New People’s Cinema Club is a collective dedicated to independent film and art, rooted in the belief that the most compelling art comes from idiosyncratic, fearless, underrepresented voices. They provide a platform for this work, and build a community around it. These are the weird and wonderful spots that make up their NYC.

United States

Welcome to New York City. People are constantly on the move, this is a city of hustlers, a place where people come to level up, settling isn’t an option. You’ll quickly realize that there’s always going to be a lot more to do than you have time in the day for. 

And that’s cool, NYC was meant to be explored more than once.

What's The Deal On

A sense of freedom you won’t find anywhere else

Intro

Once the capital of the country, the city has come to define America for many

Cultural History

Everyone thinks their hood is the best – and they’re right

Hoods

Wherever you stay, there’s plenty to explore

Accomodation

New York can be a city for the marginalized to feel welcomed and empowered

Being Queer in NYC

Diverse but there’s a history of oppression that can’t be forgotten

Race

Factor in a half-hour each way for scenic detours and infamous train delays

Local Transport

Rest assured, New York City has some of the best food on the planet

Food & Drink

Fairly liberal but many prefer to skip the political talk

Political Situation

Etiquette & Cultural Values 

Come prepared with common sense mixed with a couple precautions

Safety

Most situations shouldn’t escalate, but know your rights

The Police

Solo Travel

Weed is legal in the city, when it comes to other drugs, know your source or skip it

Drugs

Shopping

Shopping in New York City

Nightlife 

Nightlife in New York City

Food

The Best Restaurants and Places to Eat

Key Events

Guides

Local Guides From Our Community 

Explore NYC

Features

Watch

New York City 

Hinge 

Who doesn’t want to go on an adventure? And the symbols on their flag look like they were made by Martians.

The Explorers Club

Restaurant serving ‘wild-to-table avant-garde cuisine’. This was the place that got Casey into urban hunting, the ritual of catching and eating local city fare like raccoons, possums, and even coyotes — if you see ovular prints in the Prospect Park snow this winter don’t assume they’re from some finance bro’s Goldendoodle.

Honey Badger

A taxidermy museum displaying every animal mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud. They let you pet the animals too. True story: Kate’s best friend had her first kiss there.

Torah Animal World

A cat village in North Greenpoint. Can’t have a cat because your roommates are allergic, or you live next door to a serial killer? Instead, come here and let the feral and one-eared tabbies curl around your knees. This is what Keenan does whenever he goes through a breakup.

Commercial Street Cat Village

A museum that preserves, interprets, and celebrates the role of dogs in society. We always thought there should be a museum that’s ‘by dogs, for dogs’, and this is as close as we’ve found.

AKC Museum of the Dog

The taxidermy here isn’t as good as Torah Animal World, but it comes with a side of Chiles Rellenos and Pozole.

Mi Pequeño Chinantla

Treetop Journeys connect their community with nature through adventure, exploration, and relaxation. Their immersive experiences guide you out of the city, to breath in that fresh mountain air, soak up that sunshine, and take a load off your back. Whether it’s a day trip with guided hikes, or an overnight camping trip punctuated by farm-to-fork dinners — they’re masters in the art of reconnecting with nature.

Ahead of their workshop at Assemble NYC, we took some time to find out their favourite places to escape the city, enjoy the great outdoors and then get cosy, in NYC and upstate.

Hinge

Our favourite swimming hole and lounge spot upstate. It’s not too far from the city and it’s relatively easy to find. Pack a lunch and a cooler, find a little rock and spend all day here. Plus, once you’re ready to head out you can stop at Hodge Podge shop and have Ray talk your ear off. He may or may not sell you something depending on how attached to it he’s feeling that day.

This small but immersive community garden might seem like your typical garden from the outside, but once you step through its doors, you’ll discover so much more. With hundreds of different plant species to explore, the real gem here is the secret "treetop" house. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and read your favourite book. Since it only fits two people, you'll want to arrive early to claim your spot!

Mossy Stone was our flagship farm for our season last year and we’ve spent a lot of time with Tyler, the farmer. This place is special and his produce proves that. Mossy Stone is a fully regenerative, organic market garden, which means he grows a high volume and density of crops on a small plot. Tyler’s sungolds are the sweetest we’ve ever had. You can catch them at farmers’ markets in Windham and Catskill. 

I live next to this park and let me tell you, it has changed my life. When I have the day off, I start my morning by finding a bench with a cup of coffee from Variety and a book. Inevitably I’ll run into friends, dogs, toddlers on bikes, older Polish men deep in conversation. I love this park so much. They have a bird watching club on Saturdays, a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, grass, trees, and a slappy curb. I’ve been to more birthday parties, going away parties here than I can count on my hand. It’s perfect, come say hi. - Rayan 

Stissing House is a historic restaurant housed in a centuries-old inn, offering a cosy farm atmosphere with an elegant touch. They are extremely intentional about sourcing from local farms, being situated right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, where there are plenty of great farms to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a date night or just stopping by for a glass of wine and a bite at the bar while reading a book, this spot is truly perfect for that

It’s hard to put into words just how insanely good this place is. Wilson, the man behind the bread, started in Delhi, NY running a small operation where his bread was nearly impossible to get. He later moved closer to Saratoga Springs to open Bakery Suzanne, named after his mother. He crafts pastries, bread, and much more, and everything is to die for. After trying one of his sourdough loaves, you might even consider moving upstate.

Achilles Heel is a little gem surrounded by the unsightly new towers in North Greenpoint. Equal parts bar and restaurant, they have a great rotating list of natural wines and cocktails and some of the best food in Brooklyn. Our friend Edmond took over as chef there earlier this year and his menus are exciting and delicious. They also get the fire going in the winter — you’ll never want to leave.

