Bianca Bahamondes: The Hidden Gem Hunter Behind Secret NYC

At the helm of Secret NYC, New York’s definitive guide to hyper-local happenings, is Executive Editor Bianca Bahamondes, a woman whose journey through the city’s bustling streets mirrors the essence of what makes New York so captivating. Her role? To sift through the overwhelming array of experiences and make sense of it all, curating the best for the rest of us. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just getting your bearings, Bianca ensures that her team connects millions of users daily with the best local news, trending moments, and cultural milestones.

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Bianca’s relationship with New York began nearly a decade ago when she left behind her sunny hometown of Miami in search of seasons, culture, and a challenge. “I always knew I needed to be somewhere with seasons,” she recalls with a laugh. After dreaming of London, she felt drawn to New York, where she immediately tested her resilience. The early days were tough—internships that didn’t pay, rent that didn’t stop, and endless subway rides to make connections across the city. But as Bianca settled into the city, her instincts kicked in.

In 2017, Bianca started her journey with Secret NYC as the company’s first U.S.-based writer, carving out her own space in the city’s oversaturated media landscape. Her rise was rapid but hard-earned, as she quickly moved from writer to Executive Editor, overseeing an expanding editorial team that now shapes the cultural landscape in more than ten cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin.

At its core, Secret NYC serves as a remedy to the overwhelming sensation that can come with living in a place like New York. The platform tracks down the best of what the city has to offer, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to top-notch exhibitions and nightlife. It’s more than just a city guide—it’s a curated experience for those looking to dig a little deeper into what makes New York tick. And at the heart of it all is Bianca, whose handpicked recommendations and insider tips have made Secret NYC a must-read for anyone who wants to go beyond the surface.

“We’re connecting people to the most exciting parts of New York,” Bianca explains. “It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when there’s so much happening, but we’ve made it our mission to help people rediscover their city, no matter how long they’ve lived here.” Whether it’s spotlighting a hidden gem in Greenpoint or revealing a new art installation downtown, Secret NYC provides its “stamp of approval” to the best and most unique experiences across the five boroughs.

One of Bianca’s favorite ways to experience the city is by walking. “I love the walk from Greenpoint to Williamsburg. You get to see the skyline from the outside looking in, and there are all these cool cafes and shops to pop into along the way,” she says. Her love for New York’s neighborhoods has only deepened over the years, and she’s quick to recommend other off-the-beaten-path experiences. “Kayaking under the Brooklyn Bridge is something everyone should try at least once,” she adds.

While Bianca has left her mark on New York, her work has expanded beyond the city. Under her leadership, Secret NYC has become part of a broader network, launching hyper-local guides in cities like Austin and Chicago. Each of these guides offers the same dedication to finding the pulse of the local culture, ensuring that users across the country can experience the thrill of discovering their city’s best-kept secrets.

But Secret NYC isn’t just about uncovering what’s happening—it’s about creating connections. During the pandemic, the platform pivoted from nightlife and events to focus on digestible, uplifting local news. “People came to us for a sense of community when everything felt overwhelming,” Bianca says. Secret NYC spotlighted everything from small businesses finding new ways to stay afloat, to neighborhood art installations and the moments that made New Yorkers feel hopeful again.

For those looking for Bianca’s recommendations on the best things to do in the city, she has plenty to share. Among her top picks are the water tower bar at the Arlo Hotel, where you can sip cocktails with a skyline view, and Frankel’s in Greenpoint, where she swears by the whitefish bagel sandwich. For those seeking music and culture, we talked about Vinyl Nights at Hudson Yards, where you can catch old-school hip-hop and house music under the stars.

Reflecting on her career and what she’s learned, Bianca distills it down to two key lessons. “Personally, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. New York has a way of sharpening that for you—you have to trust yourself, whether it’s deciding to cross the street at the right moment or taking a leap in your career. Professionally, I’ve learned to just try things. You never know what will work until you give it a shot. Even if it doesn’t pan out, it’s part of the process.”

For Bianca Bahamondes, the journey isn’t just about discovering New York’s best-kept secrets—it’s about discovering her own strengths and pushing her boundaries in a city that demands nothing less.