21+ Local Secrets New Yorkers Don’t Want You To Know

Island Oyster - Governors Park

imagesource/crewSitting here on a sunny day by the Hudson River, feeling the sea breeze on your face, you'll completely forget that you're even in the city. This tropical looking island is a $2 ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and you'll get stunning views of the gorgeous New York skyline too.

City Island - The Bronx

imagesource/Instagram@johnnysreefrestaurantAnother waterfront pick is City Island in the Bronx. It'll make you feel like you're sitting in a small seaside town enjoying fresh seafood on the docks. You'll get beautiful views of the water, tons of outdoor restaurants where you can stuff your face with Lobster, Fish, Chips and more! Theres even museums, shops and galleries on the Island!

Movie Night - Bryant Park

imagesource/NBCnewyorkBryant Park Movie Nights are presented by Paramount+. The Lawns open at 5pm for picnicking and films start at 8pm, so if you're in NYC in the summertime, this is the perfect little evening experience. Not only is it something a little different, but you're also surrounded by some of the best food vendors in the city.

Roosevelt Island Tramway

imagesource/accidentalltywesandersonWandering around a city sightseeing is nice, but what about doing it from 250 feet in the air? The Roosevelt Island Tram offers amazing views of NYC and was created to serve people living on the Island, however, it's not visited by other New Yorkers & visitors alike.

Morgan Library - Murray Hill

imagesource/tripadvisorWalking into the Morgan Library will feel like you've entered Harry Potters universe or old world Europe. The private library was built in 1902 for financier Pierpont Morgan who began collection historical materials, which now line the walls of the museum.

Little Paris - Nolita/SoHo

imagesource/secretnycNew York City's "Little Paris" is the work of a group of French business owners who wanted to showcase French culture on Centre Street in Nolita/SoHo. Here you'll find a French cafe, bakery, wine bar and art & decor shop.

Time Squares Sound Installation

imagesource/pintrestTimes Square gets thousands of visitors each day so it can be very hard to hear the calming art installation that has been installed by Max Neuhaus, right in the middle of Times Square. To hear it walk or stand in the pedestrian triangle between the streets 45th and 46th and you will begin to hear the installation.

NYC from above

imagesource/curbednyDaredevils can now view NYC while wearing a harness dangling over the highest outdoor observation deck in the city! Adding to the thrill, is the glass floor where you can look down on the streets of Manhattan. Located in the sleek Hudson Yards, this state of the art building hosts a shopping mall, a performing arts theater and some of Manhattan's most popular attractions.

Forrest Hills Gardens - Queens

imagesource/secretnycThis picturesque NYC neighbourhood was modelled on an old English village back in 1910. The quaint Tudor-style houses make you feel like you're walking through a quiet little town. You'll also find a very British train station in the town centre too.

Stone Street - Financial District

imagesource/viewing.nycAnother place in NYC that gives that old school European feel is Stone Street. This litle area gives a stark contrast to the modern city buildings around it and was one of the first and only streets paved with cobblestones in the Nieuw Amsterdal colony (1658). No cars are allowed & drinking is actually allowed in the streets.

Night Hawk Cinema

imagesource/thenewyorktimesThis dine-in Independent movie theatre in Brooklyn, was opened in 2011 and since become one of the most popular date night places in New York City. Repertory film programming and tableside food & drinks, what more could you ask for?

Brooklyns Secret Subway Exit

imagesource/pintrestThis old Subway Station is one of the prettiest subway stations in New York. After being closed in the 20th century, the beautiful stained glass windows are a remnant of historic New York. If you stay on the 6 train while it turns around, you may catch a sneaky glimpse of the station - on special occasions, MTA Transit Museum runs special tours of the station!

Party at a Museum

imagesource/thenewyorktimesWho doesn't love a party? Well, what sounds better than a party in a museum filled with beautiful art. Its a bit of a different experience, but one to definitely be ticked off your list when visiting New York. Usually restricted events, people need to buy tickets before entering venues like the Guggenheim - the party pioneer museum in NYC.

Cobble Hill Tunnel

imagesource/bklynerThe abandoned tunnel in the Long Island Rail Road system, is known as the oldest underground tunnel in the nation. Theres a lot of history in these tunnels, rumour has it they used to be used by terrorists as well as transportation for early 19th century contraband such as alcohol during the prohibition.

Brooklyn's Vinegar Hill

imagesource/atlasobscuraEvery wonder about the stories behind certain street names? Well, Vinegar Hill was named after a 1798 battle in Ireland. The neighbourhood features homes built in the 1800s and earlier & the gorgeous cobblestone streets give this area a real old school feel.

