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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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

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Grandma's Place – Inclusive Books and Toys

I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 17, 2025
Sisters-Uptown-Bookstore

Sisters Uptown Bookstore – African diaspora hub

"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 17, 2025
Color-World

Color World – Curb Side BBQ

Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.

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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 16, 2025
Don-Alejo-Coffee

Don Alejo Coffee – Coffee, toasts and burritos

Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 15, 2025
Icons-Homes

Icons' Homes – James, James & Dorothy

There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 15, 2025
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Heckscher Field/Central Park – Broadway show league

"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.

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Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 15, 2025
74st-Cafe

74st Café – American overlooking Beacon Theater

Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.

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Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 14, 2025
Verdi-Square

Verdi Square – People Watching

This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.

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Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jan 14, 2025
Monumental-Women

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

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

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

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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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

Instantly know your way in New York like a local!

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!

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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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