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Non-Touristy Things to do When Visiting New York
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Merlina Azul profile picture
Merlina Azul
I'm a New Yorker, and these are some of the places I would HIGHLY recommend if you're visiting. And I'm not talking about the touristy stuff!
Map
Sections
3
 
Parks & Outdoor
 
Historic Sites
 
Museums

Parks & Outdoor

Parks that are NOT Central Park (though Central Park is beautiful and I still recommend)

 
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Everyone talks about the Brooklyn Bridge, but what about The High Bridge ? 😍
The High Bridge
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Went on a field trip here as a kid and such good memories! 👏🏼
Socrates Sculpture Park
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If you're willing to go a little out of your way into Bklyn and explore a park aside from Central, this is it!
Prospect Park
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The Brooklyn Flea Market has become more popular in recent years, but I think it's still not the MOST touristy thing…
Brooklyn Flea Market
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Much less packed than the Brooklyn or NY Botanical Gardens, just as stunning 🤩
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
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Another beautiful park that isn't Central Park!
Randall's Island
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So many cute towns outside the city accessible from Grand Central!
Metro-North Railroad
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Yet another park LOL
Astoria Park
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Obviously best if you're visiting in the Summer!
West Bathhouse Pool at Jones Beach
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I've been to multiple concerts at this ampitheatre and it NEVER disappoints. You get the show and this stunning view of the water that's unbeatable.
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
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Historic Sites

Some of my favorite historic sites!

 
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It's hard to get tickets but if you can 10/10 do it!
Old City Hall Station Tour
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This one used to CREEP me out as a kid! But it's such a beautiful piece of history!
Smallpox Memorial Hospital
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Museums

Good museums that aren't The Met or the AMNH

 
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One of THE most beautiful museums in NY
The Met Cloisters
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Sculpture garden and museum, peaceful and beautiful
The Noguchi Museum
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If you're in Astoria, this is a great museum a lot of tourists skip!
Museum of the Moving Image
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