25+ Best Non Touristy Things to do in NYC

One of the best things about visiting New York City are your limitless possibilities of things to do. Most likely, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square are the first attractions which pop up in your head when thinking about NYC but there is so much more to see and experience. Just because you are visiting one of the most touristy cities in the world doesn’t mean you can’t find the hidden, non touristy things to do in NYC scattered around. 

As New York residents we are lucky to go to the city several times a year. Don’t get us wrong, there are good reasons why some of the landmarks are must-see highlights but there is truly so much more this city has to offer. Over the years, we appreciated the more unknown attractions more and more not only because they are absolutely worth doing but also because they are usually less crowded and therefore offer a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Get off the beaten track with our 25+ suggestions of non touristy things to do in NYC.

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25+ Non Touristy Things to do in New York City

1. Ride a Bike through New York City

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Explore New York City in a more unique way on two wheels. Many of the local New Yorkers bike around town which is why this is one of the more non touristy things to do in NYC. 

When it comes to getting a bike you can choose between utilizing bike sharing or bike renting companies. 

Citi Bike is the most popular bike sharing program with thousands of bikes and stations scattered around all of New York City. Simply get the app, join, unlock, ride, and return. 

Top Tip: If you prefer renting a bike for a longer period of time without the hassle of downloading an app and finding the bike stations, then better opt for a bike rental company. We don’t have a favorite one, we always check Groupon for the best deal. There are usually various options available and you will for sure snag a good deal. 

A quick word of warning: Riding a bike on the roads of the city can be a little rough if you’re not used to it. NYC is equipped with great bike lanes but it can be hectic, especially when you don’t know where you are going. Make sure to always wear a helmet for your own safety and consider riding the bike on the following biking trails:

• Hudson River Greenway
• Bronx River Greenway
• Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
• Eastern Queens Greenway
• LaTourette Park
• Central Park
• Governors Island

2. Kayak at the Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy the waters of the Hudson River by going kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is run by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse and is offered absolutely for free.

The kayaking season runs from June through September. Wednesday and Thursdays you can join the fun from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM -3:30 PM. If it is your first time kayaking, the friendly volunteers will even teach you the basics to ensure you get the best experience possible. Note that advance registration is now required.

3. Relax at NYC’s Public Beaches

Beaches in New York City? Yup, that is right. You can’t expect tropical vibes but the long stretches of sand in New York City are still very inviting and offer pure relaxation.

New York locals like to hang out, play, and swim at NYC public beaches which are open from Memorial Day Weekend through September. These are the beaches you can choose from:

• Brighton Beach – Brooklyn
• Coney Island – Brooklyn
• Manhattan Beach – Brooklyn
• Orchard Beach – Bronx
• Rockaway Beach – Queens
• Cedar Grove Beach – Staten Island
• Midland Beach – Staten Island

Top Tip: If the iconic Coney Island boardwalk is on your bucket list but you aim to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season. The amusement park, Luna Park, is usually open from April until the end of October.  

Instead of visiting the typical NYC attractions and landmarks, choose the non touristy things to do in NYC by putting your toes in the sand. 

4. Walk an Urban Hiking Trail

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When people think about NYC, one thing that definitely does not come to mind is hiking one of the trails. That makes this activity without question one of the best unique things to do in New York City. 

Everyone knows about the phenomenal green spaces like Central Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and Prospect Park which are usually pretty packed when the weather is nice. We were surprised how many more quiet urban hiking trails are scattered throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten island. 

If you love the outdoors and want to do a little urban hiking, head to NYC Parks website and check out the trail descriptions, the maps, and points of interest. The trails are well worth exploring and no one you will meet on the trail will think you are a NYC tourist.

Top Tip: If you don’t mind adding a more popular trail to your NYC bucket list, also walk the High Line in NYC, one of the best places in Manhattan.

5. Take Part in NYC Park Entertainment

Everyone loves to visit NYC Parks. But how do locals enjoy the green spaces? 

New York City has its own Parks Events Calendar which showcases free and low cost events throughout the year. Depending on the season, you will find free movies, concerts, tours, shows, festivals, markets, sport events, and more. 

Top Tip: One of the most popular free events is Shakespeare in the Park which takes place in the summer months.

6. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

We can’t get enough of spooky ghost tours. Wherever we go, we have to check available guided tours with real-life horror stories and paranormal sightings. 

