Sea The City is essentially a Jet Ski tour where you can cruise along the Hudson River in an hour. While tourists love walking the Brooklyn Bridge, most of the non-vehicular traffic is made up of New Yorkers, walking or biking between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. RELATED: Where to Shop in NYC Now: 11 Great Stores We Love. Ochestra seats were $120! For me, a trip to NYC isnt complete without seeing at least one Broadway show. Explore the city's lesser-known gems. Another route Id recommend begins at a ferry terminal on 39th Street, right behind the Javits Center in Manhattan (west of Times Square). And dont worry about the loud, chaotic ordering process. Heres my entry and a list of my favorite (semi) non-touristy things to do in NYC. Stay in close proximity to Bedford Cheese Shop. Here, revolving exhibitions heavily feature DIY games from indie designers and themes run the gamut from games about protest to hypnotic VR landscapes. Accommodations nearby Elizabeth Street Garden, Located in the Financial District of Manhattan, The Cauldron is a magic-themed bar where you can create your own "potions.". While many attractions can be reached on footWall Street, Battery Park, and One World Trade are all within walking distanceyou can also request a ride from the hotels Lincoln Navigator or Continental, which are available to take you anywhere within a 20-block radius. La Morada is a little Mexican food joint tucked below an apartment building on Williams Avenue. The buildings are empty, which gives the whole place a bit of an eerie feeling. Rooftop venues are a-plenty in New York City, but this one provides one of the best views, especially during sunset. A fun New York City fact that many don't know, however, is that the station has a secret whispering gallery. Skip to content Menu Menu Home Information Luggage Storage Transportation New York Guides Safety Brooklyn Guides Practical Information Luggage Storage General Info The Trans World Airline terminal was built in the 1960s, but it closed down after TWA was sold to American Airlines. Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do. However, if youre looking for a more underground experience next time youre in town, make your way to Babycastles, a non-profit art collective and arcade in Chelsea. Ive honestly never been disappointed by any of their meals. Also not to be missed is the hotels Italian restaurant, Bellini, which serves up traditional yet approachable dishes like cacio e pepe, chicken Milanese, and scampi carpaccio. Top accommodations in New York City, Activity Ferrara is home to delicious deserts and coffees (and gelato during the summer). Its located at the end of Little Italys Mulberry Street, which is really cute to walk down but a total tourist trap. More than a century ago, the Titanic survivors were dropped off by the Carpathia on the pier, which later served as the final dock for the Lusitania, before it was sunk by a German U-Boat. Pazza Notte is a longtime favorite for my family, and its popular enough with local New Yorkers that Id consider it a non-touristy spot in NYC. The pandemic changed everything in NYC. The best way to explore the Big Apple is by checking out its hidden gems. The following year, plans began for the park. Rather than a flashy sign or lengthy line alerting passersby to its existence, the pint-sized agave bar is hidden within an unassuming bodegaright behind a freezer door, in fact. Guided bike tours will take you to see sights like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Battery Park, and Hudson River Park. It is the home field for the New York Yankees, a legendary baseball team that has contributed many Major League Baseball accolades. It's the ideal place to relax in nature or enjoy a picnic with friends. The park is located along the Hudson River and is the ideal place to enjoy green space and river views. Westlight is a restaurant and bar located on the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn. Among NYC's many art installations, Artechouse offers something a little bit different. The slices are around $7 each. Ever wondered how circus stars train for their magical and breathtaking shows? Don't forget to take lots of pictures of the cute cats, and as they're adoptable, you could find a new furry friend to take home! Other than the usual bread and cakes, Holtermann's offers desserts from the yesteryears. It would be a great place to have a glass of wine and sit and enjoy the views and gardens. Youll be able to place your order in 10 minutes. It's almost impossible to keep track of the new 'it' place for outdoor brunch, or which bands are coming to town. 1. Ive become a fan of using the ferry system to explore different parts of the area. Accommodations in close proximity to Westlight. Their brunch is also a great option, too! The great lawn has a view of the Statue of Liberty, and is perfect for a picnic lunch or nap. May 29, 2023. Some are for students only. Here are some suggestions of non-touristy things to do in New York to make your trip a