10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC
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?
It’s the perfect escape for when I’m feeling claustrophobic and antsy (which is only always) in my own hometown.
View of the Chrysler Building from outside the New York Public Library; July 2019
The thing about a city as massive and widely documented on social media is that it can be hard to find the true hidden gems in NYC, but rested assured – as some who lived in the city, I’m going to share with you all of my favorite off-the-beaten-path and local things to do in NYC to make sure you leave your trip with a few authentic New York experiences under your belt.
🗽🌳 BEST LOCAL & NON-TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN NYC 🇺🇸
| If You're Looking For... | Go Here |
|---|---|
| 🧺 The best picnic spot in NYC | Bryant Park |
| 🌇 The best Manhattan skyline views | Pebble Beach or Domino Park (Brooklyn) |
| 🍕 Incredible local food | West Village & East Village |
| 🌊 The best waterfront walk | Hudson River Park |
| 🚶 The prettiest neighborhood stroll | West Village |
| ⛲ A hidden square most tourists miss | Father Demo Square |
| 🎶 The best free activity | Free summer concerts throughout NYC |
| ☕ The best people watching | Washington Square Park |
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
📍 Nearest Subway: 42nd Street–Bryant Park (B, D, F & M) or 42nd Street–Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W & S)
⏰ Time Needed: 1–3 hours
✨ Best For: Picnic lunches, catching up with friends, reading a book, and enjoying free entertainment like live music, movie nights, and seasonal events.
⭐ Highlight: Despite being surrounded by Midtown skyscrapers, Bryant Park has a surprisingly calm, European atmosphere that makes it one of my favorite places to slow down in the middle of Manhattan.
📸 Nearby Attractions: Times Square, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and Fifth Avenue are all just a short walk away.
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.
Inside Bryant Park; August 2018
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.
Local Tip: Contrary to the Tik-Tok craze with Bryant Park’s Winter Village, it’s best to visit Bryant Park in the summertime. This is because it’s 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.
Local Tip: If you wake up early enough, you’ll get to be admitted into these concerts for free – but beware, you’ll have to queue for a while!
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 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 at Beyond Sushi; July 2019
P.S.S. – thank me later.
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.
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.
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 ]
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!
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.
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.
Pumpkin & Beet Empanadas at Jajaja in the West Village Location; November 2022
4. Walk into St. Patrick’s Cathedral
📍 Nearest Subway: 5th Avenue–53rd Street (E & M) or 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center (B, D, F & M)
⏰ Time Needed: 20–45 minutes
✨ Best For: Travelers who love Europe, historic churches, beautiful architecture, and finding a peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Midtown Manhattan.
⭐ Highlight: Walking from the noisy streets of Midtown into the cathedral's breathtaking Gothic interior, where the beautiful architecture and quiet calmness make you forget you're standing in the middle of one of the busiest parts of New York City.
📸 Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Trump Tower, and Central Park are all just a short walk away.
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.
Local Tip: Try to visit in the middle of the day, or even earlier if possible – as it usually gets really busy near the end of the day.
5. Thrift Shop in Chelsea
📍 Nearest Subway: 23rd Street Station (C & E) — about a 10-minute walk to City Opera Thrift Shop in Chelsea. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
⏰ Time Needed: 1–3 hours
✨ Best For: Fashion lovers who want to thrift unique pieces without completely breaking the bank in New York City.
⭐ Highlight: Hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage finds, designer pieces, and hidden gems while supporting the New York City Opera. The inventory changes constantly, so every visit feels different. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
📸 Nearby Attractions: The High Line, Chelsea Market, Little Island, and Hudson River Park are all within walking distance.
My cousin took me in October of 2017 to so many places in Chelsea.
I bought a high-end skirt for $20.
Local Tip: 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
📍 Nearest Subway: 72nd Street Station (B & C) or 77th Street Station (6)
⏰ Time Needed: 2–4 hours
✨ Best For: Adventurers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to escape the busy streets of Manhattan for a few hours.
⭐ Highlight: Exploring iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, winding woodland paths, hidden bridges, and peaceful lakes that make Central Park feel worlds away from Midtown.
📸 Nearby Attractions: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), The Plaza Hotel, and Wollman Rink during the Christmas season are all within easy walking distance.
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.
Local Tip: Be sure to walk all the way to the side past the fountain, as you’ll get gorgeous views of the park – especially during the fall foliage.
7. Take a Look Inside Trump Tower
📍 Nearest Subway: 5th Avenue–53rd Street (E & M) or 57th Street (N, Q, R & W)
⏰ Time Needed: 20–45 minutes
✨ Best For: Getting a glimpse into the life and legacy of the 45th and 47th President of the United States, browsing the gift shop, and taking a quick break while sightseeing in Midtown.
⭐ Highlight: Stepping inside one of New York City's most recognizable buildings and admiring its distinctive marble-and-gold interior, complete with the famous atrium and indoor waterfall.
