Here’s the ultimate list of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC!

I absolutely love NYC, but I never understood its charm until I moved here. That’s because the NYC I experienced as a visitor was so confined to such touristy things!
I still think there’s a gap in content about cool things to do in New York City, which is the very reason why I started my blog. I’m here to share NYC locals’ secrets!
Whether you’re vacationing in New York, or you live here like me, this guide is for you.
Here are the best non-touristy things to do in NYC!
Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC
NYC Off the Beaten Path Things To Do
1. Play Pinball at Sunshine Laundromat

This NYC speakeasy is a functioning and affordable laundromat at the front, but opens up to a vibey bar with 5 retro pinball machines!

You’ll spot Greenpoint residents washing up their laundry, given that loads are only $3.

Push the door at the back end of the laundromat, and you’ll get to the bar!

$1 will get you 3 pinball plays. The bar has an affordable and pretty long selection of draft beers, with prices ranging from $8-10.


2. View the stone sculptures at The Noguchi Museum

The amazing stone sculptures and tranquil vibe of The Noguchi Museum are totally worth the visit. The beautiful curvature of the large sculptures and the calm ambience of the museum left me feeling peaceful and inspired.
The museum shows pieces by Isamu Noguchi, an Irish-Japanese American who grew up in both the US and in Japan, before settling primarily in New York City.

The Noguchi Museum is located in Astoria, which is in Queens. I would recommend pairing your visit with Socrates Sculpture Park, which is also in Astoria!
3. Take the Aerial Tram to Roosevelt Island

Take the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island, a small 139 acre island just east of Manhattan. The tram is the same price as a subway ride, at $2.90, but you get to enjoy stunning views of Manhattan and NYC while up in the air!
There is a lot of beautiful paved walkway around Roosevelt Island, where you can enjoy stunning views of eastern Manhattan.

Roosevelt Island itself is a very interesting place to visit. Roosevelt Island was the site of multiple hospitals in the late 1800s. You can visit the quiet, touching beauty of the Smallpox Hospital ruins.

Past the ruins is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, which has a bust of FDR, for whom the island is named after.

4. Ferry to view the art on Governors Island

Take the ferry to Governors Island, an ex-military post that now serves as an artist haven!
While Governors Island is a stone’s throw from FiDi (the southern tip of Manhattan), it feels like another whole world.

You’ll find old colonial houses that have been repurposed to serve as a home for different art organizations, including various non-profits to schools like Pratt. There are a lot of free events that happen, from creating art to live music performances.

In addition, you can also rent bikes to take advantage of 7 miles of car-free roads on Governors Island!
Non-Touristy Places to Eat in NYC
5. Devour Dim Sum at the House of Joy
Sure, you’ve heard of Chinatown. But wait till you get to House of Joy! It’s a huge Cantonese restaurant with old school banquet-style decor and big plates of food served family style.
House of Joy has been around since 1989, when it operated under a different name (still in Chinatown!) and served as a spot for big gatherings, including weddings and New Year’s celebrations.
You definitely still get that vibe with the big, white-clothed roundtables at this huge venue. Don’t worry though, no need to dress up: just come with an empty stomach!
Treat yourself with dim sum, or other Cantonese main dishes. You’ll find yourself surrounded by local Chinese and Cantonese families having their big gathering meals.
House of Joy is a great way to experience Chinatown in an authentic, traditional way.
6. Try the Amazing Pizza at Song’ E Napule Soho

If you live in NYC, chances are, you’ve tried the mouthwatering Italian pizza at Song’ E Napule in the West Village. I love their new location just a few doors down the original one, which has a lively venue with the same delicious pizza and personable service.
I would recommend their bufalina ($22), which is a simple buffalo mozzarella pizza with tomato sauce. The cheese is delicious, and the crust is so chewy yet thin at the same time.

I love this newer Soho location because the decor and ambience is so lively and uplifting. There’s blue everywhere, and portraits of Maradona everywhere, too! It’s a great place for casual dinners with friends, lovers and with family!

NYC Off the Beaten Path Restaurants
7. Devour amazing Polish food at Karczma

Devour authentic and reasonably priced Polish food at Karczma.
Greenpoint, where Karczma is located, has a large Polish immigrant population, making it an amazing place to find Polish food in NYC.
I loved all the pierogis (boiled dumplings) and the white borscht served in a bread bowl (even the bread was amazing, chewy and salted deliciously).

