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Home » North America » USA » 20 Magnificent Hidden Gems in New York City | MUST SEE

20 Magnificent Hidden Gems in New York City | MUST SEE

When it comes to the best cities in the world, New York is,  obviously , top of the list. It’s hard to deny the gloriousness of the Statue of Liberty, the lush beauty and massiveness of Central Park, and the beautiful chaos of Times Square. Even watching everything from afar can hitch your breath.

However, these  popular and utterly famous  tourist destinations aren’t the only reason for the city’s fame. There are many beautiful spots in this sprawling city that go unnoticed and unseen. There’s the parts of New York that everyone sees, and then there’s  hidden New York . And uncovering the latter is an equally, if not more, thrilling experience.

hidden places to visit in nyc

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What’s New York City Like?

20 of the best hidden spots in the big apple, final thoughts.

hidden places to visit in nyc

New York is a traveler hub and brimming with iconic destinations. It so incredibly popular that even international travelers who have never been to the city know what’s what. The steel, glass, and modern skyscrapers are the side of New York City that is often depicted in movies, books, and pop culture. However, there’s a whole lot more to NYC!

As well as Michelin Restaurants, there are streetside vendors and local merchants, who have their own fan-following and long queues. There’s an impressive art community and their magnum opuses found on street corners, subway stations, and dark alleyways. Old and historic buildings might be ignored but they are glorious!

And let’s not forget the most jarringly unique neighborhoods, so distinct that they don’t quite fit the picture of NYC we have in our minds, but there they are, in the heart of the city or around quaint neighborhoods.  

Make sure you add some lesser known spots to your NY itinerary to get the full city experience.

New York is no ordinary city, neither are its inhabitants! You simply cannot fit such a vibrant destination into a neat little box consisting of typical tourist spots. To assist you in really exploring this jewel box of a city, here’s our list of the best-hidden gems in NYC.

A Glimpse Into The Past – Stone Street

Stone Street New York

In the financial district of NYC, Stone Street gives a glimpse into the past, and feels like you’ve been transported back to old Europe. This is one of those secrets of New York that hides in plain sight . Right in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, it was the first street in the city to be lined with cobblestones. At the time, New York wasn’t yet the incredible place we know, it just a small Dutch farming village called New Amsterdam.

To preserve this old and beautiful street, no cars are allowed. Food vendors line the street, alfresco dining areas seat the merry guests, streetlights illuminate the entire block, and multiple historic buildings hide behind the skyscrapers. If there’s one place in NYC where you can stroll freely without worrying about the ever-busy traffic, it is here.

As a cherry on top, there are some amazing walking tours that you can join with guides portraying historical figures walking by your side.

The Subway Secrets of NYC – Life Underground

Life Underground New York

No matter where you stay in New York , you are bound to take the subway at least once.

Want to embark on an unlikely adventure in NYC? Keep your eyes peeled in the city’s subway between 14 th Street and 8 th Avenue for captivating bronze sculptures. These quirky installations are the works of the artist Tom Otterness, and a part of a cartoonish series called “Life Underground.” The sculptures illustrate the people of New York from all walks of life. It even illustrates some urban myths, including NYC’s famous sewer alligator!

Representing class and culture, with distinct attire differentiating between blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, radicals, and rich people these charming sculptures sure have a way of putting a smile on your face. 

A Topside Secret – 620 Loft and Gallery

It is interesting how the majority of the tourists make their way to the Rockefeller Center but few dare to venture higher up towards the roof, where a secret garden with a beautiful close-up view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Fifth Avenue awaits you. There are two ways to witness the grandeur of the expertly manicured rooftop garden. You can either book it for a special event that you are planning in New York, or you can spot it from the top of the Rock Observation Deck.  

The Architectural Jewel – Warren Place Mews

Warren Place Mews New York

Located between Warren and Baltic Street, Warren Place Mews is one of the finest hidden places in NYC. You would need to know it is there in order to find it! As you look around NYC’s most picturesque neighborhood, with townhouses all joined together, you’d have to remind yourself that you are still in Brooklyn and not in old England. 

What makes this street so special? The red brick structures that stretch over the entire block are historic gothic–Victorian houses with ornamental brickwork, sharply-peaked doorway arches, and a rich old-world charm.

Here’s the irony – this row of houses were built in 1878-1879 as a housing development for the working class. Today, they are owned by the rich and elite of NYC, are gated, and hardly ever up for sale! This is why, if you head over to this hidden treasure of NYC, you should be respectful to the residents living there.

The Top Historical Secret Of New York – The Met Cloisters

Met Cloisters New York

Would you believe it if we told you that amidst New York’s skyscrapers and busy roads is a medieval castle? A long and winding wooded pathway atop a hill in Manhattan will take you on a journey to the Middle Ages.

The Met Cloisters is one of those secret places in NYC that is desperate to stay hidden. The castle, with its covered pathways, manicured gardens, stained glass, central square, manuscripts, and tapestries from the 12 th , 13 th , and 14 th centuries, contains elements from original European cloisters.

It is tucked away within Fort Tryon Park, with the Hudson River right across from it giving you amazing views and a true sense of seclusion.

Book a tour in advance to skip the line and enjoy this New York hidden gem without any hassle.

Nature as an Art – The New York Earth Room

Most of us would never have given much thought to soil.. but put lots of it -280,000 pounds to be exact– in a room and we’d begin to recognize it for its beauty.

That’s exactly what artist Walter De Maria did in 1977 in a random room of a New York Soho loft, which not only made this NYC hidden gem an enigmatic art but also somewhat iconic. Initially, the Earth Room with a 22-inch-deep layer of soil was supposed to be temporary, but following its success, the art piece became permanent.

While quite famous in the art community, few locals and tourists are aware of this spot, which makes it all the cooler to visit.

The Deadliest Street – Bloody Angle

Bloody Angle New York

When you set out to explore the secrets of NYC, you are bound to stumble upon a few places with a blood-chilling history. The Bloody Angle is the nickname of Chinatown’s Doyers Street, which was once painted red by a notorious gang war between Hip Sing Tong and Leong Tong.

The street is one block long with a sharp, almost 90-degree bend in the middle earning it its name. This bend was notorious as a perfect hiding spot for hatchet-carrying criminals to take their next victims by surprise. No other intersection in NYC had witnessed more murders than this one! Of course, NY is much safer nowadays.

While the street doesn’t look the same as it did during its crime-ridden days, it is still super cool to visit. If you wish to stroll where the gangsters once roamed, a walking tour is the best way to see where some of the worst criminal acts took place.

Don’t forget to visit Nam Wah Tea Parlor, the popular restaurant known for being the first to bring Dim Sum to New York.

A Unique Shopping Experience – The Evolution Store

The Evolution Store New York

Sitting in Manhattan’s SoHo art district, is a purveyor of the strange and curious. A huge collection of artefacts houses weird and wonderful items like a shark in a jar, cobra vertebrae bracelets, bat skulls, cat skeleton, and Asian forest scorpion in a resin, just to name a few.

Whether you are a curious tourist on a quest to uncover the ‘ hidden New York ’ or an enthusiast of natural history collectibles, you’d find yourself in awe of the Evolution Store and everything under its roof. 

For History Enthusiasts – Fort Tryon Park

Fort Tryon Park New York

Fort Tryon Park is no ordinary spot in NYC. Since most people don’t know about its cool history, it remains one of the top hidden gems in NYC. If you don’t have time to read up, take a walking tour with a well-informed New Yorker to truly enjoy the experience.

The park is built around massive stone arches that are the remains of the once glorious Tryon Hall mansion, built by a wealthy Chicago industrialist. It was later purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and then eventually burnt to the ground.

Long before it was a Tryon Hall mansion, the area was a battle site during the Revolutionary War. Before that, it was occupied by a Dutch community, and before that, it was called home by a large population of Native Americans.

A Bizarre Sight in NYC – Hidden Tropical Rainforest

Hidden Tropical Rainforest New York

The last thing you’d expect as you are taking a stroll in a Manhattan office building is to find a whole forest! But that’s what makes NYC so special!

Located inside the Ford Foundation building, surrounded by steel and glass walls that stretches from the floor up to its top 12 th floor – this tropical rain forest has a lush garden of magnolias, water pools, and dwarf shrubs. And it is pretty much authentic because the roof collects the actual rainwater and then turns it into a steam condensation that waters the plants and fills up all the pools. This is one of the most intriguing New York hidden gems, and must not be missed.

Something Bone Chilling – The Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island

Smallpox Hospital Park New York

Not only does this hidden gem in NYC have an interesting history, but the Gothic Revival architecture is incredible. Located on the southern end of Roosevelt Island, the hospital was built in 1856 as a treatment center for smallpox in NYC.

This facility was designed by the architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, James Renwick Jr, hence the gothic revival style. In 1875, it was turned into a nurse’s dormitory and eventually became an abandoned building until 1950.

With the fact that it was abandoned for so long, and was once a place of death and despair, adds a spooky factor. While there are several ghost-sighting rumors, these days you’ll find a hell of a lot of cats there! The Renwick Hospital is one of the best-kept secrets of New York City. 

A Modern History – Woolworth Building

Woolworth Building New York

If you are in the city to admire its steel and glass glamor, you cannot miss out on this 109-year-old hidden gem in NYC.

The Woolworth Building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, and is one of the earliest skyscrapers –and once, the tallest – in NYC. Unlike modern buildings, it is strongly inspired by gothic revival architecture, which makes it a designated landmark.

A Trip to England in NYC – Forest Hills Garden

Forest Hills Garden Park New York

NYC is full of surprises – one minute you’re in Chinatown, next, you’re in an old English village. One of the many secrets of New York is its charming Tudor Enclave in Queens.

Developed in 1909 by architect Grosvenor Atterbury and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., this village has independent half-timbered Tudor mansions, winding streets, a town center, and a train station. Despite a lot of pressure from the modern world, the village still maintains its architectural integrity and remains a secluded harmonious community where everyone knows everyone and kids play outside, almost like it’s a different era.

The Best Place to Explore in NYC – Ramble Cave

Ramble Cave New York

When you think of New York, Central Park will be one of the first things that comes to mind. It is, undisputedly, one of the most popular places in NYC and one of the must-visit spots . Why is it on our list, you might wonder? Central Park is ginormous, so much so that a large number of hidden treasures are found within, including Ramble cave.

It is no ordinary cave, as it was once inhabited by Native Americans.

Unfortunately, in the 1920s a murder occurred near the cave which led the authorities to seal it off permanently. However, the steps remain and those who know about this secret place can go out to look for it, while others pass by unaware.

A Hint of Italy in The Bronx – Villa Charlotte Bronte

In the Bronx’s sleepy neighborhood of Spuyten Duyvil, sitting on the edge of a cliff, alongside the Palisades and overlooking the Hudson River is a charming Italian-style villa built in 1926. The Villa Charlotte Bronte consists of 17-units of duplexes and triplexes, all different from each other.

The Villa truly depicts Italian architecture with its sunken courtyards, beautiful balconies, hedge-lined paths, cathedral ceilings, and arched staircases.

Ironically, the villa has nothing to do with Charlotte Bronte personally, but is named after her for its romantic, idyllic architecture and location. It is one of the best-kept secrets of New York City and has an obsessive fan following. Residents who have been living there for generations are always trying to ward off hundreds of prospective buyers.

A Decade-Old Immersive Experience – The Dream House

If you are on the lookout for secret places in NYC that are somewhat bizarre, trippy, and artistic, you must check out the Dream House.

This work of art by La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela will pull you deep into the ever-changing world of light and sound. There is no fanfare around it, and you might even stumble upon it randomly as you’re strolling down Church Street in Tribeca.

The cryptic black door with a sign that simply says The Dream House, opens into a room filled with neon reflections of light and sound waves that keep fluctuating and immersing you in a dream landscape. It is truly an otherworldly experience that clears your head like nothing else.

hidden places to visit in nyc

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The Mysterious Bookshop

The Mysterious Bookshop New York

You can’t claim to have uncovered all the secrets of New York unless you have been to the Mysterious Bookstore belonging to an equally mysterious owner.

In 1980, Otto Penzler, a German-born American editor and publisher of mystery fiction, realized that his collection of first edition novels had gotten a little out of hand. He needed a space for his 60,000 – and growing – collection of books. The necessity gave way to what is now the oldest and biggest bookstore, with fun touches of dramatics – the door leading to Penzler’s office is marked by police tape.

For a true lover of mystery and crime fiction, this is truly one of the best-hidden treasures of NYC.

The Very Hush Hush – Tunnels Beneath Columbia University

Calling all mystery lovers. Columbia University is so much more than a place for learning and pomp. The famous university has a series of mysterious tunnels running beneath its buildings that are surrounded by stories of horror and crime.

While every Columbia student is aware of these tunnels, the majority of locals and tourists are unaware of this NYC hidden gem right underneath their feet. Even fewer know that the building used to be the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum. Getting inside the tunnels is not easy, but with the right student as your guide you might just get a glimpse into the creepy spot.

New York City’s Very Own – Cat Paradise

Cat Paradise New York

We all know about cat island in Japan, but did you know that one of the best-kept secrets of New York City is somewhat similar? The previously mentioned defunct smallpox hospital on Roosevelt Island is home to hundreds of furry felines.

A Rare Celebrity Moment – Marilyn Monroe’s Flying Skirt

1954 had its version of a viral moment when Marilyn Monroe’s skirt blew up over an air-grate in The Seven year Itch . Everyone and everything involved with the famous photo got the attention, Marilyn Monroe of course, the white dress, and photographer Sam Shaw.

What didn’t get much attention was the subway grate on Lexington Avenue between 52 nd and 53 rd street. Perhaps it’s a good thing that only a handful of people are aware of it so that explorers of hidden places can find it and perhaps have their flying skirt moment.

New York City truly is one of the best places to go exploring for unlikely adventures. 

The city’s streets, buildings, and neighborhoods have so many stories to tell, that many of them have gone unnoticed. It is your chance to get among the locals, visit cult-favorite spots and immerse in all the hidden history of the city.

If you are heading to New York City for the first time, keep your eyes peeled for enigmatic doors, mysterious buildings, historical streets, and houses that look like they are from a different era. And if you are already a New Yorker, why not dedicate your weekends to finding even more hidden treasures of NYC?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mary Beth Skylis

Mary Beth Skylis

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Your Brooklyn Guide

25+ Local’s Hidden Gems in NYC (& Unique Things to do in NYC)

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There are so many incredible hidden gems in NYC and unique things to do in NYC to explore beyond the typical visitor hotspots like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park – although all of those are special in their own way and we still love them!

New York is the city that keeps on giving, to locals and visitors alike. However, as the ever-polished oxford shoes of businessmen hit the pavement, the worn bike tires of delivery people impossibly weave in and out of traffic, and the artist’s shoes you’ve definitely never heard of tiptoe gingerly around the puddle that never seems to evaporate, often the offerings of this generous city go unnoticed, as the gazes of these individuals rarely shift from the ground beneath their feet.

Tucked away within the gridded street system of Manhattan and the rest of NYC are secret spots and hidden gems a-plenty to explore, whether you are visiting or local and just looking for some fun, unique things to do in NYC.

This guide will take you off the grid, and highlight some of the best, historically rich hidden gems in NYC to explore as well as other cool unique things to do in NYC. Some of these are activities you can enjoy and some of the best hidden gems in NYC are more about the story, so you can appreciate them when you come across them on your NYC visit!

About the Author

Eli Kimbell is a born and raised New Yorker from Greenwich Village. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in liberal arts at the University of Richmond.

Unique Things to do  in NYC

Catacombs at basilica of old st. patrick’s cathedral.

Catacomb-Tour-at-Old-St-Patricks-Cathedral-in-NYC

One of the most unique things to do in NYC (and hidden gems) is visiting the catacombs of the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Nolita. This is actually the oldest St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the city and is the official held seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York until the other. Yep, that’s right the more famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue opened in 1879 (64 years after Old St. Patrick’s was built).

This cathedral is now a designated New York City Landmark and now offers one of the most intriguing and interesting tours in New York City! Not to mention, the interior of the Basilica was also used in Martin Scorsese’s film The Godfather, the famous baptism scene.

The Catacombs by Candlelight tour takes you through a 90-minute guided journey through the catacombs, the organ, and the cemetery – all of which are off-limits to the public. Along the journey, you’ll learn about the Gangs of New York (another Scorsese film based on true events) and other secrets of NYC! Then at the very end of your tour, you will get a candle to explore th catacombs of the prominent Catholic families of NYC including the Delmonico’s of the famous steakhouse! Book your Catacombs by Candlelight tour here.

Green-Wood Cemetery

beautiful tombstone at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn

Speaking of catacombs, another one of the most unique things to do in NYC is make a visit to the most beautiful cemetery in the city (and one of the most beautiful in the country) at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Besides being the final resting place of famous folks like REAL Bill the Butcher from Gang’s of New York (that’s a whole story in itself), artist Jean Michel Basquiat, and historic figures in New York’s history to name a few. There are catacombs (which you can only explore by joining one of their periodical tours from the official Green-Wood Cemetery), trolley tours, and other special events like outdoor movie screenings in the summer with Rooftop Films.

The cemetery is 478 acres of winding pathways offering views of the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center, and beautiful trees throughout the park. As a matter of fact, Green-Wood Cemetery was used as a park in the early 1900s which in turn led to the need to build Central Park and Prospect Park. That’s right, in the Victorian era, people used this cemetery as a park!

Honestly, this is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the city, which is why it’s one of the best hidden gems in NYC. You have to make a visit for yourself, and see all the best things to see in Green-Wood Cemetery .

Gold Vault in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Guia Brasileiro em Nova York (@novayorkevoce)

As far as hidden gems in NYC go, the gold vault of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York fits the description quite literally. 80 feet below street level and 50 feet below sea level of this Financial District landmark lies the largest known depository of monetary gold on earth.

Opened in 1924, the vault provides gold custody services to governments and central banks around the world. The basement-level vault is protected by extensive security measures akin to something out of a Mission Impossible movie, including motion sensors, 24-hour camera surveillance, and a 90-ton, airtight and watertight steel cylinder at the only entrance point of the vault.

While the contents of the vault possess extraordinary value, tours of the building, including the vault, are available on weekdays and free to the general public with a scheduled visit which you can do online .

The MET Roof Garden Bar

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum)

One of the best hidden gems in NYC is at one of the most iconic NYC museums ! That’s right, the MET or Metropolitan Museum of Art offers one of the most unique things to do in NYC on its rooftop!

The MET rooftop, The Cantor Roof Garden Bar offers stunning views of Central Park from above. The rooftop doesn’t stay open too late so this is a better afternoon activity unless you’re visiting on the weekend in which they don’t close until 8 PM.

And besides the stunning view with cocktails and light bites, there’s always a sculpture on the rooftop too meaning you still get to enjoy some art even from up here! The sculpture changes throughout the years, so each visit can be different.

1951 Trolley in Red Hook

red hook trolley in brooklyn a great photography spot

One of the best hidden gems and secret spots in NYC can be found in the waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn. This hidden gem in NYC is an abandoned street trolley from 1951 tucked away between the waterfront of the New York Harbor with great views of the Statue of Liberty and an old industrial warehouse that this neighborhood is well known for from its industrious past.

This is the last remaining trolley from the ambitious project to bring trolley car transportation to Red Hook and attempt to popularize the ‘trolley lines’ in Brooklyn as a mode of public transport that would run from Red Hook to Downtown Brooklyn.

There was a brief moment in time in the 1990s and early 2000s where there was a collection of old trolleys from around the country and an operating 1-mile trolley loop in Red Hook that ended up being decommissioned and repaved over in 2004.

There were a total of four trolleys like this on the Red Hook waterfront until Hurricane Sandy damaged this area severely and now there is only one which you can visit for free!

This is also a great spot to be at towards sundown as the waterfront is one of the best Brooklyn sunset spots ! Also, see more hidden gems in Red Hook while you’re here!

While you’re here don’t miss grabbing a swizzle from award-winning Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie and taking in the views of Lady Liberty from Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier .

Sylvan Terrace

Between 160th and 162nd streets, bordered by St Nicholas Avenue and Jumel Terrace, Sylvan Terrace stands as one of the only remaining remnants of old New York in Washington Heights (which at the time of Sylvan Terrace’s construction was a suburb of NYC).

Originally erected in 1882, the preserved lane of 20 wooden rowhouses once housed middle class occupants on the former estate of Madame Jumel, a wealthy New York socialite who bore witness to events such as the first assembly of Congress in Philadelphia and Washington’s inauguration at Federal Hall, and who was known to have had an affair with Patrick Henry and was married to Aaron Burr (for Hamilton fanatics, this is a must-see!).

Today, the tiny lane of houses has been preserved as a historic district, and the Jumel Mansion to the east is a city-owned museum.

Picasso’s “Bust of Sylvette” at Silver Towers

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Edgar Woh (@poe.land.adventures)

Any Picasso fans out there? One of the best hidden gems in NYC is this Picasso sculpture which can be found smack dab in the center of an apartment complex and seen from the street!

The Silver Towers high-rise building complex sits smack-dab in the middle of Greenwich Village—and smack-dab (actually a bit off-center) in the grassy centerpiece of its square-shaped, brick-laden driveway stands the 36-foot-tall “Bust of Sylvette”, created in 1968 and is one of the best not so secret, secret spots in NYC.

This hidden gem in NYC is an enlargement of an earlier folded sheet metal sculpture Picasso had created, and he worked hand-in-hand with artist Carl Nesjar and architect I.M. Pei (who designed the Silver Towers complex) to produce the sculpture seen there today.

“Sylvette” is one of only two public outdoor Picasso sculptures in the Western Hemisphere, so if you’re jonesing for some Picasso without the hoopla of museum crowds, this is one of the most secret spots in NYC to appreciate some lesser-known art by perhaps the most well-known artist of the 20th century.

Weehawken Street

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Brant Duncan (@bigcitybrant)

Another secret spot in NYC is Weehawken Street, a tiny, one-block-long street that runs parallel to the west side highway in the West Village.

This hidden gem in NYC tells a story of its own about the historical evolution of New York. It was once a part of the second director general of New Amsterdam’s personal tobacco plantation in the 1600s, and subsequently was enveloped into New York state’s first prison, Newgate State Prison.

After the prison was closed in 1826, the city reserved Weehawken Street (which was named for the New Jersey town across the Hudson with ferry access to the West Village) as the future location for a food market. The market was closed by 1844, and the lots were sold off to residents, including Cornelius Van Schaak Roosevelt, the father of Theodore Roosevelt.

While the Newgate Prison was one of the earliest tourist attractions in the West Village, today Weehawken Street sits silently in the shadow of the West Side Highway, a hidden gem in NYC in the rough.

Northern Dispensary

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Colin Montgomery (@montgomerynyc)

It is not very difficult to find the Northern Dispensary building, located in Greenwich Village a stone’s throw away from the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street—it occupies its own triangular block, amidst the surrounding slender brick buildings that seem to shoulder together to catch a better glimpse, and a better understanding, of this stoic outcast.

The secret lies not in the façade of the building, but in the condition of its interior. Its lack of an occupant for almost three decades has given it a mysterious, and dare I say cursed aura that makes it one of the most secret spots in NYC.

Built in 1831, the building was once used as a medical facility to treat the poor and infirm, and eventually became a dental clinic in the 1980s before shuttering its doors after a lawsuit regarding the clinic’s refusal to treat a patient with AIDS ran it out of business.

It was then bought by the Catholic Church, and finally sold to a real estate firm which has not housed an occupant since its purchase in 1998.

Currently, this building is permanently closed so while you may not be able to get inside the building, looking at it from its northernmost corner will grant you the esteemed opportunity to stand at the intersection of Waverly Place and Waverly Place, a New York phenomenon that makes it one of the most unique things to do in NYC.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Columbia College Alumni (@alumniofcolumbiacollege)

Known for being the host of summertime teenage bravado, this set of ledges along the southern tip of the Bronx closest to Manhattan has existed for generations as the sacred ground of the Bronx rite of passage of jumping off the cliffs into the Harlem River , at the point known as Spuyten Duyvil—which translates to “Spinning Devil”—aptly named by the Dutch for the river’s wicked currents in this area.

The ledges range from about 30 feet above the river to somewhere close to 100 feet, each with its own traditionally passed-down name, some of which are explicit. Since the perilous journey to the ledge across the double blind curve of the metro-north train tracks constitutes trespassing, perhaps the best vantage point to view the action is from the other side of the river, at the Columbia University athletics complex at the northern tip of Manhattan.

From there, one can see the giant powder blue Columbia “C” painted on the face of the cliff, which is maintained by the Columbia crew team.

Disclaimer: Do not attempt to do this incredibly dangerous stunt. Not only do people drown in these wicked currents in the water here but there are accounts of people losing their lives by electrocution when getting to the C Rock. This is dangerous and we only share this hidden gem in NYC to share the story, not encourage any dangerous behavior.

To learn more about this spot, check out this 28 minute documentary about the C Rock.

McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by West Village, NYC (@westvillagelife)

McNulty’s has been a mainstay of the West Village since it opened in 1895, and has remained in business throughout the whirlwind of changes the city has endured since that time. It might even be accurate to call it the beating heart of what New York, and the Village, is all about–a mom and pop purveyor of caffeine to local residents and visitors alike who have heard of its energized staying ability and genuinely rustic atmosphere for generations.

According to one of its owners, David Wong, the store was originally opened by two Irish brothers, one of whom was a judge, before transferring hands to David and his father, Wing, in 1980.

Some of the jars, scales, and tins present in the aromatic village establishment have been in use since the beginning, and each purchase is marked with a McNulty’s rubber stamp.

Grabbing a bag of coffee or tea here is one of the most unique things to do in NYC, especially if your Starbucks or Dunkin’ routine has become tiresome and repetitive. Who knows–you may come across some rare blend from a faraway place on your visit here, and find your very own hidden gem in NYC that no one but Mr. Wong or his father could have told you about!

Old Stone House

Old Stone House in Brooklyn

The Old Stone House is a National Register of Historic Places monument and dates back to 1699. The Old Stone House has undergone several restorations, but it was originally a Dutch stone farmhouse owned by Dutch immigrants who farmed the land here and harvested oysters.

This 17th-century home was an integral part of the famous Battle of Brooklyn known officially as the 1776 Battle of Long Island. This was the largest fight in the Revolutionary War on August 27, 1776.

The Old Stone House was the location where the Americans led and commanded the fight against the British and General Charles Cornwallis where the Americans would lose and the British had a victory.

This was the fight that helped the British occupy Brooklyn and Manhattan for seven years. However, during the infamous Battle of Brooklyn George Washington and his troops escaped the defeat to the British to later fight again and win the war.

