Unlock Midtown's Hidden Gems & Adventures
New York Locals
Hidden gem in Midtown: Greenacre Park! A place for the general public to gain special repose from the increasing city experience of noise, concrete and humdrum. ~ Park designer Hideo Sasaki It's a picture-perfect day. Come on over and enjoy the park.🌞🌸
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Planet Playskool is officially open, and it is a must-visit! Planet Playskool is a game changer for family entertainment. It’s the perfect mix - a nostalgic (beloved!) memory for parents, and an innovative new way to play for kids. The design is brilliant and beautifully created, with over 20,000 square feet of fun! The larger-than-life attractions are inspired by your favorite Hasbro toys: Play-Doh, PJ Masks, Mouse Trap, Spirograph, Tinkertoy, Transformers, and more. (I still can’t get over the giant Mouse Trap!). Here’s a few favorites: •Build your own Tinkertoy car and race it down a track •Climb, crawl and slide through a life-size version of Mouse Trap •Hop on a bike for a wild ride with Transformers •Mold your own figure and watch it come alive at the Play-Doh Theater •And SO MUCH MORE Hungry? There’s even an Easy Bake Cafe on site for a yummy bite! It’s a fun way to keep you and your kids entertained for hours (trust me, they will not want to leave!).
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Hidden Waterfall in NYC 💦 Looking for a shady and cool place to relax in this heat? Head to this secret waterfall retreat. Greenacre Park is a hidden gem located in Midtown Manhattan. The privately owned/open to the public park has a 25-foot waterfall, ample multi-level seating, and thanks to trees and the neighboring buildings - its almost always shady (and cool!). With a cafe onsite, its the perfect place to grab a bite. As the waterfall is tucked away and not easily visible from the street, its a fun surprise for little ones to learn of this “secret” waterfall in the city. WHEN: ⏰Open daily 8am - 8pm
Secret NYC
Located in Brooklyn, The Prospect Park Zoo and its 12-acre facility features more than 125 species of animals and family-friendly exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages. Check out fun exhibits like the Sea Lion Court, where you can observe these majestic mammals in their true element or the The Hall of Animals, which showcases some of the smallest, yet most exciting animals in the zoo, such as the poison dart frog or fennec fox. Or maybe even end your trip with The Discovery Trail, a walkthrough of everything from red pandas to dingos. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out other attractions too like the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Museum!
Anastasiia in New York🗽
REMI43 Flower & Coffee 🌸☕️ My favourite must-visit in NYC! 🤍🗽 Enjoy a delicious cafe or pastry among various beautiful flowers and plants. Get things done, or just relax and take in the ambiance. Make sure to try the Rose Latte-it’s truly something special! 🌹 ☕️
Unlimited NewYork
Radio City Music Hall: The Jewel of New York City 🗽🎶 When we think of New York City, we often imagine its towering skyscrapers 🏙️, lush green parks 🌳 and, of course, world-class entertainment venues 🎭. At the heart of it all is Radio City Music Hall, a true Big Apple landmark 🍎. This Art Deco landmark 🏛️, located in Rockefeller Center, is one of the most famous and beloved theaters in the world. Since its opening in 1932, Radio City Music Hall has hosted countless shows and events, from concerts by music legends 🎤 to performances by the Rockettes, an internationally renowned dance group 💃. But the real magic happens when the lights go down and the show begins 🌟. Whether you're there for a concert, a musical, or the famous Christmas show, every performance at Radio City Music Hall is an unforgettable experience 🎄. So on your next visit to New York City, be sure to stop by Radio City Music Hall 📍. Whether it's for a tour or to see a show, it's sure to add a touch of glitz to your stay in the city that never sleeps 🌃.
Time Out New York
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels This quaint and charming wine bar offers a calm space to sip French wines. Those who want to learn more about wine can enroll in wine bootcamp workshops covering everything from natural wine, to tasting various French regions like Provence, Beaujolais and beyond. The space also offers enviable swag, plus curated bottle selections to taste at home, accompanied with suggested recipes and playlists, to continue the French experience from the comfort of your couch
See also
Dining in South Beach Near NYC: Local Insights on Trending Spots & Foodie Favorites
Time Out New York
Find Little Paris on Centre Street, between Broome and Grand Street. Even the stars of Emily in Paris have hung out in this neighborhood, and if it's Chef Gabriel-endorsed, you know it's legit. Interestingly, the lack of a specified space for Francophiles in Manhattan wasn't always the case. In the late 19th Century, Soho had its own French Quarter, as chronicled in an 1879 issue of Scribner's Monthly: "The people are nearly all French. French too is the language of the signs over the doors and in the windows." Ready to dive into the Paris-within-Manhattan? Here are a few French businesses in Little Paris to check out whether you're celebrating the Paris Olympics or just saying "oui" to a French experience without crossing the pond.
