There’s a reason they call New York City “The City That Never Sleeps.” New York is constantly alive with people swarming the streets, taxis on the road, subways below, and bright lights above that are always flashing, illuminating the city around you. NYU might feel like a little pocket of community, but even then the sidewalks get crowded as kids are rushing to class or the library. Sometimes New York feels like a giant ocean, and you are just a tiny fish trying to swim upstream. However, despite the never-ending chaos, there is a way to find yourself relaxing, floating among the waves of the bustling city.
If you go searching for it, you will find that there are plenty of hidden spots in the city that can provide you with a sense of peace and relaxation. One of my favorite cozy spots to unwind is The Book Club in the East Village. It is a quaint little bookstore that serves coffee and tea during the day, but once the sun sets, it turns into a wine bar. It is the perfect place to grab a sweet beverage and chat with friends or cozy up in a leather chair, immersing yourself in a good read. They offer a wide selection of books, from children’s titles to the latest adult fiction. The dim lighting and textured carpets make the place feel incredibly homey every time you visit. And when the sun is shining, there is even a courtyard in the back with tables and chairs, allowing you to read under the trees as the sun shines on you from above. And when the sun sets, fairy lights twinkle above you as you read.
If books aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other spots that can offer comfort when the city feels overwhelming. If you find that you are craving a small escape from the city life itself, I recommend visiting your local community garden. There are a ton throughout the city, but my favorites are located in the East Village as well. Here you can find yourself surrounded by plants, fruit, and flowers being grown by those in the neighborhood. The community garden on Ave B even has a new pond filled with turtles and koi fish. There is even a stage for local concerts and gatherings within the community. Spending time here brings me so much joy because you can find yourself in a little bubble of quiet and nature, letting you temporarily forget that you are in the Big Apple.
It took me a while to realize that finding peace in New York doesn’t always mean escaping it entirely. Sometimes, it’s about discovering the pockets of stillness hidden in plain sight. Whether it’s a cozy bookstore or a community garden, the city has these unexpected sanctuaries—you just have to know where to look.
Finding quiet in the loudest city isn’t always easy, but it’s possible—and necessary. Your version of quiet might look different than mine, and that’s the beauty of this place. Whether you’re unwinding with a book or tending to plants in a garden, New York will meet you where you are.
So let the city roar, let the lights flash, and the taxis honk. Somewhere among it all, you’ll find your quiet—and when you do, it’ll feel like magic.
By: Skylar Park
Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.
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