New York City is one of the most visited places in the world, but if you stick to Times Square, overpriced restaurants, and sightseeing buses, you’re missing out on what makes the city truly special. To experience NYC like a real New Yorker, you need to venture beyond the tourist traps, eat where locals eat, and explore the city on your own terms. Here’s how to do it.
1. Stay in a Neighborhood, Not Midtown
Sure, Times Square is exciting for a few minutes, but no real New Yorker actually stays there. If you want an authentic experience, book a place in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg for trendy bars and an artsy vibe, Astoria in Queens for a mix of cultures and amazing food, or Harlem for rich history and live jazz. These areas have character, local cafes, and fewer crowds.
2. Rent a Car and See NYC Beyond Manhattan
Yes, the subway is great, but if you want to explore New York like a real local, you need a car. The best food, beaches, and scenic spots are outside of Manhattan. Take a drive to Coney Island for a classic boardwalk experience, head up to Bear Mountain for breathtaking views, or explore the Hudson Valley for charming small towns and wineries. Need a ride? Check out Drivo for hassle-free car rentals and see the real New York at your own pace.
3. Skip Tourist Restaurants – Eat Where New Yorkers Eat
If you’re grabbing a hot dog from a cart in Times Square, you’re doing it wrong. NYC has some of the best food in the world, but you have to know where to go.
- Bagels & Breakfast: hit Ess-a-Bagel or Absolute Bagels for a real New York bagel.
- Pizza: skip the $1 slices near tourist areas and get a real pie at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or Lucali in Brooklyn.
- Street Food: go for a halal cart in Midtown or try Birria-Landia for some of the best tacos in the city.
4. Master the Subway (And Know When to Avoid It)
New Yorkers rely on the subway, and so should you. Get a MetroCard or use Apple Pay to tap in. Just remember:
1. Express trains skip stops, so check before you hop on.
2. Avoid empty subway cars — they’re usually empty for a reason.
3. During rush hour (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM), trains are packed — plan accordingly.
5. Visit Museums (But Do It Smartly)
NYC has world-class museums, but locals don’t just go to the big ones. Instead of waiting in line at the Met, explore smaller gems like the Tenement Museum or the Frick Collection. And if you do go to major museums, time it right — most have free or pay-what-you-wish hours.
6. Explore the Boroughs — Not Just Manhattan
Most tourists stick to Manhattan, but real New Yorkers know the best spots are spread across the five boroughs.
- Brooklyn: walk through DUMBO for the best views of the Manhattan skyline, then grab a bite at Smorgasburg (seasonal food market).
- Queens: visit Flushing for the best Chinese food in NYC, or go to Rockaway Beach for surfing and tacos at Tacoway Beach.
- The Bronx: check out the New York Botanical Garden and have an authentic Italian meal on Arthur Avenue (aka the real Little Italy).
7. Take It Slow and Soak Up the Vibe
New York is best experienced when you slow down. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, spend a morning sipping coffee at Washington Square Park, browse a bookstore in the West Village, or just walk aimlessly through the streets — sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them.
Final Thought: Live Like a New Yorker
NYC isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about the energy, the people, and the little moments that make it special. So ditch the tourist itinerary, explore on your own terms, and see the city the way locals do. And if you really want to travel like a New Yorker, rent a car with Drivo and discover the best hidden spots beyond the subway map.
