re: Lesser-known NYC attractions

Echoing a couple of suggestions, the Tenement museum was interesting and has lots of different tours. Joe's Pizza on Carmine's is really good and open until 4am I think. We just got back from our 3rd trip to NYC and did a few things beyond the normal "must do's."

The Museum of the American Gangster was interesting. Cool bar next to it that is also part of the tour. It's a building that had a speakeasy open during Prohibition. They take you down into the basement where you can see the tunnels used to bring in booze and escape.

Ellis Island Hard Hat tour has good reviews. You spend an hour and a half going around the hospital grounds where people were sent that came over with infectious diseases. I thought it was just okay but many others love it. The ticket get's you access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Liberty Island is the first stop and not a bad time to hop off and walk around for a half hour. Close views of the Statue. Both islands are cool views of Manhattan.

For good views I would recommend either Top of the Rock or One World Observatory (or both). We did One World Observatory about 45 minutes before sunset. Very cool to see the changes as the sun goes down and the lights come on. Top of the Rock is cool to combine with a tour of NBC studios.

I always recommend going to Brooklyn for pizza at Julianna's (used to recommend Grimaldi's). Get some ice cream at the dock for dessert and stare at Manhattan. There's also a bar there where you can now order drinks outside. Walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge for a cool experience.

Food tours are great ways to see a neighborhood. Food tours of NYC is decent. Best option is to look for Ziggy. We did his Hell's Kitchen tour and it was the best food tour we've done. Next time we'll be doing his East Village and Brooklyn tours. He only takes a max of 6 people so they fill up quick, but the small group makes for a great experience.

For great food at unknown places I will again refer you to Ziggy. Check out his list of top 50 places on his food blog at Ziggy. Great recommendations for all neighborhoods and food types that will keep you away from touristy places.

Another thing I like to do is get a bunch of food and snacks on Bleecker street. Get a slice of pizza at Joe's. A grilled cheese at Murray's Cheese. Rice balls at Faccio's Italian market. Something sweet at Pasticceria Rocco bakery. Take whatever you like and go sit on a bench in Washington Square park and watch the crowd for awhile.

The 9/11 museum is the best (and most somber, most powerful) museum I've been to. Very well done.

Eataly at 200 5th Ave by the Flatiron Building.

High quality food everywhere, with serving stations for everything from breakfast panini to crudo. The fish looks like it just leapt out of the water, and the meat is impressive too.

Great place to browse for a while and maybe grab lunch.