DISCOVER NYC
Your Guide To Exploring Before & After The Conference
Whether you're arriving early or staying late, we've created a curated list of unforgettable NYC experiences just for Romana's Pilates International attendees. From breathtaking boat rides to Broadway-worthy dance classes, there's something for everyone.
The Spectacle of Times Square
Step outside and be captivated by the iconic lights and sounds of Times Square. This sensory experience is a must-see, and it’s right at your doorstep. Wander through the pedestrian plazas and soak in the atmosphere.
Fifth Avenue’s Glamour
Experience the allure of Fifth Avenue with a leisurely window-shopping excursion. The world-renowned department stores and designer boutiques offer a glimpse into the city’s luxurious side.
Free & Fun NYC
After a day of focused learning at the conference, take advantage of your prime location at the Westin NY Times Square. Here are some free and accessible ways to experience the city at night:
A Peaceful Evening in Central Park South
Just a short walk away, the southern edge of Central Park offers a tranquil escape from the city bustle. Enjoy a relaxing stroll, admire the horse-drawn carriages, and take in the beauty of the park at night.
Bryant Park’s Urban Oasis
Bryant Park, located behind the New York Public Library, provides a charming setting for relaxation. Check the park’s schedule for free events, such as movie screenings or live music. Enjoy the lush greenery and the lively atmosphere.
NYC Attractions You’ll Love
New York City Public Library
Explore the fabulous architecture of the NYC Public Library at 476 5th Avenue in between sessions.
Just an 8-minute walk down 5th from the studio.
Warning: shopping on 5th Ave may lead to impulse fashion finds 🛍️😂 (but remember… limited space in the studio!)
Roosevelt Island Tram
Soar above the city for just $2.75! (Spiderman not guaranteed 🕷️ but vibes are.)
Catch it at 60th & 2nd Ave during the morning or evening!
On the other side: grab rooftop drinks at ‘Lost in Paradise’
Food & Bev In NYC
Best Bars
Unwind after a full day of conference sessions with these NYC staples! Cheers to networking and nightcaps!
-
Castell Rooftop Lounge: Located at the AC Hotel, this trendy rooftop bar offers cocktails, bites, a terrace, and city views.
-
Yard House: A high-end sports bar chain with a large menu and extensive beer list.
Best Restaurants
From playful sweets to upscale eats, these restaurant picks near Times Square serve up bold flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. Perfect for a solo treat or a group dinner with fellow attendees.
-
Sugar Factory New York - Time Square: Sugar Factory New York - Time Square
-
Fushimi Times Square: A buzzing eatery and lounge offering Japanese dishes with a French twist. Fushimi Times Square
-
Carmine’s - Time Square: A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant serving Southern Italian cuisine.
Outdoor Experiences
Connect to the energy of NYC — fresh air, epic views, and iconic landmarks.
Serene walking paths at the southern tip of Manhattan.
Why it’s special: Located at the very southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is a peaceful green space with harbor views and sculptures — perfect for a grounding morning walk or a mindful cool down after a Pilates session.
A peaceful escape with art, hammocks, and bike rides.
Why it’s special: A car-free oasis in the harbor just minutes from Manhattan. Ride bikes, nap in hammocks, check out rotating art installations, and enjoy local food vendors. Bonus: unbeatable skyline views.
→ $5 round-trip ferry from the Battery Maritime Building.
An elevated park filled with gardens, art, food vendors, and skyline views. Open 7am–10pm.
Why it’s special: A former elevated railway turned public park, the High Line winds through NYC’s West Side with gardens, art, and views you can’t get anywhere else. Ideal for a meditative walk or evening stroll.
→ Enter at Hudson Yards (30th St) or Moynihan Connector (31st/Dyer Ave).
→ Don’t Miss: Tuesday night (8/26) free telescope stargazing, and Friday visit to the Whitney Museum at the southern end.
Hudson River Fun (Chelsea Piers & Little Island)
Enjoy sports, rooftop gardens, concerts on the pier, or a sunset picnic at Little Island!
Why it’s special: A floating public park and live performance space unlike any other, Little Island blends nature, architecture, and entertainment with jaw-dropping views of the Hudson River.
→ Bring a blanket and your favorite bites for a sunset picnic or catch a concert for just $25.
→ Nearby Chelsea Piers offers everything from bowling to ice skating.
Bring lunch from Whole Foods (Columbus Circle) and enjoy under the trees, then rent a rowboat or climb Belvedere Castle.
Why it’s special: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park is one of the most beloved urban parks in the world.
→ Pick up lunch from Whole Foods at Columbus Circle and picnic under the trees.
→ Rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse or run the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir loop.