Also, in more recent history and pop culture, the Old Stone House was used as a clubhouse for what we know today as the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Read this article by Brownstoner for more Revolutionary War sites in Brooklyn, most of which are relatively close or a short walk from the Old Stone House, one of the best hidden gems of Park Slope .

The Little Red Lighthouse

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The little red lighthouse stands in plain sight along the Hudson River, and is hard to miss from the highway or bike path despite its small stature (for a lighthouse) at only 40 feet, due to its bright color, shining beacon, and unwavering resoluteness.

However, dwarfed by the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, one of the most grand bridges of NYC , the little red lighthouse is also most certainly a tiny hidden gem in NYC.

The lighthouse was built in 1880 and moved to its current location in 1921, before the construction of the G.W.B. began in 1931. By 1947, it was abandoned.

However, due to the widespread popularity of the 1942 illustrated children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge, which detailed the friendship between the lighthouse and the bridge, children across the nation began a campaign to save the lighthouse, which eventually succeeded.

Today, visitors can do one of the most unique things to do in NYC and climb the stairs to the top, and look out onto the Hudson below the G.W.B.

One if By Land, Two if By Sea

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One if By Land, Two if By Sea, is quite possibly the most interesting restaurant in the city, on account of its storied history–as well as its reputation for housing ghostly spirits and is one of the most haunted places in NYC.

The converted carriage house was built in 1767, and was owned by none other than Aaron Burr during the latter part of the 18th century. It has also been a brothel, a silent movie house, and an engine house for the firehouse that existed next door in the 19th century.

It came under its current ownership in 1973, but the ghosts of its past are quite real, according to countless accounts by staff and diners throughout its existence as One if By Land, Two if By Sea.

Many have said that invisible hands have pushed them up or down the stairs, and it has been reported that paintings and earrings alike often go missing.

The stone passageway that lies under the restaurant–likely used to smuggle in goods, revolutionary war soldiers, and almost definitely enslaved people along the underground railroad–leads to the former embankment of the Hudson River at Hudson Street, and is one of the most secret spots in NYC.

Perhaps the reason for the restaurant’s haunted atmosphere echoes within the walls of this secret passageway–but to date, no one knows what exactly explains these paranormal perturbations.

Warren Place Mews

Warren Place Mews in Cobble Hill Brooklyn during winter

Tucked away in Cobble Hill is one of the coolest architectural hidden gems in NYC and one of the best hidden gems in Brooklyn . It’s hard to believe that these townhouses that are now a hot commodity in the local real estate market (that are rarely ever for sale) were once low-income houses for the working class.

These 19th-century Gothic, brick row houses with a charming little courtyard are probably one of the most picturesque ‘neighborhoods’ or ‘enclaves’ in the city.

Built in 1879 by developer Alfred Tredd White, a famous Brooklyn citizen buried in Green-Wood Cemetery , you can peep down here and see if a gate is open to peek in the courtyard. Chances are the gates may be closed but you’ll still get the view from the photograph above.

If you do visit this secret spot in NYC, please be respectful of the community and residents who live here. Do not make alot of noise and do not intrude or pose on their stairs. We are all about discovering and admiring hidden gems, but not at the expense of upsetting or being invasive of local residents.

Check out the rest of the amazing things to do in Carroll Gardens and BoCoCa in our guide.

Deluxe Green Bo

meal-spread-at-Deluxe-Green-Bo-in-Chinatown-NYC

If you are looking for a classic meal in the heart of Chinatown, but without the wait for spots such as Joe’s Shanghai or Wo Hop, visiting Deluxe Green Bo is one of the most unique things to do in NYC–and one of the most affordable.

You may not be the most comfy while eating here–there is next to no effort put into the atmosphere, proof of which lies in the fluorescent lights, tiled ceiling, and largely undecorated whitewashed walls that give it a high school classroom-like feel–but don’t judge it by its looks, because your stomach and your wallet will thank you later.

Be sure to get the soup dumplings and the scallion pancakes, amongst many other delicious options on the menu. The restaurant takes payment in cash or venmo only, so make sure you’ve got one of these two options in advance too.

Inwood Hill Park and the Reported Site of the Sale of Manhattan Island

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Perhaps the most monumental event in NYC history happened in Inwood Hill Park at the northwest tip of Manhattan island–the “sale” of Manhattan by the native Lenape tribe to the Dutch colonizers in 1626.

According to legend, Manhattan was “bought” for the equivalent of 24 dollars’ worth of trinkets and glass beads, although the Lenape tribe believed the deal to be for use of the lands, and not outright ownership. At the supposed site of the transaction near 214th Street there is now a boulder with a plaque on its face commemorating the Lenape tribe that once occupied the lands of Inwood Hill Park.

The park is a beautiful landscape of old trees and salt marshes, and is now run by the city parks department as a space for education about the natural landscape of the island as well as its cultural history. Visiting the reported location of this historic interaction is one of the most unique things to do in NYC, and allows visitors to imagine the bustling city in its former, natural state.

Staple Street Skybridge

Staple Street Skybridge in Tribeca Manhattan a hidden gem in NYC

According to an article in Apartment Therapy , more New Yorkers have access to a helipad than a skybridge. This makes the Staple Street skybridge a true hidden gem in NYC, one that will cost you a pretty penny if you wish to purchase it.

Until recently, fashion designer Zoran Ladicorbic resided in the apartment connected to this picturesque overhang, which connects to a three-story townhouse that he used as his studio and office. The entire property must be bought together–the apartment, the townhouse, and the adjoining skybridge–and was listed for about $30 million when Ladicorbic was looking to sell.

When the bridge was originally built in 1907, it served the functional purpose of connecting the New York Hospital to its horse-drawn ambulance carriage house, so that patients could be transported without having to hit the streets. Now, it floats above tiny Staple Street in Tribeca as a remnant of New York around the turn of the century.

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Although this tiny, 1/10th of an acre secret spot in NYC is sandwiched in between three buildings in Midtown, its serene landscape and peaceful air give New Yorkers and visitors alike a calming respite from the imposing hum of arguably the busiest section of the city.

Paley Park is what is known as a “vest pocket park”, and built in 1967, is the first of its kind. This hidden gem in NYC was designed by Robert Zion, and features a 20-foot-tall waterfall, ivy-lined walls, a food kiosk, public seating areas, and tasteful greenery that makes it one of the best secret gardens in NYC .

It is a wonderful pit stop if you are visiting nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, or Radio City Music Hall.

Be sure to check out more secret waterfalls in NYC too!

Hotel St George

Hotel St George in Brooklyn Heights

One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. This hotel was once the largest hotel in NYC made up of 8 buildings constructed between 1885 and 1929.

This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman, Duke Ellington to name a few. 

Hotel St. George quickly earned a reputation for being open to gay men and by the 1940s through the 1970s and many of its clientele were gay, you can learn more about the LGBTQ history here. This was one of the few hotels outside of Manhattan that were promoted as gay-friendly at the time.

Guests and long stay visitors would grace the halls and visit the famous Egyptian Nightclub or one of the 17 ballrooms in the hotel.

Sadly, much of the original buildings were destroyed in a devastating fire in 1995. The main facade of the building is unchanged though and protected under historic designation. Today, most of the building has been converted to apartments so you can live in the same halls as some of history’s greatest artists, members of the gay community, and even presidents.

This was also a Brooklyn filming location for the Godfather, in the 1972 film the meeting between the two characters Luca Brasi and Virgil Sollozzo took place in the lobby bar here!

Learn more about the best hidden gems in Brooklyn Heights too! This neighborhood is full of them!

Essex Market

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Originally opened in 1818 as a covered market consisting of pushcart vendors, Essex Market has fueled the shifting tides of the Lower East Side and has been fueled by its ever-changing demographics over more than two centuries of existence.

Its occupants began as Jewish and Italian immigrants, and today the fully indoor, permanent market encompasses all kinds of cuisines ranging from tropical fruits to German halal to New York City-inspired chicken sandwiches.

In keeping with the traditional history of the market, Essex Market’s website and general atmosphere gives its individual vendors the spotlight, sharing their backstories and inspiration for their creations.

While Chelsea Market on the other side of town has its perks, Essex Market’s brand new space, opened in 2019, is relatively unknown to New Yorkers outside of the Lower East Side, making it a secret spot in NYC sure to offer some of the best food the city has to offer.

Generation Records

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The stuffy air of the basement level pairs aptly with the punk music leaking from the speakers, freezing time in its tracks and providing the inspiration to find your very own hidden gem in NYC in one of the old records (a friend of mine found a 1978 Teddy Pendergrass record for four dollars).

It’s entirely possible that your visit here will last for over an hour as you become enveloped by the sheer volume of music, and if you really wanted to spend all day here, it wouldn’t even bring you close to coming into contact with every record available in the store.

If you’re a vinyl fan, be sure to also check out the best record shops in Brooklyn to add more cool spots to check out on your visit!

Stone Street

stone street igloo restaurant in manhattan

Between the skyscraper lined streets of Lower Manhattan in the Financial District lies Stone Street, a modern-day remnant of the Dutch colony established during the early part of the 17th century.

Stone Street is named for–you guessed it–its cobblestones, which were laid down during Dutch rule and combined to make Stone Street the first paved street in Manhattan history.

Once a thoroughfare for businesses including drygoods (textiles), grocery stores, blacksmiths, and more, many of Stone Street’s buildings were destroyed by the Great Fire of 1835, before being rebuilt in subsequent years in the Dutch neo-renaissance style to reflect the humble origins of this paved hidden gem in NYC.

Stone Street was also home to one of the locations where Alexander Hamilton practiced law too at 69 Stone Street. Today it’s a reloving parking garage though, womp womp.

Since around 2000, bars and restaurants have become the main form of business on the street, and since cars are not permitted, many of them retain expansive outdoor seating for patrons to enjoy and take in the architecture and in the winter there are magical little igloos you can dine in.

Grand Central Whispering Gallery

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Located in the dining concourse level of Grand Central Terminal in midtown, the whispering gallery is the premier secret spot in NYC–quite literally.

Taking a friend there and whispering up along the walls to the opposite corner, you can share your darkest secrets without any passersby knowing any better.

The arched dome structure of the gallery was built in 1913 by Rafael Gustavino and his son, Rafael Jr., although it is unclear whether or not they intended for the ceiling to be capable of carrying quiet sounds to the opposite end of the passageway.

Look for the Grand Central Oyster Bar to find the whispering gallery, which stands right in front of its entrance.

Doyers Street–Bloody Angle

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Doyers Street –and in particular its sharp turn at what is known as “bloody angle” is recognized as the most violent street in New York history, and sometimes as the most violent street in the country.

Once occupied by Chinese gangs after the turn of the century, this Chinatown spot has a long history of gambling houses, brothels, opium houses, and murder. Today, however, businesses line its sides with little worry over how the street got its nickname.

During the summer months, Doyers street is closed to traffic for the purpose of showcasing its annually painted ground mural, which this year was painted by Chilean-born street artist Dasic Fernández, and is meant to represent the rice terraces present throughout China.

His seemingly 3-D rainbow creation has transformed the small city block, and is set to improve business–in the past, Doyers Street has seen over 100% increases in pedestrian foot traffic.

Giant Boulder

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In Morningside Heights on 114th street, there is a gigantic, 100-foot-long, 30-foot-tall boulder that looks like it came from outer space and narrowly missed the two buildings on either side of it, settling in the middle.

In reality, it is just a rare above-ground portion of the bedrock Manhattan sits on, called Manhattan Schist. The passageway between buildings alongside the rock is a lovely shortcut, but the boulder provides more than just a pretty sight–it is a valuable example of New York’s geological history and resulting architectural history.

The reason why most of New York’s biggest skyscrapers are crowded around the neighborhoods of the Financial District and Midtown is because these areas are where Manhattan Schist comes closest to surface level, which prior to the more recent modernizations of architectural technology, meant that they were really the only places buildings of such stature could be built.

For a first-hand look at history and ancient science, and for a laugh at the preposterousness that the boulder owns, it is very much worth seeing this secret spot in NYC.

New York Transit Museum

Another one of the most unique things to do in NYC, that I consider a hidden gem in NYC,  is the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn . This historic Court Street subway station has been made into a transit museum that shows the history of public transportation from the past to the present day. Spanning a full city block, this secret museum is one of the most interesting educational collections in the city!

At the New York Transit Museum, you can explore the technology and design of NYC’s main mode of transportation. Visitors can climb aboard the 20 different subways and elevated cars that date back to as early as 1907, as well as view exhibits showing the history and future of NYC transit.

The best are the collection of historic trains they have! Take time to walk through them all, the oldest train they have on display dates back to 1904! Even local Brooklynites don’t even realize this impressive museum is right here because the entrance is hidden in plain sight.

Get your tickets here or get the New York Pass which gets you access to 100+ attractions, including this one, for up to 10 days or up to 45% off savings on normal admission prices all with this mobile pass! See our full breakdown of the New York Pass to see what else is included.

Abandoned City Hall Subway Station

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Speaking of the New York Transit Museum, this brings us to the next pick for most unique things to do in NYC, and one of the best hidden gems in NYC.

The New York City subway system opened in 1904 at the City Hall station, where passengers could ride for just a nickel. However, just after the end of World War II, the station was closed permanently. The only way to get to it today is on a guided tour by the New York Transit Museum, which offers tours only to members.

However, if you don’t want to pay the $60 fee for an individual membership, you can catch a glimpse of it if you stay on a downtown 6 train past its final stop at Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.

To reverse course onto its uptown route, the 6 train passes through the abandoned flagship station, and so for the price of a subway ride one can see a beautifully preserved piece of history.

The tiled interior was also designed by whispering gallery architect Rafael Gustavino, and if you visit both places, you can see the similarities present in the design of the tiled arches.

Masstransiscope

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One of the coolest hidden gems in NYC on your commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan can be found on the B, D, N, and Q trains departing Dekalb Avenue Station towards Manhattan.

In 1970, artist Bill Brand installed his animated movie in the underground of the NYC subway system for commuters who happen to look up to see his version of a zoetrope, a 19th-century optical illusion that animates images that revolve inside a cylinder so they appear to have movement like a cartoon when viewed through narrow openings or slits.

This installation called Masstransiscope was built in the abandoned and vacant Brooklyn subway station at Myrtle Avenue.

Back then, Brand wasn’t competing with smartphones and other technological devices that are available at our fingertips. 

If you want to see this unique thing to do in NYC, be sure to head on the B, D, N, or Q that is Manhattan-bound from Dekalb Avenue Station and hang out on the right hand side windows and watch! You’re in for a treat!

Cool Homes in Victorian Flatbush

Japanese House in Victorian Flatbush and Ditmas Park Buckingham Road in Brooklyn

Another fascinating hidden gem in NYC that can be found in Brooklyn is the gorgeous, residential neighborhood of Victorian Flatbush. The neighborhood of Victorian Flatbush aka Ditmas Park is where you can find the world’s highest concentration of Victorian homes in 100 square blocks!

Styles of architecture include Japanese Cottage, Colonial Revival, English Tudor, Greek Revival, Swiss Chalet style, and more.

Walking up and down the historically landmarked (and non-landmarked) streets feels like you’re no longer in NYC. To get the full experience, be sure to visit our explorer’s guide to Victorian Flatbush and you’ll be sure to see why this is one of our favorite scenic walks in Brooklyn .

Albertine-Bookstore-in-NYC

For book lovers, this is one of the best unique things to in NYC and best NYC hidden gems for you! Adjacent to the French Embassy in New York on the Upper East Side, Albertine one of the most beautiful NYC bookstores with the city’s French literature collection – there are over 14,000 classic and contemporary titles available in French and English.

In addition to their impressive inventory, Albertine boasts a truly stunning interior – housed on the Upper East Side within the Payne Whitney mansion, it was designed in 1902 by famous New York architect Stanford White (who was also behind the Washington Square Arch, and if you’re really in for the deep-dive, sordidly involved in The Crime of the Century ).

The interior is now composed of warm, wood-paneled walls and shelves, plush leather couches, and a touch of celestial and astrological whimsy in its hand-painted mural of constellations, stars, and planets modeled after the ceiling of a music room in a German villa.

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Did you know there are secret waterfalls in NYC ? One of the most unique things to do in NYC if you’re looking for a little ‘zen’ is find one of the best secret parks in the city .

Located in an outdoor area with a magical hidden NYC waterfall wall that hides the sounds of the city, trees, and plenty of places to sit, Paley Park is one of our top picks for hidden parks in NYC because it truly is a hidden gem! Paley Park has become one of Manhattan’s jewels and hidden gems in NYC, a marvel of urbanity and grace. You’ll love the serenity of the space and the fact that it is just minutes from some of New York City’s biggest attractions, such as Radio City Music Hall. 

If you love secret spots like we do check out the best hidden gems in Central Park too!

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Eli Kimbell is a born and raised New Yorker from Greenwich Village. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in liberal arts at the University of Richmond and a passionate writer and poet.

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Walks Tours Blog

Hidden New York: 10 Secret Places in NYC to Seek Out

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by Kelleigh Welch

Last Updated: March 14, 2024

New York City has the most famous skyline in the world , the greatest museums, the best restaurants, and the coolest bars. With so much going on, it’s  easy to forget that a  city holds so many secrets—hidden, relatively unknown spots waiting for you to discover and enjoy them. Enter: Secret places in NYC .

Through years of walking the streets of New York, we’ve found some of the most amazing secret places in NYC. Some are much closer than you think and others are best left to the experts to explore, but all are authentic gems of New York City. Read along for our favorite secret spots in the city.

City Hall Station

Table of Contents

Get yourself into City Hall Station, NYC’s secret station

If you’re riding the number 6 subway line downtown, the final stop is Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall. But if you stay on until the end of the line, you’ll discover a hidden gem: City Hall Station. Opened in 1904 as part of NYC’s first subway line, the small station is one of the most beautifully-designed in the city, featuring Guastavino tile vaults, skylights, and Romanesque Revival architecture . Now it’s a ghost station and a time capsule from a more elegant (and less crowded) era. You can join a tour led by the New York Transit Museum to explore this secret spot. Check their events page for tour dates.

Guastavino tile

Learn about the bowling alley under the Frick Museum 

New York’s Upper East Side is home to some of the best European art museums in the city, including the Frick collection. Housed inside the former home of Henry Clay Frick, it’s as much an architectural experience as it is an art museum. With sixteen galleries displaying pieces by Goya, Van Dyck, Chardin, and more, you have to be sure to not miss anything.

However, art isn’t all this museum has to offer—the cellar of this mansion hides a private bowling alley that Frick added in 1914. While the two-lane bowling alley was lost for some time (converted into an archive, actually), today it is restored to its original design. Unfortunately, you’re more likely to bowl a few turkeys—that’s bowling lingo for getting three strikes in a row—than getting to see this secret place in NYC is next to impossible unless you are a member of the museum (i.e.: you have made a generous donation) and even then you have to ask nicely.

indoor garden

Stroll the high bridge in Harlem

Secret places in NYC aren’t always underground—in fact, this one rises above your head as soon as you enter the city. Built in the mid-19th century as part of the Croton Aqueduct, this bridge once carried water from Westchester to Manhattan. Today, it’s a wonderful attraction for walkers and park-goers. Public access to the bridge that leads walkers over the original pipes closed in the 1970s, but a citizen-led campaign with help from the parks service led to its reopening in 2015.

To get there, take the 1 train up to the 168-Washington Heights station and walk east to Highbridge Park. From there, you can walk across the bridge into the Bronx. The bridge affords one of the most breathtaking and unique views of New York City so be sure to take plenty of pictures.

| Photo by Shannon McGee https://www.flickr.com/photos/shan213/3789281693/in/photolist-6LR4qZ-c917QW-9kXSYa-78BYiC-9BzXJy-c91Nyq-78BYh3-dtRBfQ-78BYsY-Bf2qrQ-c916zE-78BYud-netXWE-BjyHu5-ByRWHD-c915pQ-78BYom-78y6sr-78BYBw-78y6xX-78BYVf-ByRWW4-Bwz65W-wQ58og-c2zCyN-vTcz1H-78BYmu-wxsvqJ-netXXw-78y6Kn-qPeGCJ-78BYkd-78y6rx-6nyg35-BGaF1x-frHMeK-783AsM-783Arp-BySpnk-AJK9xK-Bf2JZw-B8Dxnx-BDQZku-wnqyAm-yHUR2r-yrpkQt-yJETng-AJDfMw-BDQPrG-AJDe7C

Explore the rooftop gardens at Rockefeller Center

You’re probably familiar with Rockefeller Center—it’s one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. But hidden at the top of this landmark is a lesser known spot—the building’s rooftop garden, a beautiful oasis from the crowded city below, with well-tended flowers and a reflective pool and garden. You can actually rent the space for your own private event if you’re feeling fancy.

rooftop gardens

Tell a secret at Grand Central Terminal’s whispering spot

This secret place in New York is better heard, not seen. In front of the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant in the dining concourse of Grand Central terminal is an archway. If two people stand at opposite ends of the arch, they can talk into the wall and have their partner hear what they’re saying on the other side. It’s a very neat acoustic trick created by a simple, though inadvertent, bit of architecture called a “whispering gallery.”

Don’t be surprised if you catch a marriage proposal when you visit– this is one of the spots in Manhattan where they often take place –but you’re more likely to meet other curious visitors like yourself.

If this intrigues you, consider taking one of our exclusive guided tours of Grand Central.

_______________________

people inside Grand Central Terminal

Discover the ruins of a smallpox hospital on Roosevelt Island

The Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island is a designated New York City Landmark, known for its Gothic Revival architecture and eerie atmosphere. Built in the 19th century to combat smallpox outbreaks, it stands as a testament to the city’s history. To reach it, take the Roosevelt Island tram from East 60th Street and 2nd Avenue. Although the ruins are currently fenced off, ongoing refurbishment efforts aim to make them accessible to the public in the future.

ruins of hospital with vines growing around it

See a fragment of the Berlin Wall on Madison Avenue

When is a secret place in NYC not from New York at all? When it’s a large hunk of the wall that used to separate East and West Berlin. Around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art is a five-panel segment of the Wall located inside of the lobby of 520 Madison Avenue. While you can find fragments of the wall all over the world, this is one of the largest sections still intact. The slab of wall, which was purchased directly from the East German government by the Real Estate mogul Jerry Speyer, used to sit outside (where the above photo was taken).

In order to protect it from the elements it has since been moved into the lobby, but don’t worry –  the lobby is open to the public  24/7, so stop by to view this piece of history whenever you want.

Berlin wall

Get to know Loew’s Theater

Once a thriving cinema of the 1920’s, the Loew’s Theater on Canal Street in Manhattan now lies vacant awaiting restoration. Designed by the great theater architect, Thomas Lamb, it was one of the biggest movie theaters in the country when it opened in 1927 but eventually fell into disuse in the 1960s.

Another official New York City Landmark, the building cannot be torn down, but developers are still trying to get a plan passed to renovate it.

Thus, the theater lies silent and untouched. Getting in takes a bit of creativity – and we don’t recommend it as it’s considered trespassing – but if you can wriggle inside you’ll get a glimpse into the glory days of cinema. For a safer and legal peek into Loew’s Canal Theatre, check out this picture feature in Gothamist.

vintage sign for movies

Pretend like it’s the Roaring Twenties: Explore speakeasies

The federal prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s forced New Yorkers to take their parties underground and behind closed doors – a trend that gave birth to some of the most legendary secret places in NYC – the speakeasies. Nowadays, alcohol regulation is much more relaxed, but since the pandemic,  a new wave of speakeasies (essentially small cocktail bars with hidden and/or unmarked doors) have literally been the toast of the town. Here is a list of our favorites .  If you don’t feel like hunting down NYC speakeasies yourself, try the rooftops and speakeasies tour from Take Me Out.

bar sign

Honorable Mention: The Staten Island boat graveyard

If you’re feeling really adventurous, trek out to southwestern Staten Island for a sight you don’t see every day—the ship graveyard in the Arthur Kill (a tidal strait) has become the final resting place of a veritable fleet of decommissioned ships. Of the 100 odd boats in this family-run salvage yard, there are plenty of historically important vessels from the early 20th century.

Because of this, it has become something of a pilgrimage spot for ship enthusiasts. It’s not a problem for you to show up and take a peek but be aware that the area is a bit isolated so we only recommend this trip for those who are truly interested in getting an eerie look at the past of aquatic engineering.

Update Notice: This post was updated on March 15, 2024.

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About the author

Kelleigh is a writer and editor with a passion for the outdoors, travel, art, adventure, and storytelling.

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Pomander Walk

14 amazing hidden streets in NYC to visit right now

Check out these secret pockets of NYC history.

Shaye Weaver

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered.

There’s always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there’s still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look.

From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now.

RECOMMENDED: Secret NYC: 26 speakeasies, underground gigs and more

1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village)

Washington Mews

A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices. 

2. Doyers Street (Chinatown)

Doyers Street

Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of  the deadliest streets. Sure, it’s full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site of numerous killings committed by the Tong Gangs. From hatchet killings to shootings, the street was infamous for its violent events. Its strange curve actually follows the route of an old stream and was also home to the first Chinese language theater in NYC. Now it’s a pedestrian-only street that attracts New Yorkers because of its great restaurants and bars. It’s not as hidden as it used to be for sure.

3. Gay Street (Greenwich Village)

Gay Street

Another angled street, Gay Street, was named after a family who lived there during colonial times, hence the Federal-style houses on the west side of the street. The stretch, between Christopher Street and Waverly Place, has been in a few different films and videos, including 1943’s  A Night to Remember , and the music videos for Cyndi Lauper’s  Girls Just Want to Have Fun,  and Sheryl Crow’s A Change Would Do You Good.

4. Grove Street (West Village)

Grove Street

Only spanning five blocks, Grove Street is lined with Federal-style buildings and leafy trees making for an almost European, old-world feel. Not only does it have one of the city’s oldest homes (17 Grove Street), it also has one of the most secret housing developments located between 10 and 12 Grove Street, called Grove Court. Behind a wrought iron gate are just six townhouses that were built in 1853 for the poor, but now they are a hot commodity.

5. Sylvan Terrace (Washington Heights) 

Sylvan Terrace

This street was once the original carriage drive for the Morris-Jumel Mansion, but when the property was sold off in the 1800s, 20 wooden houses were eventually built here before the turn of the 20th century for working-class civil servants and laborers, according to Atlas Obscura . Luckily, since 1970, Sylvan Terrace was designated a city landmark and has been kept uniform as much as possible. One of these homes was recently listed on sale for $1.5 million. Apparently, Lin-Manuel Miranda said this is one of his favorite inspiration spots in NYC.

