A Local’s Guide to Exploring New York City Like a Native

New York City is often seen through the lens of its iconic tourist spots—the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park—but the true essence of the city is found in its neighborhoods, hidden gems, and local experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always a new way to experience NYC, especially if you know where to look. From secret bars to under-the-radar attractions and local food havens, here’s how you can explore the Big Apple like a native.

1. Skip the Tourist Traps, Embrace the Neighborhoods

While the must-see tourist sites are definitely worth a visit, NYC is made up of diverse, vibrant neighborhoods that offer a more authentic experience. Here’s how to dive deeper into a few iconic boroughs:

Brooklyn’s Hidden Treasures

Walking Tour: Start in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for cobblestone streets and breathtaking views of Manhattan. Head towards Brooklyn Heights and stroll along the Brooklyn Promenade for a quiet escape with one of the best views of the skyline.
Hidden Gem: Brooklyn Bridge Park isn’t just a park—it’s a place to relax by the water, enjoy a seasonal outdoor film screening, or wander around Jane’s Carousel.
Local Eats: Grab a bite at Juliana’s Pizza in Brooklyn Heights (locals swear it’s better than Grimaldi’s), or hit Di Fara Pizza in Midwood, a local institution that serves some of the best pies in the city.

Queens: The United Nations of Food

Walking Tour: Queens is a melting pot of cultures, and the neighborhoods like Astoria and Flushing are perfect for a food lover’s tour. Walk around Astoria’s Steinway Street, which has a mix of Greek, Middle Eastern, and Latin eateries. If you’re a fan of art, check out the Socrates Sculpture Park for outdoor art installations.
Hidden Gem: The Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is home to the iconic Unisphere, but not many visitors know about the Queens Museum’s UN Global Goals mural or the Queens Botanical Garden, a peaceful, green retreat that’s perfect for unwinding.
Local Eats: Head to The Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights for delicious Colombian arepas, or dive into Joe’s Shanghai in Flushing for some of the city’s best soup dumplings.

Manhattan Beyond Midtown

Walking Tour: Skip Times Square and head to Chinatown, SoHo, and Lower East Side to experience the true local pulse. Start at the Tenement Museum for a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience, then wander through the galleries and boutiques of SoHo.
Hidden Gem: For something quirky and offbeat, explore the Street Art of the Lower East Side. The murals in this area are constantly changing, making each walk unique.
Local Eats: If you find yourself in the East Village, Momofuku Noodle Bar is a must-visit for modern Asian fusion. Or, hit up Katz’s Deli for a classic pastrami sandwich (it’s touristy but still a New York tradition).

2. Hidden Bars & Secret Spots

New York City’s nightlife goes way beyond the crowded bars in Midtown and trendy rooftop lounges. Here’s where to find some of the city’s hidden gems:

Speakeasies and Hidden Bars

Pegu Club (SoHo) – One of the city’s original speakeasy-style bars, it’s a quiet, classy spot to sip on craft cocktails.
The Back Room (Lower East Side) – A true throwback to the Prohibition era, this hidden bar is tucked behind an unmarked door and serves drinks in teacups, just like the old days.
** Apotheke (Chinatown)** – Enter through an old pharmacy door and discover one of the best cocktail spots in the city. It’s hidden, but totally worth the search.

Local Dive Bars

The Spring Lounge (SoHo) – A local dive bar in the heart of SoHo, this spot has been serving up drinks for decades and has a quintessential New York vibe.
McSorley’s Old Ale House (East Village) – A true NYC institution, McSorley’s has been pouring beers since 1854. It’s no-frills, historic, and a great spot for a casual night out.

3. Local Events & Street Fairs

One of the best ways to experience New York like a native is by attending its local events and street fairs. These give you a real sense of the culture, energy, and diversity that make the city unique.

