5 Not-As-Touristy Things to Do in New York City
New York City is the city that never sleeps and is home to towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and bustling attractions like Times Square.
The city is made up of 5 different boroughs, made up of over 8 billion people, and is without a doubt one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
I grew up in Connecticut and visited New York often. Coming from an Asian immigrant household, Flushing was a popular destination for us for delicious Asian foods and groceries. I quickly outgrew the popular and touristy things to do in New York City, like taking pictures in front of the billboards in Times Square and watching the ice skaters in Rockefeller Square. It took some time to discover that there are many local gems or not-as-touristy activities or things to do in New York City.
Read on for 5 not-as-touristy things to do in New York City.
Take in the skyline from Bushwick Inlet Park
Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Bushwick Inlet Park has a unique view of the New York skyline and has a dog park for locals to bring their furry friends.
Stop at the park first for the views and people-watching, then explore the rest of Williamsburg and its antique shopping and art-filled streets. Although Williamsburg is one of the more commonly explored neighborhoods in NYC, it is certainly not as touristy as Times Square or Rockefeller.
Explore Manhattan’s Chinatown
Did you know that there are nine Chinatowns in New York City? The three major ones are Manhattan, Flushing, and Sunset Park. Flushing is the one my family and I visit often, and it is truly an authentic experience — I highly recommend anyone to stop by.
If you are looking to explore Chinatown, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by a lot of chaos, Chinatown in Manhattan is a great place to start. You can find the community along Mott St. and Canal St. in Lower Manhattan. Make sure to try some delicious bubble tea or Cantonese bread.
Wander around SoHo
SoHo, which stands for South of Houston St, is a high-end neighborhood that is fun to explore. It has cobblestone streets, designer stores, and fancy art galleries. I love people-watching here, as you get a unique mix of rich Manhattan locals and fashionable out-of-towners. Be sure to take your camera out and capture the unique architecture of this neighborhood.
Grab a drink at a rooftop bar
Join in the quintessential experience of having a nice drink at a rooftop bar amongst New York’s famous skyscrapers. It’s a perfect way to mingle with friends or meet some new people. 50 Bowery, as pictured below, and ART NoMad are a couple of rooftop bars I have been to that also offer an amazing view. Be sure to check their websites for reservations, especially in the warmer months.
Watch the day turn to dusk at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of my favorite places to finish my evening, especially on a nice day. I love watching the city lights begin to sparkle as the sun sets. The Brooklyn Bridge is at the base of the park, making it a perfect place to begin or end your stroll. You can also find Jane’s Carousel and Empire Stores, a warehouse that offers boutique shops and restaurants.