6. Pomander Walk (Upper West Side)

Pomander Walk

Another gated community, Pomander Walk can be found between 94th and 95th streets between Broadway and West End Avenue. You’ll know it by the rooster on an iron sign that hangs above its entrance. When you look through the gate, you might not believe your eyes. This small street with homes facing each other looks like something out of a Disney movie. That’s because Thomas Healy, who bought the property in 1920, was inspired by a rom-com play called  Pomander Walk that was set in “a retired crescent of five very small, old-fashioned houses near Chiswick (London),” according to scoutingny.com . The homes were eventually divided into apartments and landmarked in 1982. One of the homes sold  for about $2.5 million recently.

7. Verandah Place (Cobble Hill)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zoë (@zmarcus)

Situated in Cobble Hill’s Historic District, this little street harkens back to its mid-1800s roots with townhouses and a park across the way. Unlike the name suggests, it was originally a mews for carriages and horses. It is just one block long and 20 feet wide, making for a unique pass-through for walkers. Like many of these hidden streets, Verandah Place also became a hotbed for criminal activity in the early 20th century (what street wasn’t?). According to untappedcities.com, the police at the time said it was the worst spot in the entire precinct. Years later in 1967, it was landmarked and preserved.

8. Freeman Alley (Bowery) 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heather Allen (@heyheatherallen)

This isn’t a street so much as it is a dead-end alleyway on  Rivington Street between the Bowery and Chrystie Street. Yes,  Freemans restaurant resides there, but at the turn of the 20th century, it was the site of a breadline from the Bowery Mission, according to ephemeralnewyork.com . 

9. Warren Place Mews (Cobble Hill)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 11 Hoyt (@11hoytbk)

Hidden between Warren and Baltic streets, this little alley-like residential property with townhouses and cottages will make you swear you’re not in New York City anymore. It’s not a mews like the other locations we described. This was actually built as a working-class housing development in 1879 by Alfred Tredway White. Now, 34 homes still exist here and sell for millions.

10. Hunts Lane (Brooklyn Heights)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brownstoner (@brownstoner)

This mews on a dead-end street is off Henry Street near Remsen and feel frozen in time, according to brownstoner.com . Its carriage houses from the turn of the 20th century go for millions now, but back in the day, horses lived here. A common theme for many of these secret streets.

11. Stone Street

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tony Abrahām (@abrahamtonz)

Stone Street, sitting between Whitehall Street in the west and Hanover Square, is one of NYC’s oldest streets. It has been around since the Dutch were here and in 1658 it became the first cobbled street in New Amsterdam. After the British moved in, it was called Duke Street before it was paved in 1794 and renamed Stone Street. The old path is actually preserved in the curved lobby of 85 Broad Street, according to The New York Times.   It’s not exactly secret, but it’s certainly lesser known than most roads in NYC.

“Between the 1970s and ’90s, it was a back alley and a place for low-level drug sales,” Carl Weisbrod, a current board member of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, told us last year . In the 90s, it became a shared street, where the public could dine out at restaurants on the street, including Stone Street Tavern . ”It has served as the forerunner, not only in Lower Manhattan about what can be done with open space, restaurants and entertainment and a new use for public streets, but a model for Open Streets and Open Restaurants. It’s a major accomplishment.”

12. Cortlandt Alley

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shalabh Sanger (@theshutterbugbroker)

For being the most-filmed street in NYC, Cortlandt Alley isn’t well known. You’ve probably passed it so many times and wondered about it as we have. Sitting in Chinatown, this narrow, dark alley is pretty gritty with graffiti, rusted fire escapes and creepy doors you wouldn’t want to enter. It served as the backdrop for those violent scenes in Gotham and Crocodile Dundee and NYPD Blue.  It’s not actually scary though—the city’s smallest museum, Mmuseumm , and luxury apartments are located here. And yes, the street is named after a descendant of the landowning Dutch colonial family, the Van Cortlandts.

13. Patchin’ Place

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Another Part of New York (@another_part_of_newyork)

This cul-de-sac is located within Greenwich Village off 10th Street and Greenwich Avenue and sits between 10 brick rowhouses. It has one of two of the city’s still-standing 19th-century gas street lamp (it’s running electric these days) and the three-story brick homes here were built in 1848 as boarding houses. The houses were owned by the Patchin family until 1920. This alleyway is famous among writers because it’s where several famous writers, including Theodore Dreiser, E. E. Cummings, John Cowper Powys and Djuna Barnes lived. Now, apparently, it has been home to many therapists’ offices and almost two dozen residents, according to the Times .

14. Six 1/2 Avenue (midtown)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Positivity in NYC Randomness (@positivityintheconcretejungle)

This fractioned street is the city’s only fractioned street. Spanning from just 51st to 57th street, this tiny street made of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) featuring plazas and atriums is actually used by city workers in Manhattan for years as a shortcut between bustling midtown streets. It wasn’t until 2012 that the city gave it an official map address. No cars can drive through it but it’s open to pedestrians, who can find iconic NYC spots like La Grande Boucherie and some cool sculptures.

  • Shaye Weaver Editor, Time Out New York

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Girl With The Passport

103 Unusual Things to do in NYC: Secret Local Tips for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2024

Categories New York City

Let me guess, you’ve been to NYC before and want some, dare I say, unusual things to do in NYC ?

Yeah, I get it. I mean, King Kong scaled the Empire State Building so clearly this New York City attraction is no surprise to anyone.

So, if you’ve been to New York City countless times, or if you’re visiting for the first time and want to avoid some of the more generic, New York City points of interest, then this list of unique things to do in New York City is for you!

Because I was born and raised in New York City, have lived there for well over 30 years, and know exactly where to find the most unique things to do in New York City.

So grab a huge ass bowl of popcorn and relax since we’re about to dive head first into some of the best-hidden gems in New York City.

This way you can experience New York like a local, not a tourist.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Unusual Things to do in NYC – Manhattan

We’re gonna start this wicked awesome post off right by exploring some of the most unusual things to do in Manhattan, the most famous of New York’s five boroughs.

Because even though Manhattan is home to some of New York City’s most iconic attractions (think Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, etc), there are a wealth of super quirky, totally unusual things to do here.

Places you’d only really know about if you’ve lived in New York City for twenty plus years, like me.

Luckily for you though, I’m about to share all of my insider secrets about some of the most unusual things to do in New York City, at least if you’re planning on exploring Manhattan.

1. The MET Cloisters

The ethereal, medieval beauty of The Cloisters, a lesser-known part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which is one of the top unusual things to do in NYC.

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (122 Reviews) Price: $62 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Main lobby of the Metropolitan Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Let me guess, you think I’ve joined some religious cult where they speak in tongues and do ritualistic animal sacrifices?

Nah, I’m saving that for another post…kidding! Perched atop a hill, in Fort Tryon Park, lies the Cloisters , a criminally underrated branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (purchase a ticket to the MET, you can use that ticket to visit the Cloisters as well) that is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in all of New York City.

Built-in 1917 by John D. Rockefeller Jr (#ballerlife), this peaceful, ragtag, aggregation of architectural masterpieces was originally built to house an overflow of medieval artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Today, the Cloisters has become a treasure of New York City in its own right and is well worth a visit for those looking to  experience New York City like a local .

Within these hallowed walls, there lie frescoes, tapestries and paintings aplenty; all of which surround a romantic courtyard that is interconnected by grand archways that are topped off with Moorish inspired, terra-cotta roofs.

“We did the “highlight” 2-hour tour with our family. The value of this tour cannot be overstated. Having someone show you the highlights for two hours and then getting the rest of the museum all for the same cost is the best way to experience the museum with kids of this age. We have 12 year old and 10 year old girls and they enjoyed the tour and our guide very much! The guide was knowledgeable, personable, funny, and professional. She managed a wide age range within our group flawlessly. We will definitely do another tour with this group!” Joseph ( read more reviews now! )

However, the crowning jewel of the entire facility is  The Hunt of the Unicorn,  a 16th-century tapestry that is awe-inspiring in it’s timeless, effervescent beauty.

And I mean, if you don’t like unicorns, I don’t we can be friends…even on Facebook (kidding…sort of).

FYI: Friendly reminder that while the MET (aka one of the  coolest museums in NYC ) USED to be pay what you wish, that is no longer the case. Only residents of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania can pay what they wish, with the presentation of a valid form of ID.

For everyone else, admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students, and free for members, patrons, and children under 12. And since the lines to get into the MET are now insanely line, do try and  pre-book your skip-the-line + guided tour ticket to the MET here

Address:  99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY

Admission Fee:  $25 but for full details, see my little FYI above.

Hours:  Open every day from 10 am to 5:15 pm

How to Get There:  Not gonna lie, this place is a TOTAL pain in the ass to get to. You’ll have to take the A Train ALL the way Uptown (like in the Bronx Uptown) and get off at Dyckman Street Subway Station.

But trust me, this is one of my favorite places on this list of unusual things to do in NYC, so the schlep (NY speak for journey) is well worth it.

2. The Escape Game

Posing at the logo of The Escape Game before enjoying one of the top unusual things to do in NYC.

Just in case you’re not in the know, escape rooms are all the rage now. They’re basically this super cool, indoor experience where you have 60-minutes to follow the clues, solve some puzzles, and basically do everything you can to, well, escape the room.

And while I’m done a lot of escape rooms in my time, The Escape Game is EASILY the best and one of the most unusual things to do in NYC – especially if you’re looking for the  best indoor activities in NYC  for a rainy day.

I mean, not only is  The Escape Game  well-located in mid-town Manhattan (right near Grand Central and Bryant Park), but they have a ton of challenging, fun, and super interactive experiences for you to choose from, including themed games like Gold Rush, Playground, The Heist, Prison Break, and Special Ops: Mysterious Market.

Now, I personally did Special Ops and absolutely LOVED it since you get taken into this quiet market where you must uncover well-hidden clues and solve a series of challenging puzzles to unlock the door, escape the room, and, save the day.

And while most escape rooms only consist of one room, THIS experience featured SURPRISE, two rooms. Therefore, after we solved the first challenge, we were taken into an “elevator” where we were played a video and taken into a second room where we had to defuse a nuclear missile and save the world.

Yeah, it was difficult but still solvable and an all-around great experience since the game was extremely well-executed with a series of amazing props that included a fantastic mix of high-tech and more traditional puzzles.

So, if you’re looking for fantastic hidden gems in NYC then give the Escape Game a try. I pinkie promise you will 100% NOT regret it.

Address:  295 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (E. 41st Street)

Price:  $41.99 per person.

Hours:  Games are 60-minutes long and are held 7 or 8 times a day between 8:50 am and 9:00 pm . 

How to Get There:  Take the 4/5/6, the 7 train, or the shuttle from Times Square to Grand Central Terminal and walk from there.

3. Visit The Evolution Store

Quirky to the extreme, the Evolution Store is tucked away inside of New York City’s ever-trendy, SOHO, art district.

However, take some time to look past all of the posh AF, galleries du jour here, and you’ll discover this distinctive, wood-paneled shop, which is brimming over with natural curiosities like framed butterflies, animal skulls, seashells, fossils, medical models, and more.

Plus, all of the staff here are beyond helpful and are only too happy to answer any questions that you have about any of the high-quality items for sale here.

Because every beyond bizarre item sold here is of the highest quality and acquired from the same high-caliber businesses that supply some of the city’s biggest museums.

So yes, everything here really s totally legit. Also, don’t leave before taking a quick peek at the shop’s super-rad, giant sloth skeleton. Cuz all my fellow science nerds out there really will think this specimen is rad to the extreme.

Address: 687 Broadway, New York, New York, 10012

Admission Fee: FREE!

Hours: Open Sunday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to Bleeker Street and walk to the store from there.

4. Dream House

Located in the beyond chic neighborhood of Tribeca, Dream House was first created in 1993 by composer La Monte Young and visual artist Marian Zazeela.

It sits hidden away on Church Street, behind a sleek, black door with a slightly ominous-looking sign that simply says “The Dream House”.

However, when you climb the stairs to the third floor of this building, you’ll uncover one of the most unusual things to do in New York City.

It’s a fully immersive, total sensory experience where visitors are inundated with neon pink lights and an ever-changing sound waves that you never knew existed.

So, do your best to remain completely still as an endless array of new and exciting sounds washes over you in a crazy, neon pink world that you never knew existed.  

Pro Tip: Before you step inside, you must take your shoes off, leave your bags behind, and remove your jacket. Silence is also requested once you’re inside the art exhibition itself.

Address: 275 Church Street, New York, New York, 10013

Admission Fee: $10.00

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the 1 train to Franklin Street and walk to Dream House from here. There is a restaurant on the ground floor but the exhibition will be on the third floor. And if you’re lost, just follow the nifty little paper sign

5. The Tenement Museum

The brick exterior of the Tenement Museum which takes you back to 1863 and is certainly an intriguing and unusual thing to do in NYC.

One of the best museums in New York City  and one of the many things you must do with kids in New York City ! The Tenement Museum is an amazing place that recreates the harsh living conditions that immigrants faced in 1863 while living in the tenements at 97 Orchard Street.

Take one of the many different themed tours through this museum and you’ll quickly see that conditions were cramped, access to plumbing and clean water was limited, and that disease spread throughout the area like wildfire.

Glam huh? But the truly beautiful thing about the Tenement Museum is that it doesn’t just display the past, it allows you to become a part of the story by thrusting you into the exact hardships that residents faced.

As a result, you fully appreciate the plethora of difficulties that immigrants of the past faced; a concept that is unfathomably important since these are the very, ordinary people who shaped the social and moral fabric of society today.

So, to visit for yourself, simply head to their website and pre-book one of their 90-minute tours (well in advance) since this museum is uber-popular and as a result, tours do sell out rather quickly.

FYI: You are also not allowed to walk through the museum by yourself and MUST see the building as part of an organized tour.

I know, a tiny detail that is SUPER annoying for a perpetually independent human like me.

But, the good news is that you have a TON of different tour options to choose from that cover topics like under one roof, shop life, sweatshop workers, hard times, outside the home, then and now, building on the lower east side, and Irish outsiders (They also offer a cool-looking, foods of the Lower East Side tour for $45).

Address: Located at 97 and 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan

Admission Fee: Between $27 and $29 per person.

Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

How to Get There: You can either take the F or the J to Delancey Street Station.

6. Boroughs of the Dead – Macabre New York City Walking Tours

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (80 Reviews) Price: $35 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: 385, 6th Avenue, New York City Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

You know you’re onto something good when locals make up about 80 – 85% of your clientele and Boroughs of the Dead is epically good.

Led by expert storytellers who thoroughly research the dark and unusual history of New York City, this tour company instills fear in patrons by creating a chilling reality that is undoubtedly scarier than fiction.

But what really makes this walking tour unique, besides the fact that it is the only ghost tour company in New York City, is the dedication of these professional tour guides to creating a one of a kind experiences that you will never forget;

Trust me, you’ll never look at New York City the same way again.

“I have been a New Yorker my entire life, born and raised in Brooklyn. I wanted to know more about my city, especially it’s creepier lore as we move closer to Halloween. I was blown away by the tour guide’s knowledge and how much history is stored in places that I pass everyday. In addition, the guide was very friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to share information. The tour was accessible, informative, and a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend!” Jessica ( read more reviews now! )

Depending on the season, Boroughs of the Dead offers an exciting assortment of tours in each of the boroughs, each with a different meeting point and ending location.

For Manhattan, tour options include the Ultimate Greenwich Village Ghost Tour , Weird Tales of the West Village, and The Forgotten Dark Histories of Lower Manhattan. So strap on those big girl pants and prepare for some thrills lifetime time.

BREAKING NEWS: They now offer a brand new, Frights and Phantoms of Flushing Tour for any and all of my Queens lovin’ homies out there who are looking for some weird things to do in NYC.

Pro Tip: I also highly recommend this Greenwich Village Ghost Tour , since I have a weird obsession with the macabre and all things Investigation Discovery.

What I LOVE about this tour is that it’s an awesome ghost/history combo tour that shares a ton of ghost stories with you (about things like the Hanging Tree, the Murder House that 22 spirits still haunt, and the fire at the brown building) while still giving you an extensive history of Greenwich Village and the many aspects of this neighborhood that make it truly unique.***

Hours: Tours are conducted every evening, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm.

Admission: Tickets are $25 per person, with meeting locations dependent upon the location of the tour you choose.

7. Morgan Library and Museum

Me standing in a blue fleece and black leggings and turquoise sneakers in front of the stacks of books and glass-enclosed cases that make uo the Morgan Library.

Whenever anyone mentions “library” and “New York” in the same sentence, typically they’re thinking of the New York Public Library.

However, just down the street from this iconic, literary institution, there is a library that I personally think is even better than the New York Public Library , plus the crowds are much smaller. And that place is the Morgan Library and Museum . 

Just picture the insanely wonderful library in Beauty and the Beast and you have some idea of just how magical this library really is.

I mean, how can you not love a place that publicly displays a Guttenberg Bible and an original composition from Mozart?

Just throw in some stunning, historic architecture, a full, historically accurate recreation of Mr. Morgan’s personal library (fully decked out with plush, red velvet decor), and you have one spectacular New York City attraction.

Now yes, admission to the Morgan Library and Museum can be a bit pricey at $20 a person, but you can always try and visit on a Friday evening, between 7 pm and 9 pm, when admission is FREE.

Plus, you’ll get to see a free, live jazz performance too!

WOOT WOOT! Raise the roof… or your pinkie as you gingerly sip a cup of tea in the drawing-room. Whatever fits your personal style.

PS: I love this library SOO much that I’ve visited multiple times. And not only is this place literally right down the street from Bryant Park AND the New York Public Library, but the former private library of the one and only Pierpont Morgan is also home to a variety of rotating exhibits that make this place EVEN more fun to visit.

I mean, I visited just three months ago and they ALREADY have a super cool, new exhibit on display.

And if you’re hungry after your visit, then stop by Lady M Cake Boutique along Bryant Park since they have the best green tea, crepe cake ever. I hoovered mine and I don’t even like green tea! So yeah, that’s saying something right there!

Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY

Admission Fee:  Tickets are $22 for adults, $14 for seniors (65 and over), $13 for students with a current, student ID, and to members and children 12 and under.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (except open late, until 9 pm on Fridays), Saturdays from 10 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.

How to Get There: Honestly , just take any subway line to Times Square since you can easily walk to the Morgan Public Library from there.

8. Merchant’s House Museum

The vibrant green garden behind the Merchant's House Museum is just one of the many unusual things to see in NYC.

Hidden away along the border of Noho and the East Village is one of the most unusual things to do in NYC – the Merchant’s House Museum.

It was first built in1832 as a private home for the wealthy Treadwell family and features a stunning, Federal-style brick facade that truly makes it a sight to behold.

After marveling at the awesome exterior, be sure to ring the doorbell and wait to be ushered inside.

Once you cross the threshold, grab an informational binder and embark on a self-guided tour through the series of Greek-revival-style rooms that showcase upwards of 3,000 historic artifacts that date all the way back to the time when the Treadwells lived here.

Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re truly stepping back in time as you enjoy a series of fully restored, historically accurate rooms that are spread out across three floors and that offer you a unique glimpse into the life of the rich in the early 19th century.

Whatever you do though, don’t leave without visiting the stunning backyard. It feels like a lovely little hidden garden of sorts and is not to be missed as you experience one of the many hidden gems of NYC.

Pro Tip: If you can, stop by for either Halloween or Christmas and do one of their festive, holiday-themed tours of the house. Regular, docent-;led, 75-minute tours of the home are also offered at 12:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 29 East 4th Street, New York, NY, 10003

Hours: From October through February the house is open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, last admission at 4:30 pm.

From March through September, the house is open Thursday from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:30 pm.

Price: $20 per person for a formal tour and $15 per person to visit the house.

How to Get There: Take the N/R train to 8th Street station, the 6 train to Astor Place station, or the B/D/F/M to Broadway/Lafayette station and walk to the museum from there.

 9. The Seaglass Carousel

Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park which is shaped like a shell is one of the cool unusual sites in NYC to visit.

Feel like being a kid again but don’t want to schlep all the way to Coney Island? Then why not catch a ride on the sea glass carousel an enchanting place that stands out against the rest of Battery Park.

For just $5, hop aboard an internally, LED illuminated fish, that swirls and twirls its way around the Nautilus-shaped building, and into your heart, while creating a sense of wonder and awe within visitors of all ages.

But why fish? Apparently, park designers wanted to add something light, bright, and fun to the drab park interior. So they went with a lovely, nautical theme since this park was actually home to the first aquarium in New York City (Boom! Use that nugget of knowledge to win Who Wants to be a Millionair e).

Feeling a little blue because the ride is over? Never fear because this carousel is located in the one and only Battery Park.

Therefore, while you’re here, you can also marvel at good old Lady Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, visit the one and only Ellis Island, walk over to Wall Street, or explore the nearby Irish Hunger Memorial (a truly moving monument that is one of the most special things to do in New York City).

And if you’re feeling REALLY cultural, you can even visit the insanely cool, criminally underrated, National Museum of the American Indian , which is only a 4-minute walk from the carousel.

Not only is this Smithsonian Museum totally FREE to enter, but it sits inside the historic, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and is home to a multitude of permanent and temporary exhibitions that help educate visitors about the diversity and history of all of the Native people of the Americas.

Yup, some seriously cool stuff if I do say so myself, and I do!

Address: Water St &, State St, New York, NY

Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

Admission Fee: Tickets are $5 for children and adults of ALL ages!

How to Get There: You can either take the 1 line to South Ferry Station OR take the 4/5 to Bowling Green Station.

10. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

The huge naval shipped that is docked at the New York city's Pier is one of the iconic and yet unusual things to do in NYC.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (1089 Reviews) Price: $32.40 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Meet at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Learn about American naval history at New York City’s one and only, Intrepid Air and Space Museum.

Okay, I’m gonna get a little personal here. Now, while I myself am not super into military history and the idea of learning about American military and maritime history by exploring a collection of ships at New York City’s Pier 86, this place still means a lot to me.

See, my dad and I aren’t super close since we basically have NOTHING in common, besides shared DNA. But, one of the really fond memories that I do have of him is when he took a day off from work and took me to visit the Intrepid Air and Space Museum when I was five.

Clearly, it was a pretty amazing experience since that memory is still very vivid and remains with me to this day.

“Everything was wonderful.” Carlos ( read more reviews now! )

So, if you’re looking for one of the more unusual museums to visit in NYC, then consider grabbing some tickets to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum .

I mean, not only does this museum showcase a rich collection of military artifacts from within their permanent collection, but they also have a fantastic assortment of rotating, special exhibits that cover a wide range of topics like naval history, space exploration, technology and more.

That’s why, if you’re looking to embrace your inner history nerd and spend a day learning about American naval military history, aboard an actual, aircraft carrier that was once used by the navy, then the Intrepid Sea and Space Museum is the place to go!

And if you’re feeling a bit peckish afterward, do me a solid and walk down the street (about 15-minutes towards Midtown) to Schmackary’s Bakery ! They sell the most AMAZING Carrot Cake and Choconut Chip cookies there, (even though I personally think LeVain’s are better)!

Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY

Admission: Tickets are $29 for adults, $18 for children between 5 and 12, and $23.25 for seniors over 65.

Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

How to Get There: From mid-town, you can take the M42 bus to the 12 Av/W 42 St stop.

11. Visit the Old City Hall Station

Strictly speaking, this is one of those special things to do in New York that isn’t 100% legal so if anyone asks, you didn’t hear about this from me.

But as you may have heard, the former City Hall station is insanely gorgeous and why they ever replaced it with the nasty one they have now, I’ll never know.

Anyway, the obvious question remains, how can you see this marvelous, architectural wonder for yourself?

Well, do as the other poor locals do and skip the expensive tickets sold through the Transit Museum . Instead, hop on the subway, duck down, and ride the train past the final station at City Hall.

Why does this work? The train actually turns around and passes the old City Hall station (last stop before the Brooklyn Bridge) just before making its way back Uptown.

Therefore, take advantage of the situation and see this historic station for free, even if the legality of this technique is somewhat questionable.

Besides, being a total badass lawbreaker will add a little spice to your life.

12. Grab the Cutest Latte Ever from Sweet Moment in Chinatown

One of my favorite unusual things to do in New York City is to grab a delicious, and super cute, tea latte from Sweet Moment.

Looking for the cutest latte in all of NYC? If you are then Sweet Moment is the place for you. It’s also one of the best coffee shops in NYC and one of the places you must eat in NYC . So clearly there are many reasons that you should visit this amazing place.

I mean, not only is there a highly Instagramable, neon sign flashing the words, “Sweet Moment” as you walk inside this café, but this Chinatown coffee, tea, and dessert mecca (think Bingsoo, waffles, cake, ice cream, etc.) is well decorated and spacious too.

So yes, you will definitely find a seat and no, you won’t have to sit on anyone’s lap. Plus, if you’re hungry, you can always stop and enjoy some of New York City’s finest ethnic cuisines .

However, let’s be real. You’re not here at Sweet Moment for the coffee or the food. You’re here for the most adorable tea art that I’ve ever seen!

Yup! This uber adorable, “cream art” beverage is served as a cold brew, coffee or black tea and comes in funky flavors like chocolate, matcha, taro, and red velvet; all of which are served with milk and a healthy dollop of whipped cream.

My Verdict? The drinks are yummy but super sweet. So the real draw here is that you can take a picture of a latte that looks like the cutest little bear that you ever did see.

But you Know What they Say? I did it all for the gram! Oh God, I’m turning into one of those basic, social media-obsessed, self-involved Millennials! Ahh, make it stop!

Pro Tip: One more piece of foodie advice. Avoid Little Italy and visit Arthur Avenue instead. Not only is the food better but the prices are MUCH cheaper since Arthur Avenue is in the Bronx.***

Address: 106 Mott St, New York, NY

Price: For one of their BEARY (sorry, I had to) cool, tea art lattes, you’ll spend about $5. You can also choose between choco, matcha, red velvet, taro, and thai flavors.

How to Get There: Take either the 4 or 6 train to Canal Street Station.

13. Visit The Crumbling Small Pox Hospital Ruins on Roosevelt Island

View of the red Roosevelt Island tram car pulling into the station with people standing inside on a cloudy day with the city in back of it.

Unless you’re of a certain generation, You probably will never have any idea of just how horrific smallpox really was.

I mean, I’ve heard horror stories from my parents and that’s more than enough for me to realize that is was really bad.

And that’s putting it mildly. Thankfully though, the disease was fully eradicated in 1979 and has since become a distant memory. A memory that you can revisit along the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.

Because it’s here that you’ll find the ruins of Renwick Hospital. It’s a Gothic Revival style smallpox hospital that was built in 1856 by James Renwick Jr.

