New York City, The Big Apple! In a city filled with various wonders and hidden gems, you barely know where to start!
Walking in the streets of New York is an adventure on its own. The art, the culture, and the bustling streets of busy neighbourhoods flood you with so many different feelings. Freedom, excitement, and maybe a little intimidation.
Well, this is why we are here for you. Our Spotted by Locals tips by real New Yorkers are here to save the day and help you explore the city like a true New Yorker!
With this list of spots and activities, we guarantee you a day full of delicious food, amazing art and culture, and beautiful nature. Visit one or all, it will surely make your day.
Want to discover all spots with us? Download our Spotted by Locals app to discover all spots!
Project Brunch
With fluffy pancakes, inventive sandwiches, and candy-filled milkshakes, Project Brunch is a restaurant that adds a playful side to your breakfast, a hidden gem in New York City!
If you want something savoury, their breakfast sandwiches are also delicious and filling.
it is highly recommended to treat yourself to one of Project Brunch’s creative hot chocolates. They have a variety of rotating flavours, and they are always coming up with something new.
A local favourite is the chocolate peanut butter and the Oreo hot chocolate. If you ask, your server might also be able to add a shot of espresso to kick it up a notch! Or, in the summer, they can bring it to you as a frozen drink!
Check out more spots in New York City here.
Brooklyn Museum
The most famous New York City museums are in Manhattan. You’ve heard about the Met, MoMA, and Whitney, even if you’ve never been to them. I always said it wasn’t fair to our hidden gem, Brooklyn Museum.
At the Brooklyn Museum, there are more than one million works to see. The collection has many famous names (Degas, Monet, van Gogh), but it excels in modern art.
Unlike the museums in Manhattan, the crowd in Brooklyn is a local one. Thanks to institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, we no longer have to go into the city for art and culture.
These spots make the outer boroughs more liveable than ever, and more worthy of a visit.
Check out more spots in New York City here.
Bow Bridge- Central Park
A hidden gem in the middle of central park in New York City, The arc of Bow Bridge is the muse to a swoon, a breath-stealing swoop, an archer’s bow inducing soft strolls and big questions like “Will you marry me?”.
Built between 1859 and 1862 during the American Civil War, it was the second cast-iron bridge in the USA (the same iron as used in a Wagner American frying pan).
Check out more spots in New York City here.
Anthony & Son
In New York, a sandwich isn’t just a sandwich. The best-hidden gems delis pile their sandwiches comically high with hand-carved meats between freshly baked bread.
The supersize sandwich tradition stretches across the East River to Brooklyn, where Anthony and Son Panini Shoppe has served Italian-style sandwiches in Williamsburg since 1994.
You don’t go to Anthony and Son for a turkey and swiss (although the “Healthilicious” Panino with honey turkey, alpine swiss, arugula, avocado, and balsamic pesto dressing is my go-to order).
To get the full experience, order from the menu of Italian-American-themed paninis, like the NYPD (chicken cutlet, bacon, Munster cheese, and ranch dressing) or the Luigi Special (soppressata, provolone, arugula, and grilled eggplant with olive oil).
Fair warning: Once you taste an Anthony and Son Panino, a regular sandwich will never taste quite as good again.
Check out more spots in New York City here.
The Elevated Acre
With over 1,700 parks in NYC, it’s not surprising that some of them may be a bit hidden in and around the city, which is why this is a true hidden gem in new york city.
The Elevated Acre is right in the middle of the Financial District, though you would never see it when passing by.
The park is beautifully landscaped on one side, with an astroturf green on the other that I’ve loved using for picnics!
Three sides of the park are surrounded by the skyscrapers of the Financial District, while one side of the park has a promenade that looks out over the East River, parts of the harbour, and over to both Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Acre is always very quiet because few people even know it exists!
Check out more spots in New York City here.
House of Yes
There is no other venue quite like House of Yes, an indoor-outdoor hidden gem space in Bushwick that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists.
Known for over-the-top costume parties, variety shows and concerts, House of Yes serves the greater community well with events throughout the week and weekend.
After starting as an art and performance community and event space and changing ownership and locations a few times, House of Yes has evolved into the colourful and eclectic space it is now.
Dancing, enjoying life, and expressing yourself is widely encouraged at House of Yes, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Check out more spots in New York City here.
Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill
Hidden on Long Island City’s waterfront, the hidden gem Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill offers amazing views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline.
You can clearly pick out landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler building and the United Nations.
If you visit at night, you’ll have a special treat of seeing the glittering lights reflected in the waves of the East River.
The bar maintains a casual atmosphere, with plastic cups, paper plates, and picnic tables. They offer a selection of beer, wine and cocktails, as well as coffee and soda.
The menu has hints of Eastern Europe, offering kielbasa and cevapi alongside hamburgers and hot dogs. There are options for every taste, but I recommend the kielbasa with a draft beer.
Check out more spots in New York City here.