15 Of The Best Kept Secrets In New York (According To Locals)

Blue Velvet
October 20, 2021
List Rules
New Yorkers: vote up the best lesser-known places and activities.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed the next time you visit NYC you may want to read up on these New York local secrets. There are plenty of hidden gems in New York, and tips and tricks to make the most out of your time in the Big Apple. And if you're looking for something secret on the West Coast, you can always brush up on the best-kept secrets of Los Angeles.

  • 1
    5 VOTES

    Waterfalls In The City

    From Redditor u/ShadyPolarBear:

    There are two waterfalls in the city, Paley Park and Greenacre Park.

  • 2
    6 VOTES

    Medieval Art At The Cloisters

    From Redditor u/Singletail:

    The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. They have an incredible selection of medieval art, including the unicorn tapestries.

    Fort Tilden - an abandoned army base that you can explore, with huge fortifications to climb on. You will need to exercise some caution and wear proper shoes. And don't be surprised if you find lots of unclothed people. Hard to get to without a car. And don't make the mistake of driving too far and going to Breezy Point - it's a gated community that calls the cops when minorities show up (literally).

    Jamaica Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - best bird watching in NYC, and just walking the trails are great. You can also go horseback riding along the bay.

  • 3
    5 VOTES

    Tiny Gift Shops In Elizabeth Center

    From Redditor u/twoandfortysix:

    I guess Elizabeth Center in Chinatown is kind of a hidden gem to most people. It's a bunch of tiny gift shops. It's a few blocks to SOHO, which is awesome for shopping.

  • 4
    5 VOTES

    Governor's Island

    From Redditor u/TheBoldManLaughsOnce:

    Governor's Island. It's really quite cool, not even New Yorkers know it. Take the ferry from Manhattan or Pier 6 in Brooklyn.

  • 5
    4 VOTES

    The Brooklyn Night Bazaar

    From Redditor u/DC25NYC:

    If you will be here over a weekend the Brooklyn Night Bazaar is somewhat of a hidden gem. Lots of local vendors. Also, check out Bergen on a Saturday in Crown Heights. They host Brooklyn Flea.

  • 6
    3 VOTES

    The Ramble In Central Park

    From Redditor u/jazzlw:

    There’s a part of Central Park called The Ramble. It’s probably my favorite part of the park and a lot of people miss it.

    I’m also a big fan of a little cluster of breweries in Long Island City (Queens) that you can walk between while trying different great beers.