Initially constructed here, to keep infected patients away from the general population. The hospital remained in active use until 1875 and, on average, treated about 7,000 patients per year. Later, because of the increased number of island inhabitants, The building was converted into a nurses’ dormitory that eventually fell into disrepair and became nothing more than a long-standing of New York City’s darker past.  

Fast forward a couple of hundred years though and you will now find nothing more than the ruins of the Renwick Hospital here, long since abandoned and having fallen into disrepair.  

At least until 1975, when the Landmarks Preservation Commission took interest in the site, declared it an official landmark, and did some super fun things like reinforcing the walls so the structure didn’t fall down completely.

Which is why, if you visit this site today you’ll find the haunting remains of the hospital’s outer walls and foundation sitting behind a fence, making this one of the most unusual things to do in New York City for anyone who is interested in doing a bit of dark tourism.

Address:  Roosevelt Island, New York, New York, 10044

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day.

Price: FREE!

How to Get There: Take the F to Roosevelt Island. Then walk south along West Road to E Road, and the hospital will be on your right. Conversely, you can also take the tram from Manhattan or the ferry from Astoria, Long Island City, or Wall Street.

14. Read under the stars at Albertine

Me standing in a winter coat and black leggings with the constellation studded ceiling of Albertine bookstore above me. The ceiling is bright blue and there are stars everywhere. I am surrounded by circular lamps hanging from the ceiling and shelves/tables of books.

Read under the stars at one of the most beautiful bookstores in all of NYC, Albertine. One of my favorite unusual things to do in New York City that is also one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side .

You’re probably wondering what is  Albertine  anyway, am I right? Well, believe it or not, Albertine is a French American bookstore, on 5th Avenue, that is literally right across the street from the MET.

Pretty cool right? And no, you don’t have to speak French or buy a book to enjoy this magical place because I swear, this bookstore is unlike any other store that you’ve ever been to.

Why you may wonder? Well, first of all, you have to pass through a metal detector just to get into the store, which has an impressive, white marble atrium with gorgeous statues and exquisite column work.

It feels more like a royal residence than a bookstore but once you’re inside, it gets even better.

Walk upstairs, gaze up at the ceiling, and become mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of stars and constellations that dot the vibrant blue ceiling; a scene that is beautifully reminiscent of Van Gogh’s immortal painting, Starry Night.

Pro Tip: Since you’re here enjoying one of the many unique things to do in New York City, you might as well visit the MET, Central Park, Belvedere Castle, and the immortal Alica and Wonderland Statue since they are ALL basically right across the street. Yup, you’re welcome.

Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, from 11 am to 7 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.

How to Get There: Take either the 4 0r 6 train uptown and get off at 77th Street Station.

15. Stop by Please Don’t Tell, A Secret Speakeasy in New York City

Travel back to nester-year at this secret, prohibition era, St. Mark’s Place speakeasy.

So hidden in fact that the only way you can gain access to this dark and mysterious bar is through a nondescript, vintage phone booth at Crif Dogs (a late-night fried hot dog joint). And once you do find the aforementioned phone booth, you’ll need to dial a super-secret telephone number just to get inside.

Although, after you’re in, you’ll enjoy the most glamorous parts of the roaring twenties and early thirties in this low key, relaxed feeling bar.

A bar that comes complete with chic leathered booths and quirky beyond belief animal heads affixed to the walls.

However, the real highlight of any trip to this fantastic, New York City bar is a taste of one of their premier cocktails, which are all served to you by the former, Pegu mixologist, Jim Meehan.

But, I’m not gonna spill the beans on their uber-delightful drinks menu since part of the fun of this place is discovering their awesome selection of drinks upon arrival.

And if you need something to soak up all that alcohol goodness then feel free to treat yo’ self to any of the delicious hot dogs served at Crif’s next door.  

Pro Tip: Before you stop by, be sure to make a reservation, by phone, since this bar can get extremely busy and wait times can regularly exceed an hour without booking a table in advance.

Address: 113 St Mark’s Place, New York, New York, 10009

Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and Friday/Saturday from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.

Price: NOT CHEAP.

How to Get There: Take either the 4 o6 6 train to Astor Place and walk to the bar from there.

16. Visit the Harry Potter New York Store

The snacks and treats section of the Harry Potter New York store with its wall art decor of bottles is just one part of this unusual thing to do in NYC.

One of the more recent additions to this list of the most unusual things to do in NYC, the Harry Potter New York store just opened on June 3rd (2021) and is a behemoth, 2-story retail outlet that is located right near the flatiron building in lower Manhattan.

So, if you’re a Harry Potter fan of even the smallest measure, be sure to stop by and peruse through their amazing collection of Harry Potter-related merchandise, including everything from wands to pens to notebooks to t-shirts and full-on Harry Potter-inspired robes.

There are also some uber-cute photo ops on the first floor, including a spot where can snap a selfie with Hagrid’s giant shoes and a place where you can take a photo with an iconic, vintage, red phone booth from London.

Afterward, head downstairs and explore the cavernous basement, which is filled with even more Harry Potter-related awesomeness, like an adorable tunnel of books where you can try and snap a wicked awesome selfie.

There’s also a unique, virtual reality experience for you to try if you have a little extra cash to burn.

Finally, before you leave, be sure to visit the on-site café and order a giant mug of butterbeer for me. It’s delicious and tastes just like the most glorious, cream soda that you ever did taste.

Because trust me, this really is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for the entire family.

Address: 935 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Price: Free unless your buy something.

How to Get There : Take the N/R train to 23rd street station and walk to the store from here.

17. Meow Parlour Cat Cafe

Black and white cat sitting on the ledge of a white window with a cut out that has a cat walking to the laft. There is a shade behind the cut-out and the entire wall of one of the cool restaurants in NYc is white.

Stop and make new friends at Meow Parlour Cat Cafe . So unless you’re living under a rock in an alternate universe, then you know that  cat cafes  are totally a “thing” right now and one of the new, super cool things to do in New York City.

So in my desperately vain attempt to be a mildly cool “social media influencer”, I joined in on all the cat café fun and visited Meow Parlour Cat Cafe . Even though, full disclosure, I’m more of a dog person than a cat person anyway. But shh, don’t tell the cats that.

However, in spite of my trepidations, I had a pretty good time since I got to chillax and pet a ton of cute kitties. And added bonus, none of them tried to kill me with their razor-sharp claws of doom, so I consider that a win too.

Plus, all the kitties here are up for adoption so this café really does help stray cats find good homes (Insert coos of approval here).

But How Does it Work? Just go online and make a reservation for a 30-minute time slot. When You Arrive, just check in at the front desk, sign a waiver, take your shoes/coat off, go over the rules, and sanitize your hands.

After that, welcome to kitty paradise. Sit back, relax, order some food, pet some cats, and live the dream for about a half-hour. Just keep track of the time because they won’t remind you when your half an hour is up. And if you go over your time limit, you’ll be charged another $7.25.

PS: They also have a ton of different, super cool packages for you to choose from like

Yoga and Kitties – For $22 you get 30 minutes with the kitties, a 45-minute, beginner yoga class, and a 15-minute cool-down sesh

Drag Bingo – For $25, guests 16 and older can enjoy free pizza and 2 hours with the cats while playing up to 6 rousing games of drag bingo

Snack Time with Cats Package – For $35 you get 1.5 hours with the cats, 1 baked good, 4 macarons (or an ice cream sandwich), and one beverage.

Address: 46 Hester St, New York, NY

Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 pm to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm.

Price: For one adult, 30-minute, cat petting sesh, you’ll pay $7.25 for an adult or $18 for a child (under 16) and their chaperone,

How to Get There: You could either take the F to East Broadway Station or take the Q to Grand Street Station.

18. Embrace the Macabre with a Tour of NYC’s Very Own Catacombs

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (271 Reviews) Price: $37 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: 266 Mulberry Street Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

When you think of catacombs, I bet your first thought is of Paris , or maybe even Rome . Am I right? Well, believe it or not, NYC actually has its very own set of catacombs too!

I know! Totally crazy but totally true! And guess what? They’re actually hidden beneath NYC’s one and only, St.Patrick’s Cathedral . I know, my mind was totally blown too. So, if you think that you might want to visit this hidden gem of NYC for yourself, then all you need to do is book a 90-minute, Catacombs by Candelight Tour , and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Okay, maybe not a lifetime since I can dream up some pretty outrageous things, but whatever, this tour still sounds pretty cool.

“Very informative and really cool!” Kimberly ( read more reviews now! )

Because along the way, you’ll get to explore super-secret, totally mysterious parts of St. Patrick’s Cathedral that no one else EVER gets to see. And believe it or not, this set of catacombs in actually the only one in NYC that is open to daily visitors.

Therefore, this experience really is the very definition of unique since you can’t actually do this type of tour anywhere else in the city!

And while I haven’t done this tour myself, you better believe that the next time I’m up in NYC, I’ll be taking part in this wickedly weird, totally unusual thing to do in NYC.

I mean, how could I not? Because seriously, who doesn’t want to explore a labyrinth of off-limit vaults, walled cemeteries, long-forgotten choir lofts, and decrepit tombs that belonged to Civil War-era generals, political candidates, and maybe even a renegade or two?

Actually… Don’t answer that. LOL. You’re probably infinitely more normal than I can ever hope to be.

However, I do know that I’m not alone in my weirdness since um, hello, American Horror Story is a very real THING.

#KeepingItReal

Address: 32 Prince Street (It’s in the middle of the block in between Mulberry and Mott Street. Just look for the Catacombs by candlelight tent in the courtyard of the Old St. Patrick’s School).

Hours: Tours are 90-minutes long start every day at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

Price: $35  per person and not recommended for children under 18 years old.

How to Get There: You could take the 6 to Bleeker Street Station, the Q to Prince Street Station, or the D to the Broadway and Lafayette Station.

19. Spyscape Spy Museum

The vibrant colors of the cameras in Spyscape is just one part of the unusual things to do in NYC that are housed in this amazing museum.

Suit up and show up ladies because you’re about to live out all of your secret agent fantasies!

And no, I’m not referring to Daniel Craig. Sorry, but I’m not that kind of baller yet. I’m actually talking about becoming the incognito leader of an international spy ring!

Because let’s be real, we all know that one girl who can literally find just about anything on social media. Or better yet, you ARE that girl. Well, if this sounds like you then why not step up your spy game with a trip to Spyscape ?

It’s the perfect place to learn about the unique history of spies throughout the world. During your visit, you’ll discover what it takes to become a spy and better appreciate the special set of skills that spies need to do their job, talents that include everything from cryptography to cyberhacking.

But time out! How much does it cost to become a spy for the day? Well, apparently $40, at least at the Spyscape facility. And while you won’t leave special ops certified. $40 is a small price to pay to further your cyber snooping skills (exes everywhere beware).

FYI: When purchasing your ticket, feel free to skip the 007 exhibits and head straight to the main attraction,  which includes 2-3 hours of super fun, spy-related activities like code-breaking, surveillance, personality assessments, deception detection, special ops agility, and more!

Once inside, get ready for a preliminary briefing, where you’ll receive a personalized wristband that is your ticket to spy fame and glory.

Just scan your wristband before you answer any questions or participate in any challenges to help Spyscape keep track of your personal data.

And in case you were wondering, all the tasks here are totally legit since this museum uses an authentic profiling system that was first developed by the former head of British Intelligence.

That’s why, all of the activities you complete here will help determine which type of spy you should be, with 10 possible outcomes that include anything from analyst to spymaster.

FYI: I got handler, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. But, I know how I feel about my trip to Spyscape.

It’s truly, one of the most unique things to do in NYC and something that everyone will enjoy, even if you’re not a museum person.

So, stop by, test your spy skills, gain some new ones, and leave with the experience of a lifetime, as cliche as that sounds.

Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY

Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Admission Fee: General admission is $39 for adults and $32 for children. But, Spyscape also offers a bunch of different, special experiences that include Missions and Martinis (food and one drink included), 007 Spyscape (a special James Bond exhibit), and a special Spooks and Shadows party for Halloween!

How to Get There: Take the W Line and get off at 57th Street Station.

20. Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

The beautiful green courtyard surrounding Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is a perfect place to chill while enjoying this unusual thing to do in NYC.

The beautiful courtyard surrounding Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.

Nestled in between the iconic Guggenheim and MET museums, this design museum sits along New York City’s Upper East Side and invites visitors to explore innovative design concepts that enhance people’s lives while making the world a more beautiful place (aww).

Before you enter though, be sure to snag a photo of the museum’s exquisite courtyard, which sits along Fifth Avenue and overlooks the natural beauty of Central Park.

After your impromptu photoshoot, head inside and purchase some tickets for one of the more unique things to do in New York City; tickets cost $16 online, and $18 at the door (Admission is free for anyone 18 and under and $10 for seniors/people with disabilities).

And students? LISTEN UP! Be sure to bring your ID since tickets are just $7 online and $9 at the door.

Once your ticket situation is squared away, head inside and enjoy a variety of fun and interactive exhibits that the whole family will love (even that disgruntled teen of yours who hates EVERYTHING).

No joke, this place is unlike any museum you’ve ever been to! Think furry walls, chairs that vibrate to mimic everyday activities, and a scratch and sniff wall that looks like something straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

But, like with most museums, certain immersive experiences here are temporary and will continually rotate in and out of the museum. So, to better plan your trip, definitely check out their website and get the 411 on what’s happening at Cooper Hewitt .

PS: While I don’t actually recommend buying anything, unless you have money to burn, definitely stroll through the super fun gift shop, which is basically like IKEA on steroids.

Trust me, it’s worth perusing through the merchandise, especially if you’re looking for design inspo (they literally have everything here, from kitchenware to home textiles to stationery).

Added bonus? Cooper Hewitt is within walking distance of Russ and Daughters (in the Jewish Museum), which is home to one of the best brunch spots in all of NYC .

Therefore, this is an amazing place to sit and grab a bite either before or after your visit!

Address: 2 E 91st St, New York, NY

Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Saturdays.

Admission Fee: Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for visitors with disabilities, $10 for seniors over 62, $7 for students, and free for children under 18.

How to Get There: Take either the 4 or 5 to the 86th street station.

21. The Vessel

Me standing with my arms stretched out in front of the Vessel in the evening. This is one of the best photo spots in NYC.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (15 Reviews) Price: $89.99 per person Duration: 1.5-3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Apple Store West Meet at the entrance at the corner of 14th street Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Have you seen that new, kind of wonky-looking, beehive-like structure that has become the chic new centerpiece of  Hudson Yards? You know, that behemoth edifice that you stop and stare at because you can’t decide if it’s ugly ugly or ugly pretty?

Well, if you’re nodding your head with a vague notion of what I’m talking about then you’ll know that I’m referring to The Vessel.

Now, with a name like “The Vessel”, you might think that this immersive art piece is some sort of futuristic, alien spaceship that is an Avant gar commentary on the impending planetary doom that is associated with Global Warming.

Yeah, if you thought that, I honestly have no idea if you’re right since I have zero idea what The Vessel means.

All I know is that it’s an ultra-funky, spiral staircase that you can climb if you want to enjoy stunning, panoramic views of NYC’s newly revitalized, Hudson Yards.

However, be sure to wear your best walking shoes before tackling The Vessel since this climb is just under 2,000 steps. Yeah, I’m getting out of breath just thinking about it.

But the best part? This creative, new, immersive art installation is totally free and open to all! But the catch (before you start your celebratory dance)?

Yeah, you have to pre-book tickets online at least 2 weeks in advance. Womp womp womp. However, if you feel like walking on the wild side, you can also try for some same-day tickets when you get there.

However, not surprisingly, there are no guarantees. But, what I can guarantee is that for the BEST shot of the Vessel (with the fewest gawking onlookers) go to the left and rear of the structure.

I promise! It’s a great angle to photograph from and hardly anyone is there. Plus, if you go around 4 pm, you’ll encounter pure, lighting perfection.

Also, if you have time, check out this cool Hudson yards and Vessel guided tour. It even takes you to some of the public art in Hudson yards.

Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

Hours: Open every day from 9 am to 10 pm.

Admission Fee: FREE (my favorite price)

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to the 34th Street/Hudson Yards station.

22. Lexington Candy Shop

Aerial view of a cheese omelette, banana nut French toast with powdered sugar, a fountain soda, a vanilla/chocolate egg cream, a plate of toast, and a jug of maple syrup on a pink counter top in Lexington candy Shop.

If you find yourself feeling a bit nostalgic for decades gone by then swing by Lexington Candy Shop on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 83rd street.

Because it’s here that you’ll discover an incredible vintage vibe, and some beyond delicious, reasonably priced food that will leave you thinking, “Please sir, I want some more.”

Which makes sense since this iconic, neighborhood eatery was first opened in 1925 and is currently the oldest, family-owned luncheonette in all of New York City.  

And while the clientele here may have changed a bit, the decor and menu sure haven’t since this informal restaurant still uses the restaurant’s original coffee urns and makes traditional, New York-style egg creams with a 1940 Hamilton mixer.

(They still have tuna melts on the menu too! For anyone who is actually old enough to know what that is).  

So, step inside this thin slice of pure Americana and marvel at all the celebrity pictures that adorn the white walls.

Also be sure to grab a seat atop a vinyl, green bar stool, and enjoy the classic feels of this 950s era diner.

And while everything here is good, the breakfast is top-notch, with their chocolate chip pancakes being one of my fave breakfast items in all of New York City.  

Plus, this place actually serves breakfast all day. So if you’re a distinctly anti-morning person like me, then you won’t have to worry about racing out of the house at the crack of dawn just to procure some of the decadent, breakfasty goodness within.  

Address: 1226 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Their  Chocolate Chip pancakes cost $13.50 while their signature Greek Omelet costs $15.95.

How to Get There : Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th street station and walk to the candy shop from there.

23. Take a Cupcake Tour through Greenwich Village!

A large cupcake with frosting and multicolored sprinkles from Greenwich village is one of the top edible unusual things to do in NYC.

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5 (240 Reviews) Price: $70 per person Duration: 2 hour 📍 Meeting Point: Southwest corner of Union Square Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Life is uncertain and you should 100% eat dessert first. At least, that’s what my mom told me and I am for SURE sticking with her sage advice. Which is why this epic cupcake tour is perfect for someone like me.

I mean, not only does it reinforce the IMPORTANT life lessons that my mom taught me (LOL), but it’s also a dream activity for a dessert-addicted, sugar-loving, individual such as myself.

Because let’s be honest, where else in the world are you encouraged to not only eat dessert but to eat MULTIPLE desserts within a two-hour time frame?

Exactly, nowhere! It’s like this cupcake tour is some super awesome, alternate universe where you’re encouraged to “sample” as many desserts as humanly possible.

And I for one am totally down with any and all unusual things to do in NYC that make it socially acceptable for me to eat like 12 desserts at one time.

“Mallory was awesome! She was very knowledgeable, very friendly and engaged with the whole group. Even our 5 year old was engaged and had a fantastic time. Yes, the cupcakes were all great, but the experience as a whole was without doubt one of the best food tours we have ever participated in.” Cathy ( read more reviews now! )

Besides, the desserts you get on this tour are just “small samples” that obviously only have like one calorie in them.

Or at least, that’s the lie I tell myself so that I can justify eating like a pig ( SPOILER ALERT: You stop at like 6 different locations and will most definitely not leave this tour hungry.

But if you do get full, not to worry because you can always just take some of the cupcakes home with you, minus the gelato since that food really isn’t a save for later type food).

So, gear up for 2-hours of foodie fun as you savor the gastronomic goodness of Greenwich Village.

Enjoy desserts from iconic, NYC foodie hotspots like Molly’s Cupcakes, Baked by Melissa (bite-size cupcakes that come in quirky flavors), Amorino (I know they serve gelato and not cupcakes but whatever, just go with it), Milk & Cookies (they make delicious cookies), and more.

And while all of these desserts meccas are good… My personal fave will forever and always be Molly’s Cupcakes!

I’ve been here multiple times and absolutely ADORE building my own cupcake here (it also doesn’t hurt that this store sits right along the beautiful, Washington Square Park).

Last time I was here, I ordered a vanilla cupcake, with brown butter frosting, and DUH, rainbow sprinkles. Yeah, I STILL dream about that cupcake since it was that amazing.

But, if you’re not a fan of vanilla, it’s all good because when you build your own cupcake here, you can choose between chocolate, vanilla, carrot cake, red velvet, and banana-flavored cupcakes that can be topped with a dollop of either vanilla, chocolate, cream cheese, French buttercream, or brown butter frosting.

So yes my friend, the choice is yours, so you better choose wisely.

Address:  The meeting point for this tour is at the Southwest corner of Union Square, at the intersection of East 14th Street and Union Square West.

Hours:  Tours start at 3 pm, last two hours, and run every day, except Monday and Tuesday.

Price:  $25 per person (Trust me, this is a VERY reasonable price for a food tour in NYC)

How to Get There:  You can take the 4 or 6 train and get off at Union Square/14th Street Station or take the Q train and get off at 14th Street Station.

24. Sleep No More

A view of a playing card, a white mask, and a flyer from Sleep No More.

This off the beaten path theater experience is a unique retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth that helped kick-start the immersive theater trend back in 2011.

Located at the McKittrick Hotel on west 27th street, right next door to the Chelsea art galleries, you’ll receive a white mask as you walk in ( so if you wear glasses, make sure to wear contacts) since this is the only thing that sets you apart from the actors and crew.

As the show starts, it becomes a choose-your-own-adventure performance of sorts since t he action takes place simultaneously, all throughout the hotel.

Basically, like a museum that comes to life. And to get the most out of your experience, try to pick a cast member that you can follow around so that you remain at the heart of the action.

Now, if you’re attending this show with a group or a partner, do not be “that” person who holds hands and becomes glued to whoever they’re with.

Yeah, this type of behavior actually kinda ruins the show for the other guests and actors. So, don’t be a Debbie Downer. Instead, embrace your individuality and separate from your group as you enjoy one of the many, totally weird things to do in NYC.

Plus, you’ll actually have more things to discuss with your gal pals after the performance if you go it alone.

Warning: Immersive = highly interactive. So yes, the actors will come up to you and interact with you as if you were part of the cast.

Therefore, fully expect to receive whispers in the ear and kisses on the hand. But don’t freak out since the actors are trained to gauge people’s level of comfort first. However, if this id the type of thing that TOTALLY freaks you out, then just stay in the middle and avoid being at the front of the group.

Now, buying tickets to this performance is not as simple as it seems. But, no worries since I’ve got you covered.

See, the first available tickets for an 8 pm performance are at 7 pm. From there, tickets can then be purchased in 15-minute increments (7:15 pm, 7:30 pm, etc…) until the show starts (You can pre-book your tickets online and choose different time slots).

However, a 7:45 pm ticket is just as good as one a 7 pm ticket since the show doesn’t start until 8 pm.

But procuring an earlier ticket does mean that you’ll have extra time to hang out at either the Manderlay Bar, Gallow Green (the hotel’s rooftop bar), or the uber-cool, pop-up restaurant, the Illusionist’s Table.

Yup, so much to do and so little time to complete this epic list of unusual things to do in NYC!

Address: 530 W 27th St, New York, NY

Hours: The show starts at 8 pm, but tickets can be purchased at different, 15-minute increments that begin at 7 pm. Performances can last up to 3 hours and end at 11 pm.

Price: Tickets are $159.50 per person or $220 for a priority access seat with a guaranteed table reservation.

How to Get There: You can either take the 7 train to the Hudson Yards station or take the C train to the 23rd street station.

25. Serra By Birrreria Rooftop Bar

Serra by Birreria rooftop bar with beautiful floral decor and myriad of wooden top tables and chairs makes this one of the most enjoyable unusual things to do in NYC.

And that makes sense when you realize that this enchanting bar is also fifteen stories above every NYer’s favorite Italian restaurant/grocery, Eataly, which is ALSO run by Mario Batali.

And since you have to go through Eataly to get to Serra anyway, might as well stop for a snack and try the Burrata.

Go on, I dare you not to swoon on the spot. When you’re finally ready to tear yourself away from that cheesy goodness, take the elevator onwards and upwards to a veritable paradise of Instagram perfection.

Yes, my friends, this bar is THAT beautiful (and insanely popular, so make a reservation). But, it gets better. See, while Serra literally means rooftop in Italian, the second part of this bar’s name actually changes with the seasons, as does the decor.

That’s why, throughout the winter, this bar is known as Serra Alpina, a chic, Alpine-themed, rooftop bar that resembles a cozy little Swiss chateau, nestled in the Alps.

And if winter’s not your scene? Then stop by during the spring, when this bar blossoms into Serra Fiorita, a “flowering greenhouse” of exquisite botanical bliss that will not disappoint.

No really! It basically looks like a florist blew up all over the place, but in the most charming way possible.

And while the food is good, it’s not great. I mean, I ordered the farro salad with parmesan for $15 and it was alright, but it didn’t exactly BLOW my mind

Therefore, I’d skip the food and order an Aperol Spritz instead. This way, you can spend your time taking it all in and perfecting those picture-perfect Instagram poses of yours.

PS: Try to make an early reservation, like right when they open at 11:30 am so that you can enjoy quick service and beautiful photos without hordes of wannabe Instagram influencers doing duck face poses in the background.

Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY

Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm.

How to Get There: Take the W train to 23rd Street Station.

26. The Campbell

Did you know that Grand Central Terminal has a secret bar? Well, you do now! Named after John W. Campbell, a financier during the Jazz Age, The Campbell is actually a secret bar that oozes old-timey swank and swagger.

Or, a veritable, roaring twenties time capsule that is bedazzled with original art deco decor that includes hand-painted ceilings, a grand stone fireplace, and other Florentine-inspired designs à la Great Gatsby.

To find this divine den of debauchery, look for a plaque on Grand Central terminal , along Vanderbilt Avenue, under the portico at 43rd street, and enter through the Campbell Terrace.

However, if you’re coming from the main concourse, just walk up the iconic marble staircase, exit Grand Central through the doors, and the Campbell Terrace will be on your left.

Before you swing by though (I know, lame swing dance pun), make reservations to avoid a lengthy wait. Also, don’t just roll on up in a baseball cap, flip flops, and shorts.

Sure, the Campbell has a relaxed dress code, but the overall atmosphere is still pretty glam. So dress up, but don’t go all MET gala on me

Now, as far as the bar fare, The Campbell offers a variety of fancy finger foods like mini lobster rolls, tuna tartare tacos, and meatball parmesan sliders.

And while the service at the bar is great, as is the extensive drink menu (it features signature cocktails, wines, and craft beer), it can get a bit loud so having a conversation can be a bit of a challenge.

