50 things to do now in New York City

Visit Roosevelt Island
R.I. is a small town with a long history. From 1686 to 1921, it went by the name of Blackwell's Island, during which time it was the site of an insane asylum, a smallpox hospital and a prison—notable inmates included Mae West, who did a ten-day bid for writing and starring in a play called Sex. R.I. was renamed Welfare Island in 1921, and the prison closed in 1935. In 1973, Welfare became Roosevelt Island, and the first apartment building opened two years later. Today, the island is home to some 12,000 people, many of them internationals, and it hosts a colorful collection of foliage, flea markets and music festivals. This summer, a series of free Saturday shows (billed as Roosevelt L!VE) will be held on the central green lawn at Riverwalk Common. Get there via the scenic aerial tramway, which costs $2 on a regular MetroCard and takes 4.5 minutes from Manhattan. 59th St at Second Ave Magnolia blossom walk

Go to the Metropolitan Opera
The Met hosts a range of international companies, from the Paris Opéra Ballet to the Kirov Ballet. In spring, this majestic theater is home to American Ballet Theatre, which presents full-length classic story ballets as well as works by contemporary choreographers. The acoustics are wonderful, but the theater is immense, so sit as close to the stage as you can afford. Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000, metoperafamily.org)

Drink and dance at Water Taxi Beach
When this Long Island City outpost opened, NYC became the land of sand, parties, ping-pong and electric palm trees. This year, Water Taxi Beach expands into a giant sandy patch in lower Manhattan. Sip beers or mixed drinks while playing one of the many available games (Skee-Ball, minigolf). The Fish Shack dispenses beachy grub including burgers and Baja-style fish tacos. Stay tuned: The Governors Island location is expected to open in July. North side of Pier 17, Fulton St at South St (877-974-6998, watertaxibeach.com) Water Taxi Beach secrets revealed

Go to Peter Luger for a lunchtime burger
Want to experience the charm of this beer-hall-style eatery without spending three figures on a porterhouse? Drop in at lunchtime on a weekday to try their no-frills burger: no lettuce, no tomato, just half a pound of trimmings from their on-site butchers, topped with onion. Fries and cheese are extra—but the legendary Luger steak sauce more than compensates. 178 Broadway at Driggs Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-387-7400, peterluger.com)

Visit Ellis Island
Even if your blood doesn't run red, white and blue you will not be underwhelmed by this major New York landmark. Note that, contrary to some mistaken notions, the mother of all American statues is not actually on Ellis Island, although it can be reached by the same ferry. More than 12 million people entered the country through this island between 1892 and 1954. The exhibitions at the Immigration Museum are a moving tribute to the immigrants from so many different countries who made the journey to America, dreaming of a better life. The $8 audio tour is informative and inspiring. Statue of Liberty Ferry at Battery Park (866-782-8834, ellisisland.org)

Have drinks on the terrace at the Met
The art may change every year (this year Roxy Paine's installed a silver serpentine sculpture) but the southern vista of the midtown skyline and Central Park is a consistent knockout, as are the deceptively strong cocktails. Head there on Friday and Saturday nights, when the terrace stays open until 8pm. 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St (212-277-8888, metmuseum.org)

Experience the Bronx Zoo
The NYC landmark is home to more than 4,500 creatures, including the recent addition of African wild dogs. For visitors who want a bird's-eye view, the Skyfari, an aerial tram ride, is wonderful. Highlights include an underwater viewing area; the Congo Gorilla forest; Tiger Mountain, which educates visitors about tigers and conservation; and an indoor Asian rainforest. Bronx River Parkway, at Fordham Road (718-220-5100, bronxzoo.org)

Stroll through Wave Hill
Think of Wave Hill as the weekend house you'll never afford. It's that fantasy getaway with Hudson Valley views, woodland walks and nap-ready patio furniture-except it's in the Bronx, costs just $6 and is accessible via the 1 train. Once a private estate, the 28-acre garden and cultural center includes an elegant 19th-century mansion, abundant wildflowers and shady pergolas, all welcoming your Sunday idleness. Gardens overlook the river and the Palisades, and vistas stretch up to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Concerts often follow the weekly brunch, and art workshops are offered. Trust us: You'll want to make some sketches to prove this place actually does exist in New York City. Wave Hill, Independence Ave at 249th St, Bronx (718-549-3200, wavehill.org) Wave Hill slideshow

Eat dinner at Per Se
If you've never eaten at one of NYC's truly schmancy restaurants, Per Se is a fine place to start. Expectations are high—and that goes both ways. You are expected to come when they'll have you—you might be put on standby for four nights, only to win a 10pm Tuesday spot—and fork over $175 a head if you cancel. You're expected to wear the right clothes, pay a non-negotiable service charge, and pretend you aren't eating in a shopping mall. The restaurant, in turn, is expected to deliver one hell of a tasting menu for $275 ($305 if you want foie gras). And it does. Dish after dish is flawless and delicious. Have you tasted steak with mashed potatoes and Swiss chard, or burrata cheese with olive oil drizzled on top, or chocolate brownies with coffee ice cream? Possibly. Have you had them this good? Unlikely. It's all worth every penny (as long as someone else is paying). Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle at Broadway, fourth floor (212-823-9335)

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
One of New Yorkers' most beloved structures, this marvel of 19th-century engineering connected Manhattan with Brooklyn and became an important symbol of progress. The first to use steel suspension cables, the bridge was the vision of German-born civil engineer John Augustus Roebling, who died before it was completed. The 5,989-foot-long transverse, running from Downtown Brooklyn to Manhattan's financial district, offers striking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. If time permits, it's well worth a stroll across the pedestrian walkway. Chambers and Centre St

Go to the New York Aquarium
At this Coney Island staple (appropriately situated on Surf Avenue), check out eerie moon jellyfish, fierce sharks and adorable black-footed penguins. Be sure to say hi to Squirt, the aquarium's giant Pacific octopus. And don't miss the ongoing sea lion show: Duke is the scenery-chewing diva of the aquarium's pinniped spectacular. Surf Ave at W 8th St (718-265-3474, nyaquarium.com)

INDEX New Places
Get up to speed on the scenes, spots and events you need to be hitting up this summer.