Visit These Secret TPG-Approved Spots During Your Next Trip to New York City
Just in case you didn't know, it's really crowded in New York City these days. And we're not just talking about the city's 8.6 million residents.
On Monday, The New York Times reported that the city is pacing to receive a record-breaking 67 million visitors this year. That's two million more than the number of people who visited least year, according to Fred Dixon, the chief executive of NYC & Company — the city's official tourism and marketing agency. "We're still on track for growth in 2019," Dixon told The New York Times, despite some economic and geopolitical obstacles that may be contributing to an overall decrease in visitor spending.
So, are you one of the potentially 67 million people planning on visiting New York this year? Or are you simply a Gothamite who wants to escape the crowds?
To help you experience a quieter, unspoiled side of the city — and hopefully enjoy a bit more elbow room — we asked around the TPG office for staffers to share their "secret" hangouts. Factor these hidden locales and lessers-known attractions into your New York City itinerary, and just remember: It's a secret.
Russ & Daughters in the Jewish Museum
You'll still get the classic Russ & Daughters experience (think: kippered salmon, pastrami, blintzes) but you don't have to brave the elements or face the crowds. Plus, you can check out the awesome exhibits upstairs while you wait. The line doesn't get as crazy as it does at the original downtown location, and you can even make a reservation on Saturdays! — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
The Morgan Library & Museum
Yes, the New York Public Library is grand and iconic, but bibliophiles should head straight to the former private library of financier Pierpont Morgan (father of JP Morgan). The staggering collection ranges from handwritten and signed Henry David Thoreau journals to a 42-line Gutenberg bible and other rare manuscripts and artifacts. The building itself is stunning and, best of all, you can visit for free on Fridays between 7pm and 9pm. — Melanie Lieberman, Travel Editor
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens
It’s an actual wildlife reserve in the city. You’re far away from everything, in total silence, but with Manhattan on the horizon. And you can get there on the subway! Take the A train to the Broad Channel station, and it’s just a short walk away. No one would believe that this is in New York City. — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
Upper Manhattan
Upper Manhattan is filled with tiny secret places: There’s the Met’s Cloisters, which is a museum cobbled together from bits of European churches and abbeys, and it has spectacular views of the Hudson River. Swing by the New Leaf Cafe, which used to be owned by Bette Midler’s nonprofit. There’s the Dyckman Farmhouse, which is free and has been there since the late 1700s. Grab some rotisserie chicken from the Dominican mainstay El Malecon, which is also near the Morris-Jumel Mansion and its rumored-to-be-haunted clock. Or, closer to 145th Street, there’s the house from “The Royal Tenenbaums” and Hamilton Grange, which was Alexander Hamilton’s home. Combine those with a stop at ROKC for ramen and a cocktail served in a conch shell. (Or a lightbulb. Or a teacup.) — Alyssa Haak, Research Editor
Community Gardens in the East Village
There are so many [gardens] to explore. My favorites are at 6th and Avenue B, and Creative Little Garden and La Plaza Cultural. They're perfect — free! — places to get away from the madness outside and read a book or reflect. — Emily McNutt, Global News Editor
McSorley's Ale House
Known as the first Irish pub in New York City, McSorley’s is a total hole-in-the wall bar in the East Village (complete with Irish bartenders and sawdust on the ground) that serves only two types of beer: dark and light. OK, it's slightly touristy, but great for people-watching. Just don’t order the food. It’s disgusting. — Jordan Allen, General Assignment Reporter
Governors Island
I often end up flying halfway across the world to get away, but sometimes I just take the free 5-minute ferry to Governors Island. The terminal is just a few blocks from my apartment [the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street], and once you're there, you're greeted by a seemingly endless island park. You have a clear view of Lower Manhattan, but you can't smell or hear it. Paradise. — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Jalopy Theatre in Red Hook
A tiny theater and music school focusing on old time and traditional music from all over the world. It’s pretty hard to reach, but well-worth the trip! — Dan Rauchwerk, Email Marketing Analyst
Won Dee Siam
In Manhattan, one of the best Thai restaurants is Won Dee Siam. (It’s best when Won Dee herself is in the kitchen). Go to the original location, on 9th Avenue and 52nd Street, and ask for the “special menu” they only give to their Thai regulars or regulars in the know. It has amazing dishes not on their standard menu. — Christie Matsui, Senior Executive Assistant
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.