When it comes to New York City, there’s no doubt that there’s a long list of things to do – but what about the non-touristy things to see and do in New York?

However, as the daughter of a New Yorker and having lived in the city myself during the pandemic – I can give you some of Manhattan’s best under the radar places to go. And no, not the “non-touristy NYC” things you’ll find on Tik Tok.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been making trips to the city twice a year. Living in D.C., it’s only a four-hour bus ride away – and I often have family and friends to stay with…

… so why not?

View of the Chrysler Building from outside the New York Public Library; July 2019

It’s the perfect escape for when I’m feeling claustrophobic and antsy (which is only always) in my own hometown.

Walking the streets of midtown in Manhattan at night in July 2019

What Do Tourists Not Understand About New York?

Every time I go back to New York, I always have something else to do.

The beauty of New York is that you’ll never be bored.

However, tourists don’t see this quality as easily – and I don’t blame them.

With so much to do, I can see how someone visiting New York City for the first time could be overwhelmed.

Times Square in New York City; March 2018

While Manhattan is home to so many world-famous spots; I find that too many people prioritize seeing the typical sights while they’re in New York City rather than living the life of a local, and when traveling – it’s always important to spend some time not running around the city with a crazy long to do list.

When you’re tired of shopping in Times Square, strolling Fifth Avenue, and checking off conventional landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty…

… here are a few other ideas.

Non-Touristy Things To Do in New York City

1. Picnic at Bryant Park

Reminiscent of a European park with it’s park chairs and decked out flowers, my favorite park in all of Manhattan is casually, smack in the middle of midtown – making for the perfect place to pause while sightseeing Midtown.

Which Food in Bryant Park is the Best?

While there are picturesque cafes inside the park itself, I prefer to grab something from the surrounding streets and bring it back with me.

There used to be a Pax Wholesome Foods (chain sandwich & salad shop) on 40th and 6th avenue with the best homemade lemonade… but when I went back in July 2019 and found out that it was closed.

I will say that the mint lemonade from Tender Greens around the corner at the Little Beet is a close second.

It’s best to do this in the summertime, when there’s live music and other activities going on – but nothing should be stopping you from doing it in the fall and spring as well.

Should I Visit the Bryant Park Winter Village?

You can also visit during the annual Winter Village between Thanksgiving and March, but beware – Bryant Park’s winter village has become a tourist trap with outrages prices for foods and gifts. You’re better off going to do your holiday shopping at Union Square, which has the same vendors for slightly cheaper prices and next to no crowds.

2. Check for Free Concerts

One of my favorite artists was playing Good Morning America in Central Park…

… a week before I was there.

If I had been there five days earlier, I could’ve seen her play live for free.

Make sure to check online for free concerts in the city, because you never know who might be playing.

3. EAT at Locally Recommended places

If you like food, you and New York City are going to get along – but these days, too many tourists fall subject to the places they see on Tik Tok.

I’m not just talking about eating your stereotypical hot dog or pretzel off of the street; I’m talking about checking out New York City’s restaurants… because they are endless.

Whatever you want to eat, you can have it in New York – heck, you can pretend to travel the world, cuisine wise, for the night when you’re in Manhattan.

I feel like I’m passing another Irish pub every five blocks, when I’m walking midtown.

Is New York City the Best City For Food?

In my opinion, cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Washington D.C. is behind, in my opinion, in this regard – because New York City is constantly opening new and fun places with innovative food.

Favorite Local Places to Eat in NYC

Here some of my favorites places to eat in NYC:

1. Momofuku Nishi

Location: Chelsea; 22nd Street & 8th Avenue

I came here in March 2017 to try the impossible burger. My Californian, meat eating friend said he wouldn’t have known the difference unless I told him.

2. Beyond Sushi

Location: Chain all over Manhattan; best location is on 37th Street & 7th Avenue with a smaller seated version near Central Park on 56th street & 6th avenue

Beyond Sushi is one of the best places I have ever eaten out at, period. This is an annual must-eat place every year when I visit the city.

It’s a plant-based sushi place located all over the city and it’s out of this world how amazing it is.

vegan sushi nyc — Vegan sushi roll at Beyond Sushi; July 2019

My mom (hard to impress), and my meat-eating best friend were both blown away.

P.S. – if they’re on the menu, get the jackfruit dumplings.

vegan dumplings — Vegan dumplings at Beyond Sushi; July 2019

P.S.S. – thank me later.

vegan sushi roll in nyc — Vegan sushi roll at Beyond Sushi; November 2023

3. chloe.

Location: Greenwich Village; 185 Bleecker Street

Previously branded as “Sweets by CHLOE” and “Beatnic” – this is a place for an easy stop for a quick bite. Essentially – a vegan fast food joint. I’m a bigger fan of the bakery, but the actual restaurants are good too.

vegan mac and cheese — Sweets by Chloe. at old location near Flat Iron in NYC; March 2018

4. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Location: Chain found all over Manhattan; favorite location is in Greenwich Village on West 10th Street & Waverley Place

I’m not the biggest fan of ice cream… but this place has got it down.

vegan ice cream in NYC — Eating vegan ice cream in the Ukrainian Village; October 2017

Does Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Have Vegan Ice Cream?

Yes! Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has both dairy and non-dairy flavors.

5. Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room at the Top of the Rock

Location: Midtown; 49th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue [NOW CLOSED FOR RESERVED EVENTS ONLY ]

entrance to bar 365 nyc 2019 — Entering Bar 365 in NYC; July 2019

My mom and I were surprised that it isn’t too costly to eat and have a drink up here…

Marinated olives and Quinoa sliders from the Rainbow Room; July 2019

Especially paired with the panoramic views of the city…

Manhattan lit up at night from the Top of the Rock; July 2019

… you can’t beat it.

6. Double Zero

Location: Ukrainian Village; East 4th Street & 2nd Avenue

An atmospheric, plant based Italian place that makes really creative pizzas. The staff is friendly and the location is great if you’ve been wandering around Lower Manhattan – this place is most optimal for summer sitting outside and warm weather vibes!

vegan pizza — Pizza at Double Zero in NYC; July 2019

Where In New York Serves Authentic NYC Style Pizza?

If you’re looking for a real slice of NYC pizza, there’s a Ray’s Pizza Place (also known as the place for the perfect slice according to New Yorker mother – forget Joe’s Pizza, it’s not a true New Yorker Slice) down the street near Astor’s Place.

Ray’s Pizza is the place to go if you’re looking for the typical greasy and affordable slice of pizza in the city.

7. MudSpot

Location: East Village; 9th Street and 2nd Avenue

Adorned with young 20-someting having their Sunday brunch or dog walkers out and about getting their morning cup, this place is the epitome of a good hole-in-the-wall coffee shop – which I would have never found if my friend who was living in the East Village for college had never shown me.

My personal favorite is the maple oat milk latte! It is truly one of the best lattes I have ever been served in my life.

orange mug from mudspot nyc — The iconic orange mugs used at MUDSPOT in NYC; December 2020

They also make really good New York Bagels here – as they come straight from Tompkin’s Square Bagels down the street, which is another top-tier recommendation often missing from Tik Tok.

8. Jajaja

Location: Multiple around the city; favorite location is in the West Village on 63 Carmine Street

A holy grail for those a fan of Mexican food and cute places for drinks with friends. Known for their nachos, street corn, and brunch menus –this is an amazing spot if you want to split a small bite with someone.

empanadas — Pumpkin & Beet Empanadas at Jajaja in the West Village Location; November 2022

4. Walk into St. Patrick’s Cathedral

I had been passing by this cathedral in midtown for years and had never gone inside it until March of 2018.

Outside St. Patrick’s cathedral in midtown Manhattan; December 2014

While it’s nothing in comparison to the cathedrals I’ve seen in Europe, it is remarkable that it’s still there, smack in the middle of midtown – standing strong.

If you’re missing Europe (like I am only all of the time), pop in for a few seconds of silence away from the city.

5. Thrift Shop in Chelsea

My cousin took me in October of 2017 to so many places in Chelsea.

I bought a high-end skirt for $20.

If you like to shop, I’d do it in lower Manhattan instead of in Times Square – where you’re bound to run into utter chaos at all hours of the day, making your shopping spree more claustrophobic than relaxing or therapeutic.

6. Explore Central Park… Uptown

Central Park is huge.

It starts at 59th Street near Columbus circle and goes all the way to 110th.

The furthest I’ve ever gone in is to Bethesda Fountain… which isn’t even that far into Central Park.

Bethesda Fountain inside Central Park; March 2018

If you’re feeling like you need a road to walk a long while away from tourists – this could be the place to do it.

7. Take a Look Inside Trump Tower

Did you know that you can go inside Trump Tower… for free?

He’s got tons of restaurants and random stores inside there, too.

Here’s an even more arbitrary (but kind of hilarious) fun fact for you, too…

… did you know that in June of 2016, my mom and I were walking down fifth avenue, and actually saw Trump come out of his building?

He was even more orange in person… and I wish I was kidding.

I’ve known about this building for years long before he was president, and now that he is – the building has garnered more attention of visitors.

It makes for the perfect place for a bathroom break while you’re trekking through midtown.

8. Go to a Local Rooftop Bar

One night, I was lucky enough to stay with my cousin and her then-boyfriend in his West Village apartment with this view over dinner…

View of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop of an apartment complex in the West Village; October 2017

Where Are The Best Rooftop Bars in NYC?

Top of the Rock is the best view of Manhattan I’ve found yet; but there are so many other local rooftop bars to choose from.

One of my personal favorites is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – located on 27th Street and Broadway.

view of empire state building from 230 5th rooftop bar — View of Empire State Building from 230 5th; September 2020

Is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar Worth the Hype?

Yes, 230 Fifth is an excellent rooftop bar in New York City!

As the Empire State Building is dead ahead of you, it’s twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect place for photos or to catch up with an old friend – and it’s a good place for any time of year, too. In the winter, they’ll offer blankets so you can keep warm while basking in views of the greatest city on Earth!

I hope this gave you some ideas for out-of-the-box ideas on what to do in New York City. Be sure to read more about my life in New York if you’re planning a trip to the city and want some non-touristy things to do!

Want to see some of my adventures in New York City in action? Watch my vlog below to see what I’m usually up to when visiting Manhattan myself!

If you’re looking for a more detailed list of things to do in New York City, click here.

Last updated: June 12, 2025

8 Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC