Sure we rant about subway delays, overpriced cocktails, and freezing winters, but we also can’t deny the truth: We heart New York.
And when it comes to healthy living, it’s tough to beat the seemingly endless options Manhattan has to offer. We rounded up some of our current faves, from vegan restaurants with amazing desserts to beat-thumping dance classes. And threw in a few spots where you can escape the manic pace of the city (for free!) and shop for cool athletic wear.
Upper West Side
Blossom on Columbus
507 Columbus Ave.
With three locations in NYC, this vegan restaurant group makes everything from sandwiches to burgers to lasagna.
Upper East Side
Central Park Conservatory Garden
105th St. and 5th Ave.
Photo: Courtesy of Central Park Conservatory Garden
Tucked inside Manhattan’s centerpiece park is this six-acre garden that has been divided into three separate styles: Italian, French, and English.
YeloSpa
5 E. 57th St.
Photo: Courtesy of YeloSpa
While you can book traditional treatments here (from massages to facials), we picked this spa because of its sleep therapy system. Nap happy.
Greenacre Park
51st St., between 2nd and 3rd Aves.
A true hidden gem, this tiny park offers a quiet respite from the city bustle, complete with a small waterfall.
November Project
86th St. and the East River
This grassroots fitness group meets rain or shine, hot or cold.
Erika Bloom Pilates
14 E. 60th St.
Don’t be fooled by the serene and luxe vibe of this studio. Your core, arms, and legs will be feeling it by the end.
NoMad and Midtown
The NoMad Hotel Library
1170 Broadway
Photo: Benoit Linero
Enjoy food, coffee, or cocktails inside this dimly lit, poshly furnished room. It’s like study hall but better.
Warrior Fitness Boot Camp
29 W. 35th St.
Photo: Courtesy of Warrior Fitness Boot Camp
Based on the same training principles used by the U.S. Marine Corps, these 60-minute classes skip the usual weights in favor of an indoor obstacle course. Hello, six-foot wall!
New York Insight Meditation Center
28 W. 27th St.
Meditation classes, dharma talks, and other relaxed gatherings dominate the schedule at this NY institution.
The Little Beet Table
333 Park Ave. S.
The brainchild of self-proclaimed “diabetic chef” Franklin Becker, this restaurant is heavy on veggies and salads.
I Meditate NY
286 5th Ave.
Free meditation classes are offered twice weekly—no prior experience necessary.
Chelsea
The High Line
Gansevoort St. to W. 34th St., between 10th and 12th Aves.
Photo: Iwan Baan
The famed park built above the streets of Manhattan’s west side is perfect for lounging—or even a jog if you get there early enough. There are also free tai chi and meditation classes once a week.
Story
144 10th Ave.
Part gallery, part store, this mash-up space features an ever-rotating array of cool finds from boutique artists.
Haven’s Kitchen
109 W. 17th St.
Photo: Courtesy of Haven's Kitchen
Veggie-focused cooking classes are the theme here—with a rotating curriculum that includes dumplings, fresh pasta, and tempura how-tos.
Daybreaker
Various Locations
Photo: Courtesy of Daybreaker
The a.m. dance party still hasn’t lost its cool—or its love for all things wild, weird, and grandiose.
Flatiron
Shambhala Center
118 W. 22nd St.
Weekly meditation is led by an instructor and consists of a discussion, practice, and short reception afterward.
The Class
164 5th Ave.
Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of the name. Taryn Toomey’s signature workout is known for being physically and emotionally draining.
Yoga for Bad People
164 5th Ave.
This yoga class is notorious for breaking the rules.
Bandier
164 5th Ave.
Photo: Courtesy of Bandier
Go ahead and drool over the high-end athleisure at this retail shop that also has a fitness studio upstairs.
The Fhitting Room
31 W. 19th St.
High-intensity training never gets old thanks to the wide array of equipment and ever-changing class routine that will keep your muscles guessing.
Union Square
Paragon Sports
867 Broadway
No list of NYC healthy spots would be complete without this mecca for all things athletic.
Hu Kitchen
78 5th Ave.
Paleo eaters delight! This menu is entirely gluten-free and includes hearty faves like meatloaf, chicken wings, and kale salads.
