The following list is an important list. When you’re traveling through New York City, it’s easy to get caught up in the touristy Square areas, but some of the best hidden gems are just outside the Square.
1). Fugaclub NY- 254 Greene St New York, NY 10003
Flightclub is a store that you can only find in New York City. It’s filled with unique shoes, matching hats, and old school throwback jerseys. The walls covered in plastic storage are filled with shoes that can only be found in the store. They’re also throwback hats, so if you’re a throwback type of person, this store is perfect for you.
2). Mica’s Bakery- 37 East 8th St.
Many of you have heard of Magnolias as the best place to grab a cuppa in New York. But recently growing into breadcrumbs. I’ve had both and I can tell you the biggest difference is that the micro cups are bigger and more different. The selection in Mic is incredible. Anything from cheesecake to cookies and cream, they are absolutely delicious.
3).Il Piccolo Bufalo– 141 Mulberry Street New York, NY 10013
If you are visiting New York, try not to fall into the trap of going to a chain restaurant as you would like. you will be able to go anywhere. So you will dare to come down to Little Italy and try this incredible restaurant. The food show is spectacular with a large selection of pastas and desserts, as well as lagans and calzones. If you go, try the sangria because it is the best in the city.
4). Central Delivery Zoo- 5th Ave & E 64th St New York, NY 10065
There are many zoos in the tri-state area. There is the Philadelphia Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and others. But one zoo stands out and that is the Central Park ticket. It is located near Trump Tower in the central part of Central Park. On a nice day, when the weather is perfect, the Central Park Zoo is a great place to go, because the surrounding area is incredible. Also, they are trying to make it bigger, but the zoo is already full of big exhibits and animals.
5). Rucker Park- 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard
For basketball fans, New York is the place to be. Madison Square Garden is the world’s most famous arena, but then so is Rucker Park. From Earl Monroe to Wilt Chamberlain, so many legends have played at Rucker Park. Take a taxi, or subway, up to Harlem and watch a basketball game in Rucker Park. Maybe you’ll even see a legend.
6). Mott St. – Chinatown
When someone says to go to Chinatown, they direct you to Canal Street. For the fun that is going on Canal Street, I ask you to sidetrack a bit and go to Mott Street. It is located off of Canal Street in Chinatown and offers a less crowded experience with a few good restaurants.
7. Any other museum then MET
The MET is the most famous museum in NYC, but don’t venture out. There are so many interesting museums museums in NYC from the Sex Museum to the History of Television Museum. Be a little more daring and try something outside the box.
8. John’s Pizzeria- 278 Bleecker Street, New York, NY
As I said before, the restaurants in the Square can take you big time. When someone mentions pizza, no one talks about John. It originated in the Village and now has a store near Times Square. It is hands down the best pizza I have ever tasted. You cannot buy a segment; who only sell pies. It’s a thin crust, crust-oven pizza that will win you over. The pizza is worth the trip. You can either go to the original one or to the one near the Square to see a beautiful restaurant that was transformed from an old church.
9. Washington Square Park- Greenwich Village
Central Park is the most famous park in NYC, but Washington Square Park may be the best place to go. It is just less than 10 acres of land that has very nice landscaping and large statues. It’s right in Greenwich Village and it’s a great park to walk and spend the day playing.
10). Brooklyn
You’ve heard Brooklyn isn’t a good place to go, but think again. Brooklyn may just be the most up and coming place in NYC with great bars and restaurants. The food is fantastic from the big independent big ice cream shops, like the pizza makers. You can also see the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Go to Brooklyn, because it’s a very fun place to be.
I don’t want to avoid all the touristy places in NYC, but these places I’ve listed are must-haves in NYC. They are unique to the city because you cannot find them anywhere else. If you are alone, ask someone walking in the streets how to get to these places, but if you are with a group, take a taxi because it is the cheapest, the easiest way.
