Discover our locals' 298 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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Check out our latest hidden gems in New York

Things to do in New York

Monumental-Women
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Monumental Women – Central Park Monument Representing Real Women

"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 12, 2025
Der-Krung
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Der Krung – Best Thai spot in town

"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...

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Restaurants

By

Christian

Neely

Jan 12, 2025
Apthorp-Cleaners
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Apthorp Cleaners – Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 11, 2025
Taco-Mix
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Taco Mix – Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

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Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 10, 2025
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Studio Museum in Harlem – Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 10, 2025
Dinastia
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Dinastia – Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

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Art & culture
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Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 10, 2025
Stand-Up-NY
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Stand Up NY – UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

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Theaters

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 8, 2025
NYC-Pride-March
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NYC Pride March – The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 8, 2025
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Fall Foliage – Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

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Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 5, 2025
Sisters
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Sisters – Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

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Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 5, 2025
Patisserie-des-Ambassades
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Patisserie des Ambassades – Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 5, 2025
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Loeb Boathouse – Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

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Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 5, 2025

Hey Traveller! Heading to New York?

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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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