The Plate of Polish Specialties is a great sampler dish with hefty portions, and comes with pierogis, potato pancakes, kielbasa, hunter’s stew and stuffed cabbage.
The prices are very reasonable for the large portion sizes and the ambience. The warmly-lit venue has wooden seating and stalls that take you back in time, and the staff wear traditional Polish dress. If you’re lucky and come in the evening, there might even be live Polish music!
8. Munch on the Malaysian bites at Kopitiam

Wow. Just wow. Try the fragrant and tickling Malaysian food and desserts at Kopitiam. It feels like a hole-in-the-wall and is definitely a simple, no-frills venue. But the food is what you come for!
I loved the Pan Mee, which are flat hand-pulled noodles (I had it without soup). I loved the sharp and intense flavors of the fried anchovies, which worked so well with the different mushrooms in the dish.
If you like coconut flavors, definitely try the kaya butter toast, which is slathered with kaya jam (made of pandan and coconut).
The pulut panggang was a satisfying mouthful – it’s a grilled glutinous rice with a savory dried shrimp stuffing, and comes wrapped in a banana leaf. The sambal sauce it came with made the rice balls even more tasty.
Don’t skimp on the dessert! The kuih talam was delicious – it’s a jelly made of coconut milk and pandan.
Cheap Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC
9. Take a free yoga or HIIT class on the West Side Highway
Sweat it out at a free outdoor fitness class on one of the piers on the West Side Highway. NYC Parks hosts a series of free fitness and wellness sessions as part of Summer on the Hudson, which usually happens between June and September.
It’s super easy to sign up online. Do note that the classes do get pretty packed! But it’s a fun event to do together with friends and get a taste for local life. The best part is, it’s free!
10. Watch Free Shakespeare in Central Park

Broadway and theatre are some of the most unique aspects of NYC culture, but it can be expensive! Thankfully, there is Free Shakespeare in Central Park every summer.
Previous shows include Hamlet and The Tempest!
You can get tickets by waiting in line in-person, or by entering a digital lottery. Mind you, the in-person lines to get long, so definitely show up early if you want to snag a seat!
11. Experience MoMA PS1

The famous MoMA also has a second location called MoMA PS1, which is very much worth the visit! It’s very cool seeing how the art intermingles with the museum space, which used to be a public school.

Tickets are free for all New York residents, and pay as you wish for visitors. If you visited the MoMA, then your ticket can be used to visit the MoMA PS1 location for free (up to 2 weeks after your visit).

Don’t miss James Turrell’s Skyspace, which is a peaceful former classroom with a huge skylight / hole in the ceiling. It sounds simple, but it is very serene and peaceful inside that room.
12. Take the NYC Ferry

Soak in panoramic views of NYC and grab a breeze on the top deck of an NYC ferry, for just $4 one way!
It can be a great way to rest your legs and simply enjoy the view, with plenty of photo opportunities of NYC.

You might want to consider hopping on the East River route to Williamsburg or the Astoria route from Wall Street. Both routes meander between the east side of Manhattan and Brooklyn, resulting in good city views.
13. Watch a free movie outdoors

Watch a free movie outdoors at one of the NYC parks! NYC Parks hosts free summer movies, which happen at many different parks, including Central Park, Bryant Park, Prospect Park and more.
Bring a blanket and some snacks! The free movies usually start showing at the end of May up until September.
14. Watch Ballet for $30 if you’re under 30
Check out a ballet performance for just $30, if you are under 30 years old!
The New York City Ballet offers this amazing deal. You can purchase tickets online and use their code.
In order to get this deal, you’ll only be able to book a ticket up to a week in advance. From my experience though, it’s not too challenging to find a great seat!
Non-Touristy Things To Do in Times Square
15. Snap photos in front of The New York Times Building

Did you know that Times Square is named after The New York Times? And that the famous NYC Christmas ball drop building is actually the original New York Times building?
Nope, I didn’t! All I knew about Times Square were the flashing billboards.
Snap a real Times Square pic in front of The New York Times building! If you’re a NYT (or Wordle!) fan, this photo opp is for you!
16. Try Singaporean Street Food at the Urban Hawker
Relish in the scents and spices of authentic Singaporean and Southeast Asian dishes at Urban Hawker!
Urban Hawker is a Singaporean food hall with authentic dishes from 10+ stalls. The dishes range from around $15-25 per item.
Singapore has a diverse population, resulting in an incredible intersection of cuisines. You’ll find that delicious diversity at Urban Hawker, from Singaporean noodles at Prawnaholic Collections to the Indonesian plates at Jakarta Munch.
Do expect crowds at Urban Hawker during lunch and dinner rush hours!
17. Feast on Korean-style Chinese food at Hyo Dong Gak

