Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC — Destination Dreamer Diaries

When it comes to New York City, there’s no doubt that there’s a long list of things to do.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been making trips to the city twice a year. Living in D.C., it’s only a four-hour bus ride away – and I often have family and friends to stay with…

… so why not?

View of the Chrysler Building from outside the New York Public Library; July 2019

It’s the perfect escape for when I’m feeling claustrophobic and antsy (which is only always) in my own hometown.

Walking the streets of midtown in Manhattan at night in July 2019

Every time I go back to New York, I always have something else to do.

The beauty of New York is that you’ll never be bored.

However, tourists don’t see this quality as easily – and I don’t blame them.

With so much to do, I can see how someone visiting New York City for the first time could be overwhelmed.

Times Square in New York City; March 2018

While Manhattan is home to so many world-famous spots; I find that too many people prioritize seeing the typical sights while they’re in New York City rather than living the life of a local, and when traveling – it’s always important to spend some time not running around the city with a crazy long to do list.

When you’re tired of shopping in Times Square, strolling fifth avenue, and checking off conventional landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty…

… here are a few other ideas.

1. Picnic at Bryant Park

My favorite park in all of Manhattan is casually, smack in the middle of midtown – making for the perfect place to pause while sightseeing midtown.

While there are picturesque cafes inside the park itself, I prefer to grab something from the surrounding streets and bring it back with me.

There used to be a Pax Wholesome Foods (chain sandwich & salad shop) on 40th and 6th avenue with the best homemade lemonade… but when I went back this past July, I found out that it was closed.

I will say that the mint lemonade from Tender Greens around the corner is a close second.

It’s best to do this in the summertime, when there’s live music and other activities going on – but nothing should be stopping you from doing it in the fall and spring as well.

2. Check for Free Concerts

One of my favorite artists was playing Good Morning America in Central Park…

… a week before I was there.

If I had been there five days earlier, I could’ve seen her play live for free.

Make sure to check online for free concerts in the city, because you never know who might be playing…

3. EAT

If you like food, you and New York City are going to get along.

I’m not just talking about eating your stereotypical hot dog or pretzel off of the street; I’m talking about checking out New York City’s restaurants… because they are endless.

Whatever you want, you can have it – heck, you can pretend to travel the world, cuisine wise, for the night when you’re in Manhattan.

I feel like I’m passing another Irish pub every five blocks, when I’m walking midtown.

Washington D.C. is behind, in my opinion, in this regard – because New York City is constantly opening new and fun places with innovative food.

Here some of my favorites over the past couple of years:

1. Momofuku Nishi – Chelsea; 22nd street & 8th avenue

I came here in March 2017 to try the impossible burger. My Californian, meat eating friend said he wouldn’t have known the difference unless I told him.

2. Beyond Sushi – Chain all over Manhattan; location near Central Park on 56th street & 6th avenue

One of the best places I have ever eaten out at.

It’s a plant based sushi place located all over the city and it’s out of this world how amazing it is.

My mom (hard to impress), and my meat-eating best friend were both blown away.

P.S. – if they’re on the menu, get the jackfruit dumplings.

P.S.S. – thank me later.

3. Sweets by CHLOE – Chain all over Manhattan; location near Flatiron building on 22nd street & 6th avenue

Essentially – a vegan fast food joint. I’m a bigger fan of the bakery, but the actual restaurants are good too.

4. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream; Greenwich Village – West 10th Street & Waverley Place

I’m not the biggest fan of ice cream… but this place has got it down.

They made both dairy and non-dairy flavors.

5. Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room at the Top of the Rock – Midtown; 49th Street between 5th& 6th avenue

My mom and I were surprised that it isn’t too costly to eat and have a drink up here…

Marinated olives and Quinoa sliders from the Rainbow Room; July 2019

and with panoramic views of the city…

Watching the sunset over Manhattan at the Top of the Rock from the Rainbow Room; July 2019

Manhattan lit up at night from the Top of the Rock; July 2019

… you can’t beat it.

6. Double Zero – Ukrainian Village; East 4th Street & 2nd avenue

An atmospheric, plant based Italian place that makes really creative pizzas…

… and if it doesn’t do it for you, there’s a Ray’s Pizza Place (also known as the place for the perfect slice according to New Yorker mother) down the street.

7. MUD SPOT– East Village; 9th street & 2nd avenue

Hole in the wall spot that my friend who lives in the city took me to one time.

One of the best lattes I have ever been served in my life.

They also make really good New York Bagels here.

4. Walk into St. Patrick’s Cathedral

I had been passing by this cathedral in midtown for years and had never gone inside it until March of 2018.

Outside St. Patrick’s cathedral in midtown Manhattan; December 2014

While it’s nothing in comparison to the cathedrals I’ve seen in Europe, it is remarkable that it’s still there, smack in the middle of midtown – standing strong.

If you’re missing Europe (like I am only all of the time), pop in for a few seconds of silence away from the city.

5. Thrift Shop in Chelsea

My cousin took me in October of 2017 to so many places in Chelsea.

I bought a high-end skirt for $20.

If you like to shop, I’d do it instead of in Times Square – where you’re bound to run into utter chaos by three in the afternoon.

6. Explore Central Park… Uptown.

Central Park is huge.

It starts at 59th street near Columbus circle and goes all the way to 110th.

The furthest I’ve ever gone in is to Bethesda fountain… which isn’t even that far in.

Bethesda Fountain inside Central Park; March 2018

If you’re feeling like you need a road to walk a long while away from tourists – this could be the place to do it.

7. Take a Look Inside Trump Tower

Did you know that you can go inside Trump Tower… for free?

He’s got tons of restaurants and random stores inside there, too.

Here’s an even more arbitrary (but kind of hilarious) fun fact for you to…

… did you know that in June of 2016, my mom and I were walking down fifth avenue, and actually saw Trump come out of his building?

He was even more orange in person… and I wish I was kidding.

I’ve known about this building for years long before he was president, and now that he is – the building has garnered more attention of visitors.

It makes for the perfect place for a bathroom break while you’re trekking through midtown.

8. Go to a Local Rooftop Bar

One night, I was lucky enough to stay with my cousin and her then-boyfriend in his West Village apartment with this view over dinner…

View of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop of an apartment complex in the West Village; October 2017

Top of the Rock is the best view of Manhattan I’ve found yet; but there are so many other local rooftop bars to choose from.

Pick one and have at it.

If you’re looking for a more detailed list of things to do in New York City, click here.