Editors Note: My absolute favorite place in the city is Union Square.  I feel like it is the ultimate place to meet friends because every train goes there easily, as well as it has all the goods form Whole Foods to Forever 21.  Why not try a new place in the area for once?  Instead of going to the same places you always do, change it up a bit and try a new peaceful destination below. ~Nitika~

I may be going out on a limb, but I feel comfortable stating that most New Yorkers aren’t in love with the Times Square scene. To put it nicely, we try to avoid it like the Bubonic plague. So, what’s the city center as far as I’m concerned? Union Square. That’s the slice of Manhattan enclosed by 14^th Street, Union Square East, 17^th Street, and Union Square West.

Many roads converge into a mass of traffic in Union Square, not to mention that crowds of people are hustling about at all hours.  North, east, south, west, you can bounce off to any corner of the city from this epicenter. Where can you get your peace on near this chaotic cube – Jivamukti Yoga Center.

Jivamukti Yoga Center

841 Broadway

between 13th & 14th street

(212) 353-0214

Located on Broadway between 13^th and 14^th Streets, Jivamukti Yoga Center is unexpectedly tucked on the second floor near one of the busiest intersections of the city. When I visited, I was surprised to find an oasis co-existing with the jungle outside.

Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” Well, that sounds good to me.  Jivamukti falls within the Vinyasa style of yoga practice and is known for being physically intense. But, the relief comes in the form of pairing physical endurance with chanting and philosophizing which are key components of the class structure.

Now that you’ve broken a sweat it’s time to replenish those nutrients. The café at Jivamukti is quiet and tranquil, an obvious contrast to the honking horns downstairs. It’s worth noting that you can hit up the café without even taking a yoga class as it’s open to the public. So start licking your lips for their burrito or the vegan BLT. If you really want to sweeten your enlightened spirit then indulge in their baked goods. I have three words for you: red velvet cupcake.

East West Living

78 5th Avenue

Between 13th & 14th streets

(212) 243-5994

You’ve satisfied your sweet tooth and potentially stretched your body beyond its limits. Next, I encourage you to swing over to East West Living at 78 Fifth Avenue at 14^th Street. This peaceful nook houses over 30,000 books relating to philosophy, spirituality, and holistic health. Now, that’s a serious book collection.

Get lost in that wonderland for hours, but do poke yourself above-book for periodic feedings. Head to the café, in case you’re still hungry after eating a brownie from Jivamukti. Come one, come all as vegetarians and vegans will encounter no challenges when chowing down at this spot. Cool down your body on a steamy summer day with East West Living’s signature Crystal Iced Tea.

Joe.

9 East 13th Street

Between Broadway & University

(212) 924-7400

With five locations in Manhattan, Joe is reaching its caffeinated arms to embrace the entire island. Officially, its name is Joe The Art of Coffee so you can imagine that the marriage of art and coffee would have to yield impressive results. This year, Joe started to buy beans from  Ecco Caffé, a very reputable roaster, and groupies of this chain are cheering on the difference.

The location by Union Square at 9 East 13^th Street has a steady flow of customers, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. There are tables for two in the front, and coffee gear lines the wall. It’s uncomplicated, delicious, and relatively serene. Some may argue that’s exactly the way art should be.

Living in New York is only as stressful as we make it out to be. Stop by stop, step by step, peace your life together near Union Square with ease and joy.