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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Things to do in New York
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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...
By
Christian
Neely
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...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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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!
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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.