The Big Apple is known for its rapid pace and tons of things to do — but what five secret New York City experiences are a must-see?
We all know that the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, and the museum circuit are top New York City sights for visitors.
But ask any New Yorker why those places are undesirable and you’re likely to get some version of the same answer … they’re full of tourists.
Sure, everyone is a stranger in most places, and anyone who vacations is a tourist sometimes. But New York City hotspots for tourism are often crowded, commercialized, and full of less-than-exciting things to do — not how you want to spend your time in the city that never sleeps!
NYC locals are tight-lipped about their favorite places, but we all have them.
Some are hidden gems, some are just personal favorites that may not get enough mention. So if you’re looking for five unique New York City activities beyond Ellis Island, here are some lesser known spots for citybound travelers.
Hidden New York City Tip One: A Downtown Oasis Of Calm
Downtown Manhattan is where Wall Street, Chinatown, and SoHo are crammed in — a crowded bustle 24 hours a day.
But at 55 Water Street, a full acre of calm exists.
Known quite literally as the “elevated acre,” overstimulated NYC visitors can head downtown for a quiet picnic, a walk, or sometimes if you’re lucky, a movie screening.
Hidden New York City Tip Two: The Best Wings In NYC
As a life-long New Yorker afflicted with an innate aversion to all things Times Square, it pains me to admit that the single most loved NYC eats item for me is indeed available at a non-hotspot in the most touristy area of Manhattan.
New York City’s secret dining hotspots are legion, and new reigning places crop up weekly. But through it all, the wings at the theme restaurant Virgil’s BBQ (on 44th, between 6th and 7th) are my personal all time favorite NYC food.
Family-friendly dining is not necessarily New York City glamourous, but trust us. Totally worth the theater-going throngs.
Hidden New York City Tip Three: A Queens Spa That’s A Total Entertainment Bargain
When you think hidden spots in New York City, Queens is not the first place to come to mind. In fact, accepted advice is to avoid Queens at all costs for any reason except if you have a flight.
We’re going to go against the grain here, because one of NYC’s best places to just hang is one of its most underrated spots. And it’s (relatively) cheap.
Spa Castle in College Point is accessible by subway, and is a multi-floor Korean bathhouse popular with locals. A single admission price buys you not only all-day access to the hot tubs, saunas and relaxation areas, but also the rooftop pool. With a swim-up bar.
Simply pack a bathing suit and your necessary toiletries, and for about $45 ($35 on weekends), you can relax in all of Spa Castle’s awesome baths and “igloos.” Admission gets you a bracelet connected to your account, so you can buy food and other necessities without having to carry around cash.
Hidden New York City Tip Four: The High Line
Okay, the High Line has been getting a lot of press in recent years, but it’s still a pretty cool NYC secret for urban explorers.
A decaying railroad relic turned awesome park, the High Line is another cool NYC spot you may initially ignore in favor of flashier areas.
But the reclaimed, elevated space is a good place to get some downtime in Manhattan, and there are even events like stargazing and cycling at the newish park.
Hidden New York City Tip Four: Don’t Stay In NYC (No, Really!)
Okay, the greatest hidden New York City tip of all is not about NYC at all — but it’s a great Manhattan travel secret.
Hotels in “The City” are pricey, as we all know, and you definitely pay for convenience.
But what if I told you much of New York City is accessible even more quickly from nicer, cheaper hotels?
It’s true. As a NYC resident, I needed a hotel room for one night at the last minute. Booking blind on Hotwire, I wound up at the Jersey City Hyatt, much to my shock and dismay.
It was too late to rebook. But for less than $100 a night, we got a spacious room, a clean and uncrowded hotel, and a restaurant with views of the sparkling skyline.
But none of that is the best part.
A hotel across the Hudson in Jersey City is actually closer to the downtown fun than most places uptown.
The Exchange Place PATH station is right next to the Hyatt, and gets downtown faster than most uptown subways. Ferries are available for a more scenic route if you’re not in a rush.
What New York City spots do you think shouldn’t be missed?
