22 Best Non Touristy Things to do in New York City According to a New Yorker
Looking for non touristy things to do in New York City?
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps for good reason. There is always something exciting to do, see, eat, or experience here any time of day or night which makes it a very popular destination for tourists to visit.
But there are also 8.3 million people who call New York City home; and, it is more than likely that the only time they visit tourist landmarks like the Empire State Building is when they have visitors in town.
Given all the options that NYC has to offer, let’s take a closer look at the top non-
touristy things to do in New York City according to me – a New Yorker who has been living here for more than two decades!
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22 Best Non Touristy Things to do in NYC
New York has an endless range of options to choose from, whether it be sightseeing or eating out. Here are the best non touristy things to do in NYC from the perspective of a New Yorker.
1. Explore Smorgasburg
If you’re looking for hidden gems, skip Chelsea Market and make your way to Smorgasburg instead. Smorgasburg is an open air food market that brings together notable local vendors.
It takes place in locations such as Prospect Park and Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Here you’ll find an eclectic collection of global food options. Smorgasburg celebrates the diverse and dynamic flavors of the melting pot that is New York City, and it’s a go-to destination for many New Yorkers.
2. Visit the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is located at what used to be a subway station in Brooklyn. It not only offers a rich history of New York’s transit system, but also houses vintage train cars and memorabilia from different years.
It provides a unique way to understand the way public transportation has impacted the city, and its evolution over the years. Visiting the museum is a great weekend activity for New Yorkers, especially those with kids.
The museum organizes a bus festival with vintage buses on display in DUMBO during the summer, and runs nostalgic train rides on vintage subway trains during Saturdays in December.
3. Take in the Sights from Brooklyn Bridge Park
You’ve likely heard of DUMBO – Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass. While visiting DUMBO to take pictures with a view of the Manhattan Bridge is a touristy thing to do, locals tend to visit for Brooklyn Bridge Park.
From there, you can admire sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. An additional attraction nearby is Jane’s Carousel, which is a restored and fully operational carousel.
4. Spend a Day in Williamsburg
Spend some time getting out of tourist-typical NYC and into Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Spending a day in Brooklyn, in particular in Williamsburg, is a great way to sidestep tourist traps and experience a more hipster vibe.
5. Explore Times Square Underground
Of course, Times Square is the touristy thing to do in NYC. But have you considered exploring below it?
In New York’s subway system, a variety of beautiful art awaits you. It can be easy to pass these pieces by without a second thought, and likely many locals who see them daily do just that.
A lesser known fact about subway stations is the art that they feature, some of which is by leading artists who also have works featured across the museums in the city.
For instance, the subway station at 57th Street and 6th Avenue features an amazing collection of art by Alex Katz that commuters pass by every day. Yet, they were happy to pay to view this work at a recent exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum!
The Guggenheim also held an exhibit of Nick Cave’s work. He also has a piece, consisting of glass mosaics spanning 4,600 square feet, in the Times Square subway station. It is called, Each One, Every One, Equal All.
Pursue a deeper understanding of the art that adorns NYC’s transit system with a guided tour by a local for unique insights into New York City and its history.
6. Hang Out at Industry City
If you’re looking for a casual place to hang out, eat well, see some art, do som shopping and maybe even catch some music then make your way to Industry City.
This family-friendly industrial complex has it all, complete with a pleasant setting on the waterfront at Sunset Park.
7. Check out the Grand Bazaar
What began as a simple yard sale by parents to raise money for their kids’ school is now the oldest flea market in New York City.
Grand Bazaar NYC is open every Sunday, year-round. This indoor/outdoor market donates 100% of profits to four different public schools, benefitting 2,000 students.
Your visit to Grand Bazaar NYC not only gets you off the beaten track to check out some unique wares, it also gives back to the local community!
8. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
While boat rides to see the Statue of Liberty are a common touristy experience in New York, a less touristy alternative is to ride the Staten Island ferry for free. Of course, you won’t be stopping to see Lady Liberty up close and personal but the ferry ride will allow you to capture some great photos and videos.
9. See the Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms can be found in New York from mid-April onwards depending on the weather, and visiting the spots that have cherry blossom trees is a very popular pastime in the spring.
What makes seeing the cherry blossoms in NYC more of a local activity than one for tourists is the fleeting nature of the blooms. Locals are far more likely to catch cherry blossom season in full swing, but if you’re lucky you might be able to see them while visiting as well.
Some of the best areas to see the cherry blossoms include Central Park, Roosevelt Island, New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Hudson River Park, Washington Square Park and Madison Park.
10. Spend Time in Local Parks
New York is known as a concrete jungle, with most New Yorkers living in apartments with no outdoor space. As such, spending time in a park is very much a part of a New Yorker’s weekend, if not a part of their week as well.
