There is no wrong time to visit NYC. The city that never sleeps has things to see and do year-round, but how can you be sure that you are getting the most out of your experience? After all, when you think NYC, you likely think of Broadway shows, shopping, and the typical tourist sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building… which are all amazing for first-time tourists, but NYC has so much more to offer! Did you know that Manhattan has a waterfall and a castle right in the middle of the city? From a number of outdoor activities to art scenes, fantastic dining experiences, nightlife, and more, here are a few NYC hidden gems that locals love, and tourists should definitely get to experience.
Outdoor Activities
I bet you are wondering about that waterfall. It’s true. The 25-foot waterfall that flows in Greenacre Park in Midtown was built in 1971. This is the perfect scene to sit down, read a book, and relax. But that is just the beginning of what NYC has to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. Central Park, for instance, is heaven on earth. From ice skating to enjoying live music by the fountains to a hidden Adirondack forest where you can also see a blockhouse from the war in 1812, Central Park is truly a place where you can keep going back and always finding something new. Central Park is also home to the Belvedere Castle, a must-see surrounded by snow or on a sunny day.
Biking around Manhattan is another experience not to be missed. Most tourists tend to rent a bike for a set amount of time, but Citi Bike is a fun and easy way to get around the city. You can pick up a bike at one of the many stations, take as many short rides as you want while your pass is active, and ride along the West Side Highway, from the bottom to the top of the East Side… and return it when you are done. There are just so many great biking paths, and it’s cheaper than a double-decker bus. You can also stop for a picnic at one of the many parks along the way, such as Riverside and Hudson River Park.
Another tip is to take the NYC ferries or the Staten Island ferry to see some of New York’s most popular landmarks. You can skip the long lines and expensive tickets and see the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island ferry that boards out of Battery Park 24hrs a day, every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes during rush hour). The best part is that it’s FREE. Also, for the price of taking the subway, you can hop onto one of the 6 (expanding to 8) NYC Ferry routes, where you will be rewarded with great views of the city.
Art and Museums
There’s so much to do and see in NYC. It’s easy to be entertained by all typical museums but if you want to see something different, check out these less popular but just as amazing art experiences.
Bushwick Street Art – If you are a fan of street art, this outdoor Brooklyn Gallery is a must-see, and there is always something new to experience! Every June, the Bushwick Collective Block Party brings together artists from around the world to paint new murals.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – North of most Broadway theatres, located in the Upper West Side, this vibrant cultural center showcases the world’s finest performing artists from music to dance, drama, opera, and film.
The Cloisters – Opened in 1934, the museum’s architecture is stunning and features columns, pedestals, door frames, and other structures salvaged from medieval Europe. Also known as the Met Cloisters, this is the only museum in the US that is fully devoted to medieval arts.
Museum of Sex – this unique museum has a permanent collection of over 20,000 artifacts, including photography, costumes, works of art, historical and technological invention pieces. Their goal is to advocate open discourse surrounding sex and sexuality through their popular exhibitions.
New York Transit Museum – hosting several exhibits, tours, and other events, this is an experience not to be missed. The best part is probably the hidden City Hall subway station. Although you have to be a member to take the tour, this NYC landmark is totally worth the visit. To take the tour and experience a piece of history, membership, reservation, and security clearance are required.
The art inspires a lot of people & they want to hang it in their homes. One may feel the urge to decorate the home walls with canvas art. You can check out some amazing online art collectors and sellers as well.
Dining and Nightlife
Everyone knows NYC is a foodie’s heaven with endless options from high-end 5-star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall good eats. NYC is also known for its legendary nightlife. Whether your plan for the night is to go to an off-Broadway show, NY Rangers Game, or the movies, stopping by a NYC rooftop bar for a cocktail or two, either before or after, is a must. There is something for everyone, and here are a few to get you started…
Chaiwali – The hip, bohemian restaurant, and bar serve an incredible menu that combines the flavors of India and New York.
ROKC – Located in Harlem, ROKC offers a unique experience as you take a trip through Japan by experiencing local flavors of diverse regional ramen. They are also known for their mind-blowing cocktails.
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer – with three NYC locations, including Soho, Midtown, and 35th, Black Tap has a fun retro vibe. Although the food is amazing, they are really popular for the extravagant milkshakes, which can be easily shared between 2 or more people.
Fried Dumpling – if you are looking for the best dumplings in NYC, this hole-in-the-wall joint is at the top of the list! And they have it all. Delicious dumplings and amazing prices.
Bohemian – this hidden restaurant takes hidden gems to a whole new level. Located behind a Noho butcher shop, it is also incredibly difficult to get a reservation. Still, if you manage to get one, you will be in for a unique and intimate dining experience.
Gallow Green – this unique rooftop bar gives you an escape from the city scene. The green garden vibe is relaxing, and you can’t quite find a magical place like this anywhere else.
Jimmy at the James – Located in Soho, this rooftop hotel has a classic vibe with a 70s NYC twist. NYC is known for its many rooftop bars, but the Jimmy is often overlooked. It has amazing views of the city, and the bar offers inside and outdoor experiences.
Laundromat – whether you have laundry to do or not, this is a place you will want to visit. Walk all the way into the back of the laundromat, and hidden behind a faux washing machine is an arcade wonderland. This hidden gem has the best collection of classic pinball machines, including a few very rare machines like Safe Cracker and Bing Bang Bar.
Basement – Another fun, low-key speakeasy is located in Chinatown, hidden behind a Coco-Cola vending machine. Basement is a “hidden” Asian-Fusion food and cocktail bar modeled after game bars in Hong Kong.
The best thing about NYC is that you can keep coming back and always finding new places to go and new things to experience. These are just a few that locals love and that will give you a little taste of what the city has to offer.
Gay-Friendly New York City Hotels
New York, New York is a gay-friendly town, and you will feel welcome everywhere and especially at these hidden gem hotels which both have something special.
Conveniently nestled in the heart of midtown Manhattan on 38th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Archer Hotel New York is the perfect address for access to the best of the Big Apple. Be sure to hit a favorite happy hour spot in the heart of midtown, Spyglass® Rooftop Bar combines all-season spaces with panoramic views of the Empire State Building! Book your NYC stay at the Archer Hotel and get a special Gaytravel rate!
Some people like to take a bite out of the Big Apple. Others prefer a refreshing slice of pineapple - Staypineapple New York, that is! Staypineapple New York is located in the fashion district, and you'll find its decor is aligned with its surroundings! The artsy midtown hotel with its welcoming staff will make you feel right at home.
About Barry Hoy
To Barry, traveling is an experience where each moment is turned into unforgettable memories. Barry first fell in love with traveling when he flew to Hong Kong when he was a kid. Since then, he has been exploring new destinations each year while experiencing different cultures and their local food. As a travel, food, and lifestyle writer/blogger, his goal is to inspire others to travel more, experience more, and love more.
Photo Credits: @asianmapleaf, Barry Hoy, and Teraj