📸 Nearby Attractions: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park are all just a short walk away.
Did you know that you can go inside Trump Tower… for free?
He’s got tons of restaurants and random stores inside there, too.
Inside Trump Tower; July 2019
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?
Outside Trump Tower; July 2019
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.
Local Tip: If you need a place to use the restroom while walking down Fifth Avenue, pop into Trump Towers! It makes for the perfect place for a bathroom break while you’re trekking through midtown.
8. Go to a Local Rooftop Bar
📍 Nearest Subway: 28th Street Station (R & W) or 23rd Street Station (N, R & W)
⏰ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
✨ Best For: Incredible city views, cocktails with friends, date nights, and watching the Manhattan skyline transform after sunset.
⭐ Highlight: Watching New York City light up after dark from the rooftop, with panoramic views of the Empire State Building and Midtown skyline all around you.
📸 Nearby Attractions: Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, Koreatown, and the Flatiron Building are all within an easy walk.
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; 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!
Keeping Warm at 230 5th; November 2024
Local Tip: Even if it’s cold, try to go to rooftop bars in New York City in the winter – as the buildings will be lit of for longer and you’ll get to see the Christmas decorations in a completely new light.
9. Chill Out Near Father Demo Square
📍 Nearest Subway: West 4th Street–Washington Square Station (A, C, E, B, D, F & M)
⏰ Time Needed: 30 minutes–2 hours
✨ Best For: Trying incredible local food, grabbing a coffee, journaling, and taking a quiet break while exploring Greenwich Village.
⭐ Highlight: One of my favorite hidden little squares in New York City, surrounded by some of the Village's best pizza, cafés, and restaurants just steps from Carmine Street and Bleecker Street.
📸 Nearby Attractions: The Sex and the City apartment, Washington Square Park, and the famous Friends apartment building are all within a short walk.
When I was living in the West Village, Father Demo Square was truly the local place to be. To this day, I still find it to be a severely underrated spot in NYC.
View of Father Demo Square in New York City; November 2025
Whether it was to pick up a slice of local pizza, a bagel, write in the square, take pictures, or people watch – this spot in the West Village is about as local as it gets. Plus, you have a wonderful view of the Empire State Building in the distance – making you realize you’re in the city, almost like a movie scene. I’ve seen couples around here before and couldn’t help but think how cinematic it all was.
Local Tip: Check out all of the restaurants on Carmine Street: from Thai food to vegan tacos, you won’t go hungry while chilling around Father Demo Square.
10. Take a Contemplative Walk Around Hudson River Pier 45
📍 Nearest Subway: Christopher Street–Sheridan Square (1) or 14th Street (A, C, E & L)
⏰ Time Needed: Around 1 hour
✨ Best For: Jogging, biking, watching the sunset, or taking a peaceful, contemplative walk away from the busy streets of Manhattan.
⭐ Highlight: One of the best uninterrupted waterfront walks in NYC, with incredible views of the Hudson River and the One World Trade Center skyline.
📸 Nearby Attractions: Little Island, Chelsea Market, The High Line, and Pier 57 Rooftop Park are all within walking distance.
Hudson River Pier 45 is probably my favorite place in all of New York City…
View of NYC skyline from Hudson River Pier 45 in New York City; November 2025
… it perfectly emanates the feeling of knowing you’re in the greatest city in the world, without standing somewhere obvious like Times Square. When I lived near the West Side Highway on Christopher Street, I would walk out here every single night. You’ll be able to spot the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and a commanding view of the One World Trade Center.
Local Tip: Take a spin around here at night, as it’ll be exceptionally quiet and it’s a really unique way to see New York’s skyline without the crowds you’ll find in more touristic places.
🗽☕ A PERFECT NON-TOURISTY DAY IN NYC 🌳
🌅 8:30 AM: Wander through the Union Square Greenmarket and browse local vendors, fresh flowers, and artisan food stalls.
☕ 10:00 AM: Grab a coffee at Mud Spot in the East Village before exploring the neighborhood's independent bookstores, vintage shops, and local streets.
🌳 12:00 PM: Slow down with a coffee or snack in Father Demo Square—one of my favorite hidden little corners of Greenwich Village for journaling and people-watching.
🍕 1:00 PM: Have lunch along Carmine Street in the West Village, where you'll find some of the best local pizza, bagels, cafés, and neighborhood restaurants in Manhattan.
🌊 7:30 PM: End the day watching the sunset from Hudson River Park, one of the most peaceful waterfront walks in New York City.
🎭 After Sunset: Finish your perfect local NYC day with a Sunday Broadway matinee (or an evening performance any other day of the week) before grabbing a late-night slice on your way home.
Walking in midtown; July 2019
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!
🗽✨ NON-TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN NYC FAQ 🏙️
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.
Additional articles you may find helpful include:
Last updated: July 13, 2026