Did you know that Midtown, which Times Square is part of, is actually where Koreatown is located in NYC? Feast on Korean-style Chinese food in a casual, family-friendly setting at Hyo Dong Gak.
Chinese takeout is popular in Korea. Although you may have tried Korean BBQ or maybe Korean food, chances are, you probably have yet to try Korean-style Chinese food.
I would recommend the noodle with brown sauce (jajangmyeon) and noodle with spicy seafood soup (jjampong) combo. The sweet and sour beef (tangsuyuk) was super crispy and melted in my mouth.
Manhattan Activities
18. Shop at Union Square Farmers Market
The Union Square Greenmarket is a large, year-round farmers market with fresh produce, baked goods, and a variety of independent small businesses. It’s a great stop for greens and there’s plenty of food and gifts to peruse.
The Union Square Greenmarket is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.
19. Go Gallery Hopping on the Lower East Side
There’s a ton of amazing galleries on the Lower East Side, and of course, they are free to visit! Some of my favorites include Richard Taittinger Gallery, Sargent’s Daughters and MARC STRAUS Gallery.
Pair your visit to the galleries with amazing Malaysian dishes at Kopitiam!
20. Buy budget tickets through Broadway Roulette

On a budget, but want to experience Broadway? I’ve used Broadway Roulette to buy $50-60 tickets for a “mystery” show, which is revealed after your purchase.
It’s $50 for shows from Monday to Thursday, and $60 for shows from Friday to Sunday.
You can cross off up to 3 shows that you’re not interested in. In addition, if you’ve already bought tickets from Broadway Roulette before, you won’t be matched up with a show you’ve already seen through their service.
I got matched up with Kimberly Akimbo and Between Riverside and Crazy and loved both shows.
Do know that the more people you need seats for, the less popular the shows you might get matched up might be, since they seat all of the tickets next to each other.
Fun Activities in NYC for Couples
21. Go skating or rollerblading at Prospect Park

Skate or rollerblade at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park! The LeFrak Center is a skating rink in the winter months and a rollerblading rink in the summer.
The rink is in great condition and the amenities are well maintained. Even the stereo system is bumpin’!
If you get hungry after your skate, grab a coffee or bite at the Bluestone Cafe, which is also part of the center.
LeFrak is by the Prospect Park Lake, so you can get pretty views of the water!
22. Experience medieval life at the Met Cloisters

The Met has a beautiful location in Upper Manhattan called the Cloisters, which showcases medieval European art in a breathtaking space. You’ll find historic paintings, gilded plates, ivory statuettes, tapestries and more.
The architecture of the Cloisters are a true and historic site themselves. The Cloisters are called as such because they consist of 5 different cloisters, or covered walkways with a courtyard in the center. The courtyards are beautifully gardened and maintained, making for a very picturesque setting.
While the buildings are modern structures, there are elements like pillars and parts of walls that come from historic French abbeys.

I would highly recommend sipping a coffee or bite at The Trie Cafe, and grab a seat at the tables overlooking one of the beautiful courtyards.
The Met Cloisters are located in Fort Tryon Park. It’s definitely worth a stroll around the park once you’re finished visiting the Cloisters!
23. Immerse yourself at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Explore the diverse and gorgeous scenery of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, from cherry blossoms, to mini bonsais and tropical plants. It’s the perfect romantic stroll for couples and a delicious escape from the city.
I loved checking out the miniature bonsais in the dedicated Bonsai Museum and learning about the different trees.

Then there was the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. I love sitting on the shaded benches and overlooking the pond and the nature.
How cool is it that I could then enter the warm Tropical Pavilion and check out the palm trees from Madagascar?
I’d pair the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a visit to adjacent Prospect Park or the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket.
24. Have a romantic Date Night at the Met
Every Saturday and Sunday, the Met is open from 5 to 9pm! Date Night at the Met is a great way to find time for this amazing museum, which is pay-as-you-wish for New York residents.
Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC for Adults
25. Bowling & Live Music at The Gutter

A hidden gem in Greenpoint close to my heart is The Gutter, a divey bar with an old-school bowling alley and live music. It really doesn’t get better than that!
26. Go clubbing in Bushwick

