![\"Chinatown](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Chinatown-NYC-2E.jpg\")
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![\"How](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-West-Village-1-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/div>\nWhenever I travel someplace new, I always want to get a sense of how the locals really live. Do New Yorkers really visit the Empire State Building on the weekend? The collective answer would be no<\/strong>. Here is a full locals guide to NYC.<\/p>\n New Yorkers are probably not even on 34th Street during the weekend unless they HAVE to go shopping.<\/p>\n So if you’re looking to tour NYC with a local’s perspective in mind, this will be your ultimate local’s guide to NYC.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Museums | <\/strong>New Yorkers love the classic museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art<\/a> or the MoMa<\/a>, but NYC has over 80 museums<\/a> in all 5 boroughs that span all kinds of interests. So if you’re looking for something different, these are my personal favorite:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Staten Island Ferry<\/strong> | If you want close views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor without buying tickets, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free. When entering take a seat on the right side for unobstructed views.<\/p>\n Catch a Live Show<\/strong> | New York is famous for it’s Broadway Plays, but check out off-broadway or even other theaters around the city.<\/p>\n Public Theater<\/a>, a popular theater in the East Village is known for being artist-driven and radially inclusive’. In fact, Hamilton got its start there, so it’s worth checking out what’s playing!<\/p>\n Live Music<\/strong> | Jazz, and dinner is so romantic and fun with friends!<\/p>\n I’ve been to Antique Garage<\/a> in Soho that had live jazz and had a blast. The interior was so neat and since it was summer, the windows were open and you felt transformed into another place.<\/p>\n But if you want a list of more places that offer live music check out this Eater guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Catch a Game<\/strong> | Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, you name it- NYC is home to many different professional sports teams.<\/p>\n So whether you’re a Yankee’s or a Met’s fan, or rooting for the rival team, rep your colors and let the games begin.<\/p>\n People Watch<\/strong> | When you find yourself with nothing to do in NYC (a rare thing) people-watching is the best entertainment NYC has to offer, and it’s free.<\/p>\n Take a seat in Washington Square Park and you’ll have stories for days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Boutiques<\/strong> | Check out the side streets in Nolita or Soho away from Broadway. You will find unique shops that you wouldn’t find in your local mall. I found Sezane<\/a>, a french boutique with the most adorable spring set up!<\/p>\n Another boutique shopping street is on 9th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. You’ll find clothing and jewelry shops like Verameat, Elliot Mann, and Cloak and Dagger.<\/p>\n Thrift Shop in East Village<\/strong> | There are so many places to thrift in NYC including Goodwill, Salvation Army & Beacons Closet, but you’ll find many curated stores in the East Village.<\/p>\n Some shops include Buffalo Exchange, L Train Vintage, AuH2O, Cure Thrift Shop, and Housing Works in SoHo.<\/p>\n Consignment Shop<\/strong> | When in NYC, your chances of finding luxury second-hand goods are extremely high!<\/p>\n They have specialized shops that only sell luxury consignments like the Real Real, a Second Chance, and Eleven Consignment boutique.<\/p>\n Union Square Greenmarket <\/strong>| The Union Square Market is a favorite drawing in all the locals. This outdoor market primarily sells fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and bread, flowers, and produce.<\/p>\n If you’re in the area, it is worth checking out. *Note closed on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.<\/em><\/p>\n Picnic<\/strong> | Bring a blanket, some food, and drink, and you’re ready for a picnic in NYC! It is a great way to spend an afternoon relaxing and catching in some sun amongst the hustle of NYC.<\/p>\n The best locations are in central park and my personal favorite the Christopher Street Pier on the West Side Highway.<\/p>\n Rockaway Beach<\/strong> | If you have a free full day in NYC, I suggest having a beach day in the Rockaways! Thanks to a new ferry service, you can get there within an hour from Manhattan letting you relax in the sun all day!<\/p>\n There aren’t a lot of food options in the Rockaways so come prepared with your own snacks and water.<\/p>\n Long Walks<\/strong> | Sometimes having no plan is the best plan. You can aimlessly walk around NYC and never get bored. You’ll probably stumble upon a new restaurant or even a festival you had no idea was going on.<\/p>\n This is probably my favorite reason for living in NYC, how each neighborhood has its own vibe! Some of my favorite aimless walks include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Biking <\/strong>| Biking is my favorite way to get around the city. You’re not confined to an underground smelly subway car and you’ll get some exercise while at it.<\/p>\n If you don’t want to navigate the streets in NYC, I would practice on the West Side Highway or Central Park where there are only bike lanes. After a while, you’ll get the hang of it!<\/p>\n Local Tip<\/strong>: use CitiBike<\/a>. For guests, you can rent a daily pass for $12 which you can use throughout the entire city. The only downside is once you take a bike out of the station, you have 30 minutes to dock it into another station.<\/p>\n I would download the app to see where and what stations are open.<\/p>\n Subway<\/strong> | Although not the most glamorous way of transportation, the Subway is the most efficient way to get from point A to B, especially during rush hour when traffic is insane.<\/p>\n However, the Subway during rush hour will be the most horrific NYC experience, especially when there are train delays.<\/p>\n Usually, the Subway runs just fine, but there are some days, especially on the weekends where it would have been better just to walk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Taxi & Car Apps<\/strong> | I personally don’t use taxis that often just because if I am going somewhere far, you bet I would be on the Subway.<\/p>\n I’d say most New Yorkers prioritize the subway over a cab or car service, just because they aren’t cheap and you’ll be broke before you know it.<\/p>\n <\/div>\nThings to do in NYC: <\/h2>\n
Sightseeing NYC:<\/h3>\n
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\n\n\n ![\"Metropolitan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-MET-Museum-1-min-e1595592129136.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n ![\"Metropolitan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to-NYC-MET-Musuem-2-min-e1595592065977.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nEntertainment<\/h3>\n
![\"Washington](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to-NYC-People-watch-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/p>\nShopping<\/h3>\n
![\"Shopping](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Gudie-NYC-Shopping-Sezane-5-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-Shopping-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/h3>\n
Leisure<\/h3>\n
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![\"Brooklyn](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-Brooklyn-Bridge-min-1440x1152.jpg\")
![\"Brooklyn](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to-NYC-Dumbo-Sunset-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
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![\"Sezanne\"](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Gudie-NYC-Shopping-Sezane-2-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n ![\"West](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-West-Village-2-min-e1595591420200.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n ![\"West](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-2-min-e1595591467321.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTransportation<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-CitiBike-1-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\n\n\n ![\"NYC](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-1-min-e1595591341115.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n ![\"astor](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to_NYC-Subway-min-e1595591322239.jpg?w=641&h=962&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to-NYC-Cabs-min-1440x2160.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLocals Guide for Food & Drink<\/h2>\n
![\"La](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-nyc-la-colombe-min-1440x960.jpg\")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Guide-to-NYC-Brunch-min-1440x960.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Cafe](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-guide-to-NYC-Cafe-Mogador-min-1440x960.jpg\")
![\"Smorgasburg](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Gudie-NYC-Smorgasburg-2-min-e1595590904429.jpg?w=641&h=428&ssl=1\" "\\"Smorgasburg")
<\/p>\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Locals-Gudie-NYC-Smorgasburg-1-min-e1595591077254.jpg?w=641&h=428&ssl=1\" "\\"Smorgasburg")
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