Tone House
32 E. 31st St.
Photo: Courtesy of Tone House
Focusing on total-body movements, Tone House will keep you switching between explosive moves and strength-based exercises for a full hour of heart-pumping exercise.
CityRow
80 5th Ave.
Photo: Jay Sullivan
You’ll get low impact and high intensity for maximum burn at this brightly lit studio.
East Village and Lower East Side
Souen
326 E. 6th St.
Souen sets itself apart by being an organic, macrobiotic restaurant.
Mile High Run Club
28 E. 4th St.
Photo: Courtesy of Mile High Run Club
Upbeat music and mega-motivating coaching means you’ll barely notice that you’ve been running on a treadmill for 45 to 60 minutes.
Dimes
49 Canal St.
Health food with a California vibe dominates the menu in this tiny space that is also an infamous model haunt.
West Village
Ellary’s Greens
33 Carmine St.
Photo: Courtesy of Ellary's Greens
Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options abound in this cozy restaurant that also offers organic wines, beers, and ciders.
Wild NYC
535 Hudson St.
Gluten-free pizza fills the menu alongside other Italian staples such as pasta, bruschetta, and homemade ravioli.
By CHLOE
185 Bleecker St.
Photo: Mikey Pozarik
Chloe Coscarelli’s namesake restaurant is the current darling of the vegan food scene. Don’t leave without trying the cupcakes.
Sweetgreen
226 Bleecker St.
You’ll find seasonal salads, healthy grain bowls, and more at this ethically sourced eatery.
305 Fitness
18 W. 8th St.
Photo: Steve Trumon
Named for Miami’s area code, this dance-party class that mixes club moves with HIIT will make you forget you’re working out.
MNDFL
10 E. 8th St.
Photo: Stephen Wilson Photography
Book your cushion at this new studio that offers guided meditation for a number of issues including stress and energy.
Noho
Kith
644 Broadway
Too-cool-for-school lifestyle wear for men and women.
Lululemon Lab
50 Bond St.
Photo: Courtesy of Lululemon
The yoga-pants brand’s NoHo location sells exclusive items with cutouts, mesh, and other details
Sacred Chow
227 Sullivan St.
Vegan, organic, and kosher, Sacred Chow serves up tapas, panini, and gluten-free brunch staples like waffles and biscuits on the weekends.
Siggy’s Good Food
292 Elizabeth St.
No-frills organic soups, salads, and some of the best burgers around.
Soho
Adidas Originals
136 Wooster St.
Bold track jackets, bright headbands, and old-school kicks adorn this Soho boutique, harkening back to the brand’s 80s aesthetic.
NikeLab 21M
21 Mercer St.
Apparel and footwear from the iconic athletic brand, plus speciality items you just can’t find anywhere else.
Rapha Cycle Club New York City
159 Prince St.
Photo: Courtesy of Rapha Cycling Club
Ride products, coffee, and bites, plus weekly rides and live race coverage.
Y7 Yoga
430 Broome St.
Photo: Courtesy of Y7 Yoga
Candlelight, hip-hop music, heated rooms, and a vigorous vinyasa flow. Need we say more?
Gotham Gym
43 Crosby St.
Photo: Courtesy of Gotham Gym
Sweaty and tough classes that really pack a punch! What else would you expect from a gym with expletive-filled quotes on the wall?
Nolita
Kit and Ace
102 Greene St.
Everyday apparel made from technical fabrics (think Lululemon at work).
Outdoor Voices
199 Lafayette St.
Photo: Courtesy of Outdoor Voices
Downtown New York meets L.A. at this of-the-moment athleisure brand’s shop.
The Butcher’s Daughter
19 Kenmare St.
Stone-oven pizzas, salads, and a separate toasts menu make this spot worth a visit.
Tribeca
Aire Ancient Baths
88 Franklin St.
Photo: Courtesy of Aire Ancient Baths
Rotate between cold, tepid, and hot water baths, or try the flotarium (a saltwater bath) at this soothing retreat.
DanceBody
380 Broadway
Photo: Courtesy of Dance Body
Started by Katia Pryce, these dance cardio classes kick off with high-energy routines and finish with sculpting strength moves, so you get the best of both worlds.
Lyons Den Yoga
279 Church St.
You'll find heated Baptiste yoga at this studio, which focuses on empowerment and balance through vinyasa flows.
Originally published January 2015. Updated August 2016.