Whether as a tourist or a local resident, the area is full of things to do that take you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Whether you're attending a ballgame, touring an art museum, or enjoying a tour of the city via helicopter or boat, there are without a doubt numerous activities that can show you a pleasant, relaxing side of New York City.

If you are ready to experience the best the city has to offer, here are 10 relaxing things you can do in New York City.

Visit a Spa

If you're ready to wind down and spend the day pampering yourself, visit one of the many spas in New York and let yourself become renewed and refreshed. Whether it's a facial, microdermabrasion, or a skin rejuvenation treatment, there's no doubt NYC spas can lower your stress level while leaving you looking and feeling younger.

If you happen to be in Manhattan, you'll find one of the best facial spas in NYC when you walk through the doors of SkinProLogica. One of the most exclusive New York spas, it offers the latest therapy and skin treatments, guaranteeing you'll feel like a new person when you leave.

Central Park Pedicab Tour

If you want to be relaxed while spending a day at the park, take a pedicab tour of Central Park. A great way to sit back and enjoy the view, you'll get to see plenty of beautiful scenery and famous landmarks, ensuring you'll have plenty of fun along the way while an experienced and fun tour guide leads the way.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Known as "The Met," this museum has some of the world's most exclusive paintings and sculptures, along with plenty of other stunning and exotic treasures. Whether you go alone or as part of a group, you're sure to come away with memories that last a lifetime.

New York Botanical Garden

Located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is a living museum as well as a National Historic Landmark. The largest botanical garden in the United States, it's open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and offers a variety of collections and gardens sure to take your breath away.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Emphasizing the performing arts, visual arts, horticulture, and much more, Snug Harbor Cultural Center has something for everyone. For a true family experience, sign up for a workshop about neighborhood histories or how art is used to envision the future.

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

For a truly unique place to relax and meditate, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is perfect. Established in 1945, it features meditation gardens, classes in Tai Chi and Tibetan crafts, exotic fish ponds, and much more.

The Auction House

A diamond in the rough, The Auction House is a different kind of bar. Red velvet drapes, intimate tables, and a cozy atmosphere of eclectic individuals all add up to a place where you can relax, have a good drink, and enjoy some even better conversation. Getting rave reviews from those who stop by, The Auction House is an out-of-the-way spot you simply have to experience at least once in your lifetime.

Take in a Baseball Game

Whether you're a fan of the Mets or Yankees, taking in a baseball game in New York City is truly a special experience. You must plan this well in advance as you may not be able to get tickets in the rush hour. Sitting in a beautiful stadium like Citi field with early bird Citi field Mets tickets, with your fellow fans, enjoying some peanuts and cotton candy, and participating in the 7th-inning stretch make this a must-do activity for you and your family.

Helicopter Ride over NYC

An affordable and exciting way to tour New York City, helicopter rides let you see the city in an entirely new light. Whether you're flying over the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, or the Brooklyn Bridge, these tours are a truly remarkable experience.

New York City Boat Tour

If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, consider instead a New York City boat tour. Conducted on stylish boats filled with plenty of amenities, these tours offer a variety of deals and schedules for individuals and groups. If you want to see the best of NYC while enjoying some cool water splashing in your face, this is the thing for you.

No matter if you do only one of these activities or all of them, there's no doubt you'll come to see New York City in a whole new light. While it may still be a fast-paced city in many ways, you'll see a side of the city that few ever imagine.

If you have ever been to New York and have inspiring experiences to share, our readers would love to draw inspiration from your experiences and get inspired to see it with your perspectives. Shoot them all in comments below or tweet them to us @iUeMagazine