Tips For Finding The Best Non
While this list provides a great starting point for going beyond your guidebook, here is some additional advice for finding the top not-touristy things to do in NYC:
These are typically written by locals and share cool non-touristy things to do in NYC from events to pop-ups and beyond. A few to check out include The Skint, Secret NYC, Bucketlisters NYC, and Nonsense NYC, all of which share things to do in NYC for locals.
Research your interests. No matter what niche interest you may have, youll likely be able to explore it in NYC through museums, classes, and experiences. This is also true if youre looking for New Yorks more unusual places, as there are plenty!
Look for alternative things to do in NYC. If everyone is walking the Brooklyn Bridge, try walking the Manhattan Bridge or the Williamsburg Bridge instead. Or if you hear the Top of the Rock offers a great view, opt for something more secret like the rooftop at the Kimberly Hotel, which is also perfect for those looking to explore New York after midnight. Actively seeking out alternatives to popular options can help you have a unique NYC experience.
Wander without a plan. You can walk for hours in New York City without getting bored, as there is something to see on every corner. If you really want to explore NYC like a local, pick an interesting neighborhood to wander like SoHo or Long Island City and see what you discover.
Go On An Nyc Architecture Tour
The architecture in New York is truly something to write home about, with everything from designer skyscrapers to historic landmarks waiting to be discovered.
Your camera will be working hard as you visit sights like Grand Central Station, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building. Watch as the light enhances your perspective and listen as the guide shares insider secrets about this beguiling city.
Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck Opens: Midtown’s Newest Observatory
Yes, you read that right. A few months after New York inaugurated the glassed-in observation deck the Edge, we are once again facing an opening that has left everyone with their mouths open: SUMMIT is a spectacular observation deck that you can’t miss, both for the views it offers of Manhattan and for the incredible architecture of the building itself.
Here everything is designed for the visitor’s enjoyment: perspectives with mirrors and glass for you to take the best photos, glassed-in viewpoints for you to feel the vertigo in first person, ultramodern elevators for you to feel the adrenaline in your body? I won’t tell you more. If you want to organize your visit, check out this article on how to go up to the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck.
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Enjoy A Broadway Show
New York is a city entirely dedicated to entertainment. It is no coincidence that Broadway musicals and theatrical performances are world famous and a lure for visitors, so if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience I recommend you to buy your tickets in advance and give a special touch to your visit to New York.
Both The Lion King and Aladdin are undoubtedly two of the most demanded musicals, so try to get your tickets as soon as possible to ensure the best seat at the best price. But if you still don’t know which one you want to see, I leave you a list of what for me, are the best Broadway musicals.
Have The Best Steak In The Us
Steak lovers should plan to include a visit to Peter Lugers Steakhouse, which is located in Brooklyn. In addition to steak, you can have Luger Burger, Creamed spinach, a variety of salads and desserts. The steakhouse serves some of the best cuts of meat east of the Mississippi River and, possibly, the world. Steaks cost 65$ for one person and $130 for two persons.
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Belt Out Some Karaoke
True love is singing karaoke under pressure and letting the other person sing the Freddie Mercury part.
MINDY KALING
You can tell a lot about a person by what song they pick at karaoke.
What will your song say about you?
The city has lots of cool karaoke bars, but my favorite is in K-town.
I like the opportunity to dig into some quality Korean BBQ before singing the night away.
The city offers plenty of opportunities for karaoke. Some of my favorite spots include:
Train Your Laughing Muscles At A Comedy Show
What can be more fun things to do in New York City than watching a comedy show? New York is home to many well-known comedy clubs and many famous comedians. My go-to? The Magnet Theater in Chelsea! To me, this small improv club is simply the best! If you want to check it out go there on a Friday Night. You can see The Friday Night Sh*w or and Premiere: The Musical. Both shows are outstanding. Other days are good too, but nothing compares to Friday Night. Tickets are $10 per show that night very reasonable.
- 254 W 29th St | 1 2 to 28 Street Station
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Chelsea Nyc Art Galleries
Speaking of Chelsea, if you happen to be in NYC on a Thursday night and love art, make your way down to the Chelsea Galleries! This was one of my favorite things to do as a broke fashion college student!
Enjoy free wine, bites, and awesome art around/after 6:30 PM! You can find the Chelsea Galleries between 10th and 11th Ave from 19th to 26th street. Youre welcome for this very local NYer gem of a spot!
Taste An American Menu At The Authentic Hard Rock Cafe
Fancy a good cheeseburger, prime rib or Texas sandwich? Play it safe by making a reservation with a three-course menu, drink and dessert in the style of Hard Rock Cafe, the legendary Times Square restaurant.
Enjoy American gastronomy in the franchise of this bar that was born in London more than 50 years ago and has already spread to more than 63 countries. Sit down to take a break from your trip to New York and contemplate the largest exhibition of musical memorabilia that the Hard Rock Cafe in New York has. The hard part will be choosing a dish from the wide variety on the menu.
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Explore The City By Bike
One of the best non-tourist things to do in NYC is explore the city by bike. You can rent and drop off Citi Bikes from hundreds of locations. A few scenic New York City bike trails include the:
- Bronx Greenway, connecting the largest parks in The Bronx
- Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, offering beautiful skyline views
- Hudson River Greenway, stretching from Battery Park to Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan
- Eastern Queens Greenway, showcasing golf courses, lakes, and parks
- LaTourette Park, a lovely 2-mile ride in Staten Island
Visit The Best Outlet Mall In New York
If you love shopping but you are looking for the best deals, in New York you are in luck, because you can visit the Premium Outlets, where you will find dozens of luxury brand stores at deeply discounted prices. Being a bit far from Manhattan, there are organized tours so you can go shopping without having to worry about the logistics of how to get there. I’ll tell you how I did it and give you some tips on how to organize your shopping day here: Premium Outlet Day Trips from New York.
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Check Out A Free Lincoln Center Performance
If you have a thing for the arts and just happen to be in New York on a Thursday, you are in luck. Lincoln Center offers weekly free performances in the David Rubenstein Atrium. Enjoy live music, theater, and workshops. to Wont be in NYC on Thursday? You may still have an opportunity to see a free show since they sometimes have additional free shows throughout the week!
Seating and entry are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to get there a little early. Find free Lincoln Center performances here.
The line will generally form at the Atriums entrance on Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd Street.
Explore The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
One of the most tranquil places in New York is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is open year-round. You can catch spring blooms, fall foliage, and a special winter lights display.
Love hot food? Their annual Chile Pepper Festival is a must, with live music, spicy samples, and a spicy chocolate village.
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Museum Of The Moving Image
This freshly upgraded museum is without doubt one of the best film and TV museums in the world. It has a collection of over 130,000 film and TV artifacts including Cleopatras wig and the Exorcist stunt doll. Visitors to the museum can also put their video editing skills to the test by re-dubbing a scene from the Wizard of Oz movie and admire a large selection of vintage televisions, cameras and even arcade games.
Play A Round Of Mini Golf
A post shared by Pier 25 NYC on Jul 7, 2019 at 5:58am PDT
Tap into your competitive side with a game of mini-golf. The city has a bunch of different courses to choose from.
You can play on Pier 25 with a beautiful view of the Hudson.
Or indoors in Brooklyn at an island-themed Shipwrecked.
If youre a movie buff, go to Turtle Cove. Its the same location that Jake LaMotta takes his soon to be wife Vikki in Raging Bull.
The Moxy Hotel even has a rooftop mini-golf course called Foreplay, I am sure you can guess the theme.
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Defy Gravity By Indoor Skydiving
If you’ve ever dreamed of jumping from a parachute but want to take an indoor test to try it out in a safer way, sign up for an indoor skydiving session at iFLY. Avoid any danger with the wind tunnels where you will recreate the real feeling of flying.
They have experiences for all ages and levels. The instructors will teach you all the techniques for you to learn with this unique experience of safe skydiving. Dare and spend a different day.
The Secret Side Of Ellis Island
hodgepodge brigade/Flickr
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital Complex. This gateway to America for millions of people is accessible again via Statue Cruisesthe only ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The art exhibition “UnframedEllis Island,” by renowned French artist JR, is on display throughout the hospital complex. Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Fun Things To Do In New York City At Night
They say its the city that never sleeps. New York City is by far one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There is so much to do and see both during the day and at night. Some of the major attractions offer long hours for you to experience the most fun things to do in New York City at night.
History Of The Rockettes
Seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall was a highlight for us when visiting New York at Christmas, but you cant always see them perform.
If you want to know more about this historic landmark, one of the best things to do is to take a back stage tour. You can admire the art deco interior and learn about the history of this world-renowned concert hall.
See the private quarters of Samuel Roxy Rothafel who wined and dined the greatest artists of the time including Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, Judy Garland, and more. Meet a Rockette and see the magnificent hydraulic stage.
- Google Maps: 1260 6th Avenue
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Free Thing To Do In Nyc Review
This concludes the best things to do in NYC that are all free! I hope you have the most amazing time in the Big Apple and you are able to cross a ton of NYC staples off your bucket list on a budget!
Additional New York Guides You Will Find Useful:Massive 4 Day NYC Itinerary | New York Food You Must Try, and Words New Yorkers Say!
Where to Stay in NY: This is a very DETAILED breakdown of the Best Neighborhoods and Hotels in NYC.
Did I miss any of your favorite free things to do in New York City? Or do you have any NYC questions? Let me know in the comments below!
Things To Do At Night
There is no lack of things to do at night in NYC. Below are a handful of great things to do at night in the city that never sleeps.
Keep in mind that many of the activities listed throughout this entire post can be enjoyed at night as well.
For even more ideas, check out our in-depth post on things to do at night in NYC.
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See The Skyline From The George Washington Bridge
This bridge connects from Upper Manhattan to New Jersey and is one of the main ways people enter New York City it is also the worlds busiest motor vehicle bridge for this reason!
You can access this wheelchair accessible bridge in Washington Heights at one of the several entrances: West 177th or 179th Street and Cabrini Boulevard or from Fort Washington Avenue to West 177th Street for cyclists.
Because the GWB sits at the top of the city, you can get an amazing view of the rest of Manhattan, which is particularly spectacular to view at night.
Celebrate Earth Day In New York
Earth Day in New York has been around for a while, but in recent years it has become more popular and important. Earth Day brings together dozens of environmental non-profits and green businesses that you can talk with and learn from in workshops and from presentations.
Earth Day is an interesting and diverse collection of markets, makers, and fairs in the city that help to put you in the right frame of mind for ecological efforts. If you have a property in the city, it’s a good idea to check on its sustainability credentials, as this can affect the price and sale.
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How To Get To The New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is appropriately located on Surf Avenue, in Brooklyn, just off Coney Island Beach. Its next door to Luna Park so why not make a day of it and visit both?
There is a parking lot at the aquarium, which can be accessed from the western approach on Surf Avenue. Its open from 10 AM – 5 PM daily and costs $18 for up to three hours.
Alternatively, take the F or Q subway train or the B36 bus to West 8th Street on Coney Island.
Best Lunar New Year Celebrations In Nyc For Families
Lunar New Year is one of our favorite winter celebrations in New York City. In 2023, many museums, cultural institutions, and community groups are once again holding in-person celebrations to usher in the Year of the Rabbit, which officially starts on Sunday, January 22.
Although the holiday is often referred to as Chinese New Year, many Asian nations celebrate Lunar New Year, and city kids can mark this cultural holiday with family-friendly celebrations throughout the five boroughs, capped off with the massive parade through Chinatown on Sunday, February 12.
Plus, the holiday provides an awesome opportunity to get out and explore a new-to-you neighborhood, such as Koreatown and Chinatown in Manhattan, Flushing in Queens, and Sunset Park in Brooklyn.
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Visit The Explorers Club Headquarters
If Indiana Jones were a real, live, person:
I feel like he would be beyond obsessed with this place and would have become a premier member.
Because I mean seriously.
Who doesnt want to be part of a badass Explorers Club like this?
And although they have occupied several different buildings since their 1904 inception, their current location on East 70th street is pretty rad indeed.
No really.
Their beyond gorgeous headquarters sits inside a 1910 Jacobean revival mansion that features heavy AF doors and exquisite turn-of-the-century stained glass windows, as well as a giant polar bear, fondly named Percy, who will greet you on the second floor.
Therefore:
It should come as no surprise that the group has occupied this location since 1965, as they continue to encourage the scientific exploration of this crazy little world of ours.
Just like the seven, founding, polar explorers did way back in 1904.
If you do decide to check out one of the most unusual things to do in NYC, then expect to discover cases upon cases filled with exploration-related treasures, including a giant globe that was previously used by Thor Heyerdahl to plan his iconic, Kon-Tiki expedition .
Other on-site highlights are a stop at the library, a trip to the Clark room , a sneak peek at the research archives , and visit to the top floor Gallery.
Because it is here that youll encounter more taxidermied animals than you ever knew existed .
National Geographic, eat your heart out.
Price: FREE!