Discover our locals' 296 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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City guides by those who know New York best!

Get to know our Spotters from New York

Check out our latest hidden gems in New York

Things to do in New York

Music-Mondays
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Music Mondays – UWS Free Chamber Music

The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.

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Art & culture
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Music

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 27, 2024
Bach-Vespers
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Bach Vespers – Candlelit Bach

A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.

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Art & culture
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Music
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Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 27, 2024
Apple-Bank
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Apple Bank – Samuel Yellin Ironwork

His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 27, 2024
Fotografiska
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Fotografiska – Museum of Photography

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 27, 2024
Birria-Landia-Tacos
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Birria-Landia Tacos – NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck

Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.

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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 25, 2024
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The Old Print Shop – Flatiron District Gallery

"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 22, 2024
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Sea & Sea – Fried fish takeout

"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 21, 2024
Pikine
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Pikine – Senegalese restaurant

Come to "Pikine" in NYC to eat shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese people!

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Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 21, 2024
Modern-Bread-and-Bagel
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Modern Bread and Bagel – Extreme gluten-free bagels

"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...

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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 20, 2024
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The Dublin House – Irish Bar Centenarian

"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...

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Bars

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 19, 2024
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Pain d’ Epices – French / American patisserie

"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'

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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 19, 2024
Django
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Django – Tribeca jazz boîte

"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Nov 19, 2024

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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?

Our New York Cityguide - Made by Locals

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Discover the diverse culture of New York City with Spotted by Locals. From the iconic streets of Manhattan to the hip neighborhoods of Brooklyn, our app guides you through the city’s eclectic districts. Explore Spotters’ favorites and hidden gems, and experience NYC like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

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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