Just in case you didn’t know, we have an exclusive Secret Club, where New Yorkers receive exclusive perks and benefits to use across the city. However, it’s also a place you can share some of your own recommendations – whether it be brilliant bars, a picture-perfect park, or an exciting exhibition that you think everyone should see!
We’ve received so many incredible recs from so many lovely locals, so we thought we’d share some of our absolute favorites. We even have a Map of Faves at the club, where all our members can see the best recommendations – from both the Secret NYC team and other members – in an easy and accessible way!
If you’d like to learn more about the Secret Club, or sign up for yourself, click here. We’ve even got a seven-day free trial so you can try out all the awesome perks and benefits without committing to payment!
So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in NYC, according to our Secret Club members.
The best things to do in NYC, according to the Secret Club:
1. Pay a visit to one of the must-see exhibitions in NYC
Since NYC is such a hotbed for arts and culture, we’re kicking off strong by checking out what exhibitions our Secret Club members recommend. From mind-bending immersive experiences to must-visit galleries, there’s always an awesome rec from a like-minded local waiting for you at the club.
One recommendation by Secret Club member Haylei shot to the top of our must-do list: the incredible (and completely free-of-charge) Jim Henson exhibit at the Museum of Moving Images.
Haylei shared with the club: “I was absolutely star-struck while walking through the exhibit! It was totally surreal seeing muppet characters in person that I grew up watching!”
📍 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
2. Have a drink at this hidden speakeasy in an ice cream shop
If speakeasies are your game, it doesn’t get much better than UES – an absolute gem hidden inside an ice cream shop that’s equally as cool. From boozy beverages to equisite vibes, here’s what one of our Secret Club members had to say about the place.
Dori Tenenbaum said: “The inside of the bar is beautiful. I love that there is decor everywhere, including the ceiling. Their drink menu is extensive and inventive. There are even drink options with ice cream!”
For more information, you can check out our article on UES here. Or leave your own speakeasy recs by joining the club!
📍1707 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128.
3. Head to Chelsea Market for a delicious meal
Chelsea Market is a bustling indoor public market that’s renowned for its diverse array of food vendors, shops, and restaurants. Originally the site of the Nabisco factory, where Oreo cookies were invented, be sure to stop by soon for some delicious food or retail therapy.
Jessica Tauber from the club told us: “This is a great place to stop for a drink, an interesting meal, or fresh ingredients like meat, cheese, fruit, hot sauces and more. Or, if you have a sweet tooth there’s gelato, donuts, chocolate, candy, and more pastry options.
“There’s also Artechouse and Chelsea Music Hall if you’re looking to add some entertainment to your visit.”
📍75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011.
4. Catch one of the hottest shows on Broadway
Nothing beats a night on Broadway, and there are so many fabulous options to choose from. Luckily for you, the Secret Club have dropped a couple of must-see recommendations, including The Great Gatsby, Maybe Happy Ending, and Hell’s Kitchen – so join today if you’re a dedicated Broadway babe!
Angelene told the club: “If you love Broadway musicals and pop hits, then you’ll love this show. It was emotional, relatable, and Inspiring. Composed by Singer/ Songwriter Alicia Keys, this musical showcases extraordinary talent and is filled with covers of her top hits as well as new, original music”
5. Stock up on goodies at your local farmers market
There’s so many fabulous farmers markets dotted around NYC, but one is so good, we’ve had two member recs from the Secret Club, urging us to check it out!
Both Jessica T. and Olena K. recommended visiting the Union Square Greenmarket. Jessica gave us the lowdown: “It’s open every Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat.” She says it’s “a great spot for locally grown fruits, vegetables, and plants as well as baked goods, eggs, honey, beeswax candles, and other things.”
📍North and West sides of Union Square Park, 201 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003.
6. Go to Flushing for a cocktail at IYKYK
Another fantastic cocktail bar option from the Secret Club, and this time it’s IYKYK from Christine A, who praised the intimate, speakeasy vibes and delicious cocktails. In fact, she dropped a couple of recommendations for you to try.
She shared: “I recommend the Tropic Thunder for a subtle kick of a cocktail or a Lychee Martini for a more mellow one.”
📍35-28 Farrington St 1st Fl, Flushing, NY 11354.
7. Head to The Morgan Library & Museum for their after-hours events
Another stellar recommendation from Dori Tenenbaum, The Morgan Library & Museum host an epic after-dark event, giving you the unique opportunity to explore this beloved museum at night.
She shared: “The space itself is a work of art, from the ceilings, to the rows and rows of books. Then, you get hit with the actual items on display. Some highlights include the Gutenberg Bible, a plaster cast of George Washington’s face, and the Jane Austen exhibit (on display until September 14).”
If you’d like to share cool recs like this with like-minded locals, join the Secret Club today – there’s even a seven-day free trial.
📍 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016.
8. Chow down on a drool-worthy feast from Los Tacos N°1
There are so many incredi-spots to get tacos in NYC, but Los Tacos N°1 is certainly up there with the greats. One of our sacred Secret Club members even spilled the tea on their hush-hush secret menu.
Alejandra Hernandez recommends getting the Vampiro de carne asada, telling the Secret Club: “It’s a crispy grilled corn tortilla layered with melted cheese and steak on top. Kind of like a taco-meets-tostada situation, and it’s so good.”
📍Several locations across NYC. Find your nearest here.
9. Create a work of art at Paint & Pour
This brilliantly boozy bar and workshop space is perfect for those looking to get creative next date night, or for anyone with chill friends who aren’t into the dancing thee night away. Paint & Pour is one of our favorite spots in the city, but was also recommended by Maria at the Secret Club.
She shared: “The host was amazing, bartender was so friendly, such a GREAT TIME!!”
📍 Two locations across NYC. Find your nearest here.
10. Soak up some tropical vibes at Paradise Lost
Another fantastic bar has made the list – this is NYC after all. Paradise Lost is a tropical gem in the East Village that’s worth the visit if you like your cocktails a lil’ tropical.
Progga R. from the Secret Club said: “You’re transported to another world through the dark hallway/furry door, and the cocktails are to die for. (Like you literally might die because some of them are so strong)”
📍100 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003.
11. Embrace your naughty side at the Museum of Sex
One of our Secret Club members recommended checking out the Museum of Sex recently, which just so happens to be one of our favourite date nights in the city.
Angelene S. shared with the club: “The museum part of the experience is pretty interesting, you get to see several sex related artifacts from vintage sex toys to Hugh Hefner’s famous silk robe.”
She added: “But the best part comes after entering the kaleidoscope… the Superfunland Carnival! They have several games to choose from and your museum ticket grants you one free play of every game!”
📍 233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016.