Statue of Liberty: Lady Liberty & the Skyline
Distance:
~4.1 mi from Lifespan | ~3.9 mi from The Westin
Why it’s special:
No NYC experience is complete without seeing the iconic Statue of Liberty. She’s more than a monument — she’s a symbol of freedom and arrival, and she has welcomed millions through the New York Harbor.
Viewpoints:
Staten Island Ferry (Free) – A local secret! This commuter ferry glides past Lady Liberty for postcard-worthy views — all for free. Board at Whitehall Terminal, and for the best photos, stand on the starboard (right) side.
Statue City Cruises (~$35) – Want to step foot on Liberty Island and Ellis Island? This option gives you access to both the statue and the gateway for millions of immigrants.
Circle Line Tours – Choose a Harbor Lights Cruise at sunset or a classic skyline tour. Add music, cocktails, and a full city experience.
TopView NYC – Sunset boat tours, hop-on-hop-off bus packages, and skyline adventures.
Distance:
~4.1 mi from Lifespan | ~3.9 mi from The Westin
Why it’s special:
No NYC experience is complete without seeing the iconic Statue of Liberty. She’s more than a monument — she’s a symbol of freedom and arrival, and she has welcomed millions through the New York Harbor.
Viewpoints:
Staten Island Ferry (Free) – A local secret! This commuter ferry glides past Lady Liberty for postcard-worthy views — all for free. Board at Whitehall Terminal, and for the best photos, stand on the starboard (right) side.
Statue City Cruises (~$35) – Want to step foot on Liberty Island and Ellis Island? This option gives you access to both the statue and the gateway for millions of immigrants.
Circle Line Tours – Choose a Harbor Lights Cruise at sunset or a classic skyline tour. Add music, cocktails, and a full city experience.
TopView NYC – Sunset boat tours, hop-on-hop-off bus packages, and skyline adventures.
Culture & Museums
Feed your curiosity, creativity, and inspiration. These world-class institutions are moments away from your conference hotel — and offer a deeper connection to NYC’s artistic soul.
Tip: Many museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish times. Book ahead online or use an NYC Museum Pass (CityPASS, GoCity, Sightseeing Pass) to save money and skip lines.
Modern art + rooftop cafe. by the High Line. Free Fridays (reservations required)!
Why it’s special: Sitting at the southern end of the High Line, the Whitney celebrates the best of American modern and contemporary art. It's vibrant, dynamic, and constantly surprising — perfect for Pilates lovers who appreciate precision and flow in movement and expression.
→ Don’t Miss: Their in-house bakery and rooftop views of the Hudson.
Art that moves the body and soul.
Why it’s special: Home to masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more. MoMA is a beacon of innovation and expression. Stroll the airy galleries and let your imagination stretch and breathe, just like your spine during mat class.
→ Located mid-Manhattan, walking distance from the Westin.
World-class art and historic gardens.
Why it’s special: The Met is the largest art museum in the Americas and houses over 5,000 years of art. The Cloisters (its medieval branch uptown) transports you to another time with gardens and sacred architecture — perfect for a quiet post-conference retreat.
→ Open late Fridays & Saturdays (until 9pm).
Dinosaurs, planets, wonder (and A/C!).
Why it’s special: A former elevated railway turned public park, the High Line winds through NYC’s West Side with gardens, art, and views you can’t get anywhere else. Ideal for a meditative walk or evening stroll.
→ Located on the Upper West Side
Luxurious quiet space to reflect
Why it’s special: For a serene, luxurious afternoon, this stunning mansion-turned-museum features old master paintings and decorative arts. The pay-what-you-wish Wednesday afternoons make it a must for lovers of elegance and quiet beauty.
→ Reserve in advance for discounted admission on Wednesdays.
Museum for German and Austrian art from the early twentieth century.
Why it’s special: See Gustav Klimt’s famous Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I ("The Woman in Gold") in person — then enjoy a slice of Austrian cake at their stunning Café Sabarsky.
→ Closed Tuesdays. A true NYC cultural experience.
A stunning collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Why it’s special: This hidden gem feels like a European palace dropped into midtown Manhattan. See handwritten manuscripts, rare books, and cozy reading rooms.
→ Free Fridays 5–8pm with advance booking.
Explore culture and resilience.
Why it’s special: Powerful, thoughtful exhibitions exploring Jewish identity, history, and creativity. Located on NYC’s famed Museum Mile.
Celebrate the hidden history and contributions of black people in New York City.
Why it’s special: Explore NYC through a powerful lens of resilience and creativity. This curated list includes museums, historic homes, memorials, and cultural centers focused on Black excellence and heritage in New York.