Smorgasburg (Brooklyn) – A massive outdoor food market held in Williamsburg and Prospect Park, Smorgasburg is perfect for tasting local and international flavors while soaking in the Brooklyn vibe.
Hester Street Fair (Lower East Side) – A smaller, more intimate street fair with local artisans, food vendors, and live music. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and enjoy homemade eats.
Cultural Festivals in Queens – Queens is known for its cultural festivals, from the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Jackson Heights to the Diwali Festival in Flushing. These are fantastic ways to experience the city’s multicultural side.

4. Local Cultural Experiences

When you live in NYC, you quickly learn that the best cultural experiences often happen off the main drag. Here are some local experiences to add to your itinerary:

Explore Hidden Museums

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (Chelsea) – A hidden gem that’s perfect for fashion lovers. Admission is free, and you’ll see incredible exhibits showcasing the evolution of fashion.
The Rubin Museum (Chelsea) – This small museum focuses on Himalayan and Indian art, offering a peaceful experience and a break from the hustle and bustle.
The New York Transit Museum (Brooklyn) – For those curious about the city’s subway history, this quirky museum located in an old subway station is both fun and informative.

Go to a Live Show (Off-Broadway)

If you’re looking for something more intimate than Broadway, catch an Off-Broadway show. Many incredible performances, from drama to comedy, happen in smaller theaters that offer a more personal experience. Check out The Public Theater or The New Group for some of the city’s best productions.

Street Performers and Pop-Up Events

From Union Square to Washington Square Park, you can often find local musicians, dancers, and street performers putting on a show. These spontaneous performances are an authentic part of the city’s culture.
Keep an eye out for pop-up events like secret concerts, art installations, and even outdoor movie nights in parks around the city. Websites like Time Out New York or NYCgo are great for finding the latest happenings.

5. Off-the-Radar Attractions

NYC is full of hidden gems that most tourists miss. Here are some spots that you should add to your must-see list:

The High Line (Chelsea) – While this elevated park is becoming more popular, it’s still a great way to see the city from above. The gardens and art installations make it a peaceful, offbeat place to stroll.
Roosevelt Island – Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway for incredible views of the East River and the city. Once on the island, explore the Roosevelt Island History Trail and enjoy a quieter side of the city.
The Little Red Lighthouse (Fort Washington Park) – Located under the George Washington Bridge, this lighthouse is an off-the-radar attraction that offers fantastic views and a dose of history.
The Morgan Library & Museum (Midtown) – For book lovers, this museum is a must. It’s housed in a stunning library with rare manuscripts, books, and art.

6. Best Neighborhood Food Spots

New York City’s food scene is vast, diverse, and constantly evolving. Here are some local favorites that don’t get as much attention as the more famous restaurants but are beloved by natives.

In Brooklyn:

Luzzo’s (Williamsburg) – This is one of the best spots for pizza in Brooklyn, with a wood-fired oven and authentic Neapolitan-style pies.
The Wythe Hotel Rooftop (Williamsburg) – The rooftop bar here offers a relaxed vibe with great cocktails and a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.

In Queens:

Lalibela (Astoria) – For one of the best Ethiopian meals in the city, this cozy spot is a local favorite for flavorful stews and injera.
The Halal Guys (Astoria) – The original food cart that started it all has now expanded to a permanent location. Expect massive portions of chicken, lamb, and falafel served with rice and sauce.

In Manhattan:

Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side) – An iconic spot for bagels and lox, but locals also love it for its unbeatable smoked fish and knishes.
Leo’s Bagels (Financial District) – For a classic New York bagel experience, head to this spot near Wall Street for fresh, hand-rolled bagels with all the fixings.

Explore NYC Like a Native

To truly experience New York City, you have to venture beyond the flashing lights and crowded streets of Times Square. Embrace the local culture, explore lesser-known neighborhoods, savor the food, and uncover the hidden gems that make this city so extraordinary. Whether you’re taking a walk through Brooklyn’s parks, sipping a cocktail in a secret bar, or attending a quirky local event, New York has a never-ending supply of surprises for those willing to look a little deeper. The city may be constantly changing, but the local vibe will always remain its heart and soul. Happy exploring!