New York City's Hidden Gems

1. Staples - If you want to visit the staple sites, then follow these tips to get a better experience: Times Square is best seen at nighttime (and there are less people the later it gets); The Met has cocktails, snacks & live music at the Great Hall Balcony Bar on Friday & Saturday evenings; Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty are best seen first thing for less crowds (the ferries start at 8:30am).

2. Top of the Rock - Instead of going to the Empire State Building, check out the viewing platform at Rockefeller Center. I’ve found it to be less crowded and with a better view (inclusive of said Empire State Building). And while you’re here at Rockefeller Center, check out the Secret Gardens!

3. Museums - The city is home to over 100 museums, and while the likes of the Met & Guggenheim get all the museum glory, there’s more to choose from. A few others to check out include the Met Cloisters (for medieval art & architecture), the American Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Tenement Museum (dedicated to the turn-of-the-century immigrants moving to NYC), and El Museo del Barrio (Latin American & Caribbean art).

4. Walking Tour - What better way to orient yourself and see top sites all in one go than by seeing it as a New Yorker: walking! Such companies as Sandemans New Europe have free tip-based walking tours (you’ll save some money and easily get your daily 10,000 steps).

5. The High Line - While more well-known these days, this is still one of my favorite parts of the city I visit every trip to NYC. This disused elevated train track has been turned into a park with art installations and beautiful views. If you want something a little less known & crowded, check out the Elevated Acre (a park in the sky).

6. Markets - A trip to NYC isn’t complete without visiting the city’s many markets. Check out Market 57 (at Pier 57) for eateries with a focus on minority and women-owned businesses, curated under the guidance and mentorship of The James Beard Foundation. Chelsea Market is a must-visit for vintage clothes, arts, & wine bars. The Essex Street Market is the city’s most historic market (operating since 1888) with a focus on fresh produce, specialty foods & other eateries. Other places to check out include the Grand Bazaar, Little Market NYC, and URBANSPACE Food Hall.

7. Williamsburg - Venture toward Brooklyn to check out Williamsburg (referred to as the city’s hipster epicenter). This part of the city has breathtaking views of Manhattan (especially Domino Park and Marsha P Johnson State Park). The are is home to chic clothing shops, trendy cafes, and a lively nightlife scene.

8. Other Hidden Gems - The city is home to other hidden gems: the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a piece of the Berlin Wall (4 pieces are scattered around the city), the Old City Hall Subway Stop, the Stonewall Inn, and the Little Red Lighthouse.

The Skylark - For drinks & appetizers with beautiful views of the city, especially the neighboring Empire State Building.

Double Chicken Please - One of the World’s 50 Best bars (and check out its backroom, a refined lounge dubbed the Coop).

Los Tacos No. 1 - Started by 3 best friends who brought authentic Mexican taste to Manhattan.

Beauty & Essex - Although a chain (with locations across the US), this restaurant consistently delivers tasty food.

Gaonnuri - For some delicious Korean food with city views, check out this Koreatown staple!

Olio e Piu - While busy, this romantic Italian trattoria is an NYC staple with homemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and delectable tiramisu.

The Harold - A casual lunch spot near Koreatown with great bites & service.

Tacombi - A fun, bustling spot for Latin American food (best for dinner with friends)!

Junior’s Restaurant - For any lover of cheesecake, grab a slice here (either sit-down to enjoy or get a slice to go), you will not be sorry!