Discover a Piece of Olde England with Pomander Walk

imagesource/daytonianinmanhattanPomander Walk is a stark contrast to the enormous glass and steel towers of New York City's skyline. You'll feel as though you've just walked right into a quaint little English countryside town - Olde England is right in the heart of New York City making it a must see hidden gem!

Staten Island’s Mount Loretto Beach Rock Garden 

imagesource/atlasobscuraStaten Island local, Doug Schwartz crafted 200 amazing rock sculptures along Mount Loretto State Park Beach. The beach has become more popular since the sculptures were placed there in 1996, many still remain and some have even been added to by other artists.

Midtown's East Greenacre Park

imagesource/foursquareHidden in the heart of Midtown is a 1/7 of an acre of park which may sound small but its definitely not a sight for sore eyes! Theres a 25 foot waterfall that will distract you from the noise of the busy New York streets - built in 1971 by the Greenacre Foundation, its the perfect little break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Touch of the Berlin Wall

imagesource/yayatheduckAfter the Berlin Wall was taken down all those years ago, parts of it were distributed across the globe, with five pieces ending up across New York city. Journey down Madison Avenue to see a slab of it which looks very similar to parts of the wall that are in the East Side Gallery in Berlin.

Andrew Carnegie Mansion - Upper East Side

imagesource/instagram@gothamfairytalesThe Andrew Carnegie Mansion is a beautiful historical spot for history buffs visiting New York. It's undergone a lot of change over the years & the ground of the museum now feature a pretty garden, a cafe and an opulent oasis in the middle of Manhattans busy streets.

Tiny Little Doors

imagesource/scoutingnyCynthia von Buhlers, Tiny Doors, are dotted across New York City, so whilst you walk around the city, make sure to keep your eyes peeled, especially around pedestrian crossings. You need to make sure you are very alert to see one, legend has it is they move around and lead to magical fairytale kingdoms.

The Abandoned Small Pox Hospital

imagesource/pintrestLooking like something straight out of a horror movie, the abandoned small pox hospital has been left untouched since its last inhabitants left. It's an eery reminder of the smallpox endemic that affected many cities around the world. The hospital is actually closed to the public but if you travel to Roosevelt Island, you can get close enough to see the famous site.

The Met Cloisters - Washington Heights

imagesource/curbednyI'm getting Game of Thrones vibes looking at this place. If you didn't know about the Cloisters, it's actually a medieval castle in the middle of New York City! Branching off from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it devotes itself to European Art History. So if you're a bit of a History nerd, this would be your ideal place to visit on your travels.

Street Art in High Line Park

imagesource/pintrestNew Yorkers walk in High Line Park to experience the beautiful street art that is dedicated to expanding the role of contemporary art in public spaces. You'll see world class art projects on and around High Line, giving visitors a once in a lifetime experience.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Prospect Heights

imagesource/brooklynbotanicgardensThis lush oasis in the heart of Brooklyn will transport you to a completely different city. During the Cherry Blossom bloom, you'll feel like you've taken a trip to Japan. New Yorkers love this hidden gem, the tranquil environment could relax any stressed NYC worker.

The Ravine/Lock - Central Park

imagesource/centralparkCentral Park is full of little-known sections and one of those is called the "Ravine", a stream valley section of the North Woods. If you enter from the West Side through the Glen Span Arch, you'll find at least 5 little waterfalls designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux - who wanted a place where people could feel they'd escaped the city to the Catskills, even if they couldn't afford those places.

Villa Charlotte Bronte - The Bronx

imagesource/twitterAre we in Italy or the Bronx here? These beautiful "Villa Charlotte Bronte" apartments were built in 1926 and sit by the Palisades overlooking the Hudson River, but anyone would think they looked straight out of Europe. They were designed on an actual Italian villa & include balconies as well as gorgeous green gardens.

Ford Foundation Garden - Midtown

imagesource/icr-iccWith sunlight coming in through both sides of the tall atrium, the Ford Foundation Center is tucked away at the end of 42nd Street & is a true gem of the city. There is a reflecting pool, a sensory garden and 39 species of plants so if you're all about mother nature, this is the perfect place to visit whilst in the Big Apple.

Mohank Mountain House

imagesource/luxurytravelmagazineThe Mohank Mountain House, might not be in New York City, but if you want to get out of the city for a day, this beautiful mansion can be found in the south of the Catskill mountains. Built in the 1800s, its one of the most beautiful stately homes in America, and has been used as a filming location for films and series over the years.