This blog post is all about non-touristy things to do in NYC.
Let’s be honest—if it’s your first time in New York City, you’re probably going to visit Times Square, the Empire State Building and maybe even the Statue of Liberty.
And that’s great. You should see the big sights. But if you’re anything like me and you’ve been to NYC more than once (or a dozen times), you’ll want to dig a little deeper and discover some non-touristy things to do in NYC.
Every time I visit New York, I fall in love with it all over again. And it’s not because of the flashy lights or Broadway shows (though I do love a musical). It’s because of the quiet neighbourhoods, the tucked-away diners, the weird museums and the places only locals seem to know about.
So if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC, here’s my personal list of hidden gems, lesser-known attractions and neighbourhoods worth exploring.
I have quite a lot of New York travel vlogs over on YouTube, so make sure to check those out ahead of your trip to NYC!
This blog post is all about non-touristy things to do in NYC.
The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC
These non-touristy things to do in NYC are the spots that make New York City feel real—beyond the selfie sticks and souvenir shops.
1. Tenement Museum – Lower East Side
Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
A museum like no other. The Tenement Museum tells the story of real immigrant families who lived in this historic Lower East Side building in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Through guided tours, you get to walk through reconstructed apartments and hear personal stories of struggle, resilience and culture. It’s intimate, powerful and a brilliant alternative to the mega-museums uptown.
RELATED Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC blog post to read: The Best & Coolest Museums in New York to Visit
2. City Island – The Bronx
Address: City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464
Yes, it’s part of NYC—but City Island feels like a quaint New England fishing village. This little island in the Bronx is lined with seafood shacks, art galleries, and nautical charm.
Spend a few hours wandering the main street, eating lobster rolls at Johnny’s Reef, and enjoying a side of New York most tourists never see.
RELATED Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC blog post to read: A Guide to Exploring City Island, The Bronx, New York
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan more non-touristy things to do in NYC!
3. Jackson Heights – Queens
Address: Roosevelt Ave & 74th St, Queens, NY 11372
If you’re a foodie, you need to explore Jackson Heights. This is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in the world, with Colombian bakeries, Tibetan momo carts, Indian sweet shops, and Mexican taquerias all on the same block.
Forget Little Italy—this is real, authentic global cuisine. It’s one of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC for people who travel with their tastebuds.
4. Flushing – Queens
Address: Main St, Flushing, NY 11354
Flushing is what Chinatown wishes it could be. It’s the real deal. Home to one of the largest Chinese and Korean communities in NYC, this neighbourhood is packed with incredible eats, especially around the New World Mall Food Court.
Try soup dumplings from Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao and bubble tea from Kung Fu Tea, then explore the local supermarkets and bakeries.
5. Prospect Park – Brooklyn
Address: Brooklyn, NY 11225
Everyone knows Central Park, but locals know that Prospect Park is where you go to actually relax. Designed by the same team who did Central Park, it’s more laid-back and less crowded.
On weekends you’ll find farmer’s markets, live music and loads of picnics. Rent a bike or just wander—you’ll feel like you’ve found a secret NYC escape.
6. Museum of the City of New York – East Harlem
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029
Overlooked by most tourists, this museum dives into the past, present and future of NYC. From exhibitions on hip-hop and public housing to climate change and gentrification, it’s smart, thought-provoking and very New York.
If you’re looking for alternative things to do in NYC, this should be high on your list.
7. Governors Island – New York Harbor
Address: Ferry from Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St, New York, NY 10004
A 10-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Governors Island is a total game changer and one of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC in the summer. It’s car-free, covered in greenery and full of oddities like art installations, historic forts, hammocks and food trucks.
Bring a picnic or rent a bike and explore the whole island in an afternoon. Bonus points if you visit in summer during one of the many pop-up festivals.
8. Washington Heights – Manhattan
Address: Broadway & 181st St, New York, NY 10033
Up near the top of Manhattan, Washington Heights feels worlds away from Midtown and is one of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC. It’s vibrant, culturally rich and full of Dominican flavour.
Grab a pastelito from a local bakery, walk along the High Bridge, and visit the stunning Morris-Jumel Mansion—the oldest house in Manhattan.
9. Arthur Avenue – The Bronx
Address: Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
Forget touristy Little Italy in Manhattan. If you want the real Italian-American experience, head to Arthur Avenue. The bakeries, cheese shops and pasta joints here have been family-run for generations.
Have lunch at Emilia’s, pick up fresh mozzarella at Casa Della Mozzarella, and finish with a cannoli from Madonia Bakery.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
10. Coney Island – Brooklyn
Address: Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Touristy? Maybe. But Coney Island has a gritty charm that makes it a must-do. From vintage rides like the Thunderbolt Roller Coaster to hot dogs at Nathan’s Famous, it’s kitschy in the best way.
Visit in summer for the full boardwalk experience or in winter to enjoy the eerie emptiness.
11. The Cloisters – Fort Tryon Park
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040
Part of the Met Museum, The Cloisters is an underrated gem tucked away in upper Manhattan. Dedicated to medieval art and architecture, it feels like you’ve stepped into a European monastery.
The views over the Hudson are stunning, and the gardens in spring are a dream.
12. Corona Park – Queens
Address: 11101 Corona Ave, Queens, NY 11368
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is one of the largest parks in NYC and home to the iconic Unisphere (you’ve definitely seen it in movies).
Wander the wide paths, visit the Queens Museum, or rent a paddle boat at the lake. A fantastic spot to chill if you’re exploring Queens.
13. Astoria – Queens
Address: Broadway & 30th Ave, Queens, NY 11103
Greek food, riverside parks, beer gardens—Astoria has it all. Start with lunch at Taverna Kyclades, walk through Astoria Park for views of the Triborough Bridge, and finish with a drink at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.
It’s one of the most chilled-out neighbourhoods in the city.
14. Greenpoint – Brooklyn
Address: Manhattan Ave & Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Polish delis, vintage shops, and a killer coffee scene. Greenpoint has become one of my favourite Brooklyn spots to hang out.
Try brunch at Five Leaves, grab a coffee at Homecoming, and browse the shelves at Word Bookstore.
15. Café Himalaya – East Village
Address: 78 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
Tiny, affordable and totally delicious. This Tibetan café serves comforting momo dumplings, thukpa noodle soup and butter tea.
One of the most cool non-touristy things to do in NYC for lunch off the tourist trail.
16. Ray’s Candy Store – East Village
Address: 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
A New York institution. Ray’s has been serving egg creams, soft serve and deep-fried everything since the 1970s.
Open 24 hours and packed with personality, it’s worth a visit for the late-night atmosphere alone. Ray’s is up there with some of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC!
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
17. Sarge’s Delicatessen – Murray Hill
Address: 548 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Skip Katz’s and head to Sarge’s for a pastrami sandwich and matzo ball soup in a no-frills setting. Open 24/7 and serving some of the best deli food in the city.
One of my favourite non-touristy things to do in NYC, especially as it feels like a local secret.
18. Explore Gowanus – Brooklyn
Address: Union St & Bond St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Gowanus has gone from industrial wasteland to hipster haven. It’s full of street art, breweries, and odd attractions like Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club.
Pop into Littleneck for oysters or browse indie magazines at Line & Label.
19. Sweet Pickle Books – Lower East Side
Address: 47 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
A second-hand bookstore that gives you a jar of pickles with every purchase. Yes, really. Quirky and charming, it’s a fun stop while exploring the Lower East Side.
RELATED Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC blog post to read: The Best 7 Bookstores to Visit in New York City
20. Beacon’s Closet – Williamsburg
Address: 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
If thrift shopping is your thing, you’ll love Beacon’s Closet. This massive vintage shop in Williamsburg is packed with everything from designer jeans to Y2K gems.
A great place to hunt for second-hand treasures.
21. McNally Jackson Books – SoHo
Address: 134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
A beloved independent bookstore in SoHo that’s ideal for book lovers and quiet moments away from the chaos. The attached café makes it a great place to sit with a coffee and a new read.
Whether you’re into fiction, art, or travel memoirs, the curated selection is always inspiring.
RELATED Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC blog post to read: The Best 7 Bookstores to Visit in New York City
22. Domino Park – Williamsburg
Address: 15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Built on the site of a former sugar refinery, Domino Park is a scenic and modern waterfront space with epic views of the Manhattan skyline. Take a walk along the elevated walkway, grab tacos from Tacocina, or relax in one of the hammocks.
A perfect chill-out spot after exploring Williamsburg.
23. Russ & Daughters Café – Lower East Side
Address: 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
The original Russ & Daughters shop is legendary, but the sit-down café is even better for a relaxed brunch or lunch. Try the bagel with lox and cream cheese, or their iconic latkes.
This Lower East Side institution combines Jewish comfort food with a sleek, modern vibe.
RELATED Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC blog post to read: Where to Find the 10 Best NYC Bagels in New York
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan more non-touristy things to do in NYC!
24. The High Bridge – Washington Heights
Address: 2301 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033
New York City’s oldest standing bridge, The High Bridge connects Manhattan to the Bronx and offers peaceful walking paths with stunning views of the Harlem River. It’s rarely crowded and makes for a great urban hike.
One of the city’s best-kept secrets for walkers and history lovers and one of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC.
25. The Elevated Acre – Financial District
Address: 55 Water St, New York, NY 10041
Hidden behind an unassuming office building, The Elevated Acre is a quiet rooftop park with views over the East River. There’s a lawn, gardens, and even an amphitheatre.
It’s a peaceful pocket of green in the heart of the Financial District—perfect for reading, eating lunch or just escaping the chaos below.
Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC
There’s so much more to New York than Times Square and Central Park.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, exploring non-touristy things to do in NYC gives you a completely different perspective on this incredible place.
Get lost in Queens. Eat your way through the Bronx. Wander Brooklyn bookstores and watch the sunset from Governors Island. The real NYC magic happens away from the crowds.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
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