the balcony and enjoy an unparalleled water view. The free IKEA Water Taxi leaves from the next pier over and provides an enjoyable ride that is much less crowded than the Staten Island Ferry.

Indoors

Spring Nail Spa

New Field Yoga 27 Cliff St

Small and pleasant, this yoga studio boasts introductory classes every day of the week, and friendly instructors welcome yoga newbies. Also features Kundalini yoga, chair yoga, kids yoga and occasional special classes such as Reflexology.

Regal Battery Park Stadium 11 102 North End Ave

The closest place to catch a movie in downtown Manhattan, Regal Battery Park features first-run movies and is usually much less crowded than theaters further uptown. Arrive a few minutes early as the escalator up to the theaters can be a lengthy ride.

Spring Nail Spa: 119 Fulton St, 212.766.8808

$20 for a manicure and pedicure in one of the many massage chairs. Rarely more than a ten minute wait. Technicians are cordial, but not overly friendly.

Ann Nail Salon: 24 Maiden Ln, 212.385.1424

Smaller and quieter than Spring Nail Spa, the friendly technicians take the time to give an excellent, meticulous manicure. A manicure and pedicure cost $20 on the weekends. Also offers a decent $7 eyebrow wax.

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