DK Eyewitness - New York City Like a Local

New Yorkers are as diverse as the city itself a patchwork of ages, nationalities, ethnicities, and personalities that make up this exhilarating metropolis. The cab driver who speeds through yellow lights with abandon, the young artist pinning her hopes on a fresh start in the city, the withered man whos been sipping coffee at his local diner for more than a decade. But, as varied as they are, its easy to spot a New Yorker: theyre resilient, savvy, and passionately proud of their city. (And all claim to know the best pizza spot in town.)

Living in NYC requires grit: navigating the crush of the subway, enduring the cacophony of taxis honking at 3am, rebuilding a downtown forever devoid of the Twin Towers. Locals often complain about the city like its their unruly problem child. Yet they still love it, because beyond the noise, dirt, and hardship, theres something magical about New York City. And its this something that keeps visitors returning time after time.

Of course, glimpsing the citys iconic skyline is thrilling. But those glitzy steel structures are just a fraction of the citys character. NYC is also squat tenements criss-crossed by rusty fire escapes, and school yards emblazoned with graffiti. Its everything at once: history and high-rises, nature and urbanism, shabby and chic.

New York City can be chaotic and overwhelming. But thats where this book comes in. We know the places New Yorkers love best, from the rooftop bars theyll wait all week for, to the art galleries based in peoples apartments. In a city of more than 8 million, its impossible to capture everyones experience. Rather, this book celebrates snapshots of life in a city thats as diverse as its locals.

Whether youre a New Yorker looking to rediscover your city, or youre a visitor wanting to rip up the traditional to do list, this book will help you embrace a lesser-known New York City. Enjoy NYC, but do it the local way.

New York City | Welcome to the City

Liked by the locals

New York has this irresistible, frenetic energy that I love. The simple act of walking around inhaling the scent of cheap pizza alongside haute cuisine, soaking in the never-ending stream of people is the most invigorating feeling. Its like being at the center of the universe.

LAUREN PALEY, MARKETING MANAGER AND TRAVEL WRITER

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New York City

THROUGH THE YEAR

Theres no off-season in New York something is always afoot in the city. Think jolly parades in spring, alfresco shows in summer, and festive fun in winter.

SPRING

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Surviving the brittle New York winters makes spring that much sweeter for locals. Windows are flung open, bulky layers are shed, and long walks are relished in the newfound warmth.

STREET FOOD MARKETS

Food vendors tempt hungry New Yorkers out of their apartments at the likes of Brooklyns Smorgasburg, Midtowns Broadway Bites, and the .

PARADING IN THE STREET

New Yorkers love to remind others that theyre part-Irish, so naturally the St. Patricks Day Parade is a jubilant family affair. Not far behind is a sea of flower-bedecked bonnets at the Easter Parade on Easter Sunday.

BASEBALL SEASON

Sports fanatics flock to the citys stadiums to welcome six months of baseball and root for the New York Yankees, of course.

SUMMER

PARK PICNICS

Locals stock up on artisanal treats and bottles of wine at farmers markets and relish lazy afternoon park get-togethers.

OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATERS

Screens pop up across NYC, fronted by deck chairs and featuring an enviable backdrop: the sparkling city skyline.

LIVE EVENTS

Parks host outdoor events in summertime, like show-stopping Broadway previews in Bryant Park and Shakespeares greatest hits in Central Park.

ALFRESCO DINING

New York becomes electric during the summer, with the energy buzzing around its outdoor dining scene. Patios overflow with groups and restaurants get creative with alfresco seating.

FALL

THE PUMPKIN CRAZE

Come fall, nearly every coffee shop and bakery adds pumpkin into their menu: pumpkin lattes, donuts, even craft beers.

FALL FOLIAGE

Weekends are reserved for long walks to soak in the fiery auburn hues of the season. Central Park is a favorite spot, though many escape upstate for a day of fall foliage and apple picking.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Spooky decor and costume parties take over the city in October, with the fun culminating at the Village Halloween Parade. The citys furry friends can also be seen in cute outfits at the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.

GIVING THANKS

Families unite to watch giant balloons float along the city streets for the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade before they tuck into turkey and all the trimmings.

WINTER

FAIRY TALE IN NEW YORK

The movies dont lie: nowhere does Christmas like the Big Apple. Lights are draped everywhere, department stores compete for attention with their dazzling window displays, and locals take to the Rockefeller and Central Park ice rinks.

COZY INDOORS

When snow starts to settle (and, boy, does it settle), locals head inside and enjoy dinner parties, bottles of red in a snug wine bar, or movie nights in their PJs.

THE BALL DROP

Sure, some locals take to Times Square to welcome in the year with the famous ball drop, but most are home with their loved ones and a fridge full of drinks.

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KNOW-HOW

Theres an art to being a New Yorker, from the dos and donts of eating out to negotiating the citys hectic streets. Heres a breakdown of all you need to know.

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