Hidden Gems in NYC

When it comes to Hidden Gems in NYC, take it from a local. You see posts about “Hidden Gems” everywhere, and it turns out it’s one of the most touristy things to do in the city. If you’re looking to actually do what the locals do, stick with me, it’s worth it- trust me! 

Hidden Gems In NYC: Museums

1. Morgan Library: This is one of the few places I have been to that actually made me feel like I was in Europe. The Morgan Library started as a personal collection of Pierpont Morgan and became a museum open to the public with thousands of early printed books, including one of 3 original copies of the Gutenberg Bible, historical manuscripts, old master drawings and prints, and more. It’s close to Bryant Park, making it the perfect stop on your NYC trip. 
2. Albertine: The Albertine bookstore is a project of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy to bring to life the French-American intellectual exchange. From the dreamy aesthetic to the curious goers looking to learn French, expand their fluency, and knowledge in French culture, this is a hidden gem you can’t miss. If you’re going to the Met Museum, this spot is just down the block. There are a number of free events, debates, and book club meetings to check out on their website. 
3. Brownstone JAZZ: Brownstone JAZZ pays homage to the pioneers of Jazz in America. Yes, it originally started in New Orleans, but famous musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong helped NYC to gain its reputation for great jazz music through their artistry. Enjoying classic jazz music in a 19th-century Victorian is the perfect way to spend the weekend, celebrate life, have a date night, or even a solo adventure. Check it out and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Museum at Eldridge Street: The Museum at Eldridge Street has been around since the 1800s (1887 to be exact) and is still an active house of worship for the Jewish community. The synagogue was built in the United States by Eastern European Jewish immigrants and is the only remaining standing building marking the Jewish immigration to the Lower East Side. 

Hidden Gems In NYC: Activities

1. Magic Jewelry Aura Reading: If you’ve never gotten an aura reading, then you’re missing out. Magic Jewelry is the go-to spot because they’ve been in business for 40+ years, and in this economy, for an aura reading business to STAY in business means they know what they’re doing. Once you arrive, you place your hand on a machine that captures the energy that you emit, and once the photo is taken, it develops that energy into a Polaroid. You can pay an extra $10 for them to interpret it, which is worth it. What a great experience and something that you can do multiple times to document different points in your life!
2. Creative Minds, BK Weaving Classes: Get in touch with your creative side at Creative Minds BK. This 2-hour workshop is perfect for beginners, a group, a solo adventure, or a date night. Make a one-of-a-kind tapestry that you can brag about for years to come. https://creativemindsbkny.com/
3. The Chai Spot: The Chai Spot is a café in New York City with an incredible, unique vibe. Inside the Majlis Room in Manhattan, find yourself relaxing on comfy, colorful cushions, enjoying nothing but a delicious chai tea. Their mission is to support peace-building and socio-economic empowerment of women and children in Pakistan, with 50% of profits supporting women and children in Pakistan! If you have time, this spot is a must to check out and relax while you’re walking over 30k steps. https://www.thechaispot.com/locations

Hidden Gems In NYC: Food

1. Chongqing Lao Zao: This hot pot spot right in Flushing, Queens, is one of those moments you’re surprised you’re not in a different country. A traditional Chinese dish dating back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties has successfully been passed on to the 21st century with the meticulous precision of Chongqing Lao Zao’s master chefs. They carefully prepare the spices, beef fat, and other flavors to create a consistently mouthwatering taste. The menu can look extremely confusing, and the waiters are helpful, navigating it with you and recommending the best options for you. Its interactive nature makes it immersive and fun for groups and dates if you’re tired of boring dinners. This, for sure, isn’t one of them.
2. Trad Room: Nestled on the border of BedStuy and Bushwick is an unassumingly exquisite spot. From the antique decor and mood lighting to the excellent service and incredible food, this place always has a line out the door, so your best bet is to reserve in advance. The ramen and sushi are top-tier, and every cocktail on the menu is made to perfection.
3. Mombar: Quite literally a hole in the wall kind of spot, Mombar is exactly what you’d find in Egypt; the authenticity and attention to detail in not only every inch of the restaurant but in every bite of the meal is out of this world. The owner is from Egypt, came here to study engineering, and then made his restaurant to remind him of his upbringing back home. Every bite has a story, and once you uncover the bejeweled wall, be prepared for an experience like no other, right here in Astoria, Queens. You truly feel like you’re in another country for the night, and the food is absolutely delicious. The place is BYOB, so take with that what you will and run for the hills.

There You Have It

From culture to activities and food, Hidden Gems in NY have never gotten easier to visit, thanks to mua. Take this NYC trip to do actually cool and local spots and not Times Square over and over again. With this guide, you can at least go back home and say you lived like a local and got the true New York City experience. So, which one are you most excited to go to? Maybe try to see them all and rank your favorites! 

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

See Full Bio