While Central Park is on every list of things to do as a tourist in New York, it is very much a non touristy thing to do as well.
Some of the other parks that are popular with locals are Riverside Park, Hudson River Park, Washington Square Park, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.
11. Visit the Botanical Gardens
New York City has four botanical gardens that are popular places for locals to visit: New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Queens Botanical Garden and Staten Island Botanical Garden.
The New York Botanical Garden is famous for events including the annual Orchid Show in the spring and Holiday Train Show in the winter.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must visit in the spring, with its Cherry Esplanade followed by bluebell season. Add in a visit to Cranford Rose Garden where thousands of roses are in full bloom, with a holiday themed light show called Lightscape in the winter.
12. Join in on Free Summer Events
New York has a lot of free events in the summer that are popular with the locals and great for everyone from families to solo travelers in New York.
The Today Show runs a concert series at Rockefeller Center, while Good Morning America also hosts concerts in Central Park.
Locations such as Lincoln Center, Central Park and Bryant Park offer a packed schedule of free events and classes. Bryant Park’s ‘Movies in the Park’ are very popular, while Central Park hosts a ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ series.
Times Square hosts Solstice Yoga, along with free concerts in the evenings.
‘Philharmonic in the Park’ is a series of free concerts courtesy of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, held in all the NYC boroughs.
Note that some of these require reservations, even though they are free, while others are open to all.
13. Bike the City
Bicycles are more of a recent addition to New York’s streets, and bicycle lanes are slowly but steadily being added alongside the city roads.
While it is becoming increasingly common to use bicycles as a form of transportation, you can find New Yorkers biking purely for leisure in places with dedicated bike lanes but no traffic such as Central Park or along the Hudson River.
14. Walk the High Line
The High Line is a unique public park built on what used to be an abandoned elevated freight rail line on the west side of Manhattan. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street.
It offers an urban oasis with stunning views of the city and Hudson River. New Yorkers love its beautiful landscaping, art installations and plentiful seating that blend in with the rail tracks that are very much a part of the park.
The High Line connects to Hudson Yards, which offers a full schedule of free events in the summer, and stunning holiday lights in the winter.
15. Go Gallery Hopping in Chelsea
Nearby the High Line, in Manhattan’s Chelsea district, you’ll find an abundance of art galleries. Spend a few hours in this artsy part of town admiring the work in as many of the 300+ art galleries as you can.
They’re free to enter, and offer a unique way to spend some time outside of the typical NYC hubbub.
Non Touristy Bars and Restaurants in NYC
NYC is famous for its food and bar options, which range from budget to fine dining. The must-eat foods in New York are pizza and bagels, which it is said taste different because of the water.
Every neighborhood has a great pizza or bagels place, which are definitely recommended as a must eat in NYC. Beyond that, here are some non touristy bars and restaurants that are popular with New Yorkers.
16. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a dim sum parlor dating back to 1920. Although they have opened another location recently, the original in Chinatown is a favorite with New Yorkers for reasonably priced dim sum.
17. Apotheke
Apotheke is a speakeasy bar located about 2 doors down from Nom Wah Team Parlor.
It is located behind a doorway that just has a sign for a Pharmacy outside, but it opens up to a really fun bar that serves amazing cocktails. A visit here is easy to combine with a meal at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
18. Baylander Steel Beach
Baylander Steel Beach is a restaurant located on a former navy vessel on the Hudson River in Harlem.
The restaurant is on a boat, so it is open in the summer months only. It serves up a variety of drinks and pub grub, and makes for a memorable meal out especially at sunset.
19. Ippudo
Ramen is a very popular option for eating out in New York, and Ippudo is a restaurant favored by New Yorkers. With origins in Japan and 5 locations here in NYC, it is worth the wait to get a table as Ippudo does not accept reservations.
20. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has two restaurants – one in Union Square and one in Times Square. Both are very fun, Victorian-era looking restaurants that offer an extensive food and drink menu.
They are well known for their over-the-top seasonal decorations to celebrate various holidays.
21. Fifth Hammer Brewing
Fifth Hammer Brewing is a brewery and taproom in Long Island City. Popular with the locals as they welcome dogs and kids, the brewery offers a selection of their beer, live music some days of the week, and a food truck parked outside.
22. PJ Clarke’s
PJ Clarke’s is a saloon originally established in the late 1800s that serves some of the best burgers in NYC. The original location is on the east side, with a second one located near Lincoln Center.
The east side location is popular for after work drinks and dinner, while the one at Lincoln Center is popular before and after events.
Non Touristy NYC Hotel Recommendations
New York offers options for hotels at all budgets and in all neighborhoods. Availability and price can fluctuate greatly depending on the season and around events such as the New York City Marathon or any session at the United Nations.