Also, expect to spend more than usual at this secret bar since you are being transported back to the 20s, even if it’s just for an hour or two.

Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY

Hours: Open every day from 12 pm to 2 am.

How to Get There: You can take either the 4, 5, or 6 lines, the Times Square Shuttle, or the 7 line to Grand Central and 42nd Street Station.

27. Felix Roasting Company

A picture of me in a blue fleece sitting at a tablew in Felix Roasting Co. I am wearing a winter hat and there are paintings behind me on a pink wall. I am siting on a turquoise booth.

Pinch me because I’ve just found pastel heaven! And yes, it’s everything I could’ve hoped for, and more since the coffee here is divine (Give me a caffeinated IV drip, stat!).

Plus, this posh pink paradise is conveniently located on Park Avenue South and gives a whole new meaning to the term latte art since the decor alone makes this cafe worth a visit.

No joke, the interiors here are so extravagant that you kind of feel like you’re in some quaint little cafe in Vienna, or on the set of a Wes Anderson movie.

Whichever scenario sounds more appealing to you. But seriously, what’s not to love?

Between the spacious interior, high ceilings, and vintage vibes of the pastel-hued, pink and green wallpaper, this place makes me want to move in.

Do you think they’d mind? Okay probably, but can you blame me? I mean, Felix Roasting Company is SO aesthetically pleasing that any photo you take here is bound to give your followers severe insta-envy.

That’s why, I give this posh AF Manhattan coffee shop two enthusiastic pinkies up. Yeah, I’m fancy like that.

Okay, I may not be THAT fancy but this place is. I mean, they have MILK on tap and serve specialty coffees that are bougier than I ever thought possible.

Seriously! When you order their smoked s’mores latte, they actually smoke the coffee and torch the marshmallow right in front of you.

Which is not surprising since Felix Roasting Company is all about unique coffee flavors, no matter how outrageous the combination sounds.

So, go with an open mind, give some of their craziest lattes a try, and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised.

But, make like an espresso and be bold about it because you need to get here ASAP before all the Instagram mavens descend upon this place like a plague of locusts.

No really! I went on a Saturday and easily found a table. And who knows how long that’s gonna last, especially since I’ve published this list of special things to do in New York City.

So sit back and enjoy the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every aspect of this amazing place. And yes, you can use that line of reasoning as a way to justify spending $12 on a specialty coffee. Hey, whatever works!

Address: 450 Park Avenue South

Hours: Open every day from 7 am to 6 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to the 33rd street station.

28. McSorley’s Old Ale House

If your interests include day drinking, history, drinking, and using history to justify your drinking then add McSorley’s Old Ale House to your list of unusual things to do in NYC!

Located on the Lower East Side, this iconic watering hole first opened in 1854 and is known today as America’s oldest and continuously operated bar.

Somehow, this lexicon of liquor managed to remain open throughout the days of Prohibition, when this little gin joint operated as a totally illegal, but super awesome, Speakeasy.

Talk about creative thinking! Today, history hangs on every wall since the interior has remained virtually untouched, since 1910, as a veritable shrine to the original founder, John McSorley.

Look closely and you’ll find an assortment of fascinating objects, like an invitation to the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge as well as a seemingly quirky, former gas chandelier that is adorned with wishbones.

Sadly, these wishbones were left behind by soldiers who fought in World War I, and never made it back since any returning soldiers visited McSorley’s to pick their lucky talismans up.

But on a lighter note, McSorley’s has also served a variety of famous clientele like Abraham Lincoln and  John Lennon. Heck, even Elvis Presley was here and gave an impromptu performance when he got hammered, like a champ.

So drink up and get ready to travel back in time since every corner of this standing room only bar is rich in tales and ales (see what I did there).

Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 1 am and on Sundays from 1 pm to 1 am.

How to Get There: You can either take the R train to 8th Street Station or the 6 train to Astor Place Station.

29. Elevated Acre

The green walking paths in Elevated Acre is one of the few parks in NYC that still remains unknown to most visitors and is one of the quieter unusual things to do in the city.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, then you’re probably already mentally prepared for the frenetic hustle and bustle that you’ll experience during your time there.

But a fter a few days of trudging through the neverending sea of tourists that continually inundate Times Square, you might find yourself losing what little remains of your sanity.

Yup, I’ve been there. That’s why I’m sharing this little secret with you! One word, Elevated Acre . Okay, that was two but whatever. Minor detail.

Because tucked away in Lower Manhattan’s ever-busy Financial District, is a lush, green, garden of solitude that is virtually unknown to all but the savviest of locals.

And while stumbling upon this quaint little oasis of greenery may feel like a mirage. I assure you, it most definitely is not since this park was actually completed in the 70s (Saturday Night Fever anyone?) and is about an acre in size, hence the name.

Walk along the park’s enchanting network of hardwood paths and you’ll discover a beautiful lawn that is surrounded by a fantastic, seven-tiered amphitheater.

And as if that wasn’t enough, t his place also has an amazing, summer beer garden that offers visitors delightful views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge; views that you can actually enjoy amidst the relative quiet, peace, and solitude of this enchanting place,

Now, to find this thin slice of sanity for yourself, Just hop on the escalator at 55 Water St. Okay yeah, t his is easier said than done since the entrance is a bit discreet and set back from the sidewalk.

But whatever you do, d on’t stress about finding this place since the whole point of this park is to make it difficult to find so that you can have this space all to yourself.

Therefore, t ake a deep, calming breaths, Namaste it up, and find the escalator that will transport you to NYC’s very own version of Narnia.

Address:  55 Water St, New York, NY 10041

Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the N, R, or W lines to Whitehall Street Station, the 1 train to South Ferry Station, or the 2/3 train to Wall Street Station. 

30. MMuseumm

No, that wasn’t a typo. MMuseumm (pronounced just plain ol’ museum) is actually the name of a totally unique, NYC experience that sits inside an unassuming freight elevator, which features an array of overlooked everyday objects from around the world.

Still confused? Yeah, it’s a bit odd and definitely one of the more unusual things to do in NYC. But, t he idea behind MMuseumm is to offer visitors the opportunity to engage with and more closely study otherwise dismissed, totally ignored objects.

What? Does this all sound a bit to ordinary for you?

Well… not quite since some of the featured items include a hot water coil from Lithuania, a plastic glove from Paradise Valley, Montana, and even a shoe that was once thrown at George W. Bush during his visit to the Minister’s Palace in Baghdad.

So, w alk inside and you’ll find a museum that tells a story about the modern world using, as MMuseumm likes to refer to it, Object Journalism.

Trust me, i t’s a super cool experience that sadly, has extremely limited hours, so plan accordingly. And while there is no set entrance fee, a $5 recommended donation is suggested if you’re interested in visiting.

Before you go though, p lease be aware of the fact that MMuseumm sits inside a very small space that tends to get REALLY hot in the summer. So yeah, you’ve been warned!

Address:  4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

Hours: Open to the public  Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, with visits at other times available by appointment only (Just send an email to [email protected] if you’d like to stop by any time between Monday and Thursday).

How to Get There:  Take either the 4/5/6 line or the J/Z train to Canal Street Station.

31. Take the Tram to Roosevelt Island

View of the tram to Roosevelt Island from below which is one of the fun unusual things to do in NYC.

Sometimes i f you want the best views of Manhattan, you just have to suck it up and leave Manhattan.

Well, sort off. See, Roosevelt Island is this little sliver of land that sits smack dab in the middle of the East River, right beneath the Queensboro Bridge. 

And while this  island does have a lot to discover, like the Blackwell house and the North Point Lighthouse, just catching the tram here is worth the trip in and of itself!

Because yes, the views from the tram really are THAT epic. But , I  know what you’re thinking. I mean, it’s New York, and I’m about to send you to an island in the middle of the East River and you’re probably, justifiably, wondering, “How much will that cost me?”

Well, good news! This unique, NYC experience will cost you no more than the swipe of a MetroCard (and another to come back).

Or t o put it simply, the trip costs $2.75 each way. So, if you wanna board this tram of awesome for yourself j ust head to 59th St and 2nd Ave. Once onboard, j ust sit back and enjoy the ride. Or, try to get as close to the window as possible for a wicked awesome view of the Manhattan skyline!

Pro Tip: Since some locals actually live on Roosevelt Island (I know, crazy but true) and use the tram to commute to work, I’d suggest avoiding the tram during rush hour.

Also, if you really wanna look like a super-savvy local, try letting go of the handrails and riding the tram like a total boss. But only if you’re confident in your balancing capabilities because as always, safety first!

Address:  59th St and 2nd Ave, Tramway Plaza, New York, New York 10022

Hours:  The tram runs every 15 minutes, between 6:00 am and 2:30 am.

How to Get There: Take either the 4,5 or 6 train to the 59th Street and Lexington Avenue station and walk from there.

32. Stop by the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM

One of the most unusual things to do in NYC is to stop by the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM and pick up a delicious, lemon and coconut cupcake.

Raise your hand if you love sugar almost as much as you love life itself? (This girl’s hand shoots straight up in record time)

Because if so then you’ll love the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM on NYC”s Upper East Side. And yes, you really did just read that correctly. Because not gonna lie, all of my gastronomic dreams instantly came true the minute I realized that a cupcake dispensing ATM actually existed in the world.

Plus, these delectable little desserts are actually pretty dang delicious since they’re always fluffy, moist, flavorful, and emerge with the perfect ratio of icing to cake.

They also come in a fantastic assortment of flavors like salted caramel, red velvet, carrot, cinnamon sugar, lemon coconut, and more!

Although, the lemon coconut is definitely my favie fave.   So what are you waiting for? Stop by one of the most creative ATMs EVER and pick your du jour dessert today since unusual things to do in NYC really don’t get much sweeter than this.

And yes that wicked awful pun was 100% intentional. Plus every time I mention this place to a total, cupcake ATM virgin, their eyes well up with wonder, they become giddy beyond belief, and start doing a little happy dance as their inner child totally takes over.

Which makes all the sense in the world since this ATM is straight-up Willy Wonka level magical.  

Pro Tip: For any of my dietarily restricted friends, Sprinkles has vegan and gluten-free options available too. And for a full list of NYC’s other, super Instagrammable desserts, check out this post right now !

Address: 780 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065

Hours: Open Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: T ake the N, R, or W train to 59th street and Lexington Avenue station and walk to the cupcake ATM from there,

Price: One regular cupcake is $4.95.

33. Neue Galerie 

A view of a Gustav Klimt masterpiece in the Nueue Gallerie. She is dressed in a gold dress and has brown hair while she sits in this painting.

One of the most recent additions to New York’s infamous Museum Mile is Neue Galerie , a fantastic little art museum that showcases the works of various German and Austrian artists from the 20th century.

During your visit, y ou’ll see that this impressive collection is separated into two sections, one on the second floor, that is dedicated to works done by Austrian artists, and one on the third floor that is home to pieces created by German artists.

But b e sure to get your cute little butt here ASAP so that you can enjoy the museum’s temporary, Gustav Klimt exhibit.

Why? Well, there are just a handful of artists, *cough* I mean legends of the art world that you just HAVE to see if the opportunity arises. 

And this is one of those times. Especially since the current, Neue Galerie Klimt exhibit features one of his most infamous works, a portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (AKA the Woman in Gold).

No really, this painting is MYTHICAL. See, this piece was commissioned by Adele’s husband, Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer – a Jewish banker and sugar producer.

Sadly though i t was then unceremoniously stolen by Nazi soldiers in 1941, only to be finally returned to the heirs of the Bloch-Bauer family in 2006 and later sold for a record-breaking $135 million dollars!

Yikes! That’s a whole lot of Benjamins. But yeah, this piece really is an important work of art and history that is a total must-see while you’re in NYC.

And added bonus? This  museum also sits inside the historic, totally exquisite, William Starr Miller House, which is located on the corner of 86th street and 5th avenue.

Yup, just a little extra incentive for you to get here ASAP!

Address:  1048 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Hours: The museum is open Thursday through Monday from 11 am – 6 pm and closed on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission: Tickets are $25 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for students and educators! So don’t forget to bring those IDs if you wanna save some hard-earned dollars!

How to Get There: Take the 4,5, or 6 train to the  86th Street station.

34. The Comedy Cellar

The outer façade of the Comedy cellar with its iconic yellow light bulbs welcomes everyone to enjoy some of the best unusual things to do in NYC.

If you only go to one comedy show while you’re in NYC, then let it be a performance at The Comedy Cellar, which regularly hosts  some, if not all, of New York City’s top comedians.

No really, this is not a DRILL! Think top, Hollywood comedians like Dave Chappelle, Jim Norton, Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer, and Robin Williams, just to name a few.

Be forewarned though, i f you want to visit, you will probably need to make a reservation well in advance. Although some patrons, way braver than myself, have said that it isn’t too difficult to snag a seat at the door.

But i f you’d like to guarantee that you get in, then definitely make that reservation! And yes… You will be in a crowded basement… in the Village. Which means that you will probably be sharing a table with a multitude of strangers. 

But trust me, i t’s all worth it since the comics here are next level, meaning that you’ll probably leave here in stitches and with one hell of an ab workout. And FYI, t here is also a 2 beer minimum and 3 beer maximum once you enter the club. And this is NYC, so yeah, these beers ain’t cheap.

However, I’ve heard that as long as you’re a nice, respectful, and generally decent human being, then your server will be a little more chill about the 3 beer maximum. Or at least, that’s what I’ve been told.

And if you’re really into hobnobbing it up with some major celebs t hen visit The Olive Tree, a restaurant that sits atop the Comedy Cellar, right after the show since you can typically find all of the comics hanging thereafter the performance (You can also beeline it down the street to Mamoun’s Falafe l instead, for some fo the BEST falafel in the entire city).

Address:  117 Macdougal St #1267, New York, NY 10012

Hours: Open  Monday through Sunday from 11 am to 3 am.

Admission: Tickets are $17 a piece, plus the cost of your 2 beer minimum.

How to Get There: Just take either the A, C, E train or the B, D, F train to the West 4th Street station.

35. Attend a World-Class Concert (For Free!)

New York is a city known for its plethora of world-class artists. I mean b etween Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Radio City Music Hall, you’re bound to run into at least one world-class performer during your visit.

Not to mention the fact that New York’s very own philharmonic, MET Opera, and New York City Ballet are all regarded as some of the most prestigious, fine art institutions in the world.

Bougie AF?  You betcha! Which generally means that it will cost a small fortune to get a ticket. But w hat if I told you that you can catch some of these world-class performances for just $30? Or maybe even for free?

Yup! It’s true! See, most of these world-class performances take place in one of the three buildings at Lincoln Center.

And what many don’t realize people is that tucked away behind all of these iconic buildings is none other than the Juilliard School,  one of the world’s premier conservatories for aspiring musicians, dancers, and actors.

That’s why c hances are pretty high that many of the members of the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and the MET Opera, will come directly from this famous school.

So s kip the expensive tickets and attend a performance at Julliard instead. I mean t heir website has a GIANT calendar with hundreds of performances for you to choose from, all of which cost $30 or less!

And yes s ome of them are even free. Therefore i f experiencing a world-class concert is at the top of your to-do list while in NYC, but you just don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on a single ticket, then head to Julliard instead!

Address:  60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Hours:  Check Julliard’s performance calendar to see a full list of upcoming performances!

How to Get There: Take either the 1 or 2 train and get off at the  66th Street, Lincoln Center stop.

36. Visit The Beekman Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 (243 Reviews) Price: $483 per night 📍Location: 123 Nassau Street, Wall Street – Financial District, New York, NY 10038 Details: Read more on booking.com now!

If you’re a lover of exquisite architecture then run, don’t walk, to the newly refurbished Beekman Hotel , which is easily one of the best hotels in Manhattan with a balcony . Because a visit to this snazzy AF hotel really is one of the more unusual things to do in New York City.

This antique building sits amidst NYC’s busy financial district and offers visitors a glimpse into New York City’s grand past, complete with an atrium and bar area that both look like something straight out of an Agatha Christie novel.  

So if you’re picturing plump sofas, fringed table lamps, and green leather-topped bar stools, then yes, that’s exactly what the décor here looks like.

However all this vintage-style swag has been a relatively new development since this beautifully restored, formerly abandoned building was only recently reopened in 2016.

 “Very inviting, vintage, clean, and luxurious. The location was great, and the gentleman at the front desk who checked us in was just lovely! The doormen were also great. Cleaning staff was great as well. Thanks for a great, comfortable clean stay. Cleanliness is number one and you all do a fabulous job! Thank you! I highly recommend.” SK ( read more reviews now! )

Before that though this elegant, nine-story high, Victorian-style, late 19th-century building was an office.  

A beautiful structure that was first built in 1881, making it one of New York City’s very first skyscrapers, with its full height atrium, stunning skylight, intricate, wrought iron balustrades, and an enchanting glass ceiling.

And although the building sat abandoned for nearly fifteen years, it has since been brought back to life by British architect Martin Brudnizki, who completely renovated the entire space, creating a place where Instagram mavens of the world can come, sit, and take copious amounts of photos for their ever-growing,   Instagram fandom.

So if you have cash to burn and want to spend the night in one of their uber-plush, 287 rooms , feel free because this facility does not disappoint.

Otherwise, you can just sit, sip on a drink, and soak up the hotel’s old-world atmosphere at the sexy, on-site, dimly lit, Alley Cat Theatre Bar.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for some slightly more affordable places to stay in NYC, then check out my post about 8 of the most affordable hotels in NYC right now!

Address: 5 Beekman Street, New York, New York, 10038

Hours: The hotel’s front desk is open 24-hours a day.

How to Get There: Take the 4 o 5 to Fulton Street and walk to the hotel from here.  

Price: Ultra-swank rooms here start at a hefty, $275 per night.  

37. Unwind at the Russian and Turkish Baths

Normally, I really wouldn’t recommend a trip to the spa as one of the many unique things to do in New York City, especially in a notoriously expensive city like NYC.

However, the Russian and Turkish baths in New York have been in business for more than 125 years, serving locals and celebrities (think big names Robert De Niro and Frank Sinatra) alike.

So, i f you’re looking for a little detox sesh, then the Russian and Turkish Baths will provide you with a wonderfully exotic experience. Because more than just a trip to the spa, t he Russian and Turkish Baths (also referred to as a ‘Schvitz’)  are one of the oldest remaining bathhouses in New York.

They are also owned by two Russian immigrants named Boris and David.

Therefore, taking a trip here means that you’ll get to experience one of the most authentic Russian/Turkish style baths outside of Russia and Turkey, since this facility offers a variety of different, totally authentic treatments,  like a traditional Russian Platza leaf massage, where you’ll get whacked with branches that are doused in olive oil.

What, want something a bit more conventional? Then try one of the spa’s many pools or saunas, which are a little less intense and slightly more low-key.

FYI: The baths are also co-ed so be prepared. However, t hey do have reserved times for women only on Wednesdays, between 10 am and 2 pm, if a total sauna sausage fest isn’t really your thing.

Address:  268 E 10th Street, New York, NY 10009

Hours: Open  Monday through Tuesday and Thursday through Friday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm,

Admission: Tickets are $48 per person, with some services requiring an additional fee.

How to Get There: You can either take the L train to 1st Avenue station or the 4/5 train to Astor Place station.

38. Visit the Explorer’s Club Headquarters

If Indiana Jones were a real, live, person, I feel like he would be beyond obsessed with this place and would have become a premier member. Because I mean seriously. Who doesn’t want to be part of a badass Explorers Club like this?

And although they have occupied several different buildings since their 1904 inception, their current location on East 70th street is pretty rad indeed.

Because it is here that you’ll encounter more taxidermied animals than you ever knew existed (Picture narwhal tusks, wooly mammoth tusks, and even a famous “yeti scalp”. I know, too crazy for words).

A now, slightly antiquated vestige of field science that once used for education and research purposes, when the art of photography was still in its infancy.  

So, National Geographic, eat your heart out.   Because everyone at this club is the real deal, as are all of the relics displayed here, which serve as a beautiful reminder of our not so distant past.  

Address: 46 E 70th Street, New York, New York, 10021

Hours: The club is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with docent-led tours conducted on Mondays during the public lecture.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 68th street station and walk to the Explorer’s Club from there.

39. Try Some of the Prettiest Toast in NYC at Davelle

Honey lemon and black sesame and cream cheese toast from Davelle on the lower east side of NYC is one the unusual things to taste in NYC.

If you should ever find yourself aimlessly wandering through the charming streets of the Lower East Side, then be sure to stop by this tiny, hole in the wall, Japanese cafe .

Not only are the staff SUPER nice, but the curry is absolutely delicious. However, Davelle really makes it on this list of the most unusual things to do in NYC because they serve up some of the most insanely beautiful toast that I ever did see.

So, if you’re a diehard Instagram maven who is looking for druel-worthy, Japanese-style toast, then Davelle is the eatery of your dreams.

After all, It’s modeled after a traditional Japanese tea and coffee shop – known as a kissaten – and is known for serving up unique, specialty toasts that are equal parts delicious and stunning.

Therefore, stop by any time between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm daily and try innovative toasts (all of which are served on photogenic AF pieces of “newspaper”) like Ogura (red beans), honey lemon (pictured above but don’t eat the lemons), berry and cream cheese, ham and egg, cheese curry, Mentai Mayo (spicy cod roe), and black sesame and cream cheese (pictured above).

Pro Tip: This place is SMALL AF and one of the more popular hidden gems in NYC. So, if you want to get a seat, be sure to get here early. Like, right when they open. Otherwise, grab your order to go and eat in a local park.

Address: 102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Price: Speciality toasts are between $10 and $12 each.

How to Get There: Take the F/J/ train to Delancey/Essex Street station or the D train to Grand Street station and walk to the restaurant from there.

40. Stop by Tannen’s Magic Shop

Do you love magic almost as much as you love breathing? If so then say hello to your new best friend, Tannen’s Magic Shop.

Because this fine purveyor of all things magical has been around since 1925 and is overflowing with a never-ending supply of invisible paint, multiplying billiard balls, and so much more.  

However, don’t expect to find any over the top, glitz and glam style decor from this shop’s unassuming interior.

Instead, you’ll discover a dimly lit barrage of vintage, brown, built-in, bookcases and glass display cases that showcase anything and everything you’d expect from a bonified magic emporium.

A truly historic magic retailer that has sold, literal, tricks of the trade, to no less than Adrien Brody and David Blain.

And if you should happen upon a fascinating trick that calls you, please don’t be shy and ask one of their beyond friendly staff members for assistance.

Because everyone here is a total magical professional who would be only too happy to model a trick for you.  

And for a not-so-small, nominal fee, the almost sorcerer-like pros here can teach you fun things like the F1 Nitro trick, a trick where a playing card is made to vanish from its deck and reappear in a nearby wallet ($140) or the ParaPad trick ($95), which consists of a pocket-sized notebook that helps a magician read the minds of curious onlookers.  

So, if you’re looking for one of those almost otherworldly, unusual things to do in NYC, then look no further than Tennen’s Magic Shop.

Pro Tip: If you’re really into magic and have a bit of extra disposable income, then you can always sign up for one of their week-long, magic boot camps (held in Philadelphia for $1295) or enjoy a more reasonably priced lecture ($35)/workshop ($100) from professional magicians like Dani Daortiz.***

Address: 45 West 34th Street, Suite 608, New York, New York, 10001

How to Get There: Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Penn Station and 34th Street and walk to the shop from there.  

Price: This place is free to visit but most items here cost between $25 and $100.

41. Visit a Tropical Rainforest inside the Ford Foundation Building

When you picture some of NYC’s most immortal green spaces, I bet Central Park is one of the first places that comes to mind.

However, dare to venture beyond the somewhat plain, industrial feeling exterior of the NYC’s Ford Foundation building, and you’ll discover a lush oasis of greenery that is just waiting to be discovered by an intrepid traveler such as yourself.  

Built-in 1967 by Kevin Roche and John Binkeloo, the glass and steel atrium of this twelve-story office building is filled with more than 39 different species of shrubs, vines, and trees.  

Creating a botanical wonderland of sloping garden terraces that is the perfect place for a bit of quiet, contemplation.

So, take a well-deserved step away from the chaos of the city and stand in awe of an almost magical garden that stretches all the way to the roof on two sides.

While inside, you can also admire the garden’s quaint reflection pool and enjoy a beautiful fountain, which provides guests with a unique, reverberation effect.

And added bonus? There are even a wealth of audio descriptions along the garden’s footpaths that help describe exactly what you’re looking at.  

Plus, real NYC rainfall is actually collected from the roof and used to create moisture-rich, atmospheric conditions that help support the growth of all this amazing plant life. Because yeah, this New York City hidden gem really is THAT next-level awesome.  

Pro Tip: Although there are two different entrances to the building, I recommend using the 43rd Street entrance since it will provide you with same-level access to the reception desk, Welcome Lounge, and Ford Foundation Gallery.

Address: 320 East 43rd Street, New York, New York, 10017

Hours: The facility is only open to the public when the gallery has an exhibition running, which is typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S train to Grand Central Terminal and walk three and a half blocks, along East 43rd street, to the Ford Foundation Building.

42. Have a Drink at the Trinity Place Bank Vault Bar

Looking for a truly unique dining experience in New York City? If so, then venture on over to NYC’s infamous financial district and stop by Trinity Place , a bar and restaurant that actually sits inside a wicked awesome, vintage bank vault.

In fact, The vault in and of itself is a bit unusual since it features two, 35-ton doors on either end, that date all the way back to 1904.

First commissioned by New York Realty Bank, the vault turned out to be so heavy that the creator, Mosler Safe Company, actually had to sail the entire structure down the Hudson River from Upstate New York.

Now, time travel a little over one hundred years into the future and you’ll find that this nifty, ultra-historic vault has been fully restored to its former glory, a la 2006.

That’s why the round, five-inch thick, circular doors of this super cool security device now sit at either end of a posh AF restaurant and bar, where you can sip on dignified cocktails like   a Cucumber Cosmo and an Espresso Martini. Both of which are super delish I might add.  

However if your tummy is feeling more than a little grumbly, then dig into anything featured on their delicious brunch menu, including thick-cut Brioche French Toast and goat cheese and spinach omelet that is the stuff that foodie dreams are made of.  

Pro Tip: Looking for some more unusual things to do in NYC, including some super neat, ultra-quirky places to eat? Then check this amazing list of my 1 0 favorite themed restaurants in NYC .***

Address: 115 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Also, open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm (closes at 10:00 pm on Sundays).  

How to Get There: Take the 4 or 5 train to Wall Street station and walk to the bar from there.  

Price:   Dinner entrees will cost you around $25.00 while a cocktail at the bar will cost you $14.00 .

