Are you a millennial planning a trip to New York City soon? Whether you're going for work or for vacation, there are many under-the-radar places that are worth a visit. Some of them are hard to find unless you know where to go, so we thought we'd go ahead and give you a heads up on the coolest places in town.
Places a Millennial Should Definitely Visit in NYC
1. The Back Room
This prohibition-style speak-easy brings you right into the 1920s. Far from prying eyes, you are taken down a back alley to get to the bar. Inside, you’ll find dim lighting and vintage-style decorations. The Back Room serves secretive cocktails in tea cups and beer bottles in paper bags.
Address: 102 Norfolk Street, New York, NY 10002
2. Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park
Discover one of the few true spots of nature in Manhattan at the secret enclosed sanctuary in Central Park. Open exclusively three hours a day (only a few times a week) the sanctuary is hidden out-of-sight. However, the sanctuary is located next to some of the busiest paths in Central Park. Enjoy serenity and birdwatching to find peace in the city.
Address: Avenue of the Americas & W 59th St, Manhattan, NY
3. Spot Dessert Bar
This one-of-a-kind Japanese dessert cafe is perfect for recharging after walking around NYC. In the bustling St Marks Place, enjoy green tea ice-cream, chocolate cake, or even a dessert disguised as a flower pot.
Address: 13 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10003
4. Bathtub Gin
Another modern speakeasy, Bathtub Gin is a nod to the days of prohibition and moonshine. Far from bathtub made, their drinks are fresh and delicious — you can even enjoy one while sitting in their decorative copper bathtub. Enjoy food and drinks during the week, and on weekends things get rowdier with dance music and debauchery.
Address: 132 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
5. Rare View Chelsea
A visit to NYC isn’t complete without a trip to a rooftop bar. See a 360 view of the New York skyscrapers from the 23rd floor of the The Shelburne hotel. The Rare Bar & Grill lines the first floor, where you can enjoy a burger before heading up for a drink. This year-round rooftop bar has plenty of seating, and an atmosphere that blossoms at night.
Address: 152 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
6. The Frick
Looking for an art museum away from the crowds of the MoMA and the Met? The collection of Henry Clay Frick is housed at his former Fifth Avenue mansion. Admire old master paintings and masterpieces of European art. The Frick is the home to the works of Bellini, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Goya.
Address: 1 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
7. Bagel Pub
Park Slope’s bagel-haven is a great stop when exploring Brooklyn from NYC. This seemingly regular cafe has some of the best and biggest varieties of bagels you could find, and allows you to eat like a Brooklyn native. Bagel Pub is perfect to jump-start your day of walking around or heading to Prospect Park.
Address: 287 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
8. Van Leeuwen
With locations and food trucks all over NYC and Brooklyn, the East Village ice-cream shop is home to rich, delicious treats. Their ice-cream is made from scratch, with ingredients such as coconut milk, coconut oil, cocoa butter and cane sugar. With vegan options a-plenty, Van Leeuwen rediscovers the art of ice-cream.
Address: 48.5 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
9. Bowl Train
If you’re heading out to Brooklyn, the Bowl Train is a must. The DJ in residence Questlove is the drummer for The Roots and Jimmy Fallon, but has become an all-round music personality. Spinning every Thursday from 9pm at the Brooklyn Bowl, Questlove brings Soul Train to Williamsburg.
Address: 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11211
10. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
One of the best views of Manhattan can be seen from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. If the Highline is too crowded for you, take a trip to the Promenade and watch the city from afar. Stroll up and down the walkway on the edge of Brooklyn — a great spot for pictures.
Address: Pierrepont Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201
11. Fat Cat
A relaxed jazz club with a dive bar feel, Fat Cat is a great way to experience New York jazz without the stuffy atmosphere. Play pool or ping pong, drink beer, and listen to some top notch live music. It’s basement vibe attracts a lot of students on the weekend, so go early to grab that pool table.
Address: 75 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
12. *bonus* Walk around!
Discovering NYC on foot is one of the best ways to find hidden gems.
This article was written by Clara Hudson.