20 Non-Touristy Things to Do in New York City
I grew up in New York and visit NYC several times a year, but since I don’t live there, I’d still consider myself to be a tourist!
With that said, let’s go through a list of my favorite non-touristy things to do in New York.
Let’s be honest: a lot of the top things to do in NYC would be considered “touristy” even for locals: Broadway shows, Yankees or Knicks games, bagel shops, pizzerias, Central Park, etc.
For this list, I’m staying away from Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, 30 Rock, and the Empire State Building.
They’re all iconic New York City sites, but you already know about them! The purpose of this list is to introduce you to lesser-known sites to see and things to do.
Where to Stay in NYC
I’ve stayed in dozens upon dozens of hotels in New York City. Generally, hotels in the Financial District (lower Manhattan) cost less, but they’re a distance from most of the sites mentioned in this post.
These days, I usually stay somewhere in midtown. You can plug your dates into this interactive map to compare rates:
20. Broadway Previews
Broadway thrives on tourists, but many visitors to NYC don’t know about plays and musicals that are in “previews.”
For a few months before the official opening night, the entire cast puts on full shows which are still technically rehearsals. The audience usually doesn’t notice the difference (although I saw one of the Spidermen fall a few times while they were still working out the technical challenges in that complicated show).
I’ve seen Hamilton and a dozen other shows in previews, before they became blockbusters after their official openings. Sometimes the director will add a song or cut a song or make minor tweaks, but previews are a great opportunity to see the latest and greatest on Broadway.
Plus, don’t forget the theaters at Lincoln Center:
19. The New York Public Library
The iconic New York Public Library is one of New York City’s most beautiful historic landmarks, known for its grand marble architecture, soaring reading rooms, and famous lion statues out front.
It’s also home to rotating galleries and art shows.
- Location: Bryant Park
- Cost: Free
The library’s shop is also a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.
18. The Bryant Park Bathroom
That’s right. A public bathroom’s on the list.
First, it’s notoriously difficult to find a bathroom in New York City.
Second, it’s really quite beautiful! Security monitors the crowd, it’s usually spotless, and they put fresh floral bouquets inside daily.
Skeptical? Check it out!
17. Bike Along the Hudson
You’ll find Citi Bikes to rent all over New York City, and one of the safest places to ride is along the western side of Manhattan. It’s known as the Hudson River Greenway.
The lanes for cyclists, walkers, and joggers are fully separated from traffic.
- Key Spots Along the Way: Battery Park, Chelsea Piers, Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and the George Washington Bridge area.
- Cost: Citi Bikes have become more expensive. I usually just pay $25 for a full-day pass.
16. Walk the Highline
New Yorkers might scoff at the choice to describe The Highline as “non-touristy,” but it truly is a favorite among people who call NYC home.
With that said, it’s CROWDED, especially in the summer.
It was originally part of the rail tracks built in the 1930s to lift trains above Manhattan streets. By the 1980s, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Work to turn it into the current-day public walking park began in 1999.
- Location: Runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street on Manhattan’s West Side.
- Cost: Free
15. Roosevelt Island
A trip to Roosevelt Island involves the famous tramway over the East River. It’s a quick and scenic ride, with a great view.
You can also take the subway if the tram line is too long.
Roosevelt Island was once home to hospitals, asylums, and a smallpox quarantine facility. You’ll see the ruins of that time period on the island now as you walk or bike around.
I’ll be honest: there’s not much to do on Roosevelt Island in terms of food or shopping. Still, it’s fun to make the trip to walk, bike ride, enjoy the view, and learn about the history of the island.
- Location: A narrow island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens.
- How to Get There: Accessible by the F train, and the tram.
- Cost: Free, aside from the subway or tram.
14. Little Island
Little Island is a floating public park on the Hudson River. The Titanic survivors were brought to this pier in 1912, and it was basically abandoned for decades until Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg funded the transformation.
The multi-level park is full of native plants and trees, which have filled in nicely over the last few years to line the walkways.
- Location: Pier 55, near West 14th Street.
- Cost: Free
Depending on the season, you’ll also find food stands and performances on the “island” grounds.
13. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Unless it’s a windy or rainy day, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my favorite things to do in New York City.
It’ll be crowded, for sure, as local New Yorkers (and tourists) walk the 1.5 miles across the East River between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Location: In Manhattan, you’ll find an entrance to the pedestrian walkway right next to City Hall Park.
- Location: In Brooklyn, I usually start at Tillary Street & Brooklyn Bridge Blvd.
- Cost: Free
If you don’t feel like walking the round trip, you can choose from two subway stops in Brooklyn to take you back into Manhattan:
- The F Train from York Street
- The A Train from High Street
12. Walk the Manhattan Bridge
The Manhattan Bridge is just east of the Brooklyn Bridge (which I guess would be upriver). Its pedestrian walkway is less famous than the path on the Brooklyn Bridge. A key benefit of walking the Manhattan Bridge is: you get a view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with the skyline, too.
