Get tickets to a tv show? Last time we were there we went to a taping of The Daily Show which was lots of fun.

Make reservations to see the 9/11 Memorial. It is a beautiful and moving tribute, and I recommend it.

We (two adults) have enjoyed everything that we've done, and have also seen the memorial. I don't like tours, because you stand out like tourists then.

The Frick is my favourite NYC museum - I read a book once that said it has "one perfect example" of everything.

You mentioned that you've stayed in Battery Park, but did you walk up the waterfront boardwalk? I find that to be a relaxing and pleasant walk, and it doesn't feel crowded even when there are a fair number of people there. Others have also suggested the High Line, which I like but found unbearably crowded on the weekend, so go on a workday morning.

Have you been to a jazz club? There are the standards (like Blue Note), but I also like the Smoke Jazz and Supper Club on the Upper West Side. Decent food (not fabulous, but better than average for a jazz club) and not touristy.

Since you've seen a few big musicals, why don't you try an off-Broadway show?

Also, since you seem to like good food, how about exploring some kind of theme in food that New York is supposed to do well? For example, over the course of your visit, try pizza by the slice at some of the highest rated pizza places? Or the best non-chain coffee chops with good pastries? Or a tour of high-end Asian restaurants (e.g., Jungsik for Korean, Red Egg for Chinese, etc.)

If you don't like traditional tours, what about some kind of personalized, theme tour, like a running tour of the city, or a photo safari (where a professional photographer will take you out)?

I also quite frankly find it odd that you love NYC but don't want to visit anything other than Manhattan. New York is more than Manhattan.

"I don't like tours, because you stand out like tourists then."

But who around you would care? For the hour or so that someone is guiding around someplace, be a tourist and enjoy. Then leave the group and go look like a New Yorker. It's not that I don't understand your feelings -- I do -- but it would be sad to miss out on a great experience because of that.

That said, if you can get over that limitation, another thing I'd suggest is going to the Tenement Museum on the lower east side and taking one of the temement tours. There's a website.

lhenry: are you sure you want to go back to NY? You've nixed several suggestions and I'm wondering just what types of activities you are looking for. Could you share what would interest you?

Looks like the OP has either seen it all, or is not interested in anyone's suggestions. Thus, why not see Long Island, or Atlantic City, or Upstate NY? Or the Polish or Russian hoods in Brooklyn, or see Coney Island. Seen Intrepid, Pier17, Belvedere Castle, Sheepshead Bay?