The Best Non-Touristy Things to do in NYC (2024)

TRAVEL GUIDE: NON-TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

There are a lot of blogs out there, listing “non-touristy things to do in NYC,” but they’re full of sites and activities which don’t really interest me. Frankly, they’re full of things that I doubt would interest my readers or viewers!

SO! Here’s my entry 😀 and a list of my favorite (semi) non-touristy things to do in NYC.

Granted, some of these items would be considered at least “semi-touristy” by NYC locals (I asked my Manhattan friends) … BUT … they’re also all things real New Yorkers do, and places real New Yorkers visit.

New York City is a difficult destination to visit for first-timers, and is even a challenge for people who’ve been there a few times.

The city changed a lot during the pandemic. I think the biggest change impacting tourists is: hotels are far more expensive than they used to be.

On the positive side, the subway is easier to use than ever! It’s hard to believe I used to use tokens to ride the trains when I was young. The MetroCard was easy enough, but they’re easy to lose and can be time-consuming to reload with money if there’s a line at the kiosk.

Now, you can just swipe your credit card right at the entrance and walk through!

I’m not putting the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or Rockefeller Plaza on this list.

They’re all worth visiting… but I figure: if you’re seeking advice on the best non-touristy things to do in NYC, then you’ve already visited the main sites.

Let’s go over some of the best walks in the city, if you’re looking to stretch your legs and get some exercise in the city!

I don’t know of many first-time visitors who’ve been adventurous enough to make the trek, so I’m putting this on the list.

The bridge is stunning itself, and you can’t beat the skyline views of Manhattan as you cross.

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.

The walk across is about 1.5 miles. If you don’t feel like walking the roundtrip, 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

In Manhattan, you’ll find an entrance to the pedestrian walkway right next to City Hall Park.

There are two entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn. I usually use the walkway at Tillary Street & Brooklyn Bridge Blvd.

When the Brooklyn Bridge first opened in the 1880s, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Walking the bridge is free 24/7, though it originally cost a penny to cross!

I avoid it if it’s too cold or windy, but most of the year you’ll love the views and the exercise.

The remnants of an old pier on Manhattan’s west side have been given new life, in the form of a large public park called “Little Island.”

While tickets were required at first, and had to be booked weeks in advance, they are no longer needed (unless you’re going to attend a specific performance).

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.

Over the decades, the pier was abandoned, and then severely damaged by SuperStorm Sandy in 2012. The following year, plans began for the park.

Little Island’s development was largely funded by a foundation run by designer Diane von Furstenberg and her husband, Barry Diller. Their businesses have deep histories in this part of Manhattan.

The foundation spent more than $250 million on Little Island, which includes upkeep for a few decades.

I have to admit: I’m hoping Little Island develops more. We went shortly after it opened, and while it’s beautifully done (and another nice green city oasis)… activities are a bit lacking.

It offers great views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and Lower Manhattan.

Over time, maybe they’ll add more eating and drinking options.  At times, you can buy alcohol at one of the kiosks inside.  It would be a great place to have a glass of wine and sit and enjoy the views and gardens.

But for the most part, Little Island is built to be a public green space, 2.4 acres in size, for people to enjoy for free.

The park opens to the public at 6:00am daily, and remains open well after dark. Little Island closes between 9:00pm and midnight, depending on the season.

➡️ CLICK HERE for a link to current events on Little Island.

Bryant Park’s Bathrooms

While you’re walking around, you’ll notice: it can be hard to find a bathroom to duck into.

Bryant Park is home to the cleanest public bathrooms in New York City!

Bryant Park is great to visit year-round. While it’s usually crowded, I still consider it an escape from the pedestrian traffic in nearby Times Square.

The bathrooms are an added perk. They’re located on a corner, in large concrete or cement structures.

Bryant Park is also home to different events throughout the year.

The winter months are probably my favorite, as vendors setup a Christmas Market, and skaters show up to do laps around the beautifully-lit ice rink.

⛴ The Lincoln Harbor Ferry leaves from the pier on West 39th Street

⛴ CLICK HERE for a link to the ferry schedule and timetable

I admit: I didn’t jump on the Citi Bike bandwagon until the pandemic.   The streets were empty enough for me to find the courage to ride alongside NYC traffic!

Even now, with things back closer to “normal” they’re easy and pretty safe to use… especially on the Avenues which run north-south on Manhattan.

I really enjoy grabbing a bike and riding on one of the bike paths along the waterfront. They always deliver great skyline views!

🚲 CLICK HERE for a link to the Brooklyn Bridge Park bike route.

🚲 CLICK HERE for a link to the Hudson River Greenway bike route.

