A local guide to NYC: what to do, see and eat

Once you’ve visited the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the rest of New York City’s most famous landmarks, it’s worth straying from the beaten path to experience New York like a local. This guide to NYC will offer insight into some of the city’s lesser-visited attractions and landmarks, as well as provide inspiration for local food spots and places to stay.

When we think of New York City, we often imagine the bright lights of Times Square and Broadway, meandering walks through Central Park or panoramic sunset views from the Empire State Building. However, if you want to experience New York City like a local, you should try and explore the city through a whole different lens. This means leaving the tourist traps behind, hopping on the subway and heading into Queens or the Bronx. Think hiring a car and driving Upstate or visiting a family-run restaurant in Brooklyn.

1. The West Village 

Situated in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Lower Manhattan, the West Village is a historical area known for its brownstone houses, boutique stores and bohemian vibe. Explore the West Village on foot, particularly Bleeker Street, to find cafés, eateries, vintage shops and secondhand book shops like Codex, featuring its own espresso bar. Other must-see West Village landmarks include the Whitney Museum of American Art, Washington Square Park and the Stonewall Inn – an iconic LGBTQ+ bar synonymous with the gay rights movement.

2. The High Line

Stretching a few kilometres from the Meatpacking District towards 34th Street, the High Line is an elevated public park popular with tourists and locals. As you wander the pathway, you’ll find yourself surrounded by over 500 plant species, as well as public art, including murals and sculptures. Locals often prefer to visit during the quieter early morning hours to enjoy sunrise views over the Hudson River and the surrounding Manhattan skyline. The High Line is also located within walking distance from Penn Station and Midtown and is best experienced with a typical New York-style coffee in hand.

3. Rockaway Beach Boardwalk

Located in Queens, about an hour on the NYC ferry from Wall Street, Rockaway Beach is a laidback location known for its sandy shores and surfer-friendly waves. If you prefer to keep the sand from your toes, wander along the boardwalk and visit some of the famous street food vendors and Mexican restaurants. Compared to Manhattan, Rockaway Beach has a local feel and features a range of budget-friendly places to stay, particularly at Breezy Point – a smaller, grassier neighbourhood located at the western end of the Rockaway Peninsula. 

4. Museum of the City of New York 

The Museum of the City of New York is a popular museum located on Fifth Avenue, within walking distance of Central Park. The museum is dedicated to highlighting the history, culture and diversity of New York’s local population via a range of multimedia exhibitions. Some of the museum’s permanent exhibits include New York at Its Core –an excavation of the city’s 400-year history, featuring photographs and paintings from some of the city’s ‘big personalities’ and ‘lesser-known personalities’ alike. If you’re a local or tourist looking to learn more about the history of New York, this is a great place to do so.

New York City is home to over 20,000 food establishments, each of which are brimming with history and culture. Depending on your location in the city, whether you’re exploring Little Italy or Koreatown, you’ll find varying food experiences hailing from all corners of the world. If you’re looking to find the best places to eat in NYC, it’s well worth asking a local or checking out some of the options below. 

1. Fresh focaccia at Lillo Cucina Italiana 

Lillo Cucina Italiana in Brooklyn is a cash-only eatery with a traditional family charm. Across the morning, Lillo serves fresh Italian coffee and affogatos, as well as cannoli and croissants. By early afternoon and evening, locals pop in for freshly baked focaccia with mozzarella, mortadella and prosciutto, as well as pasta dishes made using generational family recipes. From here, you are within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can admire views of the Manhattan Skyline.

2. Lobster ravioli at Mariella 

After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, check out Mariella – another authentic Italian spot located on Sixth Avenue. Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by low-lighting and rustic charm, as well as curated menus featuring lobster ravioli and gnocchi with beef short ragu. The restaurant is cosy, intimate and popular with locals looking for a quick evening meal. Afterwards, grab some traditional NY-style doughnuts and walk off your meal at Prospect Park – one of the city’s most famous green spaces. 

3. Kimchi pancakes at Osamil 

Located in Manhattan’s Koreatown, just metres from the foot of the Empire State Building, Osamil is a Korean restaurant that exemplifies NYC’s diverse food culture. Upon entering, you’ll hear soft jazz and the soothing tones of Otis Redding, before taking your seat at the bar or table. Osamil has gained a reputation as a great spot for those looking for a quick kimchi pancake and a few beers before moving elsewhere. You can find many other Korean restaurants in the vicinity, whether you’re searching for Korean-American street food or something more high-end.

4. Hot dog from a streetside stand 

A local guide to NYC wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the street food staple which is the hot dog stand. These days, hot dog vendors are not as prominent, however, there are still over 4,000 vendors across the city that ensure New Yorkers’ bellies stay full. If you’re looking for a hot dog stand, you won’t have to look far – simply head to a corner of any main street or wander through Central Park and you’re sure to find one. Hot dogs are simple creations – nothing more than a dog, bun, onions and mustard – all for just a few dollars. Ideal for those visiting New York on a budget.

1. Board the Staten Island Ferry 

Running between Manhattan and Staten Island, the Staten Island Ferry is a free 25-minute boat service that takes passengers across the New York Harbour. The ferry’s open decks and 24/7 timetable provide a flexible way to venture outside the city and visit some of New York’s historic boroughs, as well as take in some romantic sunrise or sunset views of the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Once on Staten Island, you can find plenty of great food spots brimming with working-class Italian-American charm. A great place to stay on the island is this modern apartment in Port Richmond, not far from the trails of the Staten Island Greenbelt and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grotto. 

2. Watch the New York Yankees

A visit to New York would not be complete without visiting the Yankee Stadium to catch the real stars of New York, the New York Yankees. Tickets in the bleachers are available for only $16, while other seats are available for anything between a hundred and thousands of dollars. Baseball and the Yankees are a surefire way to gain an understanding of some local American culture. If baseball isn’t your thing, you can always catch a game of basketball with the New York Knicks instead. Failing that, take in some MLS ‘soccer’ with New York City FC, who also play at the Yankee Stadium. 

3. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum 

Honouring the victims of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, also known as Ground Zero is a poignant spot for both locals and visitors to New York City. During your visit, you can find the names of the deceased etched onto bronze plaques, as well as artefacts, multimedia exhibits and first-hand accounts from the day. The museum offers a sombre and educational reminder of one of the darkest days in US history. 

4. Hire a car and head Upstate

If you’re looking to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and experience NYC like a local, one of the best things to do is hire a car and head Upstate. A short two-hour drive from Manhattan, you’ll find yourself in the greener, more picturesque surroundings of Upstate New York, where you can explore country parks and mountain ranges like the Adirondacks and Catskills. Here, you’ll find hiking trails and amazing log cabin studios like the Finger Lakes Treehouse, not far from the 11 Finger Lakes themselves.

How many days do you need to visit NYC like a local?

Many people spend a lifetime living in NYC and still don’t manage to sample everything there is to see, do and eat. However, if you’re just visiting for a holiday, three days may be enough to squeeze some key sights in, provided you have a well-researched and compact itinerary.

If you’re not a local, maybe spend the first day exploring the most famous landmarks, the second day visiting one of New York’s surrounding boroughs and the final day heading Upstate. Whether you’re flying into NYC or it’s the latter leg of a wider US holiday, there are plenty of flights available into the city, while car hire is another great option for exploring the region.