Undiscovered areas in big cities must excite you sometimes.
Nowadays, social media (known as SNS in other countries) is a tool you use often to show your amazing experiences staying abroad.
You will definitely find somewhere nice on the internet or in magazines, but there are places that won’t come up in a search.
I mean, you might find something more interesting than just relying on information.
So let me share my story of ‘’$1 Egg Sandwich with Plenty of Filling’’
About 20 years ago, I was travelling around Europe. Near London Bridge in London, England, there was a small sandwich stall.
It had no name and was tucked away in a quiet area with little foot traffic, giving it a “hidden gem” vibe that only a few knew about.
It was lunchtime, so I decided to order an egg sandwich. The sandwich was filled with mashed eggs that I wondered just how many eggs they had used.
It was almost entirely made of eggs, a hefty sandwich, and the price was an unbelievable $1 or so. Really. (At that time, sandwiches at convenience stores cost over $2.50.)
It was so delicious; I have never tasted anything like that. Also, this memory still moves me today.
I don’t know if that sandwich stall still exists, but if it does, I imagine it would be blowing up on social media. It’s a shame I don’t have a picture!
Hidden gems like that often don’t show up in internet searches.
If you happen to stumble upon one, it is just a miracle.
You’ve probably searched for hidden places through travel guides, social media, and magazines.
You feel something is still missing, and you want to visit a place no one else knows, but you’re not sure where to go. I believe there are always hidden gems in unexpected places.
I might even call myself a budget travel enthusiast, and because I’ve wandered around Europe and Asia, I still tend to encounter rare finds.
In a way, this habit might be helpful for you as well.
Top 3 locations to discover a unique place
On the main street, there are many major shops, and while you can enjoy those, there are also rare, cheap, and interesting ones in places that you wouldn’t expect.
Maybe, these three places are where you can find hidden gems:
- No.1: On the outskirts of the shopping street, along narrow, well-lit, and safe winding roads.
- No.2: Find street performers, and there might be a hidden nice shop.
- No.3: Residential areas.
Here are some places I actually found from those places ranked in this top 3 list. Believe me, these stores did exist but aren’t listed on the internet now, and I’m sorry I can’t provide the name.
- A super cheap pasta restaurant – It’s hard to notice because there’s no sign. You can order a large portion for around $2
- A handmade furniture shop with high-quality, never-before-seen designs.
- A cake shop where a single slice costs the same as at bulk retailers but is over three times the size.
- A clothing store that only carries one-of-a-kind items.
- A dairy shop where I discovered incredibly rich butter (at first, I thought it was cream!!).
- A privately owned inn where they bring you anything you ask for (they even brought a TV when there wasn’t one in the room originally). Sounds great!?
So,what do you find in NYC? OK, ready to find out? Then, be careful of city rules.
It’s absolutely Instagram-worthy, but be cautious about this!
For example, you might think that graffiti art is a great photo spot and a kind of ‘’Hidden Gem’’, but in New York City, graffiti is generally not permitted.
Graffiti is usually considered an act of vandalism on public or private property and is seen as a violation of city laws and regulations.
However, in certain designated locations, street art and graffiti are allowed.
These areas are usually managed according to city guidelines and standards to ensure that the artwork is created properly.
For example:
- Graffiti Hall of Fame: Located in Harlem, Manhattan, this public space allows graffiti artists to legally create art on walls. It serves as a showcase for street art.
- Welling Court Mural Project: A street art project in the Welling Court neighborhood of Queens, where artists create graffiti and street art on walls.
- Bushwick Collective: In the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, artists create street art on various surfaces.
Outside of these areas, graffiti is still illegal, and you could face penalties, so be careful when taking pictures!
Is this okay to do?
You often see street performances and want to take pictures! I get it.
Who are those people, are they performing? And you might wonder, “Is it okay to do this without permission?” Here are some regulations in New York City:
- Licenses: Some street performances may require a license from the NYC Department of Parks. For example, performances or events in parks must have a license.