New York City is an excellent place to encounter the dark since the city is full of sinister history. Plus, you will escape most of the crowds, since this is one of the more non touristy things to do in NYC. 

Ease in with some creepy ghost stories or dive deep immediately to find the ghost yourself on a real paranormal investigation with or without a real paranormal investigator in some of New York’s oldest mansions.

• The Ghostlight Tour: Haunted Broadway
• Greenwich Village Ghost Tour
• Morris-Jumel Mansion
• Merchant’s House Museum

7. Enjoy a Scenic NYC Picnic in the Park

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If you are looking to really blend in with the locals in NYC, head to the parks and have a picnic. This non touristy thing to do in NYC is best enjoyed on a beautiful warm, sunny day. 

To make it even more of a non touristy NYC experience, go to a lesser known park like Fort Greene Park, Morningside Park, Inwood Hill Park and McCarren Park and avoid popular ones like Central Park and Bryant Park.

Once you figured out where to go, pack a blanket, grab some grub, and maybe even bring a book and lounge out on the lawns of NYC. 

Top Tip: One of our favorite picnic spots is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park on Roosevelt Island. Before you take the scenic tram over the east river, stop over at Ess-a-Bagel (8313rd Ave) and get some of their delicious bagels and unique spreads to go.

8. Walk the Manhattan Bridge

Enjoy phenomenal must see views from NYC in a less touristy way by crossing the East River on the fewer visited Manhattan bridge instead of the Brooklyn Bridge. 

The suspension bridge crosses the East River and connects Lower Manhattan (at Canal Street) to Downtown Brooklyn (at Flatbush Avenue Extension). 

The walk across the Manhattan Bridge is about 1.3 miles long and can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Expect unobstructed views of the magnificent and beautiful Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline. 

9. Walk the Williamsburg Bridge

Another great non touristy thing to do in NYC is swapping out the Brooklyn Bridge with the Williamsburg Bridge.

The Williamsburg Bridge connects the Lower East Side with the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. Taking a walk over the Williamsburg Bridge is a fun way to see the Lower Manhattan skyline and visit 2 trendy New York City neighborhoods in one trip.

The dedicated pedestrian pathway along the bridge allows walkers and bikers the safety of crossing this beautiful suspension bridge over the East River. The walk is just over a mile long taking up to 30 minutes to complete. 

On the walk, you will experience an all-steel bridge covered with graffiti which gives off a different vibe than the other bridges around. 

10. Go Glamping in Governors Island

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Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor which lies a few hundred yards south of Manhattan. It attracts many visitors for its 43-acre public park, art and cultural exhibits, recreational activities, and breathtaking view of the New York City skyline.

You can visit this fun-filled island during the day or add its unique glamping experience to your non touristy things to do in NYC bucket list.

Staying in the luxury tents and shelters is a pure retreat from the hectic city life. You can indulge in island explorations, wellness activities, wine and spirit tastings, or simply enjoy the magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan from your comfortable bed.

11. Loosen up at a Spa

After enjoying all the non touristy things to do in New York City mentioned above, we are sure your walking feet are tired and you could need a short break. Escape the hustle and bustle of New York and kick back at one of the various spas. 

Top Tip: Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to all of the spa facilities yet but we can highly recommend the SpaCastle in Queens. Not only can you get the usual relaxing spa treatments, you also have access to various experiences like a sauna valley, hydrotherapy pools, a bath area and lounge, and more. There is so much to do, plan to stay for the whole day!

Get rejuvenated at one of these spas in the city:

• Aire Ancient Baths
• Shibui Spa
• The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
• Haven Spa
• Banyan Tree Thai Spa
• SpaCastle

12. Have a Laugh at a Comedy Club

Love a good laugh? Then you have to check out the comedy club scene for non touristy things to do in NYC.

New York City draws many of the most famous stand-up comedians in the world. Usually, the more well-known comedians will perform in theaters, while the up and coming comedians can be seen in various comedy clubs in NYC. But there is always a chance you may get to see a big timer performing at a smaller club too. 

Here are some comedy clubs you may want to go to:

• Gotham Comedy Club
• Comedy Cellar
• New York Comedy Club
• Carolines on Broadway
• The Comic Strip 

13. Ride the Roosevelt Tram + Explore Roosevelt Island

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Roosevelt Island is a small, narrow island in New York City’s East River. To get there, simply hop on the Roosevelt Tram which takes you to the other side of the river in 4 minutes, offering spectacular views of the City.

