On your first trip to New York City, you probably visited the Statue of Liberty, stood in Times Square, and observed the view of the city from the Empire State Building. Some people love doing those things over and over again, but most of us want to move on to activities that are a little less touristy after our first time to the Big Apple.
Here are several ways to enjoy the city after you’ve already visited all the big sights:
The Guggenheim: If you’ve already been to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), it’s time to come to this incredible contemporary art museum. It is built in an atrium style, with the walkway a white spiral leading up around the perimeter. The architecture itself is a marvelous work of art. When I went several years ago, I was able to see work from both Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. There is an incredible shoot-out scene in it in the movie The International. Well, sort of–a life-size replica of the museum was built just for it. But after you’ve been, watch the movie–it’s a fantastic scene and far cooler once you’ve been to the museum.
- Shopping in SoHo: This posh area is full of cute boutiques ranging from affordable vintage shops to expensive designer wear. You can also find art stands on the street and art galleries. If you’re on a budget, there is an H&M here–one of my favorite “chain” stores. The neighborhood gets its name because it is south of Houston Street. The south border is Canal Street.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): It’s easy to spend hours in this world-famous museum, which was founded in 1870. They have really interesting visiting exhibits; up until mid-August, they have had one that celebrates the over-the-top designs of late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. The museum has modern art, Ancient Greek and Roman art, a costume institute, old musical instruments, Islamic art, and so much more. They also have a cool roof garden with a cafe.
- Walking through the West Village: This is the western section of Greenwich Village, a hip and artistic neighborhood. This area is quieter and more peaceful than the rest, and it has beautiful brownstones, quaint cafes, hip restaurants, and trendy shops. It’s definitely has a nightlife, but it’s a lovely place to go stroll if you want to get away from touristy crowds.
- The Highline: I actually haven’t made it there yet myself, but my friends who live there rave about it, and it’s on my
list for my next trip to NYC. It’s an elevated park on the city’s West Side recently built atop old raised railroad tracks. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, trains driving at street level caused many accidents. The city decided to build tracks 30 feet in the air to keep it away from horse and car traffic. Several decades, its use declined, and the last train ran in 1980. Once no longer in use, it was going to be demolished. Local groups campaigned for it to be reused, and eventually a plan was set forward. Construction started in 2006, and in June 2009, the first section was open to the public. The second section was just opened this summer. It’s a beautiful and unusual park, and it features public art and events such as stargazing. They offer walking tours if you want to learn more about it (some purely garden-themed).
- Cross the Williamsburg Bridge: This massive suspension bridge connects the Lower East Side of Manhattan with Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. Want some exercise? There is a lane for pedestrians and a lane for cyclists, and it’s a fun way to cross from one borough to another, especially on a beautiful day. You will get incredible views of both.
- Play in the Lower East Side: Once a working-class neighborhood for immigrants, this area started to really gentrify in the last decade. It has become a very trendy neighborhood with hip restaurants on Clinton Street, art galleries, and tons of cool music venues. It has a great nightlife scene.
While I’ve been to New York City five times, I have actually never been anywhere else in the state of New York. One thing I really want to do is go see Niagara Falls (I know, pretty touristy, but it looks amazing). It’s not very close to the city, but there are Niagara Falls tours from New York that can be done in one day since they include a round-trip flight. You can also get out there on your own and then do a Niagara Falls tour, many of which include the boat ride under the falls (like the amazing scene in The Office).
What are some of your favorite things to do in New York City outside of the major tourist attractions?
Guggenheim photo by echiner1
Highline photo by Iwan Bann
Written objectively by me; sponsored by tours4fun.