43. Peruse Through Some of the Murder Mysteries You’ll Find Inside the Mysterious Bookshop

Shelves lined with books in the Mysterious Bookshop just calls a customer to browse through them and is one of the top unusual things to do in NYC if you love to read.

Bibliophiles of the world, rejoice! Because NYC is chocker box full of truly bizarre, specialty bookshops of every variety and the Mysterious Bookshop is no exception.

Opened in 1979 by Otto Penzler, this quirky, Tribeca bookshop quite literally has a mystery around every corner. That’s because this shop is the world’s oldest and biggest bookstore, selling exclusively mystery, crime, and espionage-related novels.

So, even though you won’t find any over-the-top decor that features rogue corpses dangling off a bookshelf or two, you will find an office door or two that is roped off with some ominous, yellow, police caution tape that reads, “Crime Scene, Do Not Cross”.

You’ll also see every inch of the almost 20-foot tall bookshelves here packed with books about death and destruction, with a section devoted to Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, James Patterson, and now-defunct detective magazines like Black Mask .

However, if you’re looking for even more bookish bliss, then saunter on down to the store’s low ceilinged basement, where you’ll discover an assortment of standard, as well anthologies and first edition, of mysterious books of every variety.

Address: 58 Warren Street, New York, New York

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take either the 1, 2, 3 or A/C Train to Chambers Street and walk to the bookshop from there.

Price: Most books here cost between $10 and $15.

44. Have a Drink at GoldBar, A Swank AF Night Club Beddazled in Gold Skulls

Have an unhealthy obsession with all things Investigation Discovery as you attempt to satisfy your never-ending lust for the macabre?  

If so then this is the bar of your Hannibal Lecter-style dreams because NoLita’s famed GoldBar is bedazzled with no less than thousands of   gold-encrusted skulls.

Add in a fair few, super-luxe, 12’, vaulted ceilings that are encrusted with gold leaf and you have a 2,500 square foot club/bar space that all the cool kids crave. And did I mention?

This vibrant, posh AF bar also showcases some opulent beyond belief, crystal chandeliers that help make this one of the most luxurious after-hour spots in all of NYC.

However, truth be told, the glitz and glam is about all this place has going for it since the music is loud, the crowd pretentious, the staff less than helpful, and the drinks mediocre at best (and expensive too).

But if you’re absolutely dying to visit this place for yourself, then do try to get here right when they open at 11:00 pm to avoid all the late-night debauchery that will ensue.

That being said though do take everything I say with a huge grain of salt since I am old AF,   love my granny panties, relate to the Golden Girls on a personal level, and like to be home by 10:00 pm at the latest.

Which is why I seriously doubt that I am their target demographic. Although, I have heard good things about their Ginger Mint Aphrodisiac, which features Grey Goose infused with horny goat weed, diner syrup, fresh lemon juice, and Perrier.  

#justsayin’

Address: 389 Broome St, New York, NY 10013, United States

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the 4 or 6 train to Spring Street station or the J or Z train to Bowery station and walk to the club from there.

Price: Most cocktails here are $15.00, including the one mentioned above.

45. The Ghostbusters Firehouse

View of the brick and concrete firehouse used in the Ghostbusters movies. This hidden gem in NYC has fun Christmas decor and the ghost buster logo on it with a ghost in a red circle with a diagonal line across the white ghost.

Shocking to exactly no one is the fact that New York City has been the backdrop for many a famous movie and television show.

That’s why, if you should ever find yourself walking down Moore Street in lower Manhattan, then you might want to swing on by the firehouse that was featured in the iconic, 1984 movie, Ghostbusters .  

You know the one with Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd, where they fight ghosts and an enormous marshmallow man who threatens to take over the city.  

Buehler? Okay, well if you have no idea what I’m talking about then you MUST watch this film because it is a   total, 1980s classic.

And one of the most prominent places featured in this cinematic masterpiece is THIS very firehouse.

Yes my friends! It is a real, working firehouse that sits inside this 1903, Beaux-Arts building and that is home to Hook & Ladder Company 8.

In the movie though this is the place where Peter, Ray, and Egon set up their lucrative ghost-busting business because well “Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!”.  

Sadly though you definitely won’t be able to see the immortal Ghostbuster logo displayed prominently outside the building.

However, you will see it proudly emblazoned on the sidewalk just outside the building, which is how you’ll know that you’ve made it to THE Ghostbusters firehouse.

And even though the building did undergo some major renovations between 2016 and 2018, resulting in a new red garage door with some snazzy panes of glass in it, the firehouse still looks very much like it did way back in the 80s.

Also if the firefighters here have time, and you’re feeling brave enough to ask, then they just might be able to give you a tour of the firehouse and let you marvel at some of the melted clocks and phones that they’ve salvaged from the many fires they’ve put out (Salvador Dali eat your heart out).

That being said though this is a working firehouse and you will need to be respectful of that fact while you’re here since, well, they kind of sort of really do need to put out real-life fires.  

Address: 14 North Moore Street New York, New York, 10013

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day. However, this is a working firehouse. So, if you want to step inside you will need permission.  

How to Get There: You can either take the 1/2 train to Franklin Street station or the A/C/E to Canal Street station and walk to the firehouse from there.  

46. Track 61

There are a lot of abandoned train stations in the city. They are all pretty cool places to visit but Track 61 is a little different. Located under the Waldrof Astoria New York hotel, this was a private underground storage yard. Story has it that Track 61 was actually used by visiting presidents in the city. They would use an escape train to get in and out.

I have to warn you, despite the cool story, Track 61 isn’t pretty to look at. It is full of dirt and grime because of the time that it has been left unused. There is however a decommissioned antique train that is parked which is pretty cool to look at. The place has creepy vibes 101!

Address: 101-121 East 49 Street, New York, New York, 10017, United States

How To Get There: Take the train to Grand Central station and walk from there.

47. New York’s Hidden Tropical Forest

Did you know that there is a tropical forest in NYC? No I’m not kidding. I wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of it because it seriously is one of those hidden unusual things to do in NYC. You have to be a local to know about it. 

Anyways, this tropical rainforest is located inside the Ford foundation building. It is a totally bizarre place. Think of a 12 story building.

The center of the building has this enormous garden space with all kinds of shrubs, magnolias and even pools. It is one big green house and yes there are offices here too!

Pro Tip: The only way to see the garden is if the gallery has an exhibition. So check before you make the trip.

Address: 320 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm Saturday: 11am – 6pm. Note this only when there is an exhibition running.

How To Get There: Take the bus to 2 Av/ E 42 St

48. The High Line

View of NYC all lit up in the evening from the Highline. You can see read, white and blue colors on the Empire State Building and skyscrapers illuminated by lights in the night sky.

The High Line is a seriously cool place to visit but it wasn’t always the case. In fact, this cool urban park was once a desolate place that only pigeons called their home.

In 1999, plans were made to destroy the whole area but the citizens had a different area. Instead of turning into more urban concrete, it was decided that the High Line would be turned into a park.

Today you will find that this above ground walkway is gorgeous. It gives you a whole different perspective of the city.

There are some pretty nice art installations and murals that you can admire along the way. Food stalls have also sprung up along the way which means that you can catch a snack on the go.

The HIgh Line is a victim of its own success though because throngs of people visit it everyday. So prepare to be jostled around a bit when you head here.

It is still a fun walk though and I highly recommend it if you have time to visit because it is one of the cool unusual things to do in NYC.

Address: New York, NY 10011, United States

Hours: 7am – 10pm

Admission: Free

How To Get There: Take the bus to W 23 St/10 Av

49. Museum Of Sex

⭐️ Rating: 4.1/5 (35 Reviews) Price: $43.55 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Museum of Sex entrance Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Did you know that New York has its own Museum of Sex? Yeah. I know it took it long enough for it to be set up here. Sex museums are pretty common all across Europe and they are pretty interesting places to visit if not for the laughs but for education. I’m not kidding. It’s a pretty semi scholarly place to be in. Lol.

The whole idea is to turn the taboo away from the topic and allow people to engage in a scholarly conversation about the topic. With over 15000 exhibits which include art, movies, clothes and more, it is an interesting place to spend the day. Just note that to visit this museum you need to be 18 years or older.

Once you visit, you will just have to admit that this is really one of the unusual things to in NYC. You just have to enter with an open mind.

Pro Tip: Make sure that you don’t visit the museum too close to the closing time because you won’t have enough time to see all the exhibits. Don’t forget to stop at the souvenir shop on the way out. Before you ask… Yes they do have toys on sale.

Address: 233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Hours: Mon-Thur: 1-10pm, Fri: 1pm -12am, Sat: 12-12pm Sun: 12-10pm

How To Get There: Take the subway to 28st and walk from there.

50. Check Out the Grafitti Tunnel at 191st Street

Hop on the 1 train and take it all the way to 191st street subway station. This is where you’ll find one of the most unusual things to do in NYC.

It’s a vibrant, mural-lined tunnel that is offten overlooked by tourists due to its distance from Midtown Manhattan in Washington Heights.

Before it was beautifuied with amazing street art, this spot was a grim scene, beset by darkness, filth, and rodents.

In a transformative initiative, city-commissioned artists infused the space with life, reimagining the walkway into a canvas filled with urban art.

Today, it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in NYC and is trully a sight to behold.

51. Take a Helicopter Tour of NYC

A helicopter pilot looking out at the Statue of Liberty. A helicopter tour is as one of the top things to do in NYC on your birthday.

Weary of the same old views of Central Park or the huge crowds that fill Times Square?

If so then book one of the best helicopter tours in NYC and marvel at a side of New York City that few tourists ever get to see.

Flying high above Manhattan, you’ll be captivated by astonishing views that will leave a lasting impressiion.

Among all the unique things to do in NYC, nothing quite compares to the exhilaration of a helicopter flight over Manhattan. Plus, it’s probably a bit more affordable than you think!

52. Catch a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

A bright orange Staten Island Ferry docked at the terminal in Staten Island on a sunny day. It is surrounded by tons of industrial buildings.

Staten Island might not be on the top of your list of must-see places in NYC since it often overshadowed by more famous boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Yet, this borough holds its unique charm, which largely goes unnoticed during a typical NYC itinerary .

So, one of the many hidden gems is NYC is the Staten Island Ferry. You can board the Ferry in lower Manhttan, near the Battery, and take it past the Statue of Liberty.

It’s totally free and features stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. So, don’t be like other tourists and spend money on expensive cruises

Try one of the most unique things to do in NYC instead. Just remember that you’ll need to disembark and reboard the boat once you arrive in Staten Island.

53. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream

A view of a ling white table filled with trays of mini desserts in a bright pink room with pink balls hanging from the ceiling. This is the Museum of Ice Cream at it is one of the best things to do in NYC in the summer.

New York City has an incredible energy that makes it unlike any other place in the world.

Nestled within this vibrant landscape is pop-up experiences unlike any other. Aptly named the Museum of Ice Cream, this NYC museum features 13 exhibits that tantalize the senses.

It’s a space where visitors can dive into an immersive world accented by the sweet taste of ice cream.

Its signature feature, a pool filled with multicolored plastic sprinkles, invites guests to plunge in or sit atop lily pads.

An Instagrammer’s delight, this New York destination promises a nostalgic escape and a lively outing as you get to sample four different ice creams along the way.

It’s particularly appealing for anyone traveling to NYC with kids and tickets start at around $42.00 per person.

54. Snap a Selfie at the Fulton Center

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, the Fulton Center is a transit hub and modern arhictectural marvel that is the perfect place for photo ops.

With its distinctive round design and elegant spiral staircase, this building is an oasis for photographers and lovers of architecture.

Perfectly situated near iconic landmarks like Wall Street and the World Trade Center, it’s a seamless addition to any trip to New York City.

For those with a passion for design and photography, the stunning interiors of the Fulton Center are a visual treat.

Remember to pack your camera to capture its beauty or simply pause to enjoy the mesmerizing structure.

55. Explore Harlem

A view of the red letters and marquis for the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The lettering also says,

One of the more unusual things to do in NYC is to take a trip up to Harlem. You can grab some delicious soul food from Sylvia’s or Red Rooster before catching Amateur Night at the historic Apollo Theatre.

Historically regarded as a dangerous place, this neighborhood is brimming over with culture and is a great place to spend the day.

You can even catch a live jazz performance since some of the best jazz clubs in the city are found here.

56. Catch a Unique View of the City at Summit One Vanderbilt

Looking up at the multi-colored boxes and vertical white lines that make up Summit One Vanderbilt in the evening. This is the view of the skyscraper from the street below and you are looking up at the building during summer in NYC.

New York City is home to a ton of different observatories. But, Summit One Vanderbilt stands apart as a unique hidden gem among the rest

This observatory takes pride in offering more than just a spectacular view. It’s a place where you can see art, innovation, and architectural excellence come together.

Constructed primarily with glass and mirrors, it grants patrons a novel view that diverges from the those found at tradional observation decks.

Plus, the famed balloon room, filled with shiny silver balloons, provides the ideal backdrop for epic Instagram photos.

To top it all off, the observatory experience includes access to an open-air deck, where you can grab some snacks while looking out at the city.

Daredevils can further elevate their experience with “Ascent,” a glass elevator ride that climbs into the sky, delivering both an adrenaline rush and breath-taking panoramas.

57. Explore Little Island

An aerial view of Little Island in Chelsea. This is the view of this raised platform park with trees in the water. It is a view from the roof of the Whitney Museum.

Little Island stands out as one of the newest and most unusual attractions in NYC.

Perched atop a man-made island flanked by Piers 53 and 57, it’s a stone’s throw away from Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum.

In fact, you can enjoy epic views of Little Island from the outdoor patio atop the Whtiney. You can stand in awe of the island’s cool, stilted structure, which sets it apart from many other places in the city.

Stop by during sunset to explore an array of floral beds and a charming waterside amphitheater.

t’s the perfect place to go if you want to unwind and grab something to eat from one of the many on-site food trucks.

58. Explore the New York Public Library

Me enjoying the Rose Main Reading Room in the New York Public Library. I have a winter jacket, a hat, and green sunglasses on and am walking towards the camera. I am surrounded by wooden work desks and there is a ceiling mural with ornate wood trim.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in New York City, consider visiting the New York Public Library.

Remarkably, it ranks as the nation’s second-largest library and the fourth-largest globally. Yet, it hasn’t achieved the notoriety and fame one might expect.

Nestled in beyween Bryant Park and Times Square, the library’s grand beaux-arts facade offers a striking contrast to the modern backdrop of the city.

Stepping inside, the main reading room might conjure visions of Hogwarts, transporting visitors to a seemingly different era.

With no admission fee, guests can easily lose themselves for an hour or two exploring the ornate halls and appreciating the exquisite interior.

Be sure to visit the museum on the ground floor which features cool things like the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals and a Guttenberg Bible.

Local Tip: If you want to visit the Rose Main Reading Room pictured above, head to the top floor. It is only open to visitors from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday through Saturday.

59. Visit the Irish Hunger Memorial

The Irish Hunger Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to all those who died during the Great Irish Potato Famine from 1845 to 1852.

Nestled in the heart of Battery Park, near Tribeca and Wall Street, this half-acre site educates visitors about this tragic event.

By day, it is a place of reflection. But, by night, it transforms into an illuminated art installation, creating striking photo opportunities.

While the memorial itself is closed after dark, the surrounding glow invites photographers to make use of this dynamic space as a cool backdrop to their latest photos.

Unusual Things to do in New York City: Brooklyn

For the love of God and all that is holy get out of the overpriced, overcrowded New York City borough of Manhattan and check out the ultra-trendy, super-hip area of Brooklyn instead.

Because this New York county? Well, it’s home to upwards of two million people and is known for having some of the most famous attractions in New York City, including DUMBO, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Bushwick Collective, Prospect Park, The Brooklyn Museum, The Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, etc.

However, dare to venture off the well-beaten path and you’ll discover some of the most unusual things to do in NYC here too.

60. Visit Coney Island

Kids riding the swing ride at Luna Park, one of the best things to do at Coney Island.

If the chaos of Manhattan gets to be a bit too much for you, spend the day at one of the most famous beaches in NYC .

After all, Coney Island is a renowned seaside getaway and amusement park that everyone will love.

Spanning three miles, the beach invites families to relax, go for a swim, and enjoy a famous Nathan’s hot dog.

The area also has an impressive promenade and a lively amusement park that includes the historic Cyclone roller coaster.

Just be prepared for a bit of a trip if you want to visit since Coney Island is all the way at the end of Brooklyn and about an hour away from Midtown by subway.

Local Tip: Stop by Totonno’s for some of the best pizza in NYC. These guys have been around since 1924 and the pizza is epic.

61. Explore Industry City

Industry City stands out as one of the coolest things to do in NYC.

Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, this epic neighborhood is filled with cool industrial decor and is a bustling center for creativity along Sunset Park’s picturesque waterfront.

Today, it’s a hot spot for trendy eateries, unique boutiques, cool galleries, and eclectic grocery stores.

The sprawling industrial setting is also enhanced by ever-growing street art murals all around.

With each visit, you’ll fall more in love with the communal warmth of a fire pit in the winter and to the mini-golf in the summer.

62. Sunshine Laundromat

From the outside, Sunshine Laundromat looks like a good, totally run-of-the-mill place to do that now behemoth load of laundry that you’ve been ignoring for the past month.

However step inside and you’ll see a wealth of classic pinball machines the are intermingled with a variety of different washing machines that seem to hum to life every time they enter the “spin cycle”.

Even more bewildering though are a strange array of washing machines that you see nestled near the back of the store.  

Because upon closer inspection, you’ll actually find a secret door into a whimsical world of more than 23 classic pinball machines.

A 1000, square-foot room that owner Peter Rose has converted into a pinball venue that serves beer, making this the only laundromat in New York City that can actually legally serve alcohol.  

Add in a fortune-telling chimp (because life clearly isn’t worth living without one of those) and you truly have one of the most unusual things to do in NYC. Truth be told though, I absolutely forbid you to leave this fine establishment without first enjoying a game of pinball on their “Big Bang Bar” machine since it was probably the most fun I’ve ever experienced playing pinball.

FYI: No liquor is served here, only beer

Address: 860 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn New York

Hours: The Laundromat is open daily from 7:00 am to 2: am but the pinball backroom doesn’t open up until 2:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the G to Greenpoint Avenue station and walk to the Laundromat from there.

Price: A single pinball game here is a mere $0.75.

63. New York Transit Museum

The interiors of the vintage railway cars that you'll find in Brooklyn's Transit Museum is one of the cool unusual things to do in NYC for train aficionados.

Looking for some unusual things to do in NYC? Then stop by the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn!

Owned and operated by the MTA, this museum sits inside the once abandoned, Court Street station, which was decommissioned all the way back in 1936.

Today though, the former hub of transportation hub now houses an eclectic collection of vintage trains and buses that all help tell the unique story behind the development of the public transportation system in NYC.  

To visit some of the oldest artifacts in the museum, head to the “On the Street: Trolleys and Buses” exhibition, which explains the evolution of fuel technology in buses and displays a variety of subway cars that date back to 1916, with some wooden elevated cars dating all the back to 1903.  

But to really understand the evolution of public transit in NYC, explore the museum’s vast selection of informative exhibitions, including

Grand by Design – a celebration of Grand Central Terminal

The Dr. George T.F Rahilly Trolley and Bus Study Center – home to scale models of antique trolleys and work cars

No Spitting on the Platform – a collection of vintage transportation signs

Moving the Millions – discusses the evolution of the NYC subway

Steel, Stone & Backbone: Building New York’s Subways – examines the historic tools used to build NYC’s subways.  

That being said though the real highlight of any visit here is a walk through some of the antique buses and trains that can be found in the museum’s delightful, vintage fleet, featuring a wealth of buses and trains that date all the way back to the 1940s.

So, “All aboard” as you take a charming walk through yesteryear at this quirky, NYC museum.  

Pro Tip: Just in case you don’t want to schlepp all the way to Brooklyn, you can visit an annex of the museum in Grand Central terminal, just left of the Station Master’s Office.

Address: 99 Schermerhorn St Brooklyn, New York, 11201

Hours:   Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

How to Get There: If you’re coming here from Manhattan, take the 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall station and walk to the museum from there.  

Price: Tickets are $10 per person for adults.  

64. Visit the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store

Are you an ultra-savvy, super-hero in training who is desperately searching for an eclectic variety of equipment to satisfy all of your crime-fighting needs?

If you’re emphatically nodding your head yes right now then The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store is the retail outlet of your dreams.

Because this quirky AF shop really does sell a multitude of different items that are designed to meet any and all of your superhero needs.   I mean from canned cyclones to super-chic capes to Mylar force fields, this place really does have it all.  

However if you wanna be bad because, you know, it feels so good, then fear not my less than savory friend!

Because this store also stocks mind-readers, particle guns, and bottled black holes that are sure to meet all of your budding, super villain needs.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous then sneak behind the store’s very own, false bookcase to find a full-on student writing center where kids can g after school to get their creative writing swerve on.

A place that was first established by the store’s co-founder, Dave Eggers, and that is funded by all of the proceeds from this beyond delightful shop.  

But wait, because this place gets even better. See, this store is also run by a slew of devoted volunteers, who even keep copies of students’ “published works” in the store’s “manuals” section.

So what are you waiting for? Stop by today and check out one of the more unusual things to do in NYC. You know A place that you can actually feel good about visiting since you’ll be helping others and become a real-life superhero in the process.

Because yeah! You’re straight-up awesome like that.  

Pro Tip: FYI, this franchise also run The Pirate Supply Shop in San Francisco and The Hoxton Monster Supply Shop in London.

Address: 372 5th Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11215

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the D, N, or R train to 9th Street station or the F/G train to 4th Avenue station and walk to the store from there.  

Price: FREE…unless you want to buy something.  

65. Brooklyn Flea

Are you a hipster in training who is looking a place to call your own? If you are then Brooklyn Flea is the mecca you’ve been waiting for!

Founded in a long-ago time before Pinterest, AKA  2008, this flea market in NYC features hundreds of vendors.

They sell furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry and well, artisanal anything, (think ramen burgers, crafts, and upcycled clothing) to meet any and all of your wannabe Brooklynite needs.

But really it’s so awesome that t ravel + Leisure , Country Living , Budget Travel , and Fodor’s  all ranked this flea market as one of the best markets in the entire United States.

J From the first weekend in April, through October, Brooklyn Flea hosts a series of outdoor markets that are in Industry City on Saturdays and in DUMBO on Sundays.

So be sure to stop by to experience one of the truly unique things to do in New York City.

Address:   80 Pearl Street in Dumbo ( But there are also locations in Williamsburg and Industry City)

Hours:  This seasonal, outdoor flea market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.

How to Get There: You could either take the A to the Brooklyn Bridge/High Street Station or take the F to the York Street Station .

66. Time Out Market

A black, circuliar sign that sya TimeOut Market New York in white lettering. It is surrounded by garland and colorful christmas baubles that are red and gold.

If you’re in search of foodie nirvana, then Time Out Market should ABSOLUTELY be your first stop when checking out some of these unusual things to do in NYC.

Located in the ultra-popular neighborhood of Dumbo, Brooklyn, the ever slick, Time Out media company, has brought together some of the best restaurants from NYC’s foodie scene to create a place where food lovers across the globe can rejoice in gastronomic harmony.

But believe it or not the first Time Out Market was actually started in Lisbon, Portugal. And because that food hall was so popular, Time Out has now established two more franchises in Miami and now (hooray) New York City.

And while all three locations include a multitude of food vendors that reflect the diversity of each city’s local food scene, they are all created around the simple principle that, “If it’s great, it goes in the magazine; if it’s unmissable, it goes into the market.” ( Time Out Market )

And with twenty-four of New York’s finest eateries to choose from visitors will not be disappointed by delectable delights from gastronomic giants like Ice & Vice, Cookie Dö, Bklyn Wild, Jacob’s Pickles, Clinton St. Baking Company, and more!

Now if you’re sitting here thinking “Gee, all this food sounds great, but where are all the drinks?”, never fear because Time Out’s got your back.

Yup! Time Out has actually managed to replicate New York City’s bumpin’ bar scene by creating THREE different outposts of NYC’s finest bars.

Can I get a whoop whoop? No? Right…Awkward. Anyway if you’re infinitely cooler than me, just mosey on up to the 5th-floor terrace, where you can enjoy beautiful views of NYC’s grossly polluted waterways. (Yeah, I went there. You can also find additional, outdoor seating along Old Dock Street).

But enough about the ambiance, let’s talk logistics. Time Out Market is open daily between 8 am and 11 pm, Monday through Thursday, and until 12 am Friday through Sunday.

However if you choose to visit BEFORE 8 am, in a vain attempt to avoid sharing the space with mobs of hungry NYer’s, then the only stalls that will be open are Clintons St. Baking Company,  Breads Bakery, and Loco Coco since all the other restaurants don’t open until 11 am.

So go forth, wear elastic pants, and enjoy the foodie goodness.

Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (There is another location in Midtown. but I still prefer the one in DUMBO though)

Hours: Open every day from 8 am to 10 pm.

How to Get There: You could ta ke the C train to High Street/Brooklyn Bridge Station, the F train to York Street Subway Station, or the A train to the High Street/Brooklyn Bridge Station.

67. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The bright cherry blossoms in bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the unusual things to do NYC that you should catch if you are in the city at the right time.

Much less well known than its famous cousin in the Bronx, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides visitors who are looking for one of the more unusual things to do in NYC with a much-needed respite from the chaos of the city.  

Because this delightful, oasis of botanical bliss is home to thousands of different plant species, including a vast collection of Bonsai plants that can be well over 300 years old!

However this distinct array of plants makes infinitely more sense when you realize that the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also home to one of the largest Japanese-style gardens in the country.

An exquisitely beautiful area that includes Cherry Blossom trees, an idyllic red gate, and even a lovely lake-see area. And after exploring this scenic area be sure to take a peaceful walk through some of the institution’s wealth of other charming gardens, like

The Shakespeare Garden – consisting of plant species mentioned throughout Shakespeare’s plays

The Rose Garden – It showcases over a thousand different flowers, as well as waterlilies that grace the top of the garden’s lovely terrace pools

Daffodil Hill

The Desert Pavilion – home to an exotic collection of plants that are indigenous to the deserts of the world

Although if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, then a trip to see the Titan Arum is a total must. Because while this rare species of flower may not bloom often when it does, it kind of smells like rotting flesh.

Yum right? Yeah, probably not what you expected from a visit to the botanical garden. But luckily for you though (unless you’re descended from flies and actually enjoy this type of smell), this species blooms very infrequently. Like once every ten years or so infrequent.