Here, you can stroll around and enjoy the 360 picturesque views of New York City, visit historic landmarks like the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park, the wooden Blackwell House, and the Renwick Ruins of the former Smallpox Hospital, and relax in beautiful green spaces like Freedom’s Park.

When we first visited Roosevelt Island, it was really a hidden gem but it is becoming more and more popular as a place to escape the hustle and bustle of New York Manhattan. Hurry before you have to share this gorgeous place with the crowd.

14. Take a Local Class 

Learn a new skill instead of checking off the most famous attractions by participating in a local NYC class. New York’s culture is so diverse that the range of opportunities for local classes is endless, from unique athletic workshops, to culinary experiences, and expressing yourself.

Here are some fun local classes to participate in:

• Trapeze School
• Yoga Classes
• Dance Classes
• Wine Classes
• Brewing Beer
• Baking Classes
• Chocolate Making
• Improv Theatre 
• Photography Workshop
• Graffiti Workshop

Top Tip: If you are unsure which class to choose, browse through the Airbnb Experiences. Not only will you get a great overview of unique experiences and classes, all of them are also offered from locals who know their city inside and out.

15. Learn How to Make Pizza at Pizza School

New York is best known for its tasty pizza. So why not learn how to make a New York speciality while in NYC? Pizza School NYC shares the knowledge and secrets of pizza making with curious pizza lovers searching for the perfect pizza dough and sauce. 

The price is a little hefty but you will get their famous ‘Make Perfect Pizza at Home’ workbook and you will gain access to the Dough Emergency hotline for free. By the way, the virtual public class is way cheaper than the in-person workshop.

Join in on one of their pizza classes and learn the art of making the most famous New York food. 

16. Admire NYC Street Art 

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As one of the best street art hubs, New York City will blow you away with its thousands of impressive street art pieces. 

You can find murals all over the city but if you are looking to see tons of street art within a short walking distance, check out the DUMBO Walls, Coney Art Walls, the Lower East Side, and Bushwick in Brooklyn. 

To expand your knowledge of the urban culture in those hip neighborhoods, join a guided tour. We recently took the Bushwick Brooklyn Grafitti and Street Art tour and learned so much about different kinds of street art, artists from around the world, and spraying techniques from a street artist himself. 

If you are keen to try creating artwork yourself, you can also book an immersive graffiti workshop yourself and learn the greatest skills from a working artist.

17. See an Off Broadway Show

Trade in the more touristy option of seeing a Broadway show and enjoy the more non touristy things to do in NYC by getting entertained by an Off Broadway show instead.

Off-Broadway shows are usually a tad cheaper in price and are located in venues outside of the Theater District with fewer than 500 seats. 

If you are into theater, we would highly recommend adding an Off-Broadway show to your bucket list. It is a great way to support the arts, become part of the show, and avoid crowds. Plus, many of the popular Broadway shows came from the Off-Broadway stages.

Top Tip: We usually purchase tickets for a show on TodayTix. If you observe the prices in advance and wait for good deals, their tickets offer the best value. When you are lucky you don’t even have to pay the ticket fees. 

18. Stop at Film or TV Show Location

New York City has been the main location for a variety of TV shows and films. You have probably even passed quite a few without even realizing it. 

The best thing about checking these locations out is there won’t be tons of tourists, which is perfect when you are looking for non touristy things to do in NYC. However, you may run into a die hard fan if it is a popular show or film. 

Here are some prominent shows and films which are set in NYC:

• Law & Order: SVU 
• Sex in the City
• Gossip Girl
• How I Met Your Mother
• Friends
• Seinfeld
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• West Side Story
• The Godfather
• 25th Hour

Top Tip: Not sure how to find the filming location from your favorite movie or tv show? Check out a comprehensive list of must-see film locations in NYC.

19. Check out Unique Subway Stations

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We all ride the subway and walk through dozens of subway stations while in New York City, but do we really appreciate them? New York has tons of subway stations and some of them are actually quite unique, featuring beautiful designs. 

Be different and add visiting subway stations to your list of non tourist things to do in NYC. Here are a few you may want to visit while in New York: 

• The Oculus Transportation Hub at The World Trade Center
• Grand Central Terminal Station
• Fulton Center Subway Station
• The 191st Street Station
• 34th Street Hudson Yards
• City Hall Station

20. Visit Less Popular Museums

Visiting museums in NYC is a must. Within the 5 boroughs of the city, there are easily well over 100 museums to go to. Of course museums like the MET, American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim are the top NYC museums to see but there are so many lesser known museums which are well worth giving it a try.