Gluten Free Girls LA
SOGNO TOSCANO SPECIALTY FOODS - one of the best places I have spent a Sunday afternoon in a long time. Live music on the cozy patio, attentive helpful staff and incredible food. Spent an hour and a half enjoying our food and conversation and we’re not rushed out.. a luxury to have these days. They also have soups and multiple salads that are gluten free (just be sure to ask the wonderful wait staff). Among their House beaked pastries they have one clearly marked gluten free banana bread (I did not ask about others). They also had multiple desserts that were naturally gluten free (gelato, crème brûlée etc.).
New York City Dreamland
Prima Brooklyn Wine Bar: coffee and wine in Clinton Hill And the people who make Prima! Our weird and wonderful little café wine bar first date solo date group date chess knit natural dye poetry reading chef pop up Caribbean lively leaky wholesome wild whirlwind of a place.
New York City Dreamland
Discover the charm of BITTERSWEET Brooklyn! This cozy spot is your go-to for delightful treats and delicious drinks in the heart of Brooklyn. Swing by and indulge in some sweet moments while soaking up the unique Brooklyn vibes. Perfect for a casual hangout or a quiet afternoon treat.
newyorkcity.explore
💆🏻♀️ Ready for a slice of Italian luxury in NYC? 🇮🇹🗽 Say hello to QC spa – the ultimate wellness experience you’ve been dreaming of! From stunning skyline views 🌆 while soaking in the only spot in the city with 2 outdoor pools open year-round 🏊♀️💦 to luxurious massages and saunas 🧖🏻♀️, QC NY is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 🏙️ But that’s not all – imagine sipping on a perfect aperitivo with a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. 🍸
Daytrip NYC
Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, QC New York Spa on Governors Island offers a tranquil escape with stunning views of the city skyline and a wide array of luxurious wellness experiences. Nestled in meticulously restored historic army barrack buildings, QC New York Spa combines the charm of 18th-century architecture with modern amenities. Visitors can explore labyrinth-like interiors adorned with elegant Italian furniture, art fixtures, and cozy relaxation areas, making it a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. The spa features over 20 wellness experiences, including themed saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. Highlights include the “Spa and the City” sauna with its New York skyline décor, the lavender-scented “Park Sauna,” and various foot baths and Vichy showers. The outdoor infinity pools, complete with hydro massage seats and loungers, offer breathtaking views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, providing a serene contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
Secret NYC
Camp under the stars on Governors Island! Treat yourself to this lovely glamping experience on NYC’s perfect island getaway: Governors Island! Over the years, Collective Governors Island Luxury Camping Retreat introduced plenty of new and exciting amenities that included “live music nights, tarot readings, crafting, morning yoga, bike rentals, chair massages, plenty of lawn games, campfires and cocktails” throughout the season—but this year, the experience is offering even more incredible amenities than years prior. All visitors are invited to join their happy hour on the Sunset Terrace and reserve a spot for their grill menu highlighting local purveyors and farms. There’s even an option to get late night takeaway drinks at a discounted price to enjoy in your tent.
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in South Beach Near NYC: Local Discussions, Networking & Events
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Elsie Rooftop really brings a slice of fashionable 1920s cocktail bar to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Set on the 25th floor of an office building near Bryant Park, the rooftop comes with an upscale and glamorous indoor lounge, surrounded by a wraparound terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyscrapers. The rooftop bar serves progressive mixology cocktails, along with wines, champagne and an upscale seasonally focused light fare menu.
newyorkcity.explore
Discover the vibrant umbrella installation at Hillel Place Plaza! 🌂🌈✨ 💡 Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the colorful umbrellas at Hillel Place Plaza create a stunning and whimsical canopy that transforms the space into a lively and artistic oasis. This installation not only adds a splash of color to the urban landscape but also provides a unique backdrop for photos and a joyful atmosphere for visitors. Whether you're strolling through the plaza, relaxing under the umbrellas, or enjoying the surrounding shops and cafes, this installation brings a sense of fun and creativity to the neighborhood.
Crown | NYC
Escape to a beautiful urban oasis in the middle of New York City. Greenacre Park is a 6,000-square foot oasis nestled among tall towers in midtown Manhattan. Inside the park a 25-foot tall waterfall cools the air and mutes the noise from the surrounding traffic, creating a perfect and refreshing space to enjoy a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. Park opens daily from 8:00am - 6:00pm.
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Secret NYC
Explore an incredible 15,000-square-foot museum filled with Banksy-inspired art! Calling all Banksy-heads and street art lovers: embrace the legacy of one of history’s greatest street at NYC’s Banksy Museum filled with the largest collection of work inspired by his creations! Uncover his unique pieces of work and get a deeper look into the mysterious artist. The production available at the museum is unauthorised and unaffiliated with the artist.
