If you’re an transplant New Yorker, chances are you’ll probably have house guests sometime this summer.  And if you do, you’ll most likely be playing host(ess) and grappling about the city — desperately searching for something that doesn’t involve a four hour wait at the Empire State Building or a yellow speed boat to Ellis Island.

So how do you get out of doing the total touristy thing when your guests’ idea of a good time is having dinner in Times Square?  You bring out the big guns, of course, and promise to give them the “real New York experience”.  After all, what warm blooded tourist could turn that down?

We got the team together to hash out our best suggestions for out-of-towners and took suggestions on our Facebook page and Twitter account, and this is what we came up with.

• South Street Seaport — The South Street Seaport offers a great environment to enjoy the beautiful weather as well as a great view of the city; also includes food, shopping and free entertainment. It’s highly recommended for tourists and NY’ers alike.  – Miss Journey (http://www.herjourneymag.com)

• Atlantic Avenue Tunnel Tour – Nothing says “badass” like trucking out to Brooklyn and climbing down a manhole to tour an old, forgotten train tunnel.  The world’s oldest subway tunnel (no, seriously), the Atlantic Avenue tunnel is now open for tours which happen on a bi-weekly basis on Sundays.

• UWS Delights! – Grants Tomb, (who’s buried in…) RDS and 125th(ish) is perfect for a picnic on the mosaic seating made by children.  Also, St. John the Divine is beautiful and perfect for meditating, plus, you never know who you may see practicing for concerts.  I once saw a Yale Men’s A capella Group, and another time 76 Trombones — no kidding.  If you stroll around outside, you’ll see the Biblical garden and the peacocks. Beautiful. — Judith Steinhart (www.juidthsteinhart.com)  (www.heyjud.com)

• Chelsea Market – My go-to guest spot (if it’s raining) is Chelsea Market for cupcakes, food ogling and sometimes an art exhibit (typically free!) or sample sale. – Jessica M. (www.twitter.com/NYCslice) (http://fruglebuglenyc.blogspot.com)

• Water Taxi – The water taxi to Riis beach is one of my favorite cheap things to do. Grab a sweet spot on the top deck and enjoy gorgeous views of some of our fine boroughs while you take in the breeze and sun during the hour long ride to a beautiful NY beach – all for $6.  -  Heather Dunsmoor

• Row Boats and Chocolate – My sister loves John’s (Pizzeriz) and Max Brenner’s, plus I think rowboats in Central Park is fun. – Christine Rochelle (www.livingwithmyparents.com) (www.christinecackles.blogspot.com)

• Staten Island Ferry – Staten Island Ferry at sundown. Great way to see the city and it’s free. Plus they sell $3 beer. Better yet: brown bag it.  -  Emily Farris  (www.fiftybucksaweek.com)

Got any more suggestions?  Add ‘em to the comments section!

Photo credit:  imjstudios

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