NYC Try This, Not That

When I would visit New York, I never knew what to do. We'd walk around Times Square, maybe hit up Central Park, see a Broadway show, and have dinner in Little Italy. That was more or less it. When I moved here, I made sure to do as much as I could that I had never done before. So, here is a list of some of my favorite "touristy" alternatives.

Instead of the Met, try The Met Cloisters

Now, I love the Met. When I lived a few blocks away from it, I was basically there once a week. As a student, I had the luxury of being able to go during the less busy weekday hours, making it possible to wander through and actually get to experience it. But in all honesty I would never go there during a weekend in the winter, because literally every tourist will be there. Instead, take the A/C line up to Inwood and experience The Met Cloisters, an amazing collection of medieval art that will honestly take your breath away. Its located in a beautiful park (in a building that literally looks like a castle) and you'll literally feel like you're in a fairytale. Plus, they have the famous Hunt of the Unicorn Tapestries. Trust me, it took me too long to go there and I'm not sure how I lived happily before then. And you can save your ticket and head to The Met or Met Breuer during non-peak hours with the same ticket for up to 3 days.

Instead of a Broadway Musical, try a New Off-Broadway Play

I was a theatre major, so I defintely love Broadway. I've seen Phantom of the Opera four times, and I religiously enter show lotteries and count down the days until the Tony's, that being said, the best shows I've ever seen have been off-Broadway. The are usually way cheaper, more intimate, and you can literallys ee the passion radiating off everyone involved. Groups like Signature Theatre, The Public, and Playwrights Horizons constantly put on Broadway-level quality shows but also don't be afraid of a little black box show like one at The New Ohio or 50 E 50. Try it, you won't regret it.

Instead of Central Park, try Prospect Park

Okay, I love Central Park. There were times when I would spend literally everyday there. That being said, Prospect Park is a whole different world. Some parts of it feels like you're in the actual wilderness and ponds are breathtaking, they have events in the warmer months, and in the winter you can go ice skating! It's calmer, quieter, and you can usually fine some Caribbean drummers rocking out on the south end- it's defintely unique.

Instead of an expensive cruise around the harbor, try The NYC Ferry

Whether you decide to take the Staton Island Ferry (free Statue of Liberty viewing!!) or the NYC Ferry connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, you will not be disapointed. The views of the skyline are unbeatable and you can still have your Titanic moment for less than $3.

Instead of shopping at overpriced gift shops, try craft fairs

Everyone wants a souvenir from their trip to NYC, but pre-packeged shirts with a collage of Manhattan icons plastered on it should not be your go to. There so many options- you can try Artists and Fleas, various weekend flea markets, and if you're here in the winter, the winter villages are a must! Getting something really made in New York and benefits real people is the best way to remember your fun time. And plus, coming home with a Brooklyn hand emrodied dish towel is much more fun than the generic screen printed shirt that everyone and their mom has.