Are you planning a vacation to New York City? Well, being a tourist is fine. But what if you could dive deeper? The best locations in any city are usually secrets kept to just the locals. How can you experience New York City like a local? An authentic experience of New York City will have you leaving with your return trip in mind.

The best way to travel around this incredible city is to experience it like a local. The secret bars, restaurants, and places to visit can completely change your trip. The last way to experience the true New York is to do it like the typical tourist. Make it your mission to find the hidden gems while you avoid most of the touristy spots. You will be happy you took the time to discover something different.

So, if you are ready to change the way you travel, then check out these top activities on your upcoming trip to the big city. Locals know best. Do not worry about finding a local to show you around. Check out these 7 awesome experiences to have an incredible time on your trip. You must take the time to find the more hidden gems and stray away from just the touristy spots. Get ready for a full experience of the real New York City.

Create a Local Inspired Trip to New York City

 1. Walk the High Line and Watch the Sunset

Get outside while in the city! No matter what you do, you must catch the sunset in an epic place. It is a must to see this skyline with a beautiful array of colors.

For starters, check out the High Line. It is a 1.45- mile path that was created on top of a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan. A beautiful public park that entices visitors with a mix of nature, art, and design. Either spend a morning, afternoon, or plan to catch the sunset after a nice dinner.

There are several places around the city to catch a sunset. Just to name a few are Sunset Park in Brooklyn, on the Roosevelt Tram, or from a rooftop in Astoria. You really cannot go wrong with finding a place to view the sunset.

2. Brewery Tour in Long Island City and a Visit to the Pepsi-Cola Sign

Head over the bridge to Long Island City. A fast growing residential and manufacturing neighborhood filled with waterfronts, unbeatable views of Manhattan, art galleries, and a booming craft beer community.

Thus, with so many breweries to choose from why not try them all. There are currently four major breweries to add to your itinerary. The Long Island Beer Trail allows for you to taste the best each has to offer. The four breweries in the area to head to are Rockaway Brewing Company, LIC Beer Project, Big Alice Brewing Company, and Transmitter Brewing Company.

Additionally, while in the area head down to the waterfront to visit the neon Pepsi-Cola sign. This sign is in the Gantry Plaza State Park.

 3. Grab a Slice of Pizza and a Night Out in Brooklyn to Experience New York City Like a Local

You cannot head to New York City without trying a slice of pizza. It is absolutely a requirement. However, with so many different pizzerias, how do you find the right one?

New York is known for their delicious pizza. You really cannot go wrong when grabbing a slice. Head over to Brooklyn to try out two different pizza shops. Julianna’s Pizza features classic and specialty pies from a coal-fired oven. Or head down the block to Lucali for a thin-crust wood-fired pizza.

After all, the best way to wash down all that pizza is to grab a drink on the rooftop of the Time Out Market. A busy bar, filled with the art and culture of Brooklyn all under one roof. You are certainly going to head back to your place full after this night out.

4. Boozy Brunch in West Village with a Stop at Central Park

Are you a huge fan of brunch? Well, you came to the right place. New York City is a perfect place to find a delicious variety of foods with bottomless mimosas.

For a great morning while on your trip head to the West Village. There are several quaint restaurants to choose from in the area and afterwards you can head over for a pleasant walk in the famous Central Park. Popular brunch locations in the area include North Folk and Agave.

North Folk is a great option for bottomless mimosas and local ingredients in all their dishes from Long Island. You will for sure leave full after lounging in this rustic West Village restaurant. Also, check out Agave for a two-hour bottomless brunch with your choice of egg entree and drink. Just make sure to call for reservations in advance as these restaurants fill up quickly.

Afterwards, take a stroll through the nearby Central Park. Central Park is an urban park located between Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan. The fresh air and sunshine will be a great way to spend the afternoon after your brunch.

5. The Locals Love Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is the largest open-air food market in America. A collection of many local vendors that attract thousands of people in the area. With several locations, try out the market to get a taste of the real New York City.

The locations include Williamsburg on Saturday and Prospect Park on Sundays in Brooklyn. From 11 am to 6 pm, you can pick and choose food options from a range of vendors.

Additionally, you are helping to support a great cause when you head to Smorgasburg. They partner with Rethink Food, an organization that helps to provide nutritious meals to under-served communities. Have some great food while helping to make the city a better place.

6. Capture the Best View of New York City Like a Local at Mr. Purple

Mr. Purple, a rooftop bar and restaurant located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side. The amazing view of NYC from the top will leave you speechless, especially at night. The bar has unique wood structures, free hanging lights, and comfy furniture to make your visit spectacular.

Also, not to mention there is a pool. Lounges, banquettes, and high-top tables leave you with enough room to enjoy your time with all your friends.

If you enjoy an up and close view of the incredible architecture of the city than this is your place to visit.

 7. Head to Hair of the Dog for Beer Buckets and Football

How does that sound for your afternoon? The Hair of the Dog is the place to head with your friends whenever there is a game on. A bucket of beer, chill vibe, and enough televisions to catch all the action. This is a must if you are a sports fan in the Lower East Side area.

Additionally, there are many other reasons to stop by. The sports bar has an “all-day” happy hour Monday to Friday, bottomless brunch on the weekends, and a DJ playing all the best hits late into the night. The Hair of the Dog is a go to for locals. Let the good times roll.

Why Experience New York City Like a Local?

Because it is the best way to see the city. Whether you are traveling for a few days or spending a month, these experiences will have you seeing New York City like a local.

If you have your heart set on a touristy place, you should still go for it. However, avoid just spending time doing the typical activities that all tourists rush to see. The suggestions here will help you stray from the normal. Experience New York City through the eyes of a local. If you have the chance to meet some locals, always ask them for their suggestions. The city is huge, and there is always an opportunity to catch the latest local trend.

Get out there and book a different kind of trip to New York City! If you need some more travel inspiration, check out 7 Reasons to Add More Travel Into Your Life.