Best Non Touristy Things To Do In NYC

New York City is a gigantic and frenetic city. It’s hard to track down all the places you want to see and the stuff you want to do when you visit it. Yet, nothing is more boring than spending two hours waiting in a queue just to see some tourist trap or crushed between a crowd of people in Times Square.

Why not follow the locals to enjoy the city’s most interesting and unique offerings? Here is a list of spectacularly cool experiences you don’t want to miss in NYC that you won’t find in any standard travel guide. Let’s have a look.

Blue Quarter

If you want to taste an exquisite drink in a classy clandestine drinking den, the East Village is home of a stylish Mediterranean kitchen hidden behind a sturdy blue keyhole door in Local92. The Blue Quarter is a dandy bar that serves some of the most exotic cocktails scented with flavory international teas. From the South American Not My Presidenté (blanc vermouth, white rum, Aperol, and mint tea) to the Asian-inspired Oolong Island Iced Tea (velvet falernum, “many” clear spirits, and cola), the Blue Quarter is the ideal retreat from the hectic NYC city streets.

Union Square Greenmarket

If you’re tired of buying groceries inside huge malls and want to enjoy the exquisite taste of some fresh fruit and vegetables, say no more. The lively outdoor Union Square Greenmarket houses countless rows of vendors selling homegrown produce, cheese and meats, as well as homemade cookies, breads and other tasty delicacies. You will have the occasion to meet a lot of the most colorful local bakers, farmers, and harvesters while you indulge in a little sampling of their delicious goodness.

Green-Wood Cemetery

Okay, maybe a cemetery may not look the ideal place to visit for a tourist, but trust us and make an exception this time. Spanning 478 acres (193 hectares), the Green-Wood Cemetery is a breath-taking place full of koi ponds and prominent building such as the Green-Wood Chapel. You can visit many historical burial sights such as the tomb of George Catlin and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Needless to say, it’s an extraordinarily tranquil and relaxing place.

The Cloisters

A scenic and suggestive building constructed from pieces of European monasteries transferred to America, the Cloisters is a place that really looks a palace from Game of Thrones. Tucked inside the beautiful Fort Tryon Park overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters houses the Met’s art and architecture collections from medieval Europe. Here you will find a wide range of different artifacts, ranging from original manuscripts to the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin and the popular Unicorn Tapestries.

The 92nd Street Y

The 92nd Street Y is a cornerstone of New York City’s history and culture. Built back in 1874 as the home to the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, it has evolved into a multicultural corner where people of all faiths and ethnicity can enjoy a broad range of different cultural events. A vibrant performance center, the 92nd Street Y hosts many classes dealing with various sports and crafts, as well as countless talks and lectures you can hear. Over the years, a lot of notable individuals from all around the globe (including Hollywood celebrities) came here to talk, so don’t miss the opportunity!

Conclusion

New York City is one of the more popular destinations for tourist around the world for a lot of reasons. A lifetime is not enough to experience all the many activities offered by this city, but if you followed your guide, you would surely taste this city in a completely different way.