Off The Beaten Path NYC Itinerary [Quiz Result]

woman posing in front of murals in Brooklyn
Showing our NYC Photo Journeys guest the city beyond the typical Manhattan sites

By NYC Photo Journeys founder Jessie Festa. Note that some of the links below are product links as well as affiliate links to trusted partners.

Maybe you’ve already done classic sites like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, or possibly you just like going beyond the obvious when you travel. Either way, you’re looking to get off the beaten path while in NYC — and the below recommendations, as well as our private NYC photo tours and professional photoshoots, can help you do just that! 

First suggestion = get out of Midtown Manhattan and into the less touristy neighborhoods, each of which has something it’s known for. Explore street art in Bushwick (here’s a great tour), cafe hop and shop in SoHo, tour the galleries of Chelsea, enjoy the many greenspaces and museums in the Upper East Side, and eat your fill of Greek food in Astoria. 

You might also look for alternatives to popular sites. For instance, while the Empire State Building provides an epic view, so do rooftop bars like Westlight and public rooftop park above Time Out New York Market. 

Or, if you’re adventurous, you can opt to do the City Climb at the Edge to scale and then lean out over the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet high.

Central Park is a must-visit, though the Upper East Side is also home to Randall’s Island — an island park offering beautiful skyline views. There’s also Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx, NYC’s largest park at 2,765 acres. It’s home to hiking trails, the sandy Orchard Beach, and wildlife like deer, hawks, and egrets.

Lincoln Center puts on amazing concerts and performances, but you can also live music hop in the Lower East Side at spots like Pianos, Arlene’s Grocery, and Rockwood Music Hall – or check out a burlesque performance by Company XIV.

Hungry? Eat in a local home with EatWith or cook with women from around the world through League of Kitchens.

Finally, make sure to check sites like Fever for fun and unique pop-up experiences.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure to preserve your cherished memories with a private NYC photo tour or professional photoshoot – both of which are customizable! You can see photo examples on Instagram @NYCPhotoTour.

Off-The-Beaten Path NYC Tours:

➡️ Click here for a full list of New York City tours.

Unique NYC Hotels:

➡️ Click here for a full list of unique NYC hotels.

New York City Travel Tips:

  • Depending on what tours and activities you add to your itinerary, a New York CityPASS is an amazing value and can save you a lot of money
  • Want to see a Broadway show? You can save money by visiting a TKTS Booth for up to 50% off same-day shows
  • While Midtown Manhattan is great, make sure to also explore some of the other neighborhoods – like the West Village, Upper East Side, and SoHo – as well as the other boroughs (like Long Island City in Queens and Bushwick in Brooklyn)
  • If there is a restaurant you really want to dine at, be sure to make a reservation 
  • To find unique and pop up things to do in NYC, check park calendars, subscribe to NYC newsletters, and research websites like The Skint, Fever, and Secret NYC

Bonus NYC Travel Resources:

Best Central Park Photo Spots To Capture Gorgeous Pictures

Best Places To Take Pictures In NYC

Stunning Spots For The Perfect NYC Picnic

Uniquely New York Experiences Not To Miss

Most Unique Restaurants In New York City

Non-Touristy Things To Do In New York City