Here are the real best things to do in New York City, according to locals

dim sum asian jewels seafood restaurant in flushing

Visiting New York City can be overwhelming.

There are thousands of things to do in this massive city — whether it's your first or 15th time visiting.

To help narrow down the long to-do list for every trip, we asked locals for insider tips on the truly best things to do in the city.

Spend an afternoon searching for treasures at the Brooklyn Flea. Locals love shopping for one-of-a-kind vintage finds from the 100-plus vendors who gather at the market, which takes place in a few neighborhoods around Brooklyn.

For more information, click here.

Sip a cocktail at Raines Law Room, one of New York's most infamous speakeasies in the Flatiron. The bar is hidden behind an unmarked stairwell and you must ring a bell to be let in.

See more of the best speakeasy bars in New York City here.

Picnic in Sheep Meadow in Central Park.

Learn more about Sheep Meadow »

Eat dim sum in Flushing, Queens.

Stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which has more than 200 cherry trees, a rose garden, and a Japanese hill-and-pond garden. Admission is free on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings.

Learn more about the Brooklyn Botanic Garden »

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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