🏨 Luxury: Nine Orchard
Upscale and elegant while at the same time, low key, Nine Orchard Hotel offers a stunning property for your stay in New York. Rooms are beautiful and comfortable, and the hotel is well located to subway stations for easy transportation. Enjoy a cocktail at the Swan Room or dine at Corner Bar onsite.
🏨 Mid-Range: Mint House
Housed in a historic landmark building near Battery Park, Mint House features great decor and convenience. With spacious rooms, cafe and supermarket on site, and apartment-style layouts Mint House at 70 Pine is the perfect home away from home.
🏨 Budget: Pod Hotel
Pod Hotel Times Square is very well located close to the crossroads of the world in Times Square, and offers pod style hotel rooms at affordable rates. The hotel is located a block away from the Times Square subway station, and in a neighborhood called Hell’s Kitchen that is well known for its restaurants and bars.
Local Tips for Getting Around NYC
New Yorkers are always on the go, and it is not unusual for them to have plans multiple nights of the week. Here are some local tips for exploring NYC from a New Yorker.
Prepare to Walk
The Big Apple is best experienced by walking. New Yorkers tend to prefer walking if it is less than 15-20 blocks, and it truly is the best way to take in the city.
There’s an old joke about making sure you ask a New Yorker just how many blocks they mean when they suggest walking to a place that is a “few blocks away,” because you could be in for a long trek.
Navigate Swiftly on Sidewalks
Given all the walking that New Yorkers do in their daily lives, sidewalks can be busy places with people walking in both directions.
If you need to look down at directions on your phone, or look up at the skyscrapers, or stop for any reason at all, it is recommended that you step aside so those who are walking around you are not slowed down.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is an essential service in New York, and the most efficient way to get around.
You should know that the stations may occasionally lead you to rat sightings or other unexpected sights, which New Yorkers take in stride as they simply step to another car or continue on their way.
Jaywalking is Common Practice
New Yorkers do not wait for traffic lights to cross streets, but it is important to follow at your own caution. You should not follow someone who is crossing the street without assessing the traffic for yourself first.
Use Phone Maps
Phone maps are widely used by New Yorkers for directions and to calculate time to get somewhere. They’re especially useful when traveling to different boroughs or in areas that are not marked out as numbered avenues.
Escalators
Escalators have two unspoken lanes. The right side is for people who choose to stand and let the escalators do their work. The left is for people who choose to climb the stairs.
New Yorkers do not appreciate people who choose to stand in the left lane of an escalator as it slows them down.
Visit Different Boroughs
New York City has five boroughs, which are Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.
New York is a melting pot made up of cultures that are represented in the different boroughs Each has its own unique landmarks, character and ethnic neighborhoods. It is not uncommon for New Yorkers to travel to different boroughs just for the food.
Tipping
Tipping is expected and the norm, especially at restaurants, bars and in cabs.
FAQ
If you’re looking for a non touristy experience in New York City, you might also be wondering:
What to wear in New York to not look like a tourist?
New Yorkers dress differently by neighborhood, though there is one thing we have in common – wearing a lot of black. Black transcends all seasons when it comes to popularity with New Yorkers, though summer is the one time when lighter colors make an appearance.
New York style these days is mostly about clean lines, minimalist dressing, statement pieces and steering away from big logos.
Equally important is the attitude you wear, which should embody confidence and a sense of purpose. Exude this whether on a brisk walk to get somewhere, or enjoying a weekend brunch at a sidewalk café.
How to experience New York like a local?
The best way to experience New York like a local is to walk in the city, and to use public transportation for distances beyond 15-20 blocks.
Given New York is a melting pot, locals are always open to trying new foods and experiences, take in the amazing art, theater, music and free events that the city has to offer. So, join in on the exploration!
What is something unique in New York City?
One lesser known event that takes place in Times Square every night is called Midnight Moment. Midnight Moment is a digital art exhibit displayed nightly in Times Square from 11:57pm to 12:00am. The exhibit changes every month.
How can I have fun in NYC without spending money?
New York is full of free things to do if you know where to look! Several are mentioned in the list of non touristy things to do in New York City, above. In addition, there are seasonal parades and markets throughout the year. A number of New York museums also have free entry on specific days.
Final Thoughts: Non Touristy Things to do in NYC
New York is a vibrant city that offers endless options for things to do across a wide range of budgets. Despite being one of the top tourist destinations in the world, there are many hidden gems here as well.
It is absolutely possible to have a unique experience in New York City. See NYC the way they locals do, or with fresh eyes altogether, by using this guide as a jumping off point for your explorations.
About the author: Hanit Gyani has lived in New York since 1999. She is a New Yorker with a passion for new experiences, art, theater, travel and expanding her horizons. She blogs about all things New York, in addition to working a full time job.
