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.
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Visit the newly restored Frick Collection, a Gilded Age treasure with masterpieces by Vermeer and Fragonard, housed in a historic Fifth Avenue mansion.
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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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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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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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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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308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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!
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.
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?
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.