Living Like a Local: 15 Non-Tourist Things to Do in New York City

Everyone knows Manhattan, but the soul of New York often lives in its other boroughs. In Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, we discovered a waterfront area that feels more like a small fishing village than part of NYC. The views of the Statue of Liberty from here rival those from Battery Park, but without the crowds.

Over in Astoria, Queens, we spent an afternoon exploring the Museum of the Moving Image—a far cry from the Metropolitan or MoMA crowds. Their Jim Henson exhibition brought back childhood memories that had me grinning like my kids used to when we'd watch The Muppet Show together.

When the weather turned chilly one afternoon, I was glad I'd packed my heated vest for our outdoor explorations. It kept me comfortable during our walk across the pedestrian pathway of the Pulaski Bridge connecting Brooklyn and Queens—a view of the Manhattan skyline you won't get on any tour bus.

Forget the tourist trap restaurants with their inflated prices and mediocre food. New York's culinary heart beats in small, family-owned establishments tucked away on side streets. In Jackson Heights, Queens, we discovered what might be the most authentic Indian food corridor in America. The Dosa Delight on 37th Avenue serves South Indian cuisine that transported me back to my trip to Chennai years ago.

For Italian food, skip Little Italy (sorry, but it's true) and head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. The real Little Italy is alive and well here, with family-run delis, bakeries, and restaurants where English is often the second language. We picked up fresh mozzarella at Casa Della Mozzarella that was still warm in our hands.

My personal discovery this trip was a tiny Ukrainian diner in the East Village called Veselka. Open 24 hours, it's where you'll find everyone from night shift workers to couples on late-night dates enjoying pierogi and borscht at 3 AM. I've started keeping track of these finds in my travel notebook, which has dedicated sections for food discoveries and neighborhood maps.

As a lifelong hockey fan, I've done the Madison Square Garden thing more times than I can count. But this trip, I wanted something different. We discovered that Columbia University's hockey games at the Riverbank State Park Ice Rink offer exciting college hockey action for a fraction of the price of pro games. The energy is fantastic, and the rink sits on a plateau over the Hudson River with spectacular views.

For baseball fans visiting in the fall, skip the crowded major league parks and check out the New York City Baseball Coalition's fall league games in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. These games feature elite college players and minor leaguers keeping sharp in the off-season.

My favorite discovery was finding pick-up basketball games at the West 4th Street Courts (known as 'The Cage'). We spent a Saturday afternoon watching incredible streetball while enjoying coffee from a nearby shop. I wore my merino wool quarter zip which kept me perfectly comfortable in the crisp fall air while we watched game after game of the most entertaining basketball you'll find anywhere.

Fifth Avenue has its appeal, but New Yorkers know the real shopping happens elsewhere. The Brooklyn Flea Market (which despite the name, offers much more than second-hand items) showcases local designers, artisans, and vintage collectors. I found a beautiful hand-crafted leather wallet that has now replaced my worn-out one from the mall back home.

For book lovers, skip the chain stores and explore the Strand Bookstore's 18 miles of books, or the charming Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in SoHo where proceeds support homeless and HIV/AIDS initiatives. I spent three hours in the Strand and had to ship a box of books back to Durham because I couldn't fit them all in my suitcase.

My most unexpected find was a store called Kalustyan's in Murray Hill—an international food emporium with spices, ingredients, and specialty items from around the world. After discovering it, I've started bringing my collapsible tote bag on every trip to carry home unique food souvenirs that remind me of my travels long after I've returned home.

When the sun sets, most tourists head to Broadway shows or overpriced rooftop bars. But New York has a whole different side after dark. We discovered the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on the Lower East Side, where Friday night poetry slams showcase raw talent and emotion that left us both speechless. The $15 cover charge was the best entertainment value of our entire trip.

For music lovers, skip the mainstream venues and check out Smalls Jazz Club in the West Village. It's an intimate basement space where world-class jazz musicians perform late into the night. With the right timing, you might catch famous players dropping in for impromptu jam sessions.

One evening, we joined a group of astronomy enthusiasts for stargazing in the High Line park using high-powered telescopes set up by the Amateur Astronomers Association. Even with the city lights, we could see Jupiter's moons and Saturn's rings. I was glad I had my insulated thermos filled with hot coffee to keep me warm during the two hours we spent looking at the night sky with friendly New Yorkers happy to share their knowledge and equipment.