Explore NYC Like a Local: A Resident’s Guide

Neighborhood strolls (beyond Times Square)

1. Fort Greene, Brooklyn: Historic brownstones, Fort Greene Park, and a creative crowd. Don’t miss indie films or a dance performance at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music).

2. Astoria, Queens: Authentic Greek food, old-school bakeries, waterfront parks, and a growing arts scene. Chill at Astoria Park with views of the Triborough Bridge.

3. Red Hook, Brooklyn: Feels like its own quiet, coastal town. Grab a lobster roll from Red Hook Lobster Pound, sip whiskey at Van Brunt Stillhouse, and catch sunset from Louis Valentino Jr. Park.

4. Bushwick, Brooklyn: A living gallery of murals, pop-up events, underground clubs, and converted warehouse galleries. Best explored on foot, with a detour into Roberta’s for legendary pizza.

5. Inwood, Manhattan: Way uptown, this overlooked neighborhood has natural forest trails in Inwood Hill Park, views over the Hudson, and a slower pace of life.

Shop like a local

1. Madison Avenue (Upper East Side): Known as the “Golden Mile,” it offers the same luxe designer stores as Fifth Avenue but with fewer tourists, more tailored service, and a charming, quiet vibe.

2. West Village gems

   • The Frankie Shop: For minimalist, fashion-forward pieces.

   • Three Lives & Company: A beloved indie bookstore with serious character.

   • Le Labo (Meatpacking): Not exactly a secret, but worth the hype for custom scents and refills.

3. 230 Fifth Ave Sample Sales (Flatiron): This low-key hub has rotating designer sample sales. Check online calendars for brands like Theory, Sandro, Ganni, and even niche homewares.

4. Artists & Fleas (Chelsea or Williamsburg): For vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, quirky gifts, and up-and-coming brands.

5. Beacon’s Closet (Greenpoint or Park Slope): New Yorkers love this place for well-curated secondhand treasures—think Isabel Marant boots next to 90s denim.

Where locals really go on sunny days

1. Sheep Meadow (Central Park): Yes, it’s in Central Park—but this is where locals go to stretch out, lay in the sun with snacks, and vibe. Come early on weekends, bring a speaker, and people-watch.

2. McCarren Park (Williamsburg): Brooklynites’ go-to for kickball, sunbathing, and summer hangouts. Grab an iced coffee from Variety Coffee nearby or tacos from Taqueria Ramirez.

3. Prospect Park (Brooklyn): Locals’ favorite park overall. The meadow near the Nethermead is a secret picnic spot, and the Boathouse offers lakeside views and birdwatching.

4. Little Island (Hudson River Park): A floating park with cool architecture and views of the Hudson. Ideal for a post-lunch stroll.

5. Domino Park (Williamsburg): Right on the East River with Manhattan skyline views, a taco stand (by Danny Meyer), a fog fountain, and volleyball courts.

Under-the-radar arts & culture

1. Tenement Museum (LES): Storytelling-driven museum of immigrant life. Tour the apartments of real NYC families.

2. Nuyorican Poets Cafe (LES): Soulful slam poetry, jazz nights, and raw performances.

3. The Shed (Hudson Yards): Bold architecture and cutting-edge art exhibits.

4. House of Yes (Bushwick): Wild, immersive nightlife with aerialists, drag, DJs, and glitter.

5. Neue Galerie (Upper East Side): Elegant museum showcasing early 20th-century German and Austrian art (think Klimt), plus Café Sabarsky.

Where real New Yorkers eat

1. Lucali (Carroll Gardens): Iconic BYOB pizza spot. No reservations. Come early.

2. La Vara (Cobble Hill): Moorish-Spanish tapas in a cozy brownstone setting.

3. Café Mogador (East Village or Williamsburg): Moroccan classics, brunch hotspot.

4. L’Industrie (Williamsburg): Burrata slice. Enough said.

5. Joe’s Steam Rice Roll (Canal St Market): A Chinatown legend for cheung fun with fresh toppings.

6. Hart’s (Bed-Stuy): Mediterranean-inspired small plates in a relaxed setting with killer natural wine.

Where to drink without a tourist crowd

1. Attaboy (LES): No menu. Just tell them what you like.

2. Bar Pisellino (West Village): Sidewalk Italian aperitivo with Negronis and espresso martinis.

3. The Long Island Bar (Cobble Hill): Retro cocktails, leather booths.

4. June (Cobble Hill): Natural wine bar with candlelight and chill energy.

5. Skinny Dennis (Williamsburg): Dive bar with live music and frozen coffee-whiskey slushies.

Local coffee shops to work, read, or recharge

1. Devoción (Williamsburg): Colombian coffee under a skylit jungle.

2. Everyman Espresso (SoHo): Minimalist, serious coffee.

3. Birch Coffee (Flatiron): With a library wall and old-school charm.

4. Stumptown at the Ace Hotel (NoMad): Vibes, crowd, quality.

5. Cafe Regular (Park Slope): Parisian corner cafe feel.