This heat is real. While I discourage you from moving more than necessary, if you’re near one of the places listed below, you can stop in to cool off without feeling pressure to spend any money.
The David Rubinstein Atrium
61 West 62nd Street (entrance on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets)
This free public space has a huge planted wall, fountain, lots of seating and a cafe. You can also purchase tickets to Lincoln Center Performances here.
http://www.lincolncenter.org/atrium
AMC Lincoln Square 13
1998 Broadway (68th Street)
The lobby is huge and there’s plenty of room to dry off while enjoying the sweet smell of movie popcorn. And if you head upstairs to the arcade area, you can rest on one of the video game chairs. Until some kid asks you to move.
https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/new-york-city/amc-lincoln-square-13
Barnes & Noble
2289 Broadway (between 82nd and 83rd Streets)
Find a place on the upper level to sit on the floor while enjoying a free read, or pretending to. They also have a Starbucks.
https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/1979
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The Columbus Circle Whole Foods
10 Columbus Circle (The Shops at Columbus Circle)
Located on the lower level of this extremely well air-conditioned mall, you’ll find plenty of seats here. And the entire mall is very cool, so you can air-dry yourself off before re-entering the summer heat.
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/columbuscircle
Staples
2248 Broadway (between 80th and 81st Streets)
The area by the entrance has laptops you can use, or mindlessly stare through while you’re recovering. Or you can sit at the table by the window.
And if you can make it up to their office chair section, see how long you can recline before being asked to leave.
https://stores.staples.com/ny/new-york/2248-broadway
Two more ways to cool off:
- check out the new gelato place on 93rd an Broadway
- consume some tasty frozen margaritas
