Your first few visits to New York City can be a bit daunting. With millions of people and an expansive subway system it feels easier to simply stick around Times Square. While Times Square offers bright lights and brighter stars on Broadway, there is so much more that New York City has to offer! From the cobblestone streets in the Meatpacking District to must-try restaurants off the beaten path, read on to discover some of the best non touristy things to do on your next visit to the Big Apple.
Local Tip: Just venturing outside of midtown is a great first step. While Ubers and taxis are rarely in short supply, it is time to travel the city like a local. Download the City Mapper App to your phone to navigate the subway system… even New Yorkers do this from time to time! This is the best way to find things to do in NYC that are off the beaten path.
Meatpacking District
This trendy area on the far west side of Manhattan is home to cobblestone streets lined with trendy restaurants and bars, high-end shopping, The Whitney Museum of American Art, Chelsea Market and a portion of the High Line, an elevated park built on abandoned railroad tracks.
While the Meatpacking District is known for its nightlife, there is so much to see during the day. One of New York City’s local secrets is the Gansevoort Market, a former farmer’s market which opened in 1884. Today, you’ll find a plethora of trendy food stands such as Mission Ceviche, Gotham Poké and Big Gay Ice Cream for dessert.
If the weather is nice, make your way to the Standard Biergarten where you’ll find a great beer selection along with ping-pong tables to bring out the kid in you. Stroll along the High Line to take in a bit of history while enjoying views of the Hudson, food carts, green space and even some interesting art.
From there, take a trip to the Whitney Museum, which holds more than 22,000 modern and contemporary American artworks.
Meatpacking District Map
Off the Beaten Path Restaurants
The Little Owl Restaurant
Located on a charming street in Greenwich Village, The Little Owl is indeed a local secret. Tucked away on a street corner, hidden from the busy Friday night bar hoppers, you’ll feel as if you’ve left New York City entirely. The restaurant sparkles with charm and exudes a warmth that is hard to come by in the restaurant scene these days. Come for the meatball sliders and pork chop… stay for the ambience.
90 Bedford St,
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 741-4695
Pylos Restaurant
Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Pylos is a cozy Greek restaurant with terra-cotta pots hanging from the ceiling. The comforting Greek food will transport you to Greece and every dish is a knock-out. Although they do not have a full bar, they do have an extensive list of Greek wines.
128 E 7th St
New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 473-0220
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