Which is why for better or worse, you probably won’t have to deal with this beyond pungent, totally stinkerific smell any time soon.   Yup We call that living the dream people since I for one will take a hard pass on the sweet scent of rotting humans during my next trip to Brooklyn.

Address: 900 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11238

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (March through October). The gardens close at 4:30 pm instead of 6:00 pm in November and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm in December and February.

How to Get There: Take the   2 or 3 train to Eastern Parkway Brooklyn Museum station and walk to the garden from there.  

Price: Tickets are $18 per person with free Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (March through November). Last admissions are also thirty minutes before the garden closes.

68. The Robotic Church

Truth be told, I’m not usually a big fan of churches. I dunno. Somehow, they all just kind of seem to blend together and generally look the same to me. Unless of course they’re something truly extra special, like Gaudi’s famed, La Sagrada Familia.  

And although the former Norwegian Seaman’s Church in Red Hook Brooklyn isn’t exactly La Sagrada Familia level awesome, it is definitely an uber-quirky, one-of-a-kind place.

Because this church? Well, thanks to the technical art collective, Amorphic Robot Works, it is home to hundreds of hand-made, futuristic robots.

Robots that can range anywhere between one foot and fifteen feet in size. A beautiful, artistic movement that was first started by Chico MacMurtrie, who added an assortment of 35 kinetic robots to the church in the 1980s.

Since then though this amalgamation of human-like robots has steadily grown. Which is why the church now serves as the collative’s main studio, where you can see these fantastical pieces of art all along the walls, floors, and ceilings of this historic building.

And for a truly extra special experience stop by for a musical performance.   Because believe it or not, each of these wonderful robots is controlled by computers and is designed to create a distinct sound.

Sounds, then when all played together, create the most wonderfully weird symphony that you ever did see. So, swing on by today and enjoy one of the most unusual things to do in NYC.  

Especially since the sounds emanating from this beyond eclectic musical performance truly are unlike anything you ever did see, or hear.

Address: 11 Pioneer Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11231

Hours: Sign up for their email list on their website and you’ll get information about upcoming shows.

How to Get There: From Manhattan, you can take either the 2/3 or the 4/5 to Borough Hall station. From here, hop on the B61 bus, get off at the Van Brunt Street/Verona Street stop, and walk to the church from here.

69. Get a Rainbow Bagel from The Bagel Store

A rainbow colored bagel stuffed with cream cheese held up before I enjoyed one of the most delicious and yet unusual things to do in NYC.

Believe it or not there was a time, a much simpler time, when not every food on the planet was totally rainbow-ified. An era, way back in 2014, when food items were left in their natural state of being, and everyone was totally, a-ok with that.

However that all changed when Brooklyn’s, The Bagel Store burst onto NYC’s foodie scene with their now immortal, rainbow bagel.

Yes, my friends… Children wailed (not really), Facebook videos that featured delectable rainbow bagels went viral, and lines stretched out all the way to Coney Island.

Just kidding. The lines were never really THAT long. Thankfully. And although rainbow bagel mania has died down a bit:

You can still get in on all this rainbow bagel fervor at The Bagel Store, which makes an ultra-perfect pit stop before heading to the famed, Bushwick Collective.

Definitely one of the more unusual things to do in NYC, this fine purveyor of all things bagel-related does indeed carry more traditional bagel flavors like everything, onion, sesame, and cinnamon raisin.

But real talk: Where’s the fun in being ordinary? No my friend.

You’re here to embrace the Instagram maven within and be the totally extraordinary diva (or divo) that you are by purchasing a super snazzy rainbow bagel.

An almost otherworldly, carb bomb of delight that has been generously smeared with a sizable amount of homemade, Rainbow-fetti cream cheese. And just in case you were at all curious, rainbow-fetti cream cheese = cake batter cream cheese with rainbow sprinkles.

Yup, so good, so good (Sweet Caroline anyone?)! However, lest you not be a fan of cake better cream cheese, then you also try any one of their other, totally outrageous cream cheese creations too, like Nutella, Oreo Cookie and Cream, Unicorn, Cannoli, etc.

As well as a selection of slightly more traditional, savory flavors too. But wait, it gets better!

Because this menu is also packed with an assortment of other super vibrant, Uber-colorful bagels like the Captain America Bagel, the Spiderman Bagel, the Unicorn Bagel, the Cotton Candy Bagel, and the Galaxy Bagel, just to name a few!

So, regardless of what your current Instagram color obsession is, The Bagel Store has got a perfectly vibrant bagel for you.

Address: 754 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 2 or 3 train to Berger Street station and walk to the bagel shop from there.

Price: A rainbow bagel with cake batter cream cheese will cost you $4.95.

Unusual Things to do in New York City: Queens

Who rocks the house? Queens rocks the house! Because in my humble opinion, it is probably the single most underrated borough in all of New York City.

Because let’s be honest for about 2.5 seconds, Manhattan is well, Manhattan, and largely the playground of tourists and uber-rich millionaires.

And Brooklyn? Well, it’s long since become the new Manhattan. And trust me, soaring rent prices definitely reflect that. But Queens? It looks out at Manhattan from the East River and is home to REAL New Yorkers.

Which is why everywhere you turn you’ll find incredibly affordable, super chic, under-the-radar venues that make this the swanky new place that all the hipster millennials and trendy jet setters are flocking to.

So during your next trip to New York City, you MUST visit this New York City borough and experience some of the most unusual things to do in NYC. Trust me, I’ve lived in New York City for well over twenty years and I still can’t get enough of Queens.

70. Chinatown in Flushing Queens

An assortment of chinese food including fried rice, noodle soup and chicken with glasses of lemonade being indulged in is one of the tastiest unusual things to do in NYC.

There are about a billion different Chinatowns across the globe. So what sets Flushing’s Chinatown apart from the rest?

Well, one word, food, glorious food! Picture me twirling and frolicking at the very thought. And that makes sense when you learn that the Chinese-immigrant population of Flushing, Queens, surpassed that of Manhattan’s Chinatown many years ago.

Sprinkle in a local population that is nearly two-thirds Asian and foreign-born and you get a neighborhood that is a perfect storm of Asian foodie awesomeness.

So whether you’re in the market for authentic Asian cuisine, an ancient herbal remedy, or an ultra-rare, Japanese comic book, Flushing has it all.

But I’m forever and always about the food. So if you’re anything like me, then head over to the New World Mall food court, where you can create your own buffet of awesomeness, at a great price.

Personally my top picks for restaurant greatness are Hunan House, Spicy and Tasty (for Mapo Tofu), Jade Asian (for dim sum), and New Imperial Palace (Dungeness crab with sticky rice).

And FYI, Joe’s Shanghai is another great little spot for Chinese food in the area. A place that is prominently featured in the city’s Michelin Guide and that is known for their delicious, soup dumplings.

Pro Tip: Since you’re in Flushing anyway, you HAVE to stop by Kung Fu Xiao Long Bao.

And no, this is not a request, it is a demand. Trust me, they serve these totally unique and super delicious NUTELLA SOUP DUMPLINGS that really are unlike anything that you’ve ever had in your life!

I know it sounds weird but trust me, they are DIVINE! Like GET IN MY BELLY NOW LEVEL GOOD!***

Address: 136-20 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY

Hours: Open every day from 8 am to 11 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 7 line to the Flushing Street Station.

71. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

Did you know that before the film industry moved to Hollywood in the 1930s it was actually based in little old, Queens, New York?

Yup, totally unbelievable but totally true. That’s why movies like The Return of Sherlock Holmes (or, the first Sherlock Homes to have sound) were actually shot inside the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens.

Originally built in the 1920s, this historic building is now a national historic district and was the former filming location of Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way , and Sesame Street.

However, as of ye olde 1988, the building was transformed into a fascinating museum that is dedicated to the art, history, and unique technology behind film.

So if you should happen to be in Astoria, Queens, then why not stop by the Museum of the Moving Image and pay tribute to the area’s rich, cinematic history?

I mean not only is it the only museum in the country that is centered around the history of the moving image, but it is also home to a collection of more than 130,000 super quirky, Uber-fun, film-related artifacts.  

Like a fantastic, permanent exhibition that is dedicated to Jim Henson, who was the famous creator behind all of the Muppets characters.

Because let’s be real, if it includes Muppets then it just has to be awesome and one of the most unusual things to do in NYC.

Pro Tip: The museum offers FREE admission to guests on Friday evenings between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. And since you’re in Astoria anyway, definitely try some of the delicious, totally authentic Greek food that you’ll find the area’s many Greek restaurants, shops, and bakeries.

And spoiler alert, Ovelia is one of my absolute FAVE restaurants in the entire neighborhood.

Address:  36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, United States

Hours:  Open Wednesday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the E, M, or R train to Steinway Street station and walk to the museum from there.

Price: Tickets cost between $9 and $15 per person.

72. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The iconic, 12-story, steel globe and classic, UFO shaped towers that you'll find in Queens' Flushing Meadow Corona Park. is one of the unusual sights in NYC.

Home to Citifield (AKA where the Mets baseball team plays) and the city’s annual, US Open tennis championship Flushing Meadows Corona Patk is not there purely for the enjoyment of sports enthusiasts.

Instead this sprawling, 900-acre park is packed full of unique things to see including the Queen’s Museum, the New York Hall of Science (one of the first science museums in the country), the Queens Zoo, and more.  

Because believe it or not this expansive green space was actually explicitly built for the 1939 World’s Fair and has a wealth of “futuristic” buildings to show for it since, well, that was the overall theme of the fair.

An event that was so popular that the park again played host to the 1964 World’s Fair and still retains vestiges of the New York State Pavilion that was used during that exposition.

Come on. You know exactly what I’m referring to. It’s that flying saucer-shaped structure with three observation decks hovering above it that was featured in the original Men in Black film.

However there’s also another famous park icon that you might want to visit while you’re here. And that’s none other than the instantly recognizable, 12-story tall, stainless steel globe.

It’s definitely an immortal park landmark that is known as the Unisphere since it features three distinct metal loops that encircle the Earth.

Rings that each represent the paths taken around the globe by Yuri Gagarin (the first man in space), John Glenn (the first American to orbit the Earth), and Telstar (the first American satellite to orbit the Earth).  

But wait! Because there’s still one last remnant from the 1964 World’s Fair that is well worth a look. And it sits inside the Queen’s Museum since it is an amazing, miniature panorama of New York City.

Trust me! It really is exquisite to behold since it is a stunningly accurate scale model of the city that also served as a beyond popular attraction during the 1964 World’s Fair.  

It’s also infinitely less touristy (and pricey) than the model that you’ll find in Times Square.

Plus it was actually fully refurbished in the 90s and now features every building that was constructed in the city prior to 1992.   So yeah, just a truly amazing part of the city that is not to be missed while you’re in Queens.

Address: Kennedy Circle, Queens, New York, 11368

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to 111th Street station and walk to the park from there.

Price: The park itself is free but visiting some of the park’s major attractions will cost money.

73. Visit the Ganesh Temple of Queens

The first thing you need to know about this enormous, intricately carved, Hindu temple in Flushing, Queens? That they serve some of the most amazing dosas ever in their basement canteen.

And the second thing that you should know about the Ganesh Temple of Queens ?

They do not allow photography and have a relatively strict dress code. So your shoulders and legs must be covered at all times while inside the temple. Therefore no tank tops or shorts of any kind.

You must also take off your shoes prior to stepping inside and cannot wear animal products of any kind.   So yeah, no fur or leather either.

Although if you do arrive a bit scantily clad that you can always rent a pair of baggy pants on-site.

However once you are dressed appropriately and are ready to enter, you’ll quickly see that this stunning temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha.

That’s why everywhere you look you’ll find images of this God’s distinctive, elephant-shaped head carved out of imported Indian granite and draped in colorful garlands of flowers.

A vibrant, religious structure that was erected in the 1970s and that became the first traditional Hindu temple in the United States.

Today though it serves as the official home to the Hindu Temple Society of North America and is now easily one of the most unusual things to do in NYC.

Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Queens, New York, 11355

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to Main Street Station and catch the Q65 bus. Ride the bus for about four stops and get off at the 45th street, and Bowne Avenue since you can walk to the temple from there.

74. Enjoy Some Water Sports!

A stretch of sandy beach and ocean with houses in the background near queens is the best place for watersports which is really one of the unusual things to do in NYC.

If you love the outdoors and being near the water then Queens is the New York City borough for you.

Because even though everyone thinks of Coney Island when they consider some of New York City’s top beaches, Rockaway Beach and Long Beach are two amazing seaside spots where you can do a bit surfing.

And yes, you read that correctly. I really did just mention going surfing in the Big Apple. So if you’re visiting during the summer, you can easily swing by either of these beaches and rent a surfboard from one of the many local shops here, like the cash-only, Rockaway Surf Club.

However if surfing is a bit too adventurous for you, then you can always just head to the Long Island City Community Boat House instead and do some 100% free kayaking along the East River on a nice, sunny, weekend.

PRO-TIP: For one of the best panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, stop by the rooftop bar at the Z NYC Hotel .***

75. Enjoy the Peace and Calm of the Noguchi Museum

Founded in the now, slightly distant year of 1975, the Noguchi Museum is probably one of the most relaxing places in all of New York City.

That’s because this former, residential house was transformed into an exquisite art museum by the sculptor of the same name, Isamu Noguchi. Japanese-born, Noguchi first established the museum when he saw that the building across the street from his Queens area studio was for sale.

Since then The immortal artist has prominently displayed his collection of modern, minimalistic sculptures, drawings, models, and designs all throughout the building.  

As a result, He has been able to create a wonderfully soothing space where visitors can enjoy the largest collection of Noguchi originals in the world.

Also worth visiting is The Isamu Noguchi Garden, which is a peaceful, natural space that showcases important acquisitions from other, internationally acclaimed artists.

Address: 9-01 33rd Road, Queens, New York, 11106

Hours: Open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue Station. From there, take the Q103 bus to the stop at Vernon Boulevard and 33rd Road (about 19 stops) and walk to the museum from there.

Price: Tickets are $10 for adults.

76. Take in Some Modern Art at the Socrates Sculpture Park

Known the world over for it’s amazing, world-class museums, New York City is brimming over with awe-inspiring art displays of every variety.

However Many of these immortal institutions are inundated with hordes of wide-eyed, selfie stick-wielding tourists who can inadvertently rob you of what little peace of mind you actually have.

Thankfully though This is simply not the case with Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum and park that showcases a variety of different, totally unique, multi-media and modern art installations.  

Originally a nasty AF landfill, the space was transformed into a beautiful park/outdoor art gallery in 1985, by local sculptor, Mark di Suvero.  

That’s why today, this enchanting green space in Long Island City offers guests stellar views of the nearby, Manhattan skyline and is home to more than 20 different species of local plants.

So stop by and take some time to stroll through the regularly rotating series of outdoor art exhibits here.

And if you have the time (and its actually low tide) be sure to visit Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove, where you can do some free kayaking, at the LIC Community Boathouse, during select weekends in July and August).  

Address: 32-01 Vernon Boulevard / Long Island City, NY 11106

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to sunset.

How to Get There: Take the N/W train to Broadway station and walk eight blocks to the park.  

77. Visit Fort Totten

Tucked away inside the Bayside area of Queens is Fort Totten Park. Once the site of a Civil War-era fort that was erected in 1862:

The area has long since been transformed into a vast city park where visitors can explore some of the Civil War ruins that still remain (there are also remains from a former army base here too), as well as a small museum inside the visitor’s center.  

At the center of the park, there is also a beautiful, Neo-Gothic style building that is locally known as “The Castle” which was once used as an officer’s club for the former, on-site, army base.  

Today though this structure belongs to the Bayside Queens Historical Society and is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.

And while there aren’t a ton of super unique things to do here, this is still a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy some of the area’s marvelous views.

Just be aware that sections of the park are still actively used for fire, police, and army recruit training exercises and, as such, are off-limits to the public.

But the large swaths of barbed wire and barricades will be a dead giveaway that this section of the park is to be avoided by any and all overly inquisitive visitors.

Address: Weaver Road Queens, New York, 11359

How to Get There: Take the 7 Train to Flushing Main Street station. From here, transfer to the Q15 bus and get off at the final stop.

78. Enjoy the Views from Atop the Brooklyn Grange Farms and Apiary

Guess what? There are still some fully functioning farms right here in New York City. I know, my mind was totally blown by that fact too. And probably THE coolest one of them all is the Brooklyn Grange Farms and Apiary.

Because even though this farm might sound like it’s in Brooklyn, it’s flagship location actually occupies a full acre of land atop the Standard Motor Products Building in Queens.

Open since 2010 between the two locations, the farm has been able to produce a whopping 40,000 pounds of local produce each year.

Heck they even have some of their very own, egg-laying hens at the Brooklyn Grange, with the Navy Yard location being home to thirty different beehives, all of which make up the single largest apiary in the city.

However the real appeal of all this botanical bliss is the fact that these farms are actually situated on the rooftops of various NYC buildings, providing visitors with stunning, panoramic views of the city.

So swing by during their growing season and wander through their beautiful grounds. This way you can soak some of the amazing views after purchasing fresh produce from their local farmstead.

Pro Tip: Ticketed, 45-minute tours of their Long Island City facility cost $18 per person and are available on Saturdays, during the summer, at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. They also must be booked in advance, online.

Address: 37-18 Northern Blvd, Queens, New York, 11101

Hours: Open Saturdays, beginning June 13, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and continuing through October.

How to Get There: Take the R train to 36th Street station and walk to the farm from there.

Price : Tours are $18 per person but the farm is free to visit.  

79. Loews Valencia Theatre

Normally I’m not a huge fan of churches. However, this place is something extra special.  

Because stuck in between two altogether unremarkable stores in Jamaica, Queens is the ornate façade of a former movie theater, now turned church, that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Originally built in 1929 as the Valencia Movie House the 3,500 seat movie theater was eventually closed way back in 1977 and has since been converted into a local church.

However much of the Spanish and Mexican style architecture from the building’s movie showing past still remains.

Which is why if you take a tour of the facility, or visit as part of a Sunday service, you’ll find a resplendent red and gold interior with enchanting wooden railings, exquisite glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and a large organ in the lobby.

You’ll also see the theater’s archaic ticket booth sitting out front, as well as a variety of historic, aquatic-themed carvings that adorn the intricate façade of the building’s exterior. Look closely and from within these carvings, you’ll be able to spot a fly AF mermaid in the center of it all, as well as some seashells and some minute swirls of blue that could pass for ocean waves.

Address: 165-11 Jamaica Avenue, Queens

Hours: You can attend a Sunday church service or arrange a private tour by appointment only.

How to Get There: Take the E train to Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue station and hop on the Q6 bus.

Ride the bus for four stops, get off at Jamaica Avenue/165 street stop, and walk to the theater/church from here.

Price: You can arrange a free tour of the theater with Sister Forbes at 718-657-4210, ext. 20.

80. Swing by the Louis Armstrong House

By 1943, Louis Armstrong had become the premier jazz musician in the entire world. As such, he and his wife Lucille could have lived anywhere in the world.

Yet somehow, they chose to settle down in a quiet, unassuming house in Corona, Queens.

The couple then lived in this modest little brick house until it was transformed into the Louis Armstrong House Museum, in 1976, after the couple passed away.

Since then visitors have been able to take tours of the Armstrong’s former home, where they can see exactly how the residence was furnished during the couple’s time here.

Throughout these informative, 40-minute tours of the building, guests can also listen to audio clips of Louis practicing his trumpet, enjoy an exhibit on Louis’s incredible life, and even spend some time in the peaceful, Japanese-inspired garden that sits near the back of the house.  

Because in total this vast, in-house collection features 1,600 recordings, 86 scrapbooks, 5,000 photographs, 270 sets of band parts, 12 linear feet of papers, five trumpets, 14 mouthpieces, 120 awards/plaques, and so much more.

So if you happen to be in Queens and want to learn more about the king of jazz himself, then this is the place for you. However no pictures please since photography is not allowed inside the building. You also must visit as part of a tour so definitely make advance reservations on their website .  

Address: 34-56 107th St, Queens, New York, 11368

Hours: Open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. FYI, the last tours of the day are conducted at 4:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to 103 St-Corona Plaza Station and then walk to the Louis Armstrong House from here.

Price: Tickets are $12 per person and include a 40-minute, guided tour of the house, as well as access to various exhibit areas and the back garden

81. Explore NYC’s Distant, Dutch History at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House

If you’re a diehard history nerd like me and think that spending a day museum hopping sounds like a wicked good time, then this is one of those unusual things to do in New York City that you will absolutely love.

Located right along the border between Brooklyn and Queens, the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House is tucked away behind a slightly mundane seeming piece of road that connects Bushwick to Ridgewood.

However take a closer look and you’ll discover a true gem of a historic home. A private residence that was originally built by a Dutch farmer, Paulus Vander, in 1709 and that is now known for being the oldest, Dutch colonial stone house in all of New York City.

Later on the Onderdonk family eventually purchased the building and completed a major expansion, before the private residence was eventually converted into a museum, by the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, after being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Which is why it stands here today, providing visitors with an understanding of what life was really like for Dutch residents living in Colonial New York.

So walk through the building’s exposed beam interior and discover charming double Dutch doors, original wood floors, quaint brick chimneys, green shuttered windows, and a variety of exhibitions that display recently recovered artifacts from nearby, archaeological digs.  

Because contrary to popular belief time travel just may be possible when visiting the quiet corner of Queens.

Address: 1820 Flushing Ave, Queens, New York

Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the L train to Jefferson Street station and then walk five blocks north, along Flushing Avenue, to the historic home.  

Price: There is a suggested donation of $3.

Unusual Things to do in New York City: The Bronx

Honestly, the Bronx gets a really bad rep and is probably considered by many to be a total, cultural wasteland of poverty, crime, and general lawlessness.

However if you dare to look past some of these overarching stereotypes, you’ll discover an intriguing borough that is filled with delicious food, fascinating museums, and charming green spaces.

Which is why the boogie-down Bronx will forever have a special place in my hear. That and some of my friends used to live in Woodlawn.

So yeah! I was there ALL THE TIME, And you should be too since this is a criminally underrated (come on, that was a great pun) borough that is brimming over with its fair share of truly unusual things to do in NYC.

82. Ride the Bronx Zoo Bug Carousel

Hop on Bronx Zoo's signature bug carousel and enjoy one of the most unusual things to do in NYC.

Praying Mantis’, Dung Beetles, Lady Bugs, and Grasshoppers…oh my! Because you’ll find all these larger-than-life insects (and I mean that quite literally), and more, at the Bronx Zoo’s truly unique bug carousel.  

Aptly located near the famed zoo’s butterfly exhibit, this one-of-a-kind carousel features sixty-four different, hand-carved, vibrantly painted, wooden insects that you can hop aboard as you whirl and twirl your way through the ride.

Truly the first and only carousel of its kind, the Bug Carousel is a fun and educational experience that has been worming (sorry but I just had to go for that pun) its way into children’s hearts since 2005.

And while you’re aboard, don’t forget to admire the lovely, painted murals that line the center of the ride and listen to the beautiful sounds of the insect world since the carousel’s music was created using the sounds of insect recording from the Wildlife Conservation Society.  

Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460, United States

Hours: The zoo and carousel are open daily from 10:00 am t0 4:30 pm with final admissions occurring 45 minutes before closing.

How to Get There: Take either a New Haven or Harlem line train to Fordham and board the Bx9 bus once you’re here. Ride the bus for four stops, get off at Southern Boulevard and East Fordham Road, and walk to the zoo from here.  

Price: Included with a total experience ticket ($39.95), otherwise it costs $6 to ride the carousel.

83. Take a Scenic Stroll through Woodlawn Cemetery

Truth be told, I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Investigation Discovery and all things macabre.

However even if you’re not totally obsessed with the un-living, you can still enjoy the vast beauty of this 400-acre expanse of green area, that is lined with a stunning array of intricately carved memorials and gravestones.

Because believe it or not, Woodlawn Cemetery was founded way back in 1863 and is widely known as one of the most elegant cemeteries in New York City.

It is also the immortal home of more than 300,000 souls, some of which are entombed in one of the 1,300 mausoleums here, like the Art Nouveau-style tomb of Isidor and Ida Straus (victims of the Titanic disaster) and the Egyptian style tomb of the Woolworths.

So take a stroll through this DEADLY quiet place (Sorry for the lame puns but I just can’t help myself), and see if you can find the gravestones of some of the cemetery’s most famous residents.

You know super fascinating souls like

  • Joseph Pulitzer
  • Elizabeth Cady Stanton – She basically started the women’s rights movement and is one of the most famous woman suffragists of all time.
  • Miles Davis, Ruth Brown Snyder – the first woman to be executed by electric chair.
  • Oliver Belmont – Founder of the Belmont Horse Track who is buried inside a scale replica of Da Vinci’s Saint-Hubert Chapel.
  • Herman Melville – author of Moby Dick.
  • Annie Bliss Titanic Memorial – dedicated to all the victims of that famous nautical disaster.

Pro Tips: Sporadic tours of the cemetery are also offered so please check their website for more up-to-date information.***

Address: Webster Avenue & East 233rd, Bronx, New York, 10470

Hours: Open daily to visitors from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the 4 Train to Woodlawn station (the end of the line) and walk about half a block to the Jerome Avenue entrance. Otherwise, you could take the 2 or 5 train to 233rd Street station and walk three blocks to the cemetery from here.  

84. Visit The Edgar Allen Poe Cottage

The white façade of the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage in the Fordham area of the Bronx and see where the author wrote some of his most famous poems is one of the iconic unusual things to do in NYC

Did you know that Edgar Allen Poe actually lived in New York City? Yeah me neither.   At least, not until I visited his historic cottage in…Da Bronx. But believe it, people because this quaint little country cottage sits in the Fordham area of the Bronx and was first built in 1812.

However Poe himself didn’t move in until 1847, when he rented the house for a mere $100 per year and hoped that some of the area’s fresh, countryside air would actually help cure his wife, Virginia, of Tuberculosis.

Throughout his time here though the famous author was able to write iconic poems like “Annabel Lee” and “The Bells”, before moving back to Baltimore when Virginia eventually. succumbed to her disease.  

And while this small white cottage did have a few other, not-so-famous tenants, the house was eventually purchased and transformed into a museum by the state of New York in 1913.

That’s why even today, you can still take an audio tour of the facility and see the bed where Virginia passed away and the rocking chair where Poe sat and pondered the true meaning of life.  

Because, as you would expect, the interior of the home is designed to look exactly as it did when both Edgar Allen Poe and Virginia were in residence.  

Address: 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York, 10458

Hours: Open Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  

How to Get There : Take the B or D train to Knightsbridge Station and walk to the cottage from there.

