12 non-touristy places to visit in New York

Ok, you are clearly a tourist but it’s your second time in NYC and you don’t wanna see more of the same. Or maybe it’s your first time and you wanna experience NY like a local and not stick with the touristy places all the time… So this post is for you my friend, a selection of some of my favorite places to avoid the crowds and see a new side of NYC! For more tips inn real time, make sure to follow me on instagram @marthasachser and @blognyandabout. And check the best FREE THINGS to do in NY clicking HERE – for more ideas and fun stuff! See you soon!

The MET Cloisters

An extension of the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Avenue, the MET Cloisters is dedicated to the art, architecture, gardens and Cloisters of Medieval Europe. It’s not an obvious destination on everyone’s itinerary but hoping on the train and head uptown is one of my favorite new things and I highly recommend you doing the same! Fort Tryon Park (where the museum is located by) is beautiful and peaceful, especially in the fall. To get there you can take the A train to 190th Street and then walk up to the MET (about 10-15 minutes) or take the M4 bus outside the station, it goes directly into the museum’s entrance. To get in, if you are not a New York resident, you must pay full admission (U$25), they no longer have suggested admission. Good thing is that your ticket works for both museums, so make sure to keep it or if you have they include the museum as well. If you have CityPass, Sightseeing Pass or New York Pass they all include the museum as well!

Industry City

A complex of buildings that are always innovating and surprising me!Factories and old warehouses made room for modern office spaces, art studios, events and of course: food! With a food hall serving from avocado everything to burgers, there is always something going on in the area, including movie nights, winter tents, Li-Lac chocolate factory tour, Brooklyn Flea Market and much more! In 2019 the area welcomed Japan Village, a new place to shop for japanese goods and eat delicious food.

Red Hook

Maybe you never heard of it but Red Hook is the new “cool neighborhood” to explore in Brooklyn. But there is nothing new about it but the area invested in activities that attract locals and tourists alike, especially after the NYC Ferry began offering a stop there, so for U$2.75 you can enjoy the view of downtown Manhattan and sip on local wines or whiskeys in no time! Have a sweet tooth? Add Cacao Prieto Chocolate Factory tour to your itinerary! Here my favorite spots in Red Hook: Red Hook Winery, Waterfront Barge Museum, Brooklyn Crab, Hometown Barbque,Pioneers Works and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie! Make to explore Van Brunt Street, the place for shops and restaurants. And wine, there is always wine.

Governors Island

From a militar base to the new favorite summer spot in NY! Between May and October new yorkers board the ferry to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great outdoor activities, plus beautiful views of Manhattan and some fun festivals. During the week you can get your ticket for U$3 (round-trip) and children under 13 don’t pay and on weekends there is no cost at all. The ferry terminal is located at the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in downtown, right by the Staten Island Ferry. The island was kept was it was in the past, you will see Fort Jay, school, militar base buildings, historical homes (Colonen’s Row), a church, Williams Castle…Learn more HERE! Check the official website for maps and more HERE!

Foto: Divulgação/Governos Island

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Bronx Little Italy

Yes, Bronx! You maybe think of Manhattan when someone says Little Italy but reality is that the Bronx is a more authentic (aka local) experience for those who love a real good pasta.There are many restaurants to choose from, here are some of my favorites: Enzo’s Of Arthur Avenue (2339 Arthur Avenue), o Zero Otto Nove (2357 Arthur Avenue) ou Mario’s Restaurant (2342 Arthur Avenue).

New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a must see especially during spring and fall or traveling with kids, there is plenty to do and see all year long and many adult-only events. If you head there on a Wednesday, there is no admission fee to explore the grounds (same for the Bronx Zoo!). You can learn more HERE!

Coney Island

From May-October Coney Island has a lot to offer for the entire family. Beach, boardwalk, amusement parks, aquarium, brewery, baseball games and plenty of food options. I recommend avoiding weekends but on Fridays you can catch the fireworks as well from the beach!

ADMISSION TO NYC ATTRACTIONS

One of the best ways to visit all the paid attractions in NYC is buying a discount pass, such as CityPass, Sightseeing Pass or New York Pass. They offer a lot of attractions with a great discount. After using the pass a few times the attractions are basically free. Make sure to get yours if you are visiting at least 3 paid attractions in NYC (such as Empire State Building, Top of The Rock, MET Museum and maaaaaany more) to get a better price.

Long Island City

Close to Manhattan and with one of the best skylines of the city, Long Island City has a lot to offer. The area is always changing, with new restaurants opening attracting locals in search of a more laid-back atmosphere than Manhattan. On 4th of July it is the place to be to see the fireworks. To get there simply take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Avenue and walk for about 10 minutes to get to the water front. If you are feeling more artsy/cultural, MoMa PS1 is also in the area, take the 7 train to Court Square instead.

Foto: Wikimedia

Hoboken

Ok, this is not technically New York but you get to see NYC, does that count? 😀 The charming town of Hoboken is located in New Jersey, across the river and has beautiful view of Manhattan’s skyline. From shops to restaurants and the famous Carlo’s Bakery you can easily spend an afternoon exploring the streets and the history of Hoboken. To get there simply take the PATH train, it’s a short ride from midtown Manhattan.

Bushwick

Once known as an industrial area in Brooklyn, Buskwick became the place to be to escape the buzz of the city. The highlight of the neighborhood is definitely the graffiti and street art you will find by walking around the area, part of The Bushwhack Collective. If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of options around. For pizza head to Roberta’s (261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY, US), for coffee, Little Skips (941 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA). There is also an Artichoke Pizza, Tres Hermanos and many more. To get there take the L train to Jefferson Street or Morgan Avenue. In the summer months when is too humid bring a hat if you can, there aren’t many trees and shaded areas around.

Astoria

This is one of the most diverse neighborhoods of New York (located in Queens) and I’m lucky I get to call it home! Here in Astoria you can find a little bit of everything but food should be your main interest besides a few cultural experiences such as the Museum of the Moving Image. With a heavily Greek influence for the best authentic food, had to Taverna Cyclades on Ditmars Blvd where you will actually find a variety of restaurants to choose from. If you’re feeling Brazilian – like me- Kilo is a good option and it’s only steps away. If you wanna feel even more like a local, head to Astoria Park to walk around, get some exercise and even swim – they have a huge public swimming pool in the summer months.

Domino Park

Located at Williamsburg waterfront, Domino Park is the place to watch the day coming to an end. There is so much to see and do in Williamsburg already but if you only have time for one thing, I recommend going to Domino Park! There is a nice playground for kids, some food at TacoCina (but you find other options nearby), the beautiful view of Manhattan’s skyline and you can also practice or watch people playing volley, etc. There are different ways to get there but if you’re heading to the park only, you can take the train M to Marcy Avenue.