You’ve visited New York City multiple times and you’re just plain tired of all the touristy stuff. Maybe you’ve walked the famous Brooklyn Bridge ten times, you’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve been to Central Park. If you’re in such a situation, today we’re going to explore some non-touristy things you can do in NYC. We’ll also talk about the spots you can visit that aren’t on the tourist radar.

Visit the Brooklyn Flea

The Brooklyn Flea is an outdoor market that takes place in different locations throughout Brooklyn. The market features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and unique food items. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. What’s more? The market is held on weekends, usually on Saturdays and Sundays, and is open rain or shine. If your non-touristy adventures in NYC inspire you to start a local business, such as a unique city tour company, it’s essential to legally establish your entrepreneurial venture. To simplify the process and ensure you’re compliant with local laws, you can easily file for llc new york online. This will help you transform your unique ideas into a legal, operational business in the city that never sleeps.

Explore the NYC Flower District Association

The Flower District Association is kind of a secret spot in New York City; it’s vibrant and beautiful but not crowded with tourists. The place is like that probably because many people who visit NYC are interested in the museums, parks, and food and, therefore, rarely focus on flowers. So, instead of visiting the common tourist spots, you better check into a flower studio in New York. The Flower District is full of these studios, making it one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the world. It’s also home to many family-owned businesses that have been operating for generations.  

Visiting the flower district is a great way to see the behind-the-scenes of the floral industry, as well as find unique and high-quality flowers at wholesale prices. Additionally, the Flower District Association organizes events, tours, and workshops that can provide you with information and education about the industry, flowers, and gardening.

Go Uptown to Fort Tryon

Fort Tryon Park is a unique and historic park located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It’s a perfect stopover that offers you a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a beautiful and serene environment. One of the main attractions of the park is The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval art and architecture. The museum is set in a tranquil and picturesque setting and features a collection of illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and textiles from the medieval era. You can also take in stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades (many cliffs that run along the west side of the Hudson River).

Sample Street Art in Bushwick

You won’t go wrong with visiting Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, because it offers a plethora of non-touristy activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular activity is exploring amazing street art, which you can find on almost every corner. The Bushwick Collective is a notable destination for street art enthusiasts, featuring a collection of murals and graffiti from local and international artists.

You may also visit Bushwick’s coffee cafes, such as The Little Skips or Toby’s Estate Coffee. These shops offer a unique atmosphere and a chance to sample some of the best coffee in New York City. If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, you can stroll in Bushwick Inlet, which is among NYC’s best parks many people don’t know about. The park offers recreational facilities such as soccer fields, basketball courts, and a beautiful waterfront, making it a great spot to catch a sunset or go for a walk.

For the foodies, Bushwick has a diverse culinary scene, from authentic Latin American and Caribbean cuisine to farm-to-table restaurants. Some of the must-try restaurants in the area include Roberta’s Pizza, Mominette, and Los Hermanos. Another add-on would be checking into Bushwick’s bars and clubs that offer a more laid-back and alternative atmosphere compared to the more touristy areas of the city.

Check Out the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is home to over 6000 animal species, according to its website. This means that the zoo is a perfect hangout spot for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to experience the natural world in the heart of the city. After viewing toads and big cats, you can take a stroll through the zoo’s African Plains exhibit, where you can watch zebras, giraffes, and antelopes graze on the savannah.

The zoo also offers special exhibits and programs that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. The Wild Asia Monorail takes visitors on a journey through the zoo’s Asian animal habitats, while the Butterfly Garden is a lush, tropical greenhouse filled with many species of butterflies. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal hospital to learn about the care and treatment of the animals.

Enjoy Street Food in Queens, NYC

NYC is known for its diverse cultural cuisines, and Queens stands out with its variety of foods from different parts of the world. Some of the most popular street food in Queens include Chinese dumplings, halal carts, and authentic Mexican tacos. Eating street food in Queens can be a fun and affordable way to try different types of food and get a taste of the local culture.

A lot of the best food comes from street Food trucks in NYC, this is where you will get some of the tastiest and most affordable food the city has to offer.

Visit the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) can be considered a non-touristy spot because it is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors to the city. The library has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other study/research materials, making it a popular spot for scholars and researchers. And,  it’s not just a place to check out books, it’s also home to beautiful and unique spaces, such as the Rose Reading Room, the Children’s Center, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or nature, or you’re just looking for a unique experience, New York City is an exciting destination with something for everyone. Additionally, most of the city’s experiences provide you with an opportunity to make lasting memories, whether it’s through photography, journaling, or even participation in conservation programs. All you need to do is hurry up and do the things we’ve mentioned above because the spots that are considered non-touristy today might be touristy months or years later.