This is the perfect place after checking out Kaaterskill Falls or any of the little swimming holes over there. Best sandwiches ever, good cup of coffee, enough said. The BLT is f**ked.

We met the team at Forecast in early spring of 2024 and eventually solidified our friendship by bringing them along on one of our camping trips. Recently, we used their space as the pickup location for one of our biggest camping trips to date. Their concept is cool; a hybrid gallery, retail and event space that connects the city with nature.

A favourite bar in the East Village. It’s cheap and delicious. No frills. Good for a date or just to meet some friends. The bartenders are cool and so is everyone sitting at the bar. They also have a cute little backyard. We recommend a dirty gin martini and a burger. Say less!

Explore More Anti-Clique Clubs

Explore the Outdoors from NYC with Treetop Journeys

No Routine has been delivering a generous serving of play to the good people of NYC ever since they decided that adult life needs more of it.  Life’s too short to stick to the same old routine, so they’re shaking things up — providing a place to break free from the monotony of the adulting.  Find them turning parks into playgrounds across the city, playing dodgeball, kickball, and all sorts of nostalgic games, always surrounded by loads of people letting loose and having fun.

From slushy-serving bodegas, to parks ripe for play, these are the NYC spots that fuel their fun.

“Incredibly fresh dim sum, quick service, and open until 3am. What more can you ask for?”


“A downtown classic. The perfect place to pull up after a game, grab some greek style bar food, and a spicy watermelon margarita.”


“A park right by the water with a nice view, no matter what time it is. During the day you get a nice view of sailboats.”


“The place Dimes Square was initially named for, Dimes Deli is one of the best places to grab a quick, cheap, and healthy meal downtown. Try the Macro Bowl if you want to be a bit healthy and the Sumner Roll if you don’t.”


“Tom has been slinging fresh fruit juices out of his small East Village spot for a couple years now. The kiwi juice is a hit.”


“This is a park where we hosted BBQs and frisbee games. If you are ever in the Lower East Side and trying to get on a swing, this park has them.”

“This is a go-to downtown spot. It just looks like an ordinary bodega from the outside but inside they’re serving up fresh fruit slushies for amazing prices.”

“This park is the best for people watching when hanging out with friends.”

NYC With No Routine: The Spots That Fuel Their Fun

Life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and the same goes for chess. Designers Simone and Isabel started Pawn Chess Club to subvert stereotypes and create a welcoming, inclusive space for chess players of all skill levels. Pawn Chess Club hosts events across the city for their growing community to learn the game, play a match, meet a new friend, and just hang out. When they’re not hosting candle-lit chess games around the Lower East Side, find them travelling around in search of good architecture and design, or hunting down the best spots for a quiet game away from the hustle and bustle.

Scroll down to discover their favourite local NYC spots to play, relax and connect in the city.

“This is our favourite place to meet for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day. It’s also one of our favourite spots to host chess in the Lower East Side. We got our start at their sister restaurant, Casino, who hosted our first-ever event in May 2023.”

“This is one of the last, old-school chess parlours in New York City. There’s nowhere else in New York (maybe even the world?) where you can play chess past midnight (they’ll stay open until dawn if there are enough players). If you’re lucky, you may even spot a well-known grandmaster or two.”

“The best place to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core. Elizabeth Street Garden is at risk of being shut down by the Mayor of NYC Eric Adams — swing by the garden with a chess board in tow to show your support.”

“Located in Long Island City, this is one of our ultimate all-time favourite places to visit over and over again, especially when New York City life feels overwhelming. Artist Isamu Noguchi spent his lifetime experimenting with sculpture, gardens, furniture and lighting design, ceramics, architecture, and set design. Noguchi even designed a chess board which is on view at Chess Forum. Bring a book and read in the serene outdoor sculpture garden at the museum.”

Discover more Anti-Clique Clubs 

Chess, Design & Natural Wine in NYC with Pawn Chess Club

The Angelito Collective is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist initiative based in NYC, committed to radical trans and queer visibility. More than just a space-making and advocacy organisation, the collective seeks to change the way in which people see the world. Spanning photography, film, fashion, nightlife, beauty, music and all other art forms, the common thread that ties their work together is a dedication to making marginalised voices louder.

Get to know the late night snack spots and legendary nightlife venues that make up Angelito Collective’s NYC. This is where they hang out in the city.

A legendary spot known for its inclusive ethos, relaxed atmosphere, and a stellar sound system. Nowadays is the go-to for anyone seeking a more community-driven nightlife experience. It’s perfect for those who value both great music and a welcoming, diverse crowd.

With its chic setting and rooftop pool, Le Bain is an upscale option for dancing the night away with breathtaking views of the city. The space attracts a varied crowd, including a strong queer presence, making it a top destination for a glamorous night out.


This Lower East Side gem combines a cool, intimate vibe with a dance floor that comes alive late into the night. It’s a great spot for a more laid-back yet still lively dancing experience, where queer culture is celebrated.


A Brooklyn staple, Paragon is a versatile space that hosts everything from fashion shows to wild late-night DJ sets. It’s a beloved spot for creatives and artists, known for its eclectic events and inclusive atmosphere.


A bar-meets-dance venue where the crowd is fun, eclectic, and artsy. Honey’s is the place to be if you’re into experimental cocktails and the underground dance scene. A spot where trans visibility is embraced, making it feel like a second home for many in the community.

The Standard Grill offers upscale dining with classic American fare, ideal for a chic post-dance meal. The high-energy setting and prime location make it perfect for gathering with friends after a night out at Le Bain, located just upstairs.

“A peaceful haven that’s perfect for unwinding. Sunset Garden is a beautifully maintained space where nature and community intertwine, providing a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.”