The Manhattan Bridge starts in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan, and ends in the popular DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. (DUMBO = Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
11. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is an easy subway ride from Manhattan, and they have it all: desert plants, tropicals, bonsais, large lawns, a water garden, an herb garden, and much more.
- Location: In Prospect Park
- Highlights: Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Cherry Esplanade, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Conservatory.
- Cost: $22 for adults, $16 for seniors, and free for kids under 12
I love the bonsai garden. Plus the shop at the exit of the garden is one of the best spots to buy gifts in the city.
OK LET’S GET TO SOME FOOD!
10. The Best Breakfast: Crispy Heaven
This is an experience. It never disappoints. It’s one of my top 3 favorite spots in NYC right now. I go every time I’m there. Any further description wouldn’t do it justice.
- Location: 222 Lafayette St.
I’d make a reservation just to make sure you get a table.
9. Some of the Best Pizza Slices
There’s no “best pizza in NYC,” but there are dozens of excellent options. My family’s always gravitated toward Pizza Suprema, which opened 60+ years ago, right across the street from Madison Square Garden.
It’s a small brick pizza shop on 8th Avenue between 30th and 31st Streets, and the slices are expensive: $7 each … but worth it!
Depending on where you are, these pizza shops have amazing slices, too:
- Lucia Pizza of SoHo (SoHo)
- L’industry (West Village)
- Mama’s Too (West Village and Upper West Side)
8. The Campbell
An old office inside Grand Central Station is now a beautiful piano bar. It’s become a favorite late-night spot to hit on the way home from a night out.
7. Best Bagels
New York City is full of bagel shops trending on TikTok, so it’s not uncommon to find lines out the door and around the block. The key is to go early early early in the morning, or after the morning rush.
Four of my favorite NYC bagel shops are:
- Ess-a Bagel: There are a few, but I like the one on 3rd Ave. & 51st St.
- Best Bagel & Coffee: near Macy’s, on 35th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues.
- Apollo Bagel (West Village and other locations).
6. A Great Speakeasy: Backstage
You have to walk through the Stage Start Deli to find the entrance to Backstage. It’s a small space with good drinks, and beautiful Art Deco decor.
- Location: 55th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues
- Hours: Usually open until midnight and closed on Sundays
5. A Personal Favorite: Pazza Notte
Pazza Notte is just a crowd pleaser, with something for everyone. It’s mostly a pizza and Italian restaurant, but their brunch is good, too.
It’s just far enough north of Times Square to avoid the crush of tourists.
- Location: 6th Avenue, north of 55th Street
For many years, it was a tradition in my family to stop there for pizza and a martini after a Broadway show. Sadly, they’ve started closing earlier, around 10:00 PM.
4. Marie’s Crisis
Marie’s is a bit too popular these days. It’s a small piano bar where the crowd (made of Broadway performers and theater lovers) belts out showtunes. It’s a tight fit, and make sure not to knock out the string of lights that are plugged precariously into the back wall. That’ll out you as a tourist! I think I’ve done it on at least 5 visits.
- Location: West Village: 7th Avenue, across from the Christopher Street subway station.
- Cost: Free (no cover)
A few things to keep in mind:
- It’s cash-only.
- There’s no cover charge, but it’s a 2-drink minimum per person.
- Tip the piano player and wait staff well, since they’re also performing.
- They also frown on photography inside.
3. Governors Island
Governors Island (there’s no apostrophe for some reason, and it always looks like a mistake) is a unique spot that’s part history, part ghost town, and part glamping site.
You can spend time biking around, or checking out art installations, lavender fields, food trucks, car-free walking paths, and other seasonal events.
- Location: A small island in New York Harbor, which is a 5–8 minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.
- History: Former military post for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard; opened to the public in the 2000s.
- Cost: Free (aside from the nominal ferry fee)
I like renting a Citi Bike and riding around Governors Island. Plus, the views of the Manhattan skyline are unbeatable!
2. The North Woods
Walking to the northwestern corner of Central Park, you’ll feel like you’ve teleported to a quiet walking path through the woods upstate!
- Location: At the park’s northwest corner (roughly 101st–110th Streets).
- Highlights: Loch Stream, Ravine, Glen Span Arch, Huddlestone Arch (built from uncut boulders).
- Cost: Free
It’s especially pretty as the leaves change in autumn.
1. The Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory is a hidden gem for tourists, who usually don’t venture this far north into Central Park.
You’ll find a central lawn with a huge pergola, a fountain, symmetrical flower beds, winding paths, and seating areas.
- Location: East Side between 104th and 106th Streets.
- Entrance: Grand Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue, originally from the Vanderbilt Mansion.
- Cost: Free
You’ll find blooms most of the year, from tulips and crabapples in the spring to chrysanthemums in the fall.
As I wrote this blog of 20 non-touristy things to do in NYC, I realized … I have many more options to share, too … so watch for a “Part 2” coming soon!
