Bram ReusenNew York City is famous for its skyline-defining icons and bustling streets. However, its true character unfolds in the quieter corners where locals live, work and play. Beyond the flashing lights of Times Square and the stately arches of Central Park lies a tapestry of neighbourhoods, repurposed spaces and hidden gems that offer fresh perspectives on the city’s ever-evolving story.
So, whether you’re returning for a deeper dive or simply seeking a traveller’s shortcut to authenticity, stepping off the main thoroughfares reveals the New York that most visitors miss.
Also read: 16 Fun Things to Do in New York City
Roosevelt Island Tram
Image credit: m01229 | Flickr
The Roosevelt Island Tram is a beauty of an attraction on East 60th Street between the Upper East Side and Midtown East. This gondola commutes alongside the Queensboro Bridge from east Manhattan to Roosevelt Island (and vice versa). It climbs steadily over the bustling streets of east Manhattan, offering amazing views, until it reaches it 70-metre highpoint above the East River before descending onto residential and modern Roosevelt Island. An unknown attraction to probably the vast majority of tourists, the Roosevelt Island Tram offers a unique Manhattan experience. Connecting to subway lines on both ends, the only thing you need is a MetroCard!
Coney Island
Image credit: Jerry Dohnal | Flickr
Surely, you won’t expect to find wide sand beaches and amusement parks in New York City. And yet, they are very much there. Coney Island lies in the far south of Brooklyn, a long subway ride from Manhattan. There, you will find rollercoasters, a beachside boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean, a three-kilometre-long soft sand beach, luna parks, rides, hot dog stalls, beach bars and seafood restaurants.
The High Line
Image credit: David Berkowitz | Flickr
A brilliant example of repurposing an old urban feature, The High Line is a fantastic park in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. It is essentially an old elevated railroad that has been turned into a park. Walking through this narrow green elevated artery will allow you to gaze down on the street life below and to the skyscrapers above and in the distance. Although The High Line does get crowded, especially in summer, it’s absolutely worth checking out. There is a bar as well!
Brooklyn Flea Markets
Image credit: Dan Nguyen | Flickr
On weekends, flea markets pop up all over Brooklyn, the most populous borough in New York City. Particularly the one in Fort Greene is worth visiting. This is where you can find precious antiques, old maps, street food, used furniture, toys, vintage records and so on: A great place to pick up a souvenir. The Williamsburg Flea Market is worth taking a look around as well and has dozens of excellent food stands.
Staten Island Ferry
Image credit: Anthony Quintano | Flickr
If you don’t want to pay a fee to get up close to the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry is the place to be. This commuter ferry is free and travels between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. It runs right past Lady Liberty and offers absolutely jaw-dropping views of the Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Again, this is a free attraction, and one that you definitely shouldn’t skip.
The Cloisters
Image credit: e_chaya | Flickr
An area of medieval Europe in Manhattan, the Cloisters is made up of courtyards, a bell tower, brick buildings and wooden floors. In fact, parts of the Cloister do come from Europe, including a 15th-century fireplace from France and a 12th-century Spanish church apse. This excellent museum is dedicated to medieval art and architecture and is a true New York City treasure.
Discover Your Own New York City Story
Don’t let those bucket-list landmarks be the only chapters you read. On every subway line and riverside path, you’ll find new perspectives and personal adventures that prove the city’s greatest landmark is its endless capacity to surprise. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your map (or don’t) and let the real New York City reveal itself to you!
Also read: 7 Attractions in New York City for Your Second (or Third!) Visit