If you’re looking for a large, warehouse-vibe club, Bushwick is the place to go (knowing that space is tight in Manhattan!). House of Yes is a popular, edgy choice for big club events and it’s a safe space for whoever you are or want to be.
27. Find a party or event on the DICE app
The DICE app is an easy way to find and book tickets for all the different club and live performance events on one app, instead of going on each vendor’s site or Instagram. You’ll discover both paid parties and concerts, as well as free events.
It’s super easy to see events happening tonight or this week, if you’re in a rush to plan your weekend or night out.
Things To Do in NYC with No Walking
28. Get your laugh in at Comedy Cellar on MacDougal
Watch a stand-up show at the Comedy Cellar on MacDougal St. in the West Village!
Comedy Cellar is known for having a star cast of comedians, including the likes of Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer and Ali Wong, as well as celebrity viewers.
Reservations are hard to come by, so definitely try to book on the earlier side.
29. Listen to cover-free jazz at Arthur’s Tavern
Arthur’s Tavern is a cozy cocktail bar in Greenwich Village with cover-free live jazz performances every night! It’s a neighborhood favorite a great choice if you aren’t ready to splurge on a jazz show, but want to enjoy lovely music impromptu.
The cocktails range from $15-$20.
Odd things To Do in NYC
30. Check out the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central

Go searching for the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central, which is an indoor arch that lets you whisper to someone 30 feet away.
The arch is structured so that if you and a friend are on each end of it, you can speak gently and still communicate with them, because the sound waves end up traveling along the arch.
Go searching for this phenomenon; this little hidden gem will paint a whole new way of experiencing Grand Central.
31. Play skee ball at Full Circle Bar

If you’re into the grungy dive-bar vibe, enjoy the cheap $3 beers at Full Circle Bar and play skee ball on the retro arcade machines!
I love the neighborhood atmosphere of Full Circle Bar, where you’ll find seasoned regulars scoring left and right on the skee ball machines.

What Locals Do in Brooklyn
32. Shop year-round at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, check out the farmer’s market in Grand Army Plaza, which is the main entrance to Prospect Park! The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket is open year-round on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.
You’ll find fresh produce and independent bakeries and foods, as well as gifts and jewelry. I would recommend that you pair it with a stroll around Prospect Park, and potentially also check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
33. Find a vintage treasure at Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet has super cute secondhand pieces that are practical but also very stylish. You’ll find quality brands in good condition, at pretty reasonable prices.
Check out their first and original location in Williamsburg / Greenpoint. It’s a pretty big space with tons of clothing, shoes and more.
34. Check out Historic Brownstones in Park Slope

Brownstones are beautiful houses that are made of large rectangular blocks and grace several NYC neighborhoods. I love the brownstones in Park Slope, where I lived in two brownstones that were erected in 1899.

Park Slope has preserved multiple streets to protect the beautiful brownstone architecture. Walk around the historic beauty of Park Slope’s brownstones on St. John’s Place, Lincoln Place and Berkeley Place from 6th Ave to 8th Ave.
What to do in NYC on a Sunny Day
35. Take the Ferry to Rockaway Beach

Get your tan in like a local at Rockaway Beach. Add to the fun by taking the NYC Ferry to get there, instead of the subway!
The Rockaway is a long strip of beaches and has a well-maintained boardwalk and a strip of restaurants and bars where you can get your fix.

I would recommend booking the Rockaway ferry tickets ahead of time on the NYC Ferry app. If you don’t buy them in advance, it might be hard to get a seat during the busy summer months.
36. Walk along the West Side Highway

Go for a walk or a run along the West Side Highway to experience NYC like a local. You’ll get incredible waterfront views.

The path is very well built out, with plenty of piers you can venture out onto. I would recommend checking out Little Island, then walking 30 minutes north, up to see the Vessel at Hudson Yards.

During the summer, you can picnic on the piers, like on Pier 46 and Pier 64 of the Hudson River Park.
37. Dance while the Sun Sets at The Met
During the summer months, The Met hosts a rooftop party with DJs and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 5:30-8:30pm.
It’s a great vibe, and it’s complimentary with Met tickets! Pair it with Date Night at the Met.
38. Explore Socrates Sculpture Park

Check out Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, which has life-scale sculptures and outdoor exhibitions with views of the Manhattan skyline.

Socrates was founded in 1986 to create an accessible space for the larger community to enjoy public art. Of course, entering the park and viewing the art is free for all!

