Discover our locals' 301 hidden gems in New York

Let's uncover New York's hidden treasures with Spotted by Locals! From underground jazz clubs in Brooklyn to hidden art in lower Manhattan, our Spotters bring you the city's best-kept secrets. Discover New York through the eyes of true locals.

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Things to do in New York

Professional Baseball

April 4 opener 2025

Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Rubenstein Atrium

Lincoln Center free concerts

"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.

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Coffee & tea
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Music
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Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Gray's Papaya

Traditional NY hot dogs

"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.

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Snacks

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Revson Fountain

Lincoln center

"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!

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Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Paris Cinema

Last single screen cinema in NYC

"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...

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Cinema

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

La Casa Bella

Bay Ridge Italian

The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,

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Restaurants

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 26, 2025

"A Great Day in Harlem" Site

Historic jazz site

"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...

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Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 26, 2025

American Legion Post 398

Hot Harlem night

At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...

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Art & culture
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Bars

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 26, 2025

Hudson River Greenway

Hudson River bike route

The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...

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Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 24, 2025

New Plaza Cinema

Art house cinema

"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?

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Art & culture
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Cinema
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Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 23, 2025

Manny's Bistro

French bistro, UWS

"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 23, 2025

Elevated Acre

Quiet, hidden elevated park in FiDi

"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!

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Relaxing

by

Christian

Neely

Apr 21, 2025

Heading to New York?

301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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