unique one: 1. Located between NoHo and the Ukrainian Village in Manhattan, the bar maintains a decor that stays true to its Irish heritage, and they mainly serve light and dark beer on tap. The arcade is hidden behind a laundromat, so you can easily miss it if you're not paying attention. New York City delis are famous for their Reubens and sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality meats. New York City in December offers some of the biggest shopping bargains and some of the most unique items. I saw Hamilton in its last week of previews, before it exploded in popularity. If youve been to NYC more than once, youve likely roamed the Picasso-, Dali-, and Van Gogh-adorned halls of art icons like the MoMA, The Met, and The Guggenheim. Accommodations close to Cozymeal Cooking Classes NYC. It is in no particular order, so feel free to read through and note down what is of most interest to you. Accommodations close to Manhattan Kayak Co. Your local guide will take you to a handful of off-the-beaten-path pizza joints to try some of the best food you've ever had. Explore the best of the world. While Mmuseumm does fit your feed quite nicely, theres a lot more to it than a photo op. If you're looking for an outdoor activity, one of the cool non-touristy things to do in NYC is strolling along the High Line. Theyre all worth visiting but I figure: if youre seeking advice on the best non-touristy things to do in NYC, then youve already visited the main sites. Serving an array of Oaxacan dishes, La Morada is perhaps most famous for its rainbow mol, a thick sauce made with chiles, tomatillos, nuts, and spices. Upper East Side. Found in Lower Manhattan, Mmuseumm doesn't look like your typical Smithsonian. Brooklyn, New York Destination Expert for Brooklyn Level Contributor 8,386 posts 28 reviews 47 helpful votes 1. You'll also come across the Gardens of the Battery, a 195,000-square-foot public space with beautiful plant and flower displays. NYC churns out comedians at a breakneck pace, and while you can find established acts at clubs like Carolines on Broadway, the Comedy Cellar, and even the Upright Citizens Brigade (brought to you in part by Amy Poehler), youll find a different kind of set right here on the Lower East Side. You could also have a picnic, and events are held throughout the area. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Cassinelli makes fresh pasta from gnocchi and penne to spaghetti, ravioli, and more using their original recipe. Pitorro is made with sugar cane and flavored with apples, coconuts, honey, and ginger, all locally sourced within the state. The broods Euro-styled boutique features 66 elegant guest rooms with crisp Italian linens, private furnished terraces, and arresting views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and city skyline. Its a small brick pizza shop on 8th Avenue between 30th and 31st Streets, which is open from around 10:30am to midnight, everyday. For instance, no nails were used in constructing the garden, following the Ming Dynasty's techniques. To top it all off, they also serve bottomless mimosas, a staple element of brunch culture today. Places to head to hear spooky stories include Greenwich Village and the East Village. Below is a list of the top non touristy things to do in NYC. Guests are zipped up to the sky-high dining room via a private elevator, and once the doors open, theyre greeted by a walnut and marble bar, bronze pendant lights, and blue silk table cloths. Im not going to venture into the un-winnable debate over the best pizza in New York. When at the library, grab a book and head to the outdoor area to read in the fresh air. It offers great views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and Lower Manhattan. Popular spots with New Yorkers include Magnolia Bakery in the West Village, Angelina Bakery, and Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe. Sadly, their hours have been cut. Spyscape is an espionage museum, but instead of showcasing memorabilia, it educates visitors about the art of espionage through themed rooms. Perhaps one of the most unusual things to do in NYC, this tour allows you to discover the city inside a hot tub! So my nominee is a total crowd-pleaser, and a pizza shop thats super popular with local New Yorkers! If you love LAs Egg Slut (or have never been to the West Coast but do religiously follow the restaurants IG account), youll want to swing by The Usual. Not only does it have historical significance, but the city also has endless activities and attractions you can enjoy. As you enjoy your drinks, you can order lunch or dinner dishes, and brunch is served on weekends. The Largest Menorah stands 33-feet tall and is the site of live . Instead of: Visiting the Largest Menorah, Grand Army Plaza. Also, TKTS purchases include a fee, which goes to benefit the nonprofit Theater Development Fund. Riding your bike in Central Park. As a theater-goer, its your chance to see a show which is still in the final stages of the creative process. This is a great breakfast spot on 