- Space and location: Street performances typically take place in public spaces like sidewalks and plazas where pedestrians walk. However, certain tourist spots or commercial areas may have restrictions on performances.
- Consideration for those around: When performing on the street, it’s important to consider the safety and comfort of the people nearby. You must not obstruct pedestrian traffic and should be mindful of noise.
- Performance content: Acts involving violence, extreme expression, or any illegal activity are not allowed.
Additionally, what’s commonly associated with street performances is busking.
This is show business.
I used to think that the only people who could say the phrase “This is show business” without sounding out of place were the gentlemen in Hollywood working in the entertainment business.
Street performances often include busking, where performers earn a little pocket money.
But is this allowed?
Of course, if you’re in the U.S. on an ESTA or tourist visa, earning money from busking would likely be illegal, especially if you make a lot (though I doubt anyone is making a fortune).
However, it’s possible that during a short stay or a tour, you could perform and unexpectedly receive tips.
While outright banning it would hinder the growth of the arts, this is a tricky issue. The safest course is for the performer to politely decline any tips.
But unlike in Japan, the American show business system seems to guarantee appropriate compensation for professionals, which might be one of the reasons why entertainment thrives as a business there.
You can’t deny the strength of that model.
For artistic types, besides the student visa, there are these visa options:
- O-1 Visa: A visa for artists and professionals with “extraordinary ability.” It’s granted to internationally recognized artists and cultural figures, as well as those with exceptional talent in the arts.
- P Visa: A visa for artists or groups who will “perform.” There are three subcategories: P-1, P-2, and P-3 visas.
- P-1 Visa: For individual or group artists and athletes participating in internationally recognized events or projects.
- P-2 Visa: For artists or entertainers participating in a reciprocal exchange program.
- P-3 Visa: For artists or entertainers participating in cultural programs or traditional performances.
Skateboarding
While people may not typically film it, skateboarding is a common sight in America, and I’ve known quite a few people who stay in New York specifically for skateboarding.
Recently, skateboarding, which was invented in California, has gained worldwide attention, especially after a Japanese athlete won an Olympic gold medal in the sport.
It has become so ingrained in everyday street life. I even know an older man from California who still uses a skateboard as his regular mode of transportation, which surprised me. He’s not trying to be cool, but somehow, he just looks effortlessly cool.
In New York City, skateboarding is generally restricted on public sidewalks and roads.
Since skateboarding can obstruct pedestrians and traffic, it is restricted in some public spaces and specific areas.
However, New York City has several designated skate parks and skate spots.
These parks and facilities are designed for skateboarding, allowing skaters to safely practice and perform tricks.
Generally, it’s important to follow these guidelines when skateboarding:
- Use designated skate parks: By using public skate parks or skate spots, you can enjoy skateboarding legally.
- Avoid using sidewalks and roads: Skateboarding is often restricted on sidewalks and roads, so be sure to avoid using these areas.
- Consideration for others: When skateboarding, work with nearby pedestrians and other users to ensure safe use.
Hip Hop Culture
This is the culture born in the Bronx, New York.
You might discover an interesting aspect of New York tourism through it.
One of the reasons people from all over the world want to visit New York is due to the influence of hip-hop.
Many people visit the city seeking its music, cutting-edge entertainment, and art.
When you hear the word “hip-hop,” rap and dance probably come to mind right away, but in a nutshell, hip-hop is a culture that combines four elements: rap, graffiti, dance, and DJing.
As you walk through New York, you might think, “This feels so authentic!” when you see people’s fashion or hear music playing randomly on the street.
When I first listened to American radio, I was amazed at the variety of music programs.
Many people in New York work in these kinds of creative fields, so the average level of artistic talent is high! You might think, “Is this person a singer?” only to find out they’re a freelancer aiming to become one.
If you discover any rare tourist spots, leave a comment and let us know.
Enjoy NY!