9 Actually Cool, Non-Touristy Things to Do In New York City
Don't just go to the Empire State Building k.
Published for Kiehl's, 04 Jun 2018, 06:08 PM
Have you ever dreamed of going to New York?
The crazy hustle and bustle of city life blended with so many cultures, languages, cuisines, and people - it's no wonder NYC is also known as the Capital of the World.
If you've always wanted to make the trip across the pond, now's your chance! Find out how you can travel to The Big Apple on a fully sponsored guided trip with Kiehl's City of Festivities at the bottom of this story ;)
1. The Cloisters - check out medieval European art, architecture, and artifacts
This annex of the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art is hidden away in the gorgeous Fort Tryon Park. It houses an impressive collection of items dating back to medieval European times including artwork, artifacts, and illuminated manuscripts.
The building itself is a gorgeous display of medieval architecture and has been used as a filming location in multiple movies.
Location: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040, USA
2. Smorgasburg - try all kinds of yummy food from all around the world
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America where over 100 vendors set up stalls to offer visitors a diverse selection of food from all around the world. Bring an empty stomach and a full wallet 'cause you're going to be so spoiled for choice!
And if you've ever wanted to try some of the most viral food trends of recent years like ramen burgers, raindrop cakes, or rainbow bagels, this is the place to get your hands on all of them.
Location: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
3. Ghosts of New York walking tour - explore the darker side of the city
Are you a fan of urban legends and the paranormal? Go on a guided tour of some of The Big Apple's most haunted spots. Ghosts of New York has a bunch of themed tours, such as Ghosts of Grand Central and Ghosts of Museums.
Pick whichever meets your fancy and go on a thrilling journey through dimly lit alleyways, haunted mansions, and other spooky spots. Maybe you'll even see some famous spirits if you're (un)lucky - how'd you like to meet the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe, John Lennon, or Eleanor Roosevelt?
Click here for a complete list of tour locations.
4. The Strand - browse through one of the biggest collection of books in the city
This self-proclaimed home to "18 miles of books" is every bookworm's paradise! Lose yourself within the seemingly endless ceiling-high shelves that take up all three stories of this not so little independent bookstore. You'll definitely lose track of time as you browse through their vast collection that includes everything from popular bestsellers to more obscure titles.
Most impressively, they even have glass cabinets displaying some truly rare and precious first-edition books! They also have this nifty credit exchange system that lets you sell back your books in exchange for store credit, applicable to any in-store purchase.
Location: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
5. Hajji's - eat like a true New Yorker
Forget about pizza, hot dogs, and bagels, this local favourite is a must-eat! This humble deli's actual name is Blue Sky Deli & Grocery (that's what you'll see on the signboard outside), but apparently everyone calls it Hajji's instead.
Head on over and order yourself a chopped cheese and prepare to have one of the cheapest yet yummiest meals in all of New York. The hero style sandwich is filled with a generous helping of fresh-off-the-grill chopped beef, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce, and mayo. Simple, but super satisfying!
Location: 2135 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
6. Brandy’s Piano Bar - have a fun and exciting night out with good music
Hidden away on a side street in the most unlikely of places, Brandy's is one of the Upper East Side's best-kept secrets. For over 35 years, this intimate spot has been acting as a stage for some impressive musical talents to showcase their stuff and boy will they blow you away.
Every night brings a new slew of performances accompanied by a live pianist (who takes requests btw) that'll have the crowd singing along to everything from popular hits, to jazz numbers, and even some Broadway classics. There's a minimum order of two drinks per person so pick your poison and settle in for a fantastic night ahead.
Location: 235 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, USA
7. Chelsea Piers - let loose and unleash your sporty side
Don't let it's scenic location on the Hudson River fool you, this is the place to go if you're the sporty type that loves staying active even while on holiday. Locals will tell you that Chelsea Piers is the best place to get your adrenaline pumping by trying your hand at over 25 different types of sports and activities.
The options are endless - gymnastics, parkour, rock climbing, kayaking, ice skating, ice hockey, baseball, bowling, basketball, football, swimming, and much more! If you're up for a challenge, keep a look out for some of their unique experiences like the rooftop trapeze class.
Location: 23rd Street & Hudson River Park, 62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, USA
8. Socrates Sculpture Park - watch local artists create some truly unique art pieces
This 4.5-acre city park was built over an abandoned landfill back in 1986. Now, it plays host to large-scale sculpture exhibitions throughout the year, participated in by various local artists and activists. Overlooking the Manhattan skyline, the park is the largest outdoor space in New York that's dedicated to exhibiting sculptures.
A lot of the displayed pieces there are created on-site in the outdoor artist studio space available there, which allows visitors to actually see and learn more about the art-making process.
The park doesn't have a permanent collection, which means there's always something new to check out. It also occasionally hosts fun events like workshops, markets, and even an outdoor cinema in the summer.
Location: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11106, USA
9. North Woods (Central Park) - go on a hunt for hidden waterfalls
Central Park itself may be a popular tourist destination but many don't know that there are actually some man-made waterfalls hidden throughout the park! Most of them are located in the Ravine, which is part of the 90-acre wooded area in the north section of the park, aptly called the North Woods.
The Ravine is filled with huge boulders and stone bridges, and was designed to make you feel like you're walking through the Adirondack Mountains. The cool thing about the waterfalls is that the water is actually New York City's drinking water! The water is supplied to the waterfalls via a hidden pipe near the Pool Grotto on West 100th Street.
Location: Enter from the West side through Glen Span Arch around 102nd Street.
Kiehl's is an American beauty brand that specialises in premium skin, hair, and body products. Did you know it started as a single pharmacy in the East Village back in 1851?
With more than 250 retail stores worldwide, the one you absolutely have to check out is Kiehl's flagship store in Manhattan at Third Avenue and East 13th Street when you get to New York City!
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