35th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. Frankly, theyre full of things that I doubt would interest my readers or viewers! When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always icedshes from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series. When the Brooklyn Bridge first opened in the 1880s, it was the longest suspension bridges in the world. Its beautiful to visit during the day, or after sunset. To make the museum more interesting, you can also participate in immersive experiences that test your spy skills. Cuddle with cats at Meow Parlour cat cafe! On a candlelit catacombs tour, you'll get to explore the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Instead, the entire museum is located inside a freight elevator shaft. If the weather is nice, Id recommend taking your bagels over to Bryant Park. If you're looking for the best NYC nighttime activities, head to Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Rangers NHL team or the New York Knicks NBA team. The deli is famous for its cuts of meat, no-frills yet delicious food, and an atmosphere that remains true to its heritage. There are a lot of tables to sit at there, and the park always has interesting things going on (and great people-watching). 0 While it's tempting to visit the popular tourist spots that grace every traveler's bucket list - and you should definitely do that if it's your first time here - remember there's a whole other side to the Big Apple waiting to be discovered. For instance, the Adopt-a-Building program lets visitors "purchase" a building in exchange for a donation. TodayTix has evolved, and now offers tickets several weeks in advance. It became a tradition to stop at Pazza Notte late night, after a Broadway show, for a martini and pizza. 1. Its a popular Italian and pizza restaurant on 6th Avenue, up between 55th and 56th Streets. Then the Elizabeth Street Garden is for you. Here, you can witness acrobats and other circus professionals in their natural habitat: dangling and somersaulting through the air high above the ground. The surreptitious shop has been on Bleecker Street since 1907, and for good reason: its packed to the rafters with burlap sacks of rare, international, and flavored beans ready to be freshly ground. Cozymeal offers an array of fun classes for all levels. Of course, a hotel of this caliber delivers on the food front as well; youll find three restaurants and six bars on property, including an all-day lobby eatery called Kleins and the open-air rooftop Summerly. Tucked behind a Chefchaouen-blue keyhole door in Local92, a Mediterranean kitchen in the East Village, the bar eschews traditional mixers in favor of exotic international teas. When you visit Max and Mina's, go beyond your usual vanilla or chocolate scoop to try one of their specialties. As one of the most unique things to do in NYC, a New York ghost tour will take you to some of the most haunted sites in the city. The vault was restored in 2006, and the bar was commissioned to open by the New York Realty Bank. If your go-to hotel neighborhood is still Midtown, its time to expand your horizons. The New York Public Library is another of the well-known landmarks with lesser-known attractions. Here's some of my favourite affordable spots to hit up. Most people don't usually associate New York City with surfing, and maybe that's because you can't really find a good surfing spot around. From the tram, you can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline and the quaint but historic Roosevelt Island. Visitors to NYC can never run out of museums to explore. Head to a Hidden Concert 2. Many of the local New Yorkers bike around town which is why this is one of the more non touristy things to do in NYC. The East Village is a Manhattan neighborhood known for its bars, pubs, and clubs. If you want to get in on the action, you can sign up for one of their beginner classes or independently train with an expert. Tucked beneath the tiki-inspired Happiest Hour in the West Village, Slowly Shirley is the subterranean watering hole of our Art Deco dreams. The ferry usually runs hourly from Manhattan, making stops in Brooklyn before dropping you off at Governors Island. Visiting museums is one of the most fun things to do in NYC, but the Spyscape takes museum-hopping up a notch. Hidden NYC: The 13 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC | Jetsetter Jetsetter Guides You're Not A Tourist: New York City At any given moment, NYC is in the midst of unveiling a buzzy new hotel, restaurant, bar, or gallery opening. Some of the staff has been there for decades, and its clear: they know many of their regulars very well. I grew up making day-trips into Manhattan for food, Broadway shows, and shopping. She loves finding the best photo-ops and food and drink locations wherever she goes. For same-day tickets, TKTS still operates two booths, and the recommendation is: show up an hour before opening to wait in line. Accommodations close to McSorleys Old Ale House. Playbill.com offers a full list of shows in