Natalia Alvarez, Author at Secret NYC

Escapes Things to do

Dating back to 1871, this 5-square-mile riverside town is hiding a 1908 canoe club — and it is an easy 18-mile train ride from New York City

This historic riverside town is one of NJ's best-kept secrets and it is only 18 miles from NYC Need a quick escape from the concrete jungle? We've got just the spot. Located a mere 18 miles southwest o...

Things to do Top news

The largest mobile LEGO build in history just landed in Manhattan — a 4.2-ton World Cup masterpiece you can visit for free until July 19

If you’re wandering through Midtown this month, you might stumble upon a soccer fan’s absolute dream. To celebrate the upcoming final stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the LEGO Group and FIFA have te...

Escapes Things to do

Upstate New York’s 19th-century waterfront village perfectly mirrors a European town — and its massive 12,000-person boat show returns this July

If you are looking for a tranquil escape from the city, you don't need a passport to find a stunning waterfront getaway. Tucked away in Onondaga County, the village of Skaneateles perfectly mirrors the...

Escapes Things to do

A sprawling 16th-century village with full-contact jousting is taking over the Hudson Valley next month — and it’s just a short drive from NYC

It is time to leave the 21st century behind! The iconic New York Renaissance Faire is set to open its gates on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Located in Tuxedo, NY, this beautiful 16th-century village is...

Music Things to do

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing back its massive outdoor jazz series for three Thursdays — with guided plant tours, live music, and pop-up bars

If you are looking for a breezy summer evening wind-down, it is time to head to Brooklyn. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing back its "Jazz in July" series, filling its lush outdoor spaces with live musi...

The MTA is officially pouring new congestion pricing revenues into 5 Brooklyn transit hubs — bringing new elevators and full platform repairs

Navigating the NYC subway with a stroller, heavy luggage, or mobility needs is no easy feat. But some much-needed relief is on the way for Brooklynites! The MTA just announced a massive accessibility u...

NYC is officially redesigning 50 major transit corridors to speed up bus commutes and replacing 40% of its aging fleet with 2,500 modern buses

If you have ever found yourself staring out a bus window while a toddler on a scooter overtakes you, you are not alone. New York City famously has some of the slowest buses in America, with the average bu...

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For the first time ever, NYC is hosting a massive 6,000-square-foot Labubu exhibition this summer — featuring 9 galleries

If you've been seeing LABUBU everywhere lately, you certainly aren't alone. Now, POP MART is officially bringing its “THE MONSTERS 10th Anniversary World Tour” to New York City. This marks the first ti...

Food & drink Things to do

This quick PATH ride from Manhattan leads to a massive 100-restaurant food festival — but you only have until July 14 to score $4.99 tortas

Named one of the next great food cities by Food & Wine Magazine, Jersey City is proving exactly why it deserves the title. Just a quick PATH train ride away, the city boasts a top-tier, ethnically div...

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Get your passport with no appointment needed at these 5 upcoming fairs near NYC

Applying for a first U.S. passport can feel overwhelming, but the U.S. Department of State’s passport acceptance fairs are designed to simplify the process. These special events are often walk-in frien...