Discover our locals' 304 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!

City Guide made by Locals from New York.

Our New York Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in New York like a local.

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover New York through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in New York

Check out our latest hidden gems in New York

Things to do in New York

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

Aug 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

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 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

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 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

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 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

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 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

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 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

Aug 21, 2025

John's Pizza / Times Square

Pizza Tabernacle

John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.

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Restaurants

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 20, 2025

'Fearless Girl'

Wall Street History

On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...

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Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 20, 2025

The Hungry and Healthy Marketplace

Comedy / Deli

The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks
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Theaters

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 20, 2025

Manhattan Community Boathouse

Free kayaking

It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.

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Relaxing

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Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 20, 2025

Amsterdam Billiards

Pool table all-stars

"Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball...

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Bars
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Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Aug 20, 2025

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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