Price: Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

85. Take a Leisurely Walkthrough Van Cortlandt Park

Looking to escape the chaos of the city with a short jaunt into the simple beauty of nature? If so then consider taking a scenic hike through the Bronx’s very own, Van Cortlandt Park.   Because believe it or not this massive green space is 1,1146 acres in size, making it the third-largest park in the city.

It is also home to more than twenty miles of hiking trails, including the picturesque Cass Gallagher Nature Trail, the John Kieran Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, and the Putnam Trail.

A diverse array of fantastically fun hikes that will take your through the park’s Forever Wild Preserve, Northeast/Northwest Forests, Croton Woods, Wetlands, and Meadows. So feel free to grab a map (trust me, you’ll need it).

Enjoy this amazing, expansive natural landscape while doing fun things like barbecuing in the Shandler Recreation Area, walking your dog in the Canine Court, visiting the Van Cortlandt House Museum (It is an 18th century, Georgian style house that is made of fieldstone and brick and is known for being the oldest house in the Bronx), and exploring the Van Cortlandt Nature Center.

Additionally the park is also home to four different playgrounds, as well as a variety of different sports fields where visitors can cycle, play basketball, and enjoy a friendly game of baseball.  

Address: 3545 Jerome Ave, Bronx, New York, 10467

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.  

How to Get There : Take the 1 train to 242nd Street station and walk to the park from there.

86. Visit the Hall of Fame for Great Americans

Okay, another fun little factoid for you. This little hall of fame in the Bronx? Well it was actually the first “hall of fame” ever to be built in the United States.  

And although it currently sits on the campus of the Bronx Community College, it was originally designed by famed Gilded Age architect, Stanford White, in 1901 as part of NYU’s uptown campus.

Built atop the   highest natural peak in NYC, this semicircular, natural arch offers guests impressive, panoramic views of the Harlem River, the Cloisters, and Fort Tryon Park.  

So if you do visit this enchanting, open-air sculpture gallery, you can marvel at an impressive 630 foot, open-air Colonnade that is lined with 96 bronze, portrait busts of uber-famous Americans.

I mean we’re talking total icons of the past like

  • George Washington Carver – born into slavery, he became one of the most famous scientists of all time
  • Lillian D. Wald – a nurse and activist who created the concept of public health
  • Charlotte Saunders Cushman – a famous Shakesperean actress
  • Edgar Allen Poe – a notoriously dark author, editor, and poet who created the modern horror story and detective novel
  • George Peabody – a wealthy merchant who started off poor and was the first person to engage in large-scale philanthropy.  

But the best part? You’ll be the only one there since this place is largely unknown to locals and tourists alike, making it one of my fave unusual things to do in NYC.

Pro Tip: FYI, you will need to have a valid picture ID to gain access to the college campus.

Address: 2167 University Ave, Bronx, New York, 10453

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

How to Get There : Take the 4 train to 183 Street station and walk to the hall of fame from there.

Price: The Open-Air sculpture gallery is free to enter, but tours can be arranged in advance and included a suggested donation of $5 per person.

87. Swing by the Thain Family Forest

The beautiful water lily pond with the white dome of the New York Botanical Gardens in the background is one of the cool and yet unusual sites in NYC.

Another underrated, Bronx, natural oasis, Thain Family Forest is actually a fifty-acre plot of trees, within the New York Botanical Garden, that is home to the largest tract of old-growth forest in the city.

A natural habitat that dominated New York’s landscape prior to European settlement. Today through much of New York’s beautiful old-growth forests have been replaced by a concrete jungle filled with skyscrapers and 30-story tall apartment buildings.

Which is why it’s sometimes kind of nice to head to the Bronx, explore this small forest, and see exactly what New York looked like prior to the start of the American Revolution.

Because as luck would have it one of the most important woodlands in the entire city has never been logged or altered in any way.   However the excellent preservation of this indigenous forest is no mere, happy accident.

Yup, Nathaniel Lord Britton, a co-founder of the New York Botanical Garden, actually sought out an expansive area of natural woodland to include in this garden in 1895.

That’s why a series of education centers and greenhouses were set up around the forest, thereby preserving a rare piece of the state’s pre-Industrial ecology.  

So stop by today and traverse the very same hunting paths that indigenous people used so many centuries ago.  

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting New York City during the winter , then check out the amazing, Botanical Gardens Train Show. It’s been running for well over twenty-five years and usually takes place between November and January.

It also showcases a vast selection of model trains that move along a half-mile-long track, in between twinkling lights, and through over 150, accurate, scaled-down versions of iconic NYC buildings.

However, do book your tickets well in advance because this event is uber-popular and routinely sells out.

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, New York

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday (and select holiday Mondays) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There : Take a local, Harlem line train to the Botanical Gardens station and walk to the forest from there.  

Price: An adult, all-garden pass to the Botanical Gardens costs $23 per person.

88. Eat REAL Italian Food Along the Bronx’s Famed Arthur Avenue

A plate of pasta serve with seasoning and tablewear near the famed Arthur avenue. Eating here is one of the top unusual things to do in NYC.

I know most tourists beeline it on over to Little Italy for what they think will be the best and most authentic Italian food of their lives, but you know what?

It’s a trick and the food here kind of sucks because truth be told, most of the Italian food in Little Italy is expensive AF and totally overrated (besides Lombardi’s which is a pretty good place for pizza).

And besides, who actually wants to be like every other tourist in the city anyway? I know I don’t. So skip the long lines, high prices, and mediocre food of Little Italy and go to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx instead.

Trust me, not only is it safe, but it’s pretty easy to get there from Grand Central Terminal too. Just take either a Hudson or Harlem line MetroNorth train to Fordham station (save money by purchasing a round trip ticket BEFORE you board the train) and walk a mere fifteen minutes to the gastronomic bliss that is Arthur Avenue.

And voila you are now right where all the locals go for delicious, authentic Italian food that is reasonably priced.

But, if you’re not sure where to eat? Try Enzo’s (2339 Arthur Avenue), a restaurant where the only thing bigger than the portions are the personalities of the warm and welcoming people who run this authentic Italian eatery (call to make a reservation).

Red sauce and authentic, Italian parmigiana are a religious experience here so definitely don’t leave without trying either of those menu items.

Pro Tip: Other fantastic eateries along Arthur Avenue include Randazzo’s ( seafood market), Calandra’s Cheese Shop (for duh, cheese), Madonia Brothers Bakery, Casa Della Mozzarella, and Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodle (get the ravioli).

And if you’re looking for other New York City tourist traps to avoid or authentic New York City travel tips from a local , then check out either one of those posts right now!***

Unusual Things to do in New York City: Staten Island

Hello Staten Island! A place that is probably the least well known of all of New York City’s five major boroughs and that is largely referred to as, “the forgotten borough”.

That’s because not only is it the southernmost of all the boroughs, with a small population of just 476,000 residents, but it is also the only one of the five boroughs that is not connected to the New York City subway.

So residents and tourists alike will have to endure a twenty-five-minute ferry ride, aboard the Staten Island Ferry, before they even set foot in the borough. However once you finally do arrive, you’ll be rewarded by finding some of the most unusual things to do in NYC here.

Besides this is the original home of the Wu-Tang Clan so this place has at least has one thing going for it. Yup, Wu-Tang for life.

89. Enjoy a Home Cooked Meal at Enoteca Maria

This beyond unusual restaurant has a nightly special and that is the beyond divine cooking of two extra-special grandmas because Enoteca Maria isn’t staffed by celebrity chefs.

Instead this restaurant employs two incredibly talented grandmas, one head chef and one sous chef,   who have no problem making something that “tastes just like grandma’s” since well, all the chefs at this concept restaurant are nothing but grandmas.

And although this restaurant did start off employing only Italian grannies, they have since expanded their program to include a fantastical array of foods that have been created by Nonna’s from all across the globe.

That’s why to date, the restaurant has showcased the specialty cuisine of grandma’s from places like France, Japan, Bangladesh, Syria, and more.

And while the restaurant does have a staple menu filled with traditional Italian fare, nightly grandma guest chefs are always here to create a secondary, ever-changing, menu that reflects some of the delicious dishes from their place of birth.

So yeah talk about taking comfort food to the next level at this one of a kind, Staten Island restaurant.  

Address: 27 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, New York, 10301

Hours: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  

How to Get There: From the Ferry Terminal, walk across Bay Street to the steps of Borough Hall and onto Hyatt Street since the restaurant site right next door to St. George’s Theatre.  

Price: Most dishes here are around $25 with their Lasagna Blanca (layered sheets of pasta with Parmesan, mozzarella, artichoke, mushrooms, and butternut squash in a béchamel sauce) being one of my faves for $26.

90. Enjoy a Brief Moment of Solitude at the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

The quiet beauty of the Chinese Scholar's Garden with its vibrant colored flowers and pond in Staten Island is one of the unusual things to do in NYC that you should not miss..

One of just two classic, outdoor, Chinese-style gardens in the United States, the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden is a wonderfully tranquil place that is perfect for a bit of quiet, self-reflection.

Built for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, this recreation of a traditional, Ming Dynasty Garden was originally constructed by 40 Chinese artisans who used nothing but traditional building techniques to design this complex in Suzhou City, China.

Once the masterpiece was complete, the entire garden was then shipped all the way to the good old US of A, where it sits today, thrilling guests with its enchanting rock formations, bamboo forests, beautiful lilac trees, rhododendrons, and soothing waterfalls.

Chinese-style pavilions and bridges also abound here and allow guests to traverse exquisite, koi-filled ponds.  

That’s why if you happen to be in Staten Island, then take some time to enjoy the garden’s vast beauty, which is only accentuated by a dizzying array of Chinese paintings, mosaics, and calligraphy pieces.  

Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York, 10301

Hours: Open October 1 through April 15 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. And open April 15 through September 30 Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  

How to Get There: After getting off the Staten Island Ferry at the ferry terminal, board the S40 board and take it to Snug Harbor. From there, it’s a short walk to the garden.  

Price: Tickets are $5 but you also get a combo pass that includes admission to the nearby, Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art.

91. Marvel at Some Vintage Photography at the Alice Austen House

From the outside this charming, white cottage looks like just your run-of-the-mill,17th-Century, Dutch Colonial home. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Since well, this house really is totally charming AF.

However venture past the front door and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of more than 8,000 photographs. Pictures that were all taken by the masterful, prolific, Staten Island-born, female photographer, Elizabeth Alice Austen.  

Born to an elite family that lived inside this home in 1866, Austen quickly developed a love of photography that stayed with her throughout her life. A passion that allowed her to capture the everyday lives of New York City locals in her photos.

That’s why today, you can step inside the former Austen family home and marvel at collections of her work and fascinating exhibitions about her life.  

Recently the museum has even made an effort to recognize her romantic, fifty-three-year relationship with partner Gertrude Tate.

Which is why the house has been officially designated a site of national LBGTQ history in 2017, making this one of the truly unusual things to do in NYC.  

Address: 2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

How to Get There: From the Ferry Terminal, hop on the S51 bus, ride it for about 17 stops, get off at the Bay Street/Hylan Boulevard stop, and walk to the house from there.  

Price: Admission is $5 per person.  

92. Learn About the American Revolution at Conference House

Read my blog even a little bit and you know that this native New Yorker LOVES historic homes. Which is why it should come as exactly no surprise to anyone that I adore the Conference House.

Especially since, well, it was the site of three hour, failed peace talks between British and American forces in 1776, during the American Revolution.

Seriously, how cool is that? Plus when you step inside this beautiful, stone mansion from 1680 (It may be a mansion by 1680 standards but it sure looks and feels a whole lot like a house to me), you’ll find sweeping views of nearby Arthur Kill (think panoramic river views) as well as authentic, interior décor that makes this house look and feel much like it did way back when.

So if you’re picturing hardwood floors, bare white walls, simple hardwood furniture, exposed beam ceilings, and a four-poster bed draped in red and white colonial-style fabric, then you have a pretty good idea of what this house looks like.

Now if you do decide to visit, expect to learn all about the extensive history of the house during a tour through the building’s parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and basement kitchen .  

However because there might only be a single staff member on-site, you may arrive to find that the door is closed. And that is totally normal. Just wait around for anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes since a staff member is probably giving another visitor a tour of the house.

Pro Tip: The grounds of the house also provide guests with access to the beach where visitors would have historically landed, as well as a caretaker’s house (you can’t go inside though) and a small, colonial herb garden.***

Address: 7455 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York, 10307

Hours: You can visit as part of a guided tour any time Friday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  

How to Get There: From the Ferry Terminal, take the S78 bus, ride the bus for about 107 stops since this site is all the way on the other side of the island, get off at the Hylan Boulevard/Craig Avenue stop and walk to the historic house from there.  

Price: Admission is $4 per person.  

93. Kreischer Mansion

An abandoned, ornate, gothic-style mansion that is said to be one of the most haunted places in New York.

It is a place where the son of the original owner committed suicide and where, in 2005, a mafia boss paid a mansion caretaker to carry out a hit.

Once the murder was complete, the body was then dismembered and burned in the basement furnace, leading to further, hauntingly bizarre incidences involving strange voices and lights mysteriously turning on and off.

94. Fort Wadsworth

A now-abandoned military fort that was once the longest, continually occupied military base in the United States.

Today though, the fort has been converted into a recreational area where visitors can explore the ruins of Fort Richmond and Fort Tompkins, as well as enjoy picnic areas, bird watching sites, and even some further afield campsites.

95. Tugboat Graveyard

Hop in a kayak and head on over to Arthur Kill Waterway, where you’ll find a jumble of twenty-five, hallow tugboats that sit within Witte Marine, creating an eerie, watery, graveyard that pays tribute to the booming shipping industry of NYC’s past.

96. Historic Richmond Town

Trapped in ye olde 1958, this 100 acre part of Staten Island consists of over 30 different historic homes, commercial buildings,  and civic centers that have not been reconstructed in any way, including NYC’s oldest continuously operating farm and one of the oldest homes in the country.

97. Haltermann’s Bakery

A 150-year old bakery that is known for serving nostalgic treats like Pullman Bread as well as the Charlotte Russe, a nostalgic treat from the 1900s that consists of a jam-filled mini sponge cake that is topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a single cherry.

98. Swinburne Island

An abandoned, artificial island that was once used to quarantine immigrants who were thought to be too sick to enter the United States through Ellis Island.

Today though, the uninhabited island is home to more than a hundred harbor seals and can be seen as part of an American Princess seal watching tour, which departs from Jacob Riis Landing in the Rockaways.

99. Silver Lake Park

Thought of as the Central Park of Staten Island, Silver Lake Park is a former reservoir turned green space that is now home to a golf course, tennis courts, softball fields, and bike paths.

The weird part though? The on-site golf course was actually built atop a Marine Cemetery that was created in 1849 to accommodate the dead from immigrant quarantines at New York Marine Hospital. Yup, creepy at its finest.

100. Booze history museum

The Booze history museum is such a fun place to visit. On the outside the museum doesn’t have much of a presence. The interior however is crammed from floor to roof with all sorts of drinking themed objects.

Oh and this assortment has been collected from all across the globe! The tour round the museum is an experience in itself.

From being baptized with booze to snacking (and drinking), the start of the tour is full of fun and laughs. It is a quirky place and if you aren’t a drinker then this may not be your cup of tea (pun intended!).

Note that to get into the museum you need to book a private appointment. The best way to contact them is via their facebook page .

101. New York City Farm Colony

Established way back in 1829, the Staten Island Farm colony was a poorhouse. In essence it provided a roof over the heads of people who had nowhere to go. It was a simple concept. Shelter in exchange for work on the farm.

It is rather astounding when you look at the numbers. In the 1940s, there were as many as 1700 residents!!!

Today the area lies abandoned and has been that way for the past 40 years or more. Despite its past, the area is famous as an urban ruin.

Other Unusual Things to do in NYC

102. liberty state park.

Many visitors to New York City are unaware of the many spectacular destinations that lie beyond the confines of Manhattan.

Jersey City’s Liberty State Park is one such gem. This extensive park covers 1,212 acres, surpassing the size of Central Park by an astounding 50%.

Visitors can explore large swaths of tranquil greenery and enjoy a welcome respite from the crowds of Central Park.

Additionally, this park is the site of the Liberty Walkway—a sweeping, crescent-shaped path that features breathtaking views of Manhattan skyline.

Afterward, visit the Empty Sky Memorial, which is New Jersey’s tribute to the victims of 9/11.

Just hop on a ferry at Brookfield Place Terminal and you’ll arrve at Liberty Landing Marina in no time.

103. Attend the Cat Film Festival

The Cat Film Festival in New York City is a unique event that honors the cherished bond between humans and their cat companions.

This event draws attention to the often overlooked narratives of felines through a series of engaging short films.

To make it even more impactful, a part of the proceeds from each ticket sold are donated to a local charity dedicated to animal welfare.

Coinciding with International Cat Day on October 16th, it’s wise to get your tickets in advance since they tend to sell out.

Unusual Things To Do In NYC FAQ

What is the no 1 attraction in nyc.

The No 1 attraction in NYC is definitely the Statue of Liberty. I mean visiting NYC without heading to the Statue of the Liberty is kinda like heading to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel tower. Am I right? I know I am. 

Though if this is your 100th time in the city, you may give it a skip. That’s when the whole list of unusual things to do in NYC keeps you on your toes because I bet you haven’t been to all the places on my list.

What Is Something Absolutely Unique About NYC?

Okay so there are loads of things that are unique about NYC but the abandoned train stations and subway stops are something else. Take the New York Transit museum.

Not only do you get to see all the cool trains, you also get to see them in a renovated subway stop. Did I mention that this place is also Instagram gold?

Is It Safe To Walk About Times Square At Night?

Times Square is relatively safe compared to most of the other parts of NYC.

You do have to be street smart when you are visiting. I mean pickpocketing is pretty common and you wouldn’t want your valuables snatched.

Map of the Most Unique Things to do in NYC

A map with all the unusual things to do in NYC

Click here to see the full map.

Additional New York Travel Resources You’ll Love

  • Best Things to do in NYC in Winter
  • Best Things to do this Christmas in NYC
  • Best Helicopter Tours in NYC

So whether you’re in Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, Manhattan, or Queens, there are always some new and unusual things to do in New York City.

And now, with this local’s guide about all of the slightly weird things to do in nyc, you too can discover the city the way many new yorker’s do. , so if you’re ready to leave new york city’s top attractions behind and want to try some of the best non-touristy things to do in nyc instead, then pin this now and read it again later.

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

LOVE THIS thank you

girlwiththepassport

My pleasure. Thanks for reading.

Thursday 8th of September 2022

It's important to note that the Catacombs Tour is at the OLD St. Patrick's Cathedral downtown...not the one everyone thinks of in Midtown. Also, I've done this tour and it is AMAZING!!!! Totally worth the time and price!

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Yup. So true. It's easy to get confused between the two and 100%. Great tour.

Tuesday 23rd of August 2022

Did I miss The Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium, and Coney Island on your incredibly excellent list?

Haha. Those aren't here just because they are quite main stream. Good picks though.

Monday 30th of May 2022

What an amazing list! I spent a lot of time on this figuring out my upcoming trip to NYC, and I'm also bookmarking it for future visits!

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Oh good! I am so glad you found this helpful. Have an amazing trip.

David Carmona

Tuesday 19th of April 2022

Thank you very much! The best list ever. This is is the content i was looking for, not the typical places, so thank you again :D

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

My pleasure. I am so glad you found this post helpful!

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Hidden New York: The Best Secret Places in NYC

Grand Central Station

1. City Hall Station

| Photo by Benjamin Kabak https://www.flickr.com/photos/benyankee/5177255975/in/photolist-8TuMQ4-5JEpna-5JKgUs-5JJuaJ-5JJD5E-5JDsRr-5JEg4R-pc2j4n-bAbXwH-5JD2Er-5JJuXf-5JGUeN-6rPVk1-6rPVvU-dNqGLy-dNqDCd-7Xsc1-dNk4XB-dNk4Ya-dNqGLL-5JHnDh-5JCYQi-5JHEKL-dPkNfP-5JJxKo-5JGYt5-5JH6EA-bgvDLM-5JJAzE-5JKcQb-5JHN8u-5JHrGL-5JCPhR-5JJSGs-5JHPVu-5JEHMc-5JDeog-5JDuEB-5JJPsL-5JJE7m-5JDtDv-5JJHG5-5JJZp7-5JEGF8-5JHgd1-5JJKp3-5JK76b-5JK1TG-5JEwmp-5JEaQ6

The beautiful curves and arches of City Hall Station are a visual treat for a few lucky visitors. | Photo by  Benjamin Kabak  via Flickr

If you’re riding the number 6 subway line downtown, the final stop isBrooklyn Bridge. You typically wouldn’t think to stay on the train as it continues to the end of the line and turns around but if you were to, you’d be in for a real treat. Before the 6 changes direction and heads back uptown it passes through the most spellbinding and legendary secret place in NYC – City Hall Station.

Opened in 1904 as part of NYC’s first subway line, the small station is one of the most beautifully-designed in the city. It features  Guastavino tile  vaults, skylights, and Romanesque Revival architecture. Ironically, the graceful platform curve which lends it some of its charm was also its undoing. As ridership increased on the subway during the mid 20th century, cars and platforms had to be lengthened – a job that would have been difficult to complete on on the curved platform. Plus, Brooklyn bridge was getting much more traffic anyway. Now it’s a ghost station and a time capsule from a more elegant (and less crowded) era. If you want to see this secret place in NYC you either have to try the heavily frowned upon – and illegal – method of staying on the train until it turns around, or do the preferable thing and sign up for one of the infrequent but free tours led by the New York Transit Museum. Keep an eye on their  events page  for notices of upcoming tours.

2. The Bowling Alley Under the Henry C. Frick Collection Museum

| Photo by brownpau https://www.flickr.com/photos/brownpau/15883790736/in/photolist-qcAzAY-pV7tbf-2Si48-pi7Vw4-2Si9i-r23EGF-p1qEEh-aC3Lat-g18McA-4vNUZj-g19bj7-7Em8Xn-dzHgsP-LE76R-LE774-dV4XxD-ohyohq-HVMT3A-7Em6pt-vqgDt-vqgQd-AfixE-cu51JA-KxuS7-smhA7c-g18N1Z-FHEhG9-Fb3bBZ-4r8Ax-d7yLS5-g1vXbu-pESJso-g1wa1Z-g1adna-g18JrW-8DkpnP-g19ygU-FR5Hcg-FNLJoJ-FR5Hdi-HVN3VS-bG2Act-5gGxxU-gTixpr-vqgB5-gkXyc6-C4BXcm-CsCwFH-ak9CPx-g19Hgp

The enclosed courtyard in the Henry C. Frick museum is not quite as fun as the bowling alley, but definitely easier to see. | Photo by  brownpau  via Flickr

New York’s Upper East Side is home to some of the best European art museums in the city, including the Frick collection. Housed inside the former home of Henry Clay Frick, it’s as much an architectural experience as it is an art museum. With sixteen galleries displaying pieces by Goya, Van Dyck, Chardin, and more, you have to be sure to not miss anything. However, art isn’t all this museum has to offer—the cellar of this mansion hides a private bowling alley that Frick added in 1914. While the two-lane bowling alley was lost for some time (converted into an archive, actually), today it is restored to its original design. Unfortunately, getting to see this secret place in NYC is next to impossible unless you are a member of the museum (i.e.: you have made a generous donation) and even then you have to ask nicely.

3. High Bridge in Harlem

| Photo by Shannon McGee https://www.flickr.com/photos/shan213/3789281693/in/photolist-6LR4qZ-c917QW-9kXSYa-78BYiC-9BzXJy-c91Nyq-78BYh3-dtRBfQ-78BYsY-Bf2qrQ-c916zE-78BYud-netXWE-BjyHu5-ByRWHD-c915pQ-78BYom-78y6sr-78BYBw-78y6xX-78BYVf-ByRWW4-Bwz65W-wQ58og-c2zCyN-vTcz1H-78BYmu-wxsvqJ-netXXw-78y6Kn-qPeGCJ-78BYkd-78y6rx-6nyg35-BGaF1x-frHMeK-783AsM-783Arp-BySpnk-AJK9xK-Bf2JZw-B8Dxnx-BDQZku-wnqyAm-yHUR2r-yrpkQt-yJETng-AJDfMw-BDQPrG-AJDe7C

The view from High Bridge | Photo by  Shannon McGee  via Flickr

Secret places in NYC aren’t always underground—in fact, this one rises above your head as soon as you enter the city. Built in the mid-19 th  century as part of the Croton Aqueduct, this bridge once carried water from Westchester to Manhattan. Today, it’s a wonderful attraction for walkers and park-goers. Public access to the bridge that leads walkers over the original pipes closed in the 1970s, but a citizen-led campaign with help from the parks service led to its reopening in 2015. To get there, take the 1 train up to the 168-Washington Heights station and walk east to Highbridge Park. From there, you can walk across the bridge into the Bronx. The bridge affords one of the most breathtaking and unique views of NYC so be sure to take plenty of pictures.

4. The Rooftop Gardens at Rockefeller Center

| Photo by Rian Castillo https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitizedchaos/4007178304/in/photolist-776Qv7-772UQ2-776Qms-772URK-77P5Zz-776QEW-77SZis-77P5VR-77P61e-77SZkQ-77P62t-772V2z-776Qtj-77P5XR-776QqW-772UER

The Rockefeller Center Rooftop Garden has the most unique view in midtown. | Photo by  Rian Castillo  via Flickr

You’re probably familiar with Rockefeller Center—it’s one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. But hidden at the top of this landmark is a lesser known spot—the building’s rooftop garden, a beautiful oasis from the crowded city below, with well-tended flowers and a reflective pool and garden. You can actually rent the space for your own private event but if you don’t have birthday or wedding coming up it’s much cheaper to see the space on the official  Rockefeller Center tour .

If you’re interested in seeing the NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center check out our  guided tour of the studios .

5. The Grand Central Terminal Whispering Spot

| Photo by Jens Fricke https://www.flickr.com/photos/126444666@N05/14606819370/in/photolist-ofKLvh-dXdtC1-fkMdy3-2u3WYX-91bNKK-pEjeyA-pEjeqQ-pd6Nr3-pWDCGR-pEdWck-dX7NMZ-oZVbyz-dXdtDq-pUy2NW-p38vJU-49Q7Qj-pUy1U1-6UfxaQ-aDUfTK-dCkQuH-buUxvV-pEjguE-bjGvDf-pEjgjQ-pWMy8m-pUy47C-dX7NHM-7eTvPw-imoQxL-qkuY4v-49Q8ob-pEhrUP-pUy2YA-pEhtJk-dntvwV-eqVroi-5mkRTN-aDUhcV-pