Are you trying to find the greatest non-tourist activities in New York City? Discovering Flushing, Queens’ Asian culinary culture, or refreshing your tan on an urban beach—there are a plethora of New York activities and attractions that are only known to the residents.
New York City is one of the most well-liked travel destinations worldwide for a variety of reasons. But if you’re anything like me, you definitely want to experience New York City without having to deal with throngs of rowdy tourists all the time.
Thankfully, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities in New York City that allow you to see the city from a different angle. Of course, when on vacation in New York, you should make time to see iconic sights like the Empire State Building and Central Park. However, you should also explore lesser-known treasures like Sunset Park, Governors Island, and the Cloisters to see the city as a resident would.
Activities in New York City that are exclusive to residents
1. Take in Sunset Park’s Manhattan
During your journey, you’ll definitely want to see some breathtaking views of the Big Apple. Of course, the top stories of the famous buildings that dominate the city are home to a number of observation decks. But you might want to visit Sunset Park if you’re looking for a less tourist-focused view of the cityscape.
Sunset Park, in South Brooklyn, is best explored during the twilight hours. You can see as far as New Jersey on a clear day. If you’re visiting New York over the holidays, this is a great place to see the city and escape the holiday crowds.
2. Admire the Cloisters’ artifacts.
Would you like to peruse a vast array of contemporary artworks and historical artifacts without having to contend with throngs of people at galleries such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art? I advise you to check out the Met Cloisters.
The Cloisters, which are located in Fort Tryon Park, are home to a sizable collection of medieval European artwork and architectural design. Manuscripts, sculptures, and religious artifacts from the Gothic and Romanesque eras are just a few of the displays you’ll encounter.
The edifice itself is impressive even in its own right. Materials from abandoned European monasteries were used in its construction. Why the Cloisters isn’t more popular with tourists is beyond me. Now is the perfect moment to find this comparatively undiscovered gem until it is.
3. Eat delicious Asian food in Flushing, Queens.
While Chinatown and other Asian-themed neighborhoods in Manhattan are well-known for its cuisine and tradition, you don’t have to limit yourself to the popular tourist spots if you want to explore new and unusual flavors. The variety of Asian restaurants in the Queens borough is well-known to the local population. And without a doubt, Flushing is the best neighborhood in Queens for foodies.
My favorite neighborhood in NYC for non-American food is Flushing, and it’s even more appealing because there aren’t many visitors there. The most well-liked eateries in the region include Xi’an Famous Foods (Xi’an-style Chinese cuisine), Zhu Ji Dumpling House (Chinese), and Pho Hoang (Vietnamese).
Cooking at home may be something you want to do if you plan to remain in New York for more than four days. Thus, you can stop into Old Town Asia Market, Jmart, and US 1Supermarket to pick up Asian goods to cook at home while you’re in the region.
4. Explore a wider range of cultures in Long Island City.
You may want to check out the less popular sights in Long Island City if you want to get cultured up and see amazing galleries without having to deal with the throngs of visitors who swarm Chelsea.
Despite having fewer galleries than Chelsea, Long Island City’s installations are of a caliber that rivals Chelsea’s galleries.
MoMA PS1, a modern art installation located in Court Square, is one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in Long Island City. Don’t miss out on one of MoMA’s monthly live outdoor music concerts if you’re coming in the summer.
The Noguchi Museum, the Flux Factory, and the Sculpture Center are a few more well-liked Long Island City attractions. Make sure to explore this site before it gets too crowded with tourists; it truly is a haven for art enthusiasts.
5. Explore the Bushwick street art scene.
Searching for some of the greatest urban photo ops while in New York? Go past the gaudy and commercial Times Square (which I highly recommend seeing), and instead explore the vibrant, graffiti-filled streets of Bushwick.
With the assistance of numerous local artists, The Bushwick Collective has painted vibrant murals and works of art throughout the streets of Bushwick. These days, Bushwick is among NYC’s most picturesque neighborhoods, and its crowds are far smaller than those found in Times Square or other similar locations.
In Bushwick, Siegel Street, Morgan Avenue, and East Moore Street are home to some of the top outdoor art galleries. Remember to bring your camera!
6. Walk beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
When visiting New York, you should consider cycling or walking the elevated Brooklyn Bridge pathway because of the breathtaking vistas of Manhattan. However, if you want the same vistas of Manhattan as well as the breathtaking Brooklyn Bridge views—along with the bonus of sparse crowds—you must stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park.
While there is no denying that Brooklyn Bridge Parks is a popular tourist destination, its 85 acres of shoreline provide a tranquil and beautiful ambiance. After taking in the vista of the cityscape of New York, ride Jane’s Carousel for a spin. Consider rewarding yourself with a delectable dessert from Ample Hills Creamery.
7. Unwind at the Cultural Center at Snug Harbor.
Imagine taking leisurely strolls through immaculate gardens brimming with exquisite arrangements of plants and flowers from all over the world. While it may seem apparent to visit the New York Botanical Garden, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center might be a better option if you’re searching for less touristic things to do in New York City.
In the 1970s, what was previously an old sailors’ retirement home became a beloved botanical garden and arts center in the community. There are nine different gardens on the property, but two of the most beautiful are the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, where you can try to navigate a complicated maze surrounded by boxwoods.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center is located on Staten Island’s north shore, ideally nestled away from the main tourist attractions.
8. See one of the less well-known filming locations in NYC.
Numerous successful movies and television series have taken place in the Big Apple. Many people visit 90 Bedford Street to view the apartment complex where Friends was filmed. However, you might want to visit The Royal Tenenbaums’ Hamilton Heights home if you want to shoot some slightly more creative pictures.
The Royal Tenenbaums was a comedy-drama blockbuster that debuted in 2001 and starred big personalities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Bill Murray. The complex red-brick architecture of the home that stands here stunned director Wes Anderson, who selected the junction of 144th Street and Convent Avenue for the filming site.
You may only view the Royal Tenenbaums’ home from the outside as it is a private mansion. On Airbnb, you can reserve this entire property if you’re determined to become the next Stiller, Wilson, Murray, or Paltrow.
9. Riding a bicycle in New York City.
You may want to avoid using the subway system as much and instead choose to bike about the city if you truly want to experience New York as a resident.
The residents ride the subway all the time, of course, but cycling is gaining popularity. While getting from point A to point B, it’s not only a great way to see the beauties of the city but also environmentally friendly and healthful.
New York has its own bike sharing programs now that riding is more and more popular. The largest supplier of rental bikes in NYC is Citi Bike. Bicycle stations may be found around the city; all you have to do is download the app to pick up a rental bike from any Citi Bike station.
10. Retouch your tan at the shore.
That’s correct, when on vacation in New York City, you can actually snag a spot on the beach and enjoy some sun. Though the Big Apple may not have the same tropical feel as other cities, its public beaches provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.
If you’re seeking for less touristy things to do in New York City, there are lots of quieter sandy beaches in addition to Coney Island, which is home to one of the busiest beaches. Manhattan Beach and Brighton Beach are two of the best beaches in Brooklyn. I also enjoy Rockaway Beach in Queens and Orchard Beach in the Bronx. If you are staying close to Staten Island, you may enjoy Cedar Grove Beach and Midland Beach.
Which non-touristy activities in New York City are your favorites?
As you can see, even if New York is among the most visited places in the world, you don’t have to spend your time exploring like a tourist. Alternatively, you might incorporate a few of the lesser-known sights into your itinerary to truly feel like a local and explore the Big Apple. In the process, you’ll most likely save a few bucks.