When you are looking for non touristy things to do in New York City, it is a different experience to visit these more specific and less popular museums instead:

• El Museo Del Barrio (Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures)
• The Museum of the City of New York
• Tenement Museum (Immigration and Migration in NYC)
• New York Transit Museum

Top Tip: We really enjoyed visiting the interactive SPYSCAPE museum that is all about spying. It is so much fun to test your spy skills and gain more knowledge in the seven different experience areas: Briefing, Encryption, Deception, Surveillance, Hacking, Special Ops, and Intelligence. If you are interested in knowing how good your spy skills are, go check out SPYSCAPE.

21. Stroll through Green-Wood Cemetery

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Green-Wood Cemetery is a 478-acre graveyard in Brooklyn which connects today’s world to the world of the past. The cemetery highlights the historical significance of the dead, preserves the architectural art of statuary and mausoleums, and captivates the natural beauty of New York with romantic views of a landscape that is overcome with century old trees. 

One of the best times to visit the cemetery is in the spring when the abundance of Cherry Blossom trees is in bloom. The beauty of the trees compared with the mystic atmosphere of the cemetery totally blew us away. Green-Wood Cemetery is one of our favorite places to catch the cherry blossoms in the entire city.

This is definitely one of our favorite non touristy things to do in NYC and you will have to agree with us after your visit. 

22. Watch a Movie at Skyline Drive-In

Drive-In theaters belong to the summer like sand to a beach. There is nothing better than watching a movie under the stars on a warm summer night.

There are actually a couple of drive-in theaters in the different boroughs but the one we can highly recommend is the Skyline Drive-In NYC in Brooklyn. It is located on the East River and offers splendid views of the Manhattan skyline. In case the movie is boring, you know what else to look at.

Since NYC is a city for walkers and bikers, the Skyline Drive-In even offers seating for people arriving without a car. Experience an outdoor movie like a local by enjoying this fun non touristy things to do in NYC. 

23. Watch the Sunset

Take a minute to slow down and enjoy the vista of a New York City sunset. This is a simple, easy, (free), and romantic thing to do in NYC at night. 

The Sunset is always a special and beautiful time of the day. But what makes seeing a sunset in NYC even more extraordinary is watching the transformation of the city from daylight to night as the city lights take over. 

Here are a few great places to catch a sunset in NYC but there are many more great views around the city for sunset:

• Brooklyn Bridge + Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Staten Island Ferry
• NYC Observation Decks
• Roosevelt Island Tram
• Rooftop Bars
• The Battery
• Little Island

24. Be a Foodie

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NYC’s diversity means an unlimited number of delicious food choices. A cool way to experience New York is to eat your way through the city. 

You can easily find a diverse range of food tours in every district but the best neighborhoods to book a tour are East Village and Greenwich Village. We are personally huge fans of Free Tours on Foot which offers name-your-own-price (food) tours that are especially nice when you are looking for an affordable option to try different samples. Plan on spending $7-15 for the samples you will try. 

Can you guess which famous New York food to eat is high on top of our list? It has to be Pizza. Scott’s Pizza Tours offers public walking tours in the different boroughs. In around 2.5 hours you will walk to three different pizza places to try the best pizza you have ever eaten. In case you need a break from all your city walks, you can also take the NYC Pizza Bus which travels to multiple boroughs and lets you sample pizza in 4 different stops.

Top Tip: If you try to save some bucks, you can also make your own list of pizza places or restaurants and eateries you want to check out and head there yourself. Just keep in mind that some famous pizza restaurants don’t let you order by the slice.

25. Uncommon Tours in NYC

Within this post, we already mentioned a few unique tours which give you the option to experience more non touristy things to do in NYC. 

If you are looking for more exclusive tours, consider adding the following to your bucket list:

1. Candle Light Tour St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is the oldest church in NYC and buried mainly wealthy people, one of the most notable being Abraham Lincoln’s advisor Thomas Eckert. On this 90-minute tour in the church’s catacombs, you will learn about the city’s history and get access to some hidden places which are not open to the public. Make sure not to get lost in the labyrinth of vaults!