Mingomatic
🏮 Explore the Vibrant Chinatown in Manhattan! 🏮 Step into a world of rich culture, history, and amazing flavors in Chinatown, Manhattan. From bustling markets and colorful storefronts to delicious dim sum and traditional tea houses, there's something magical around every corner. 🏙️✨ Stroll through the vibrant streets, visit unique shops, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this iconic neighborhood. Don’t forget to check out landmarks like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and Columbus Park! 🕍🌳
Mingomatic
🌳✨ Washington Square Park Magic ✨🌳 Located in the heart of NYC, Washington Square Park is the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. From the iconic arch to lively street performances, there's always something happening here. 🗽🎶 Whether you’re taking a stroll, enjoying a picnic, or people-watching, this park is a must-visit spot.
See alsoLocal Networking Events and Trendy Community Gatherings in South Beach Near NYC
Unlimited NewYork
New York is magic in any season! Summer in NYC is all about relaxation and sunshine, especially in Bryant Park 🌳☀️. Come enjoy the loungers, outdoor movie nights and bocce courts for an afternoon of fellowship. The lush trees and refreshing fountains will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city 🌺🌼.
Uncover Hidden Gems in Midtown NYC with Local Travel Tips
Midtown Manhattan, an essential part of New York City, is brimming with surprises that often go unnoticed by the everyday tourist. For those who are keen to explore beyond the usual landmarks, local travel tips can make a world of difference. Midtown NYC offers a mix of famous attractions and lesser-known spots, perfect for your next adventure.
Discover the Heart of Bryant Park
Bryant Park, situated between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues, is more than just an open space. It becomes magical during the colder months with its winter village, featuring ice skating, unique shops, and food stands. In the summer, it’s a fantastic spot for movie nights, concerts, and relaxation. Locals often enjoy the quiet corners of the park, bounded by grand New York Public Library. For those in the know, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle while still being in the heart of the city.
Midtown’s Culinary Treasures
When it comes to dining, Midtown is a foodie heaven. While Times Square and Hell's Kitchen offer numerous famous eateries, some of the best meals are hidden in plain sight. Local favorites include Joe's Pizza on Broadway for a true New York slice, and Totto Ramen for those seeking a comforting bowl of noodle soup. If you're looking to dive deeper into the local flavor, head to the Market at the Plaza on Central Park South - an upscale food court brimming with artisanal foods and gourmet goodies. For the ultimate hidden gem, don't miss Sakagura, a tucked-away sake bar with authentic Japanese cuisine located in the basement of an office building on East 43rd Street.
Discover Serene Spaces
Amidst the skyscrapers, Midtown has pockets of serenity that provide a perfect escape. Tudor City Greens is one such oasis located at East 42nd Street and First Avenue. This small, elevated park offers a lush green retreat, ideal for a quiet stroll or reflective meditation. Paley Park, located on East 53rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, is another hidden getaway, featuring a calming waterfall that drowns out the city noise. These spots are cherished by locals seeking relaxation in the heart of Midtown’s hustle.
Unexplored Museums and Galleries
While the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock are famed landmarks, Midtown also houses lesser-known museums and galleries worthy of a visit. The American Folk Art Museum, located at Lincoln Square, offers an extraordinary collection of folk art and rotating exhibitions. Scandinavia House, located on Park Avenue, is another treasure, featuring exhibitions and programs highlighting Scandinavian culture. For art enthusiasts, local travel tips point to Salmagundi Club on Fifth Avenue, which showcases the work of talented artists in an 1856 brownstone mansion.
Midtown’s Vibrant Nightlife
Midtown's nightlife is often synonymous with Broadway, but it holds many more secrets. Locals know where to find the best hidden bars and speakeasies. Keep your eyes peeled for The Campbell, an upscale cocktail lounge nestled inside Grand Central Terminal that harkens back to the days of Prohibition. For a truly unique experience, head to Nothing Really Matters, an unassuming dive bar hidden in a subway station at 50th Street. Additionally, The Rum House at the Hotel Edison offers an intimate vibe with live jazz music nightly, making it a local favorite for unwinding after a long day.
Shoppers’ Paradise Beyond Fifth Avenue
Midtown offers a shopping experience that goes well beyond the iconic storefronts on Fifth Avenue. Bryant Park's Holiday Shops, open during the festive season, are a must-visit for unique gifts and local crafts. Head to Lexington Avenue for charming boutiques and hidden shops like Argosy Book Store, a family-owned bookstore specializing in antique maps, prints, and books. Grand Central Market, housed within Grand Central Terminal, is another local gem, providing gourmet food options and specialty items for those who know where to look.
Adventure at Every Corner
Exploring Midtown Manhattan with these local travel tips will ensure a memorable experience fueled by anonymous insights from true New Yorkers. Whether you’re in search of hidden gems, culinary delights, serene retreats, or a vibrant nightlife, Midtown has something to offer every intrepid traveler. Embark on an adventure and discover the secrets lurked within this fascinating neighborhood. Trust us, the locals know best.
