Get Off the Beaten Track in New York City

New York is a city so defined by its history, culture and global celebrity status that for the first-time visitor it can be hard to get off the beaten track, as the top attractions are legendary for good reason. With each corner offering a new sight to see or experience to enjoy, there is a real sense of familiarity to visiting New York, especially Manhattan; of course, this is magnified ten-fold thanks to the many iconic movies, TV shows and music videos that have been shot on its famous streets.

However, getting away from the usual tourist spots and finding the real New York needn't be difficult, as there is certainly no shortage of memorable sights. Thanks to the most popular television sitcom in history, 90 Bedford Street should be immediately recognisable to most people, as it was the apartment block used as the exterior in Friends. However, don't go looking for Central Perk beneath it, as all you'll find is a quaint Mediterranean restaurant instead.

Considered local heroes to many of New York's residents, Squad 18 have perhaps the most visited firehouse in the whole state. If you are anywhere near 132 West 10th Street in the West Village, stop by this famous firehouse, where New York's finest fire fighters are based.

Of course you can't come to New York and not get a coffee to go, and the same goes for pretzels too. For the authentic New Yorker caffeine hit, bypass all the usual big names that you can find in any city centre and head for Columbus Avenue in the West Village, as this is where The Art of Coffee is based. More than just another coffeehouse, Joe, the owner, has honed his coffee making down to a tee, and it's got to be tasted to be believed.

Likewise, New York is full of many specialist tours, taking eager visitors round any number of attractions, from museums to movie halls. However, there are one or two in particular that manage to capture the essence of the Big Apple without treading too familiar ground for most visitors.

The Wall Street Experience, which takes in all of the city's key financial landmarks, features a lot of inside stories and anecdotes of the highs and lows of city trading. Not just for enthusiasts, this is also a great way to discover Lower Manhattan, as well as see the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street and the Federal Reserve.

Another familiar spot for TV fans is Tom's Restaurant. Head up Broadway and as you near the Columbia University campus you'll spot Tom's, which was used to film the hit show Seinfeld, as the lead character's favourite restaurant, Monk's Café. Popular even before Seinfeld came along, Tom's is an enjoyable place to eat, and of course does a handy range of T-shirts to buy too.

Don't forget that this is the city that never sleeps, so save some energy for the many restaurants, venues, clubs and hotels in New York city too.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.