Iconic NYC dance studio. Styles from ballet to hip hop
Why it’s special: Right in the Theater District, BDC is legendary. Their daily drop-in schedule includes everything from ballet and jazz to hip hop, tap, and theater dance. Taught by renowned choreographers and open to all levels — it’s the perfect way to channel your inner Broadway star.
📍 322 W. 45th St.
Keep your body moving and your spirit lifted. NYC is home to some of the world’s top dance studios — and they welcome drop-ins of all levels!
Dance & Movement Classes
A who’s who of world-class dancers.
Why it’s special: This iconic studio is where stars train. Classes run 7 days a week across all styles — ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and more — and you never know which Broadway, ballet, or concert dance legend will show up next to you in class.
📍 2121 Broadway
Welcoming community rooted in Alvin Ailey’s legacy.
Why it’s special: Experience the legacy of Alvin Ailey in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. Classes for all ages and levels in West African, Horton technique, Zumba, ballet, and more.
📍 405 W. 55th St.
A meeting ground for New York's artistic community.
Why it’s special: A community-minded space known for artistic integrity, Gibney offers high-quality contemporary classes in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
📍 890 Broadway, 5th Fl
Global community with a wide variety of class types and levels.
Why it’s special: A downtown gem for contemporary, ballet, and jazz lovers. Welcoming to everyone from beginners to pros. Their global community of dancers makes every class feel inspiring and supportive.
📍 126 E. 16th St.
NYC's longest-running dance school
Why it’s special: Founded in 1937, it’s the longest-running dance school in NYC. Located in the historic NYC Center building, Ballet Arts offers drop-in ballet in a charming vintage setting.
📍 130 W. 56th St.
High-energy Cuban Salsa. Make new friends and sweat with joy!
Why it’s special: One of the most fun salsa schools in NYC — no partner required! Learn Cuban-style salsa, meet locals and visitors, and dance your heart out.
📍 410-412 8th Ave., 4th Fl
Nightlive & Live Entertainment
Celebrate your practice with NYC-style joy. Whether you’re looking for craft cocktails or iconic drag shows, NYC after dark is filled with surprises.
Drag, DJs, and open mic magic all weekend long.
Why it’s special: A beloved East Village gem, founded by actor Alan Cumming. This club blends cabaret, drag, DJs, and community in one unforgettable space. Expect wild open mics, themed dance parties, and soulful piano nights.
Highlights:
- Friday 8/29 – DJs, Drag & Dancing (No cover!)
- Sunday 8/31 – Anatomy Lesson: Figure Drawing with Drinks ($20, includes your first drink)
- Labor Day Monday 9/1 – Party Around the Piano (open mic + requests until 4am!)
Experimental Club (Flatiron)
Party Around the Piano. Song requests & singalongs.
Why it’s special: This hidden piano lounge is like stepping into a speakeasy dream. Small, cozy, and packed with character — you’ll sing your heart out or sip craft cocktails while others do.
Highlights: Wednesday 8/27: “Party Around the Piano” – Reservations strongly recommended. No cover.
Stonewall Inn
Historic LGBTQ+ bar with no cover.
Why it’s special: The birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, Stonewall is both historic and lively — with dance music, drag, and energy to spare.
📍 53 Christopher St. | No cover
Red Eye NYC
Dance ‘til 4am in Hell’s Kitchen.
Why it’s special: Equal parts coffee bar and all-night dance club, Red Eye serves espresso by day and beats by night. A favorite for Hell’s Kitchen nightlife.
📍 355 W. 41st St. (btwn 8th & 9th)
⏱ Open daily 2pm–4am
Markets & Local Gems
Local produce, flowers, and homemade everything.
Why it’s special: Since 1976, this open-air market has brought local farms to the heart of NYC. Grab fresh fruit, baked goods, or just stroll and sample. You’ll feel like a local.
📍 Union Square | Open M/W/F/Sa 8am–6pm
Shop, snack, and support local makers — from international food halls to artisan pop-ups.
Global food stalls, shops, and sweet treats.
Why it’s special: A bustling indoor food and retail marketplace in the Meatpacking District — ideal for a solo lunch break or group dinner. Think tacos, gelato, seafood, indie shops, and more.
📍 75 9th Ave. | Open daily 7am–10pm
Female artists & handmade goods.
Why it’s special: Shop handmade goods by NYC women designers. From candles to ceramics, each piece supports local artisans. It’s beautiful, empowering, and purposeful.
📍 637 Broadway | Mon–Sat: 11am–7pm | Sun: 11am–6pm
One of NYC’s oldest and most delicious markets.
Why it’s special: This historic public market dates back to 1888 and now lives in a modern, airy space on the Lower East Side. Come hungry — the food stalls are legendary.
📍 88 Essex St. | Mon–Sat: 8am–8pm | Sun: 10am–6pm