I love New York and I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of exploring the city. But I am not always in the mood for chaotic, cramped places that demand large amounts of money for me to just sit down for a few moments. Over time I’ve been able to find spaces of relative quiet and stillness that offer a creative environment and affordable prices.
I find these places therapeutic. Inhabiting these soothing and creative spaces offers an effective salve for any icky sensations that come along with balancing the highs and the lows of the human condition amidst a chaotic world. In these spaces I am often led to ponder or participate in creativity. When I do the act of creating, I can process, release, and emerge from my feelings with something tangible to be proud of. When I am appreciating the creativity of others–watching, reading, thinking– I can give my own brain a break, stepping outside of my mind and body for a while. It’s something beyond escapism. It’s a practice in empathy, an exercise of meditation.
This activity is something that I can do alone or with others. Alone I can fill an empty journal page with freewriting or I can sit with an interesting book for the afternoon. But I can also join with others in creative activities like group trips to museums, book clubs, and writing workshops.
In New York City there is chaos but also countless hubs of stillness. If you know where to look, you can surround yourself with creativity and soothing company. You can find therapy for your anxious mind and create colorful memories in the meantime. Here are some spaces for quiet meditation and creativity in Manhattan.
Book Club Bar
197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
This bookstore cafe is located near Tompkins park. It offers refreshments, bookshelves, sofa chairs, and an open yet cozy atmosphere. It is accessible into the evening time and can be a beautiful place to lose yourself for a few hours in the company of other beings at rest.
The Astor Chinese Garden Court
Central Park West, New York, NY 10028
This court, an interior/exterior blend, is a sort of hidden gem within the Met. It is one of the few exhibit areas that is intended to be interacted with and appreciated for long periods of time. Bring a book and sit by the soothing coy pond for a couple of hours.
Alice’s Tea Cup
102nd W73rd St
This imaginative tea shop allows for a themed tea service and other meals. As you sit and sip you are immersed in the world of Alice and surrounded by related artistic renderings. It’s tea with a pleasant twist!
The Bean (Astor Place)
31 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003
The Bean is a classic and affordable coffee shop. While here, you can take advantage of the free wifi, student discount, indoor and outdoor seating, and overall creative aesthetic of the place!
*University Resources
Check out your university’s libraries, study spaces, and other lounge areas for points of calm and creativity.
Here are only a few options at your disposal to unwind, relax, and create or escape into something wonderful.
By: Taylor Custis
Taylor Custis is a recent graduate of NYU where she made her own major because it sounded like a cool thing to do. She enjoys stories of all kinds, ethnic foods, and spiritually charged candles. She is currently in Queens embarking on a career in written and visual storytelling.
For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services. At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.
Tags: creative space in nyc, student creativity, student savings