10 Non-Touristy things to do in New York City

New York City, New York, USA, Photo by Dietmar Rabich Wikimedia commons 

10 Non-Touristy things to do in New York City

New York City is possibly the most desirable place to live in the United States. It has a reputation for being one of the safest, most beautiful cities in North America and it provides access to almost anything you could imagine. This means that many people come across New York City as “nothing special” or an “ordinary” city because they are only seeing what everyone else sees: skyscrapers, Broadway shows, and Central Park. Even if you are already familiar with the city, your list of tourist attractions is probably very similar to every other New York City tourist.

If you are looking for a list of fun things to do in New York City that are not things you would normally see on the Travel Channel, here are some suggestions for you:

1. Go to a Party or Concert in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is one of the coolest neighborhoods in New York City. It is also known as Brooklyn’s hipster neighborhood because there are places like bars, cafes, clothing shops, and restaurants all catering to hipsters. It is also an area with lots of great graffiti art and very cool people everywhere.

2. Get to admire the 25-foot waterfall flows in midtown

Greenacre Park, photo by Appitecture Wikimedia commons

Along 51 st street between the 2nd Avenue and 3 rd. avenue in Greenacre park. There is a tiny 25-foot waterfall. It is such a beautiful thing that exists amid the urban jungle of midtown

The park is also known as the vest pocket park. It was pieced together by three lots formerly home to a store, garage, and part of a synagogue. An estimation of 700 visitors is welcomed every day. It is busy midtown and requires a quiet spot for lunch or to catch up with a friend.

3. Have a picnic  at one of the secret gardens

The Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan, New York, photo by Epicgenius Wikimedia commons

NYC is known to be the best when the summer is around. One f the best things to do during the beautiful time is by escaping the city hustle and rolling out a blanket for a picnic.

Heather garden at Fort Tryon park is one of the favorite picnic spots in the city. It was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted. He was the junior son of the famous central park architect. Fort Tryon Park is the recommended perfect spot to have a picnic, relax or finish reading a favorite book. At the park on a warm day, you will see the squirrels and young blue jays as they search for food.

Other recommended gardens to have a picnic include the battery park, Elevated Acre on wall street Creative little garden in the East Village, and Queens Botanicals garden in flushing.

4.  Tour the Victorian Architecture at Ditmas park

Ditmas Park, photo by Jim Henderson Wikimedia commons

The Historic district will show you past many large free-standing Victorian homes. They were built in the first decade of the 20 century. 

Ditmas Park is the Ditmas park historic district which is a national district. It consists of 172 residential buildings built between 1902 and 1914. Some of the fine examples includes Colonial Revival. Bungalow Craftsman and Queen Anne style single-family home. Also while in Ditmas park you will see the brick Neo- Georgian Flatbush Tompkins congregational church.

5. Explore the Fall Foliage in Bear Mountain Upstate NY

 It is located an hour and 10 minutes drive from NYC. Bear mountain boasts a variety of fun activities for the whole family. One can enjoy the fall foliage, paddle through Hessian lake, and walk across the bear mountain bridge. Also, one can go for a picnic, fishing, and visit the Trailside museums and zoo.  The outdoor ice skating rink is also another activity you can enjoy during winter.

Bear mountains are one day trip but if you’re interested in staying overnight. There are nice accommodations to choose and they include bear mountain Inn, Overlook lodge holiday inn express, and suites west point fort Montgomery.

6. Visit one of the unique museums

New York Transit Museum entrance poster, photo by Marcin Wichary Wikimedia commons

NYC has some of the best museums in United States and the world. Some of the museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural history, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the MoM.

The cultural institution offers more than the Vicent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night in MoM or the giant Dinosaur Skeleton. It also offers full f smaller and cooler spots.

some of the favorite and recommended museums are the Museum of ice cream, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Tenement Museum, Museum of food and drink, the Cloisters Museum and Gardens, and The New York Transit Museum.

7. Hop and enjoy a sunset/ seafood cruise 

It departs from Pier 81 on west 41st street and the Hudson river the  900- foot boat from North River Lobster company. It offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and full-service bars of fresh lobster rolls and has delicious cocktails on all three decks.

 They have a frequent sailing schedule that makes the ideal spots for everything from quick lunches and happy hour drinks after work to casual dinners and weekend brunches.

8. Screaming at the thrilling Escape room

One of the favorite games recommended and the best thing to do in NYC is the Beat the Bomb. This is an escape room with a spin where you try to defuse a bomb before it explodes paint all over you. But before you are advised to put on a hazmat suit to protect you from the blast.

Clue Chase is another option to play. It is also premiered NYC escape room venue. This combines a world-class game design with sets that are crafted by broadways designers. The escape rooms are unique and immersive and the staff doesn’t break character from the moment you enter until you are escorted out.

9. Kayaking on the Hudson River 

Kayaking in the Hudson River photo by Buddy Crew Wikimedia commons

Kayaking on the Hudson River is probably a great way to spend an afternoon in Newyork. The best about it is that is free. The downtown boathouse is located along the west street and also offers free kayaks and combines expert lessons. After you finish one ends up on the other side of the river in New Jersey. One is recommended to take some time wandering in the Hudson river park and have a quick bite in a nearby doughnut shop before heading back to New York.

10. Get to visit the life underground

Life underground is a secret spot. It has tiny bronze figures that normally decorate the 14 street and the 8th avenue subway station. This was designed by artist Tom Otterness. They are cute and playful cartoons like statues that precisely depict the small, history and myth of New York City.