So, you’ve seen Times Square. You’ve been to the top of the Empire State Building. You’ve shoved your way through the crowds in Central Park. Now what? If you’re like me and want to experience NYC beyond the usual touristy spots, you’re in luck. There’s a whole other side of the city that’s a bit more chill, less crowded, and full of hidden gems that will make you feel like a local in no time. Here is a list of some of my favorite non touristy things to do in NYC!
1. Sign Up for New York Cares & Volunteer
If you really want to get a feel for New York and do something meaningful while you're at it, why not volunteer with New York Cares? It’s one of the easiest ways to give back and meet real New Yorkers. You can volunteer for all kinds of activities—whether it's helping out at a community garden, serving meals, or even tutoring kids. Plus, it’s a way to see the city from a totally different perspective, outside the tourist bubble.
New York Cares is the perfect way to volunteer and feel like part of the community. You can do everything from helping out at local soup kitchens to planting trees in city parks. One awesome experience I had was volunteering at a local elementary school. We spent the day painting murals and organizing the library for the kids. Not only did it feel good to contribute, but I also got to connect with some amazing locals who shared insider tips about the city. Plus, it's a great way to see parts of NYC you wouldn’t normally visit, and you might even leave with a new friend or two.
Want to make a difference during your trip? Sign up for New York Cares and discover how you can volunteer while exploring the local side of NYC!
2. Fort Tryon Park & The Cloisters
Want to feel like you’ve escaped NYC without actually leaving? Head up to Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. It’s one of those magical places in the city where you can forget the skyscrapers exist for a minute. The park’s got amazing views of the Hudson River, and if you’re into history or art (or just need a quiet place to reflect on your life choices), make sure to visit The Cloisters. It’s like walking through a medieval European monastery, except you’re still in New York. Pretty cool, right?
Bonus: You can walk around the grounds and pretend you're in a "Game of Thrones" episode... minus the dragons.
3. Bryant Park Winter Village
OK, so this one’s kind of touristy, but it’s also kind of not. Hear me out. The Bryant Park Winter Village is a cozy spot where you can grab a hot cider or coffee, find a bench, and people-watch for hours. Watching people wipe out while ice skating is free entertainment that never gets old (sorry, not sorry). Plus, there’s a bunch of cute little holiday shops to browse through, and it doesn’t feel as crazy as Rockefeller Center.
Pro tip: Show up early in the day or later at night to avoid the big crowds and get in some serious people-watching time.
4. Subscribe to Time Out New York
Now, I know subscribing to a magazine doesn’t exactly sound like an “activity,” but trust me on this. If you want to stay in the loop on all the cool stuff happening around the city—like pop-up events, underground concerts, secret speakeasies—Time Out New York is your guide. It’s like having a local friend who knows all the best things to do but without the judgment when you decide to stay in bed binge-watching Netflix instead.
Just sayin’, they’ve got the inside scoop on things you’d never find on TripAdvisor. Stay in the loop on all the coolest local events by subscribing to Time Out New York — your go-to guide for discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path activities in the city!
5. Check Out Creatures of the Night (at the Selina Hotel)
Now for something a little more offbeat: The Creatures of the Night cocktail bar at the Selina Hotel. This place is a total vibe. And the cocktails? Let’s just say they’re as creative as the decor. Head over to St. Cloud rooftop bar for a change of pace—this one's more lively, with epic views of Times Square (minus all the chaos).
Pro tip: If you're a fan of Aperol Spritz, you're in luck—on Sundays, they're only $7!!! Just make sure to book a table in advance, as this spot tends to fill up quickly, especially with those unbeatable drink deals!
6. Ride the NYC Ferry System
Forget the crowded subways or overpriced tourist boats—the NYC Ferry system is where it's at. It’s honestly one of the city’s best-kept secrets. For the price of a subway ride, you can cruise along the East River, take in the skyline, and maybe even spot a few iconic landmarks (without a thousand selfie sticks in your face). The best part? You can hop off at places like Governors Island, Rockaway Beach, or Brooklyn for some exploring before hopping back on.
Just think of it as a mini-cruise for less than the cost of a slice of pizza.
7. The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
If you’re into architecture or just need a peaceful escape, these two cathedrals are must-sees. Saint John the Divine in Morningside Heights is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Yep, you read that right. It’s massive and stunning and makes you feel about two inches tall when you walk inside. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on the other hand, is right in the middle of Midtown, and even though it’s in a busy area, stepping inside feels like hitting the pause button on the city’s chaos.
Pro tip: Both are free to visit, and trust me, you’ll want to take a moment to just sit and soak in the beauty.
There you go—an adventure waiting for you beyond the bright lights of Times Square. And who knows, you might even start feeling like a true New Yorker. Just don’t start pronouncing it “Noo Yawk” yet. We’re not quite there.
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