I would definitely recommend pairing visiting Socrates Sculpture Park with a visit to The Noguchi Museum, which has amazing large stone sculptures in a serene location.
39. Take in Hudson River views at Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon is a beautiful, hilly park in Washington Heights from which you can get panoramic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey. It is also the home of the Met Cloisters, which has flowery courtyards surrounded by medieval European exhibitions.
I would recommend pairing your visit to the Met Cloisters with a stroll in Fort Tryon!
Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC in the Winter
40. Shop small business at Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market
Browse interesting vintage and handmade clothing, jewelry and gifts from 50 different vendors at the Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market! The holiday market usually starts in November through Christmas and is located under the DUMBO Archway.
If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in December, then this market is a great way to support local artists and small businesses and get a taste for local life!
41. Marvel at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Check out the amazing Christmas displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn! If you’re looking for full on life-size Christmas displays, the house-dotted displays at Dyker Heights will spark your winter joy and wonder.
If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC for Christmas, this is a genuine neighborhood display of Christmas love in Brooklyn.
Cool Things To do in New York State
42. Take a day trip to Beacon

Beacon is the perfect easy day trip from NYC, accessible via the Metro North. There’s the well-known modern art museum Dia Beacon near the train station, and a 1 mile downtown stretch that ends with a small waterfall and local breweries.
Don’t miss the delicious and interesting beers at the Hudson Valley Brewery, which is also conveniently located at the end of the Mt. Beacon hike.

I loved playing the retro arcade games (for just 25 cents per play!) at Happy Valley Arcade Bar.
The Metro North takes just 1.5 hours from Grand Central.
Here are the 10 Best Things To Do in Beacon, NY if you’re ready to plan for your trip!
43. Hike & Chill in Cold Spring

There are tons of hikes in and near Cold Spring, which also has a quaint downtown with tons of eateries and independent shops. Cold Spring and its hikes are accessible via Metro North, which you can catch at Grand Central.
If you’re in for a bit of rock scrambling adventure, I would recommend the Breakneck Ridge Loop, which takes about 2.5 hours. There’s great panoramic views at the top of the hike, and it’s super fun using your arms to hoist yourself up the boulders (make sure to wear sturdy footwear!).

Looking for more day trip ideas from NYC? Check out the 10 Best Day Trips from NYC Without a Car!
Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC (Conclusion)
This article was about the best non-touristy things to do in NYC.
In this local’s guide to NYC, I go over all my tips and secrets for the best things to do in NYC that I didn’t know about before moving here!
NYC Off the Beaten Path Things To Do
- Play Pinball at Sunshine Laundromat
- View the stone sculptures at The Noguchi Museum
- Take the Aerial Tram to Roosevelt Island
- Ferry to view the art on Governors Island
- Devour Dim Sum at the House of Joy
- Try the Amazing Pizza at Song’ E Napule Soho
- Devour amazing Polish food at Karczma
- Munch on the Malaysian bites at Kopitiam
- Take a free yoga or HIIT class on the West Side Highway
- Watch Free Shakespeare in Central Park
- Experience MoMA PS1
- Take the NYC Ferry
- Watch a free movie outdoors
- Watch Ballet for $30 if you’re under 30
- Snap photos in front of The New York Times Building
- Try Singaporean Street Food at the Urban Hawker
- Feast on Korean-style Chinese food at Hyo Dong Gak
- Shop at Union Square Farmers Market
- Go Gallery Hopping on the Lower East Side
- Buy budget tickets through Broadway Roulette
- Go skating or rollerblading at Prospect Park
- Experience medieval life at the Met Cloisters
- Immerse yourself at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Have a romantic Date Night at the Met
- Bowling & Live Music at The Gutter
- Go clubbing in Bushwick
- Find a party or event on the DICE app
- Get your laugh in at Comedy Cellar on MacDougal
- Listen to cover-free jazz at Arthur’s Tavern
- Check out the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central
- Play skee ball at Full Circle Bar
- Shop year-round at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
- Find a vintage treasure at Beacon’s Closet
- Check out Historic Brownstones in Park Slope
- Take the Ferry to Rockaway Beach
- Walk along the West Side Highway
- Dance while the Sun Sets at The Met
- Explore Socrates Sculpture Park
- Take in Hudson River views at Fort Tryon Park
- Shop small business at Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market
- Marvel at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Take a day trip to Beacon
- Hike & Chill in Cold Spring
Thanks for reading this guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC!
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Def have to check out the Met Cloisters!
Yessss! it’s so beautiful!! the exhibition was really interesting too.