previews, and the dates theyll run. You can also check out fashion, home decor, and gift stores. Weekdays and weekends, the ferry usually departs every 20 to 30 minutes. As the brands first North American outpost (youll find others in Amsterdam, London, and additional hip hoods across Europe), the hotel had a lot to live up to. Nothing beats taking a bike ride or a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge when you're visiting NYC. To ensure you see some of the pizzerias known only to locals, consider going on a pizza tour. The surrounding landscape was designed to highlight the Romanesque style of The Cloisters, with Gothic walls and structures. Keep in mind that the best places in the city are those favored by the locals and remain a secret. New York Transit Museum 2. This one, Ill admit, is kind of touristy but its enough of an institution (and local favorite) that its making the list of best non-touristy things to do in NYC! How about just downtown, to Manhattans recently revived South Street Seaport? Not only do you get a tour, but you'll leave with stunning photos of your group to keep. Take the South Brooklyn Line ferry from Wall Street Pier 11. The bar has a range of retro and newer arcade games, plus an interesting cocktail list to order from. Then you should check out the Aerial Arts in Chelsea. Why Your Train is F*cked: A Love/Hate Comedy Show About the History of the MTA, Ride or Die: Oregon Trail Live Drinking Game, Where to Shop in NYC Now: 11 Great Stores We Love. When visiting New York City, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. You can finish your night out with a cocktail in the adjacent The Bar Room. We've pulled together top suggestions below. I avoid it if its too cold or windy, but most of the year youll love the views and the exercise. Their patio dining is still open, and gets very busy on Saturdays (in spring, summer, and fall). This West Village bar serves a variety of delicious cocktails as well as many types of whiskey, tequila, and mezcal. Not ready to make the jump to Brooklyn? Maries is across 7th Avenue from the Christopher Street subway station. The kitchen is only open until 9:45pm. Cassinelli Pasta is Queens' oldest pastificio, or pasta factory, founded in 1912. Another key difference is: TodayTix will only tell you the *section youll be sitting in. Instead, these are some of the well-known, established favorites. Take a Graffiti Class 4. The Museum of Broadway 6. You'll also learn more about some of the street artists and the art scene in the borough. Take the Brooklyn Bridge-bound 6 train past its last stop . Accommodations close to Blue Sky Deli Hajjis. Search for the plaque dedicated to Edison on the Macy's building and find the Tesla Museum near Penn Station. Considering how dense New York City is, it's always a treat every time you come across an outdoor space or activity. You can also find new books and rare collectibles. Broadway shows are a must-see when you visit the city, but for those looking for unique things to do in New York City, try to catch a show at the historic St. George Theater on Staten Island. While tickets were required at first, and had to be booked weeks in advance, they are no longer needed (unless youre going to attend a specific performance). You can also grab a Citi Bike to ride around. ET Looking for something to do in New York? Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, London, Greater London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Do note that you can only access the tram with an MTA MetroCard. Look for the whispering gallery, the Smokey patch and the rocket hole at Grand Central then have milk and cookies at Pershing Square. Ill keep adding to my list of the best non-touristy things to do in Manhattan and NYC over time, and as always: I welcome your suggestions, too! Expect a long line, sometimes snaking out the door, but it moves quickly. Accommodations in close proximity to The High Line. If you don't have a car, you need to take a ferry to the island and then a one-hour bus ride. You can discover a range of vendors here, selling dishes and food items from across the world. Non Touristy Things to Do in NYC | Unique Things to Do in NYC Looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC? TKTS hours in Times Square (Broadway & 47th Street), TKTS hours at the Lincoln Center (61 West 62nd Street), A lot of visitors will go to the classic big-name shows on Broadway, like Hamilton or The Lion King., A great non-touristy thing to do in NYC is to check out the new, upcoming shows in the stage known as previews.. Strike a pose on an NYC photo tour Shameless plug: Jessie's company, NYC Photo Journeys, offers private NYC photo tours that allow you to visit scenic spots with a local guide and photographer. Pazza Notte, like many restaurants, expanded into the street. On the other hand, fall and winter allow you to see the pretty autumn trees or a snow-covered central park, and crowd levels are generally much lower than in the warmer months. You can wander around the park in almost any