2. The Highline.
2. The High line. [The High Line website]
I'm STILL in complete fascination/admiration of this incredible project, and the fact that it was actually pulled off. "The High Line" is miles of abandoned railroad viaduct 30 feet above the streets of Chelsea and the Meatpacking that have been transformed into a public park/walkway. Here's the first interview I did with co-founder Robert Hammond back in Feb of '08.
Little did I know the scale or significance back then of the project that this guy (along with his partner, Joshua David) were about to be launching. They were the men who saved the High Line rail-line, something we New Yorkers have grown to know and love. The walk on the High Line is incredible, no matter how many times you've been. The path is ever changing and expanding, and the people behind it's story are inspirational to all.
Start at the Standard Hotel and walk north until you get to the end of the line, or enter from any location that fits your fancy but do NOT MISS out on the High Line. It's some of the best views of the city you will get.
[NYT on the High Line]