2. Scavenger Hunt

A still very uncommon way to explore the famous landmarks in NYC and get in-depth information about the city’s history is a scavenger hunt. We visited New York dozens of times and took some of the regular city tours but absolutely loved the scavenger hunt we purchased. Groupon usually offers a few affordable scavenger hunts from different companies. Simply check their website and pick whatever you are interested in. We are up for the zombie scavenger hunt the next time we visit the city!

3. Music tour

Music plays a huge role in New York City’s history. Besides being the most famous city for shows and musicals, you can follow the roots of several music genres back to NYC. Hip Hop was basically born in the Bronx, whereas Jazz originated in New Orleans but became extremely popular in NYC because of the city’s glitz and glamor. Another music genre which attracts a lot of locals and tourists alike is gospel. The best way to experience a concert is by booking a gospel tour.

26. Explore NYC Neighborhoods

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Something we probably all don’t do enough when visiting somewhere new is to slowly stroll around and soak in the atmosphere. We are too busy admiring the obvious, well known landmarks that we might miss some of the hidden gems.

Most tourists that come to New York City will only visit Manhattan and totally forget about the other four boroughs which make up NYC. Experience more of the non touristy things to do in NYC by visiting another borough than Manhattan. 

Many of the NYC neighborhoods have deep historical roots and unique cultural vibes which make them great places to wander around for unique non touristy things to do in New York City.

Top Tip: If you like a little more guidance when strolling around but still want to experience the area at your own pace, then purchase an audio guide. New York City has dozens of audio guides which are a real bargain and give you in-depth information about the different boroughs.

We recently took a trip to Harlem in NYC and were utterly surprised about all the opportunities that borough has to offer. You can experience this area with all of your senses. Gaze at the dazzling street art, listen to Jazz tunes, and taste your way through the various soul food restaurants which serve African American cuisine.

Here are more interesting neighborhoods to stroll through:

• Chelsea
• Williamsburg 
• SoHo
• Dumbo
• Chinatown
• Upper East Side
• West Village
• East Village
• Tribeca
• Astoria
• Hudson Yards

Where to Stay in New York

Manhattan is a great area to stay in when you are visiting New York City. It is right in the heart of the city and all of the attractions and famous landmarks will be in close proximity.

Unfortunately, this big advantage comes with a huge price tag. It is very difficult to get a reasonable price for accommodation in New York’s most famous neighborhood. If you don’t mind treating yourself to a nice hotel/hostel in the heart of New York, we can highly recommend staying in these accommodations:

• HI New York City (Hostel)
  Especially when you are traveling alone, staying in a hostel is a great way of finding new travel buddies. This clean and modern hostel is located in close proximity to Central Park and offers a garden with barbecue grills and a picnic area and a beautiful hang-out area inside. For a quick bite, grab something from the snack bar/ deli.
  
• Dream Midtown
  The 4-star Boutique hotel Dream Midtown is also located right next to Central Park which makes it the perfect base to explore the best places in Manhattan. The real crown jewel is the stunning rooftop bar. Enjoy some delicious drinks surrounded by the iconic New York skyline before getting back to your beautifully designed room which is just minutes away. In these beds, you will get the best rest possible.
  
• The Time New York
  The Time New York lets you stay in the entertainment district itself, Times Square. This stylish hotel is your perfect choice when you want to indulge in luxury (for a reasonable price) and be located in the perfect spot for all your NYC adventures.

If you are like us and rather spend money on adventures and experiences, take a closer look at the more affordable accommodations in neighborhoods like Hoboken across the Hudson River or Newark. We listed some great options which are just a little more far away below:

• The Holland Hotel (Jersey City)
  43 minutes to Times Square by public transportation
  
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport(Newark)
  1h 5min to Times Square by public transportation

Which Non Touristy Things to do in NYC Will You Try On Your Next Visit? Are There Any Hidden Places You Would Like to Share?

Let us know in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for New York City

• 4-Day New York Itinerary 
• The Ultimate List of Things to Do in NYC in the Winter
• 59 Best Places in Manhattan to Visit
• 29 Best Views of NYC: Manhattan Skyline and More
• 42 Best Things to Do in NYC at Night
• 100+ NYC Bucket List Items: Best Things to Do
• Green-Wood Cemetery: Visit Brooklyn’s Unique Attraction
• Broadway Dress Code: How to Dress for a Show

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