12 Amazing Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC

Searching for some of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC? From discovering the Asian cuisine scene of Flushing in Queens to topping up your tan on an urban beach, there are plenty of activities and attractions in New York that only the locals know about.

For many reasons, New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But if you’re anything like me, you’d probably prefer to explore the Big Apple without constantly having to rub shoulders with excitable mobs of visitors.

Fortunately, there are many non-touristy things to do in NYC that give you the chance to experience the city from a unique perspective. Of course, you’ll want to visit world-famous attractions like Central Park and the Empire State Building while holidaying in New York. But to see the city through the lens of a local, you should also visit lesser-known gems like Sunset Park, Governors Island and the Cloisters.

Below, I shed light on some of my favourite things to do in NYC that are at least slightly off the beaten path. Hopefully, you’ll gain a few ideas on how to inject some originality into your next trip to the Big Apple.

Things to do in NYC that only the locals know about

From taking in Manhattan’s skyline from Sunset Park to camping on Governors Island, here are some of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC.

1. Soak up Manhattan from Sunset Park

You’ll no doubt want to take in some spectacular views of the Big Apple during your trip. Of course, you’ll find plenty of observation decks on the top floors of iconic skyscrapers that tower over the city. But if you want a less tourist-centric skyline viewing experience, you might want to head over to Sunset Park.

Sunset Park rarely gets a mention when it comes to things to do in NYC, but it’s a gem of a vantage point for postcard-perfect views of Manhattan’s sprawling cityscape. Plus, as Sunset Park is much less famous than tourist hotspots like Central Park and the Battery, it’s easy to find a serene spot for a picnic without the crowds.

You’ll find Sunset Park in South Brooklyn, and the best time of day to visit is – you guessed it – sunset. You can see as far as New Jersey on a clear day. If you’re staying outside the city, there are NJ towns with direct train to NYC that make commuting easy.

If you’re heading to New York at Christmas, this is a great spot to see the city and escape the festive crowds.

2. Admire the artefacts at the Cloisters

Fancy browsing through an extensive collection of artworks and historical artefacts without having to jostle with the crowds at galleries like the Metropolitan Museum of Art? I suggest exploring the Met Cloisters.

Situated in the picturesque Fort Tryon Park, the Cloisters houses a large collection of art and architecture from medieval Europe. Just some of the exhibits you’ll see include manuscripts, sculptures and religious relics from the Gothic and Romanesque periods.

Even the building itself is a sight to behold. It was constructed using materials from former European monasteries. I can’t quite understand why the Cloisters isn’t a bigger hit with tourists. Until it is, now’s the time to discover this relatively hidden gem.

3. Dine on Asian delicacies in Flushing, Queens

Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown in Manhattan may be famous for their Asian heritage and fare, but you don’t need to stick to the busy tourist areas to treat your taste buds to something new and exotic. The borough of Queens is well-known with the locals for its array of Asian restaurants. And the best neighbourhood in Queens for foodies is undoubtedly Flushing.

Flushing is my favourite neighbourhood in NYC for non-American fare, and the fact that there are barely any tourists around only adds to its appeal. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants include Pho Hoang (Vietnamese), Zhu Ji Dumpling House (Chinese) and Xi’an Famous Foods (Xi’an-style Chinese fare).

If you’re staying any longer than 4 days in New York, you might want to do some cooking at home. So, while you’re in the area, you can pick up Asian ingredients to prepare at home from stores such as the Old Town Asia Market, Jmart and US 1Supermarket.