308 x New York Insider Tips
by real locals.

Nothing sponsored, No AI.
Trust our locals' favourites in New York.

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The New York City Guide
made by Locals.

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.

Our Spotters from New York:

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✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in New York

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308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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✓ Escape the Crowds

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Check out our latest hidden gems in New York

Our latest Spots in New York

Powerhouse Arts

Art in a refurbished power plant

Powerhouse Arts in Gowanus, once the 'Batcave' power plant, now hosts studios, exhibits, hands-on workshops and global arts programs, all in one venue.

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Art & culture

by

Nick

Papa

Sep 8, 2025

Un Posto Italiano

Real Italian cafe and grocery

Un Posto Italiano in Park Slope serves fresh pasta, seasonal Italian treats and imported goodies, bringing a true taste of Italy to Brooklyn.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Nick

Papa

Sep 8, 2025

The Rockwell Place

Hidden bar with local culture

At The Rockwell Place, a neighborhood bar meets sleek cocktail spot, with house drinks, curated wines, tasty food and a hidden, insider feel.

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Bars

by

Nick

Papa

Sep 8, 2025

The Campbell Bar

Gilded Age descendent

Take a sip of history with a classic cocktail at Campbell Bar, right by Grand Central — once an office, then a jail, now an elegant jazz venue worth a visit.

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Bars
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Music

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 19, 2025

El Sabroso

Ecuadorian lunch counter

Look behind the grey steel doors and find El Sabroso! A satisfying wayback experience rewarded with good-tasting Ecuadorian food, lovingly prepared.

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Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 19, 2025

The Juilliard School

Future Star Performances

Juilliard dazzles NYC with stunning free recitals, world-class talents, and a legacy that echoes through every note played within its storied halls.

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Art & culture
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Music

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 16, 2025

Patsy's 'El Barrio'

Historic Pizzeria

Patsy’s, famed for its 900°F coal-fired pizza, still thrives in Spanish Harlem, gritty, iconic, and sublime. Thin crust, no tables, just pure NY history.

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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 24, 2025

Frick Collection

Intimate, reopened art museum

Visit the newly restored Frick Collection, a Gilded Age treasure with masterpieces by Vermeer and Fragonard, housed in a historic Fifth Avenue mansion.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Mar 13, 2025

L&B Pizza

Gravesend Italian/American

L&B in Brooklyn, famed for its plain square slices since 1939, is a must-visit. Enjoy outdoor dining in Bensonhurst, a haven for Italian-American cuisine. Iconic!

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Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 22, 2025

Lexington Candy Shop

Period 1925 Luncheonette

A timeless spot on Lexington Avenue, this 1948 luncheonette offers classic dishes, soda fountain treats, and vintage charm —unchanged since its heyday.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 3, 2025

Luigi's Pizza, Calzones

Classic Italian Takeout

Luigi’s is every thing one could want: 'rustic' architecture in 'rural' Brooklyn & traditional pricing. Get a crispy slice with real cheese on top!

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Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Dec 2, 2024

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 26, 2025

Heading to New York?

308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

New York app Home
New York app Map
New York app Home

Going to New York?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. No AI and 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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