So you’ve been to New York. You probably saw the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building, right? But have you found your favorite bagel spot? Do you know why we all hate the 6 train? Have you found the Central Park turtles? It’s time to explore a side of New York City most visitors miss. This three-day itinerary includes some of my favorite destinations – spots that will make you feel like you’re in on the city’s best-kept secrets.
Day 1: Secret Histories & Underground Mysteries
Morning: Walk the High Bridge: New York City’s Oldest Secret
Skip the crowds at the Brooklyn Bridge. Start your day with a chill walk across High Bridge, New York’s oldest standing bridge, connecting Manhattan to the Bronx. Originally built in the 1800s as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, it offers amazing skyline views without the tourist overload.
Where? Highbridge Park, Manhattan
Pro tip: Grab a coffee from The Chipped Cup in Harlem before you go.
Afternoon: Hidden Cobblestones & Dominican Feasts
After your walk, check out Sylvan Terrace, a gorgeous cobblestone street lined with 19th-century wooden row houses. It’s good for a photo op, or just a chance to pretend you’ve gone back in time.
While you’re there, don’t miss some of the best Dominican food in New York City at El Linaje. Their mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork) is legendary.
Where? 2023 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan
Must-try: Mofongo & fried cheese (trust me).
Evening: Candlelit Catacomb Tour (Spooky & Cool!)
Bypass the Broadway crowds and head under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral for a candlelit tour of the catacombs. This eerie, history-packed experience is part ghost story, part time capsule.
Where? 263 Mulberry St, Manhattan
Book in advance! It sells out fast.
Day 2: Art, Oddities & a Hidden Theater
Morning: A Museum No One Talks About (But Should!)
NYC is full of world-famous museums, but the Hispanic Society Museum flies under the radar. It’s got an insane collection of Spanish and Latin American art, including works by Goya and Velázquez, without the Met-level crowds.
Where? 613 W 155th St, Manhattan
Bonus: It’s free!
Afternoon: Queens Adventure – Greek Eats & a Riverside Escape
Take the subway to Astoria, Queens, where the Greek food scene is next-level. Grab lunch at Taverna Kyclades, known for ridiculously fresh seafood and huge portions. Then, take a walk along Astoria Park, one of my favorite waterfront spots in the city.
Where? 33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Queens
Order: Lemon Potatoes
Evening: A Tiny, Hidden Theater in a Bus Station? Yes.
New York City’s hottest ticket is… in the Port Authority Bus Terminal (seriously). This intimate little theater space was once a cookie shop, and now it hosts wild, unforgettable performances like “GI’Amour: A Tantalizing Cabaret Experience.”
Where? 8th Ave & W 42nd St, Manhattan
Expect: Singing, dancing, and a totally unique night out.
Day 3: A Secret Island & a Japanese Mini-Forest
Morning: Governors Island – New York City’s Hidden Getaway
Most tourists never make it to Governors Island, a short ferry ride from Manhattan. It’s got sprawling green spaces, historic homes, the city’s only glamping site, and a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty. In the summer, it’s a prime spot for biking, lounging in hammocks, and eating gourmet ice cream.
Where? Ferry from Battery Maritime Building
Pro tip: Rent a bike to explore faster!
Afternoon: Rooftop Drinks in Brooklyn
Take the L train over to Williamsburg (get off at Bedford and walk about 8 blocks north) for an afternoon drink at Westlight, a rooftop bar with 360-degree city views. It’s classy, not too pretentious, and perfect for soaking in the skyline with a cocktail.
Where? 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
Drink: Their signature mezcal cocktail
Evening: Sunset at New York City’s First Japanese Mini-Forest
Wind down with a visit to Williamsburg’s hidden gem: a Japanese mini-forest! Designed to mimic the fast-growing “Miyawaki forests” in Japan, this tiny green oasis is a peaceful escape right on the waterfront. Catch the sunset here for a picture-perfect ending to your New York City adventure.
Where? Williamsburg waterfront, Brooklyn
Fun fact: It’s one of the first of its kind in the U.S.!
Ready to See New York City Differently?
From candlelit catacombs to Greek feasts, hidden theaters, and island escapes, this is the city the locals love. Let me know which spot you’re most excited to check out, or if you’ve got your own favorite off-the-beaten-path NYC gems!
And in answer to the my first questions:
Bagels: Try Ess-a-Bagel, Bagels on the Square, or Hot Bagel
6 Train: The tunnels are too narrow for air conditioning. Pro: warm in the winter. Con: WARMER in the summer
Central Park Turtles: they’re here. My former boyfriend told me he and most of his friends caught their pet turtles here and released them a few years later in the same pond. NYC kids are their own thing.
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