There are some Manhattan residents who love NYC’s cliche tourist atractions – Times Square, Central Park, The Empire State Building, etc. There is also a very high number of New Yorkers who simply refuse to see any of these world- famous sites due to the crowds. Platinum is happy to show our neighbors (and visitors looking for something off the beaten path) 5 things to do and places to see in NYC that will give you something new to show your friends.

Chelsea Market

Though Chelsea Market tends to stay crowded, it is always a wonderful experience. Host to over 35 food vendors, numerous retail shops, and even the filming of Food Network’s Iron Chef, it’s hard not to find something everyone loves there.

  1. Num Pang’s – Specializing in Vietnamese to-go food, their Bahn Mi sandwiches are amazing
  2. The Filling Station – With over 30 different kinds of oils and vinegars, no need to bring your own tasting cup. They have plenty.
  3. Lobster Place – The seafood mecca of Chelsea, Lobster Place has fresh seafood to purchase or eat right in-house.
  4. Tuck Shop – A small shop in their indoor section, Tuck Shop is an Australian savory pie company offering up some tasty snacks.
  5. Tippler – A dark and beautiful bar underneath Chelsea Market, Tippler focuses on mixology and a unique atmosphere.

DUMBO

An NYC acronym meaning Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. DUMBO is a part of Brooklyn that’s not to be missed. Don’t go without seeing:

  1. Almondine Bakery – Boasting Manhattan’s best homemade croissants – no joke!
  2. Street Art – Make sure to spot the beautiful and unique street art that fills DUMBO’s cobblestone paths. There are some amazing photo ops there for sure!
  3. Startups – DUMBO is the hub for many of NYC’s coolest startups including Vice, AM Only and more.
  4. More Photo Ops – Between the water, vintage carousel and the two iconic bridges, your instagram will be loaded with likes.

Brunch

Not surprising, New Yorkers are really into their brunch. There’s nothing better than finishing off a weekend with an unrushed meal with mimosa in hand. Some of the best brunch spots in NYC include:

  1. Jane – Greenwich Village – (212) 254-7000 – Reservations required
  2. Jacob’s Pickles – Upper West Side – (212) 470-5566 – Reservations needed. Try the fried pickles and breakfast biscuits
  3. Home/Made – Red Hook (BK) – (347) 223-4135 – Walkins welcome

South Street Seaport

If you’re lucky enough to visit NYC on a beautiful spring/summer day, you will not want to miss the seaport. Filled with food trucks and vendors, it provices beautiful views of the East River and Brooklyn. Definitely check out the following:

  1. Food Trucks – An armada of NYC food trucks packs the seaport during the spring/summer months. They’re amazing.
  2. Ships – Fall in love with the old ships still docked at the Seaport. You can tour some of them as well.
  3. Shopping – The shops at the Seaport are casual and very fun to browse.
  4. Bars – Most of the bars provide outdoor seating with a wonderful breeze from the water. Definitely a great way to end a nice day (or spend an entire day…)

Smaller Museums

To avoid that tourist feeling, try visiting some of New York’s lesser known museums.

  1. Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria) – For serious film buffs. You can dub over famous movie scenes with your own voice!
  2. Tenement Museum (Lower East Side)- Learn the stories of the original downtown New York immigrants.
  3. Museum of Sex (Flatiron) – Not for the faint-of-heart. Includes a gift shop 😉
  4. New Museum (Bowery) – New exhibitions every few weeks. Only $10 for students!
  5. International Center of Photography (Midtown) – Part school, part visually stunning museum.