I’ve found: the easiest way to get a bike (which are available in large quantities at racks all over the city) is to use the Lyft app.

The app includes an option to scan a QR code on the bike, which unlocks it.

Citi Bike Costs:

• $3.99 for the first 30 minutes
• $0.23 for each additional minute
• $15 for a full day pass

Taking the ferry over to Governors Island is another great way to spend the day, if the weather is nice!

Side note: I have no idea why there’s no apostrophe in “Governors.”

Governors Island is a great deal … in a city known for its expenses.

The ferry usually runs hourly from Manhattan, making stops in Brooklyn before dropping you off at Governors Island.

Tickets are $4 each way, and you can easily buy them from the kiosk at the pier.

Directions to Governors Island:

📍 Take the South Brooklyn Line ferry from Wall Street Pier 11

Check out the great view from the ferry ride:

Governors Island was built as a military academy, but it’s mostly abandoned now. The buildings are empty, which gives the whole place a bit of an eerie feeling.

You can rent Citi Bikes right at the pier where you land, and cruise around the streets.

This is, by no means, a collection of trendy, high-end dining spots. Instead, these are some of the well-known, established favorites.

A sure sign that they’re some of the best? They’re always busy with local New Yorkers!

Sing at Marie’s Crisis

I wanted to include one unique late-night option on the list.

Marie’s Crisis has been a favorite spot of mine for two decades. My grandmother’s name was Marie, so it always brings a smile to my face.

It’s a destination for Broadway-loving tourists, but is mostly full of local (Tri-State area) people who make the trip to the West Village specifically to gather around a piano in a small semi-underground room to sing show tunes.

Marie’s is across 7th Avenue from the Christopher Street subway station.

Some of the staff has been there for decades, and it’s clear: they know many of their regulars very well.

As an outsider, you’ll be amazed that everyone else in the bar knows ALL of the lyrics to ANY song the piano player chooses.

It’s a welcoming crowd, as long as you play by their rules:

• Don’t just stand there and sing; you should order drinks
• Tip the piano player
• Don’t record videos
• The bar is mostly lit by strings of Christmas lights. Don’t knock their plugs out of the wall sockets!

This is a great breakfast spot on 35th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues

Expect a long line, sometimes snaking out the door, but it moves quickly. You’ll be able to place your order in 10 minutes.

There are only a couple of tables inside, so don’t expect a leisurely sit-down breakfast.

If the weather is nice, I’d recommend taking your bagels over to Bryant Park. There are a lot of tables to sit at there, and the park always has interesting things going on (and great people-watching).

This is a chain, which is very popular with New Yorkers.

Brooklyn Bagels is making my list of recommendations for visitors because it’s one of the few remaining “good deals” in NYC.

You can snag a huge, fresh bagel with flavored cream cheese spread for less than $5.

Brooklyn Bagels has locations in Chelsea, on 8th Avenue & 24th Street, and in the NoHo neighborhood, near 8th Street & Mercer.

The long line moves very quickly. You’ll be able to scope out the bagel options and the spread options as you move toward the ordering stand.

You’ll most likely have to take your food to go, since the handful of tables in the front are usually taken.

I found it many years ago, by searching for martini happy hour deals. I believe at the time, the martinis were 2-for-1, for $12.

These days, Pazza Notte is still home to one of the best martini deals in Manhattan. It’s 2-for-1 … for $18. Ice cold and dirty, please 🍸

It’s a popular Italian and pizza restaurant on 6th Avenue, up between 55th and 56th Streets. It’s far enough north of Times Square to avoid the crush of tourists, but also convenient to Central Park, 5th Avenue, Carnegie Hall, and other popular NYC sites.

It became a tradition to stop at Pazza Notte late night, after a Broadway show, for a martini and pizza.

The pandemic changed everything in NYC. Pazza Notte, like many restaurants, expanded into the street. Their “patio” dining is still open, and gets very busy on Saturdays (in spring, summer, and fall).

I’d definitely recommend their thin-crust pizza, the beet salad, and/or the lasagna. I’ve honestly never been disappointed by any of their meals.

Their brunch is also a great option, too!

I’m not going to venture into the un-winnable debate over the best pizza in New York. Yes, the top contenders are likely in Brooklyn or Queens.

But this blog is about the best non-touristy spots in Manhattan, where you’ll likely be staying on your visit to NYC.

So my nominee is a total crowd-pleaser, and a pizza shop that’s super popular with local New Yorkers!

Pizza Suprema 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, which is open from around 10:30am to midnight, everyday.

No matter your preference in pizza type, Pizza Suprema has it! I love the classics and basics: the grandmother pie, the margherita, and the pepperoni.

You’ll pay for the quality. This is definitely not one of the “dollar slice” shops you’ll see around Manhattan.

The slices are around $7 each. You can order a pizza pie for $45.

You’ll usually find a line out the door, but don’t be intimidated by the wait time (the line moves quickly). And don’t worry about the loud, chaotic ordering process.

You’ll see the two-dozen (or so) slice options in the display windows as you enter, and you’ll be expected to make a choice quickly.

It’s tough! They have thin and thick crust options. Just shout it out. They’ll stick the slices in the oven to warm while you slide down the line to pay.

You’ll usually be able to find a booth to sit in.

Pizza Suprema is no-frills, but very enjoyable and satisfying.

Ferrara is home to delicious desserts and coffees (and gelato during the summer).

It’s located at the end of Little Italy’s Mulberry Street, which is really cute to walk down … but a tourist trap. It’s festive, but it’s not home to the city’s best Italian food.

Ferrara is a stand-out on Grand Street, at the corner of Mulberry.

It’s open late-night on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s an option to head down to after a Broadway show.

The cannolis, Napoleons, and tiramisu are classics. They’re also happy to spike your coffees with liquor or pour a glass of Prosecco.

Somehow, two drinks and two desserts will set you back $50… but it’s a great NYC spot to check out.

For me, a trip to NYC isn’t complete without seeing at least one Broadway show.

Prices are higher than ever, so here are the steps I follow to figure out what show I want to see, and how much I’ll pay.

TodayTix is a free app which offers discounts to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. It’s grown to offer tickets in cities all over the world.

A couple of Broadway producers started it in New York City in 2013.

Years ago, you used to have to go to a TKTS booth in Times Square or the World Trade Center and wait in line for hours for day-of discounted show tickets.

TodayTix has evolved, and now offers tickets several weeks in advance. You’ll see discounts range, between 20% and 50% off.

Another key difference is: TodayTix will only tell you the *section you’ll be sitting in.

Staff at the TKTS booth will tell you the exact seats you’ll be purchasing, with discounts up to 50%.

Also, TKTS purchases include a fee, which goes to benefit the nonprofit Theater Development Fund.

For same-day tickets, TKTS still operates two booths, and the recommendation is: show up an hour before opening to wait in line.

📍TKTS hours in Times Square (Broadway & 47th Street)

• Monday 3pm – 8pm
• Tuesday 3pm – 8pm
• Wednesday 11am – 8pm
• Thursday 11am – 8pm
• Friday 3pm – 8pm
• Saturday 11am – 8pm
• Sunday 11a – 7pm

📍TKTS hours at the Lincoln Center  (61 West 62nd Street)

• Tuesday 11am – 6pm
• Wednesday 11am – 6pm
• Thursday 11am – 6pm
• Friday 11am – 6pm
• Saturday 11a – 6pm

Broadway Previews

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 known as “previews.”

Broadway producers, directors, and casts use previews to gauge audience reaction, and test what works and what needs to be changed.

As a theater-goer, it’s your chance to see a show which is still in the final stages of the creative process.  Though, as a member of the audience, you won’t notice much of a difference.

I saw Hamilton in its last week of previews, before it exploded in popularity. Orchestra seats were $120!

Previews of Spiderman, which set a record for its lengthy run of previews, were interesting, as the cast and crew worked out the problems involving the actors flying around the stage and theater.

➡️ Playbill.com offers a full list of shows in previews, and the dates they’ll run.

Rush Tickets

This is something longtime theater-goers have known about for years.

Many Broadway shows offer “rush tickets,” which you can line up for when the box office opens the morning of the show you’d like to see.

They often offer unsold seats for $35 each.

Each show has a different policy. Some are for students only. Other shows only offer standing-room-only options for rush. Several have what they call “general rush,” which means anyone can purchase them.

It’s a game of chance, since you never know if a show will be sold out, or how many rush tickets will be available at the box office on a given morning.

➡️ Playbill.com has a listing of rush ticket policies, broken down by show.

Apps to Download for a Trip to NYC

I rely on a series of apps when I’m in New York. It definitely helps having cell signal in the subways these days!

➡️First, Google Maps will help you get anywhere you need to be, with very accurate subway directions.

➡️The New York Subway MTA Map app is a good one to download, because it provides color-coded subway routes to follow.

➡️The TKTS and TodayTix apps are great for searching for show tickets.

➡️You can use either the Lyft or the Citi Bike app to rent bikes.

Wrap: Best Non-Touristy Things to do in NYC

I grew up making day-trips into Manhattan for food, Broadway shows, and shopping. The city is easier than ever to navigate thanks to NYC subway directions from Google Maps, and Uber options in addition to taxis.

There’s definitely no need to be intimidated about visiting!

I’ll 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!