weather, admiring the plants, trees, ponds, and more. Good quality cheese is often attributed to Italy, France, and the Netherlands, but New York City has its own gourmet cheese as well. Set 60 stories above Lower Manhattan, Manhattafrom Danny Meyers Union Square Hospitality Grouppairs its penthouse views (FiDi, the East River, and Brooklyn) with sophisticated French-American dishes. Give us feedback about this article. Yet, instead of going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim, why not check out the lesser-known museums that are just as interesting? Tickets are $4 each-way, and you can easily buy them from the kiosk at the pier. Im not putting the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or Rockefeller Plaza on this list. Ferrara is a stand-out on Grand Street, at the corner of Mulberry. You can find unique flavors here, like Corn on the Cob, Merlot, and even Pizza. This adorable cat cafe is home to many fluffy felines that you can hang out with while enjoying a coffee and macarons from Macaron Parlour. Yes, Brooklyn Grange is an actual farm on rooftops that produces over 100,000 lb (or over 45,000 kg) of organically-grown produce each year. Here, groups play arcade games, like Hack Attack or Laser Maze, to defuse a bomb in under an hour. Prices are higher than ever, so here are the steps I follow to figure out what show I want to see, and how much Ill pay. Nearest accommodations to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The eggs, avocado, and other toppings can make the deliciously chewy bagels kind of soggy if you dont eat them immediately. This city is home to thousands of restaurants, hundreds of museums, attractions, plays, and quirky things to do but here are the best things to see and do in New York City no matter your budget! Zipline at the Zoo 13. Beat The Bomb is not your average escape room, and it's perfect for thrill-seekers visiting the city. The cannolis, Napoleons, and tiramisu are classics. Though, as a member of the audience, you wont notice much of a difference. The journey to this Staten Island bakery might be long and winding. But even in a city as busy as New York, you can easily navigate through one of the many pop-up ones to find the . The Brooklyn Squibb Park Bridge is a hidden gem that not even many locals have heard of. Read more articles about the United States: More visual stories related to this article: allisewell Governors Island was built as a military academy, but is mostly abandoned now. The brewery always schedules new flavors of beer to keep their menu interesting. On the three-course menu, choose between dishes like tuna tartare with peaches, tarragon, and endive; wagyu bavette; and duck a lorange before getting lost in a panoramic city sunset. New York City might be a massive metropolis, but this panorama lets you overlook the city in its entirety. Have a picnic at one of the secret gardens. Visitors to New York flock to well-known attractions like. Some of the best places in NYC are pretty underground, and only those who seek these places will be able to find them. So, keep an ear out for local trends and hotspots because so many changes can happen in a New York minute! But this blog is about the best non-touristy spots in Manhattan, where youll likely be staying on your visit to NYC. They often offer unsold seats for $35 each. Check out the Brooklyn Flea, a weekend market where vendors selling jewelry, snacks, and other local goods gather. Youll see discounts range, between 20% and 50% off. Enoteca Maria has featured dishes from all over the world, including Japan, Turkey, Venezuela, and Italy. The park runs for 1.45 miles and features many flowers and plants. June 1, 2023, 7:00 a.m. Buy your tickets here. Accommodations nearby Grand Central Terminal. These 70 things to do in NYC that are not touristy are just the tip of the iceberg, but hopefully, you'll have learned of many off-the-beaten-path places to visit! For those wanting to grab a drink, Barcade is a fun place to check out. This elevated urban park is found along an old train line. Even if you dont have room in your suitcase for a brand-new ottoman or bar cart, its worth stopping by to browse smaller office and bedroom items like incense sets, art prints, plant misters, and coffee table books. Yet, all the baked goods from Holtermann's are worth the journey. WRITER The foundation spent more than $250 million on Little Island, which includes upkeep for a few decades. Theyre located at the corners of the park, in large concrete or cement structures. Each show has a different policy. There are only a couple of tables inside, so dont expect a leisurely sit-down breakfast. Another non-tourist thing to do in NYC is to hunt for the best pizza in the city. Advance tickets are recommended as daily tickets do sell-out quickly. By entering your email address you agree to our, The 70 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC, New York Helicopter Tour - Manhattan Highlights, New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour - All Options, New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise, Create your own magical cocktails at The Cauldron, Experience a hot tub boat tour with Sea the City, Experience modern contemporary art at its finest at Mmuseumm, Indulge in pastrami from Katz's Delicatessen, Manhattan's oldest deli, Take a circus aerial class at Aerial Arts NYC in Manhattan, Have a romantic night out at the Temple Court on 10, Travel to 1850s Ireland at McSorley's, Manhattan's oldest pub, Experience an audio-visual installation at Artechouse, Bask in the beautiful Manhattan skyline with the Roosevelt Island Tramway, Go for a nightcap inside a bank vault at Trinity Place Restaurant, See a medieval monastery at The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, Find the hidden bar behind a little bodega in Seaport, Get spooked with the ghosts of New York walking tour, Try the chopped cheese from Hajji's in Harlem, Feast on halal street food with the Halal Guys food truck, Check out the eclectic Morgan Library and Museum, Taste local cheese at Bedford Cheese Shop, Find the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal, Eat sweet treats at the city's best bakeries, Relax and read at the New York Public Library outdoor reading room, Treat yourself to milkshakes at Lexington Candy Shop, Get drinks at The Spaniard in the West Village. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, you can learn to cook it at a Cozymeal class! This hidden bar, aptly named The Little Shop, is located behind a bodega in the Seaport district just below Lower East Manhattan. Its festive, but its not home to the citys best Italian food. If you're unsure of the best time to visit New York City to go to Central Park, it really depends on what you want to do there and your weather preferences. Theres definitely no need to be intimidated about visiting! Its tough! You can get to this speakeasy through a sliding door at the back of the bodega. The TKTS and TodayTix apps are great for searching for show tickets. New York City might be known for its pizza, but thanks to the large concentration of Italian-Americans in the city, you can also experience authentic pasta and other Italian dishes. Over the decades, the pier was abandoned, and then severely damaged by SuperStorm Sandy in 2012. National Museum of Mathematics 4. Pizza Suprema is no-frills, but very enjoyable and satisfying. On top of that, Artechouse is a great place to snap a few pics for Instagram or to take your significant other for an out-of-this-world date night. If you've ever wondered what an aerial view of the Upper East Side looks like, then your next stop should be the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Spend the Day at Coney Island 11. Forty Chinese artists built the Chinese Scholar's Garden, and it has authentic Chinese cultural elements. The food scene in Brooklyn is massive, let alone in the entire city. Offering a rustic ambiance with their exposed bricks, AIRE Ancient Baths has various services, like aromatherapy massage, salt exfoliation, wine baths, and other relaxing experiences. My grandmothers name was Marie, so it always brings a smile to my face. The city changed a lot during the pandemic, and while everything is fully open, many things have not gone back to normal.. Go to a museum inside a bodega About seven miles from Manhattan's "Museum Mile" is Williamsburg, the popular riverfront neighborhood in north Brooklyn usually associated with hipsters that's morphed over the years from its gritty,industrial roots. No matter your preference in pizza type, Pizza Suprema has it! If you visit in the spring, you can enjoy a stroll underneath the beautiful cherry blossoms as well. Go to a Poetry Slam 12. It features stunning landscapes inspired by areas like Japan and Europe. Accommodation Read more. You can rent Citi Bikes right at the pier where you land, and cruise around the streets. The long line moves very quickly. The best thing about New York City is that it's filled with secret spots not many tourists are aware of. The parties always have extravagant themes, like Carnaval, Amateur Burlesque, and Golden Era. The walk across is about 1.5 miles. At times, you can buy alcohol at one of the kiosks inside. Ride a Bike through New York City. Elizabeth Street Garden in SoHo [Updated April 28, 2023]Are you ready to veer off the beaten path to find non-touristy things to do in NYC? The streets were empty enough for me to find the courage to ride alongside NYC traffic! (4). Theyre always busy with local New Yorkers! 9 Coolest Things to Do in NYC This Summer, These 11 Cozy Inns Are Unbelievably Charming. One of the off-the-beaten-path activities to try in NYC is going underground into the city's catacombs. They have thin and thick crust options. Learn to cook delicious meals at a cooking class, Check out the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, Dine on high-end plant-based food at Dirt Candy, Unwind under cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Have a feast at DeKalb Market Hall in Brooklyn, Discover pinball heaven at the Sunshine Laundromat, Catch the sunset at Westlight at The William Vale, Shop for unique souvenirs at the Brooklyn Flea Market, Take your bike out on the Brooklyn Bridge, Dance the night away at the House of Yes in Brooklyn, Feel the thrill at Beat The Bomb escape room, Stroll through Brooklyn Heights on the Squibb Park Bridge, Go on a Brooklyn and Bushwick Collective street art tour, Enjoy a fun day out at Luna Park on Coney Island, Travel back through time at the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport, Try pizza ice cream from Max and Mina's in Flushing, Have a summer surf sesh at Rockaway Beach in Queens, Buy fresh, authentic pasta from Cassinelli Pasta, Have bottomless brunch at The Shady Lady in Queens, Check out the Panorama of New York at the Queens Museum, Non-Touristy Things to Do on Staten Island, Reach a state of zen at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, Treat yourself with vintage desserts at Holtermann's Bakery, Have a fresh pint at the Flagship Brewing Company, Catch a show at the historic St. George Theater on Staten Island, Taste grandma's cooking at Enoteca Maria on Staten Island, Try Puerto Rican moonshine at Port Morris Distillery, Go to the other Little Italy in the Bronx, Snack on mol with a side of activism at La Morada in the Bronx, Wander around the New York Botanical Garden, Tour Lower Manhattan's Dutch New Amsterdam Remnants, The Tale of Alexander Hamilton in Lower Manhattan, New York, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square South, Hyatt Place Fort Lee George Washington Bridge, SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Midtown Manhattan Fifth Avenue, Hilton Garden Inn New York Midtown Park Avenue, SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Midtown Manhattan Park Ave, Rock Junket Tours' East Village Rock & Roll Tour, Insider's Mafia Tour of NYC With Food Tasting, Walking Tour of Grand Central Terminal in New York City, Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River in New York, Two-Hour Brooklyn Bridge & Waterfront Bike Tour in New York City, Residence Inn by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan World Trade Center Area, Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center Manhattan Downtown, Helicopter Tour of Manhattan's Scenic Views in New York, Secret Food Tours' Walking Tasting Tour of Greenwich Village, New York, Walking Tour of NYC's High Line, Chelsea, & Meatpacking District, Incentra Village Guest House - Adults Only, Hilton Garden Inn New York Midtown Park Ave, Home2 Suites Long Island City Manhattan View, The Cloud One New York-Downtown, by the Motel One Group, Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City, Statue of Liberty Contrasts Tour With Mas Tickets, Half-Day Small Group Tour of Must-See New York, Small Group Tour of NYC's Must-See Sights With One World Observatory, Food Festival in Chinatown & Little Italy, Residence Inn by Marriott The Bronx at Metro Center Atrium, 20 New York City Landmarks You Have to See, The Best 3 Day New York City Itinerary for First Time Visitors, 60 Most Romantic Things to Do in NYC for Couples, 22 Fun Facts About New York City That Will Surprise You, 36 Most Unique Things to Do in NYC for a Memorable Trip, 33 Fun & Romantic Things to Do in Buffalo, NY, Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls for Weather, Prices, and Crowds, Best Time to Visit New York for Weather, Prices, and Crowds, 35 Famous Landmarks in New York State to Visit, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Rhode Island State to Know, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Tennessee State to Discover, A Unique Costa Rica Bucket List - 55 Amazing Things to Do, 36 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL, for Couples, 25 Fun Things to Do in San Jose for Couples (California), 36 Fun Things to Do in Fresno for Couples, The 70 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC Visual Story, 59 Best Places to See in New York City That are Less Crowded, Top 50 Things to Do in NYC that are Non-Touristy. How circus stars train for their magical and breathtaking shows just below Lower East.. Style of the most unusual things to do in NYC | unique things to do in NYC Now 11. An outdoor space or Activity often offer unsold seats for $ 35.. Cherry blossoms as well n't know, however, is that it 's always a treat every time come. Really cute to walk down but a total tourist trap so it always brings a to! York to make your trip non touristy things to do in nyc in december unique one: 1 home field for the park in almost weather... Staple element of brunch culture today can easily miss it if its too cold or,... 8,386 posts 28 reviews 47 helpful votes 1 what your favorite cuisine is, it educates visitors the. Are recommended as daily tickets do sell-out quickly youll be able to the! But it moves quickly here, selling dishes and food and drink locations wherever goes! Foundation spent more than $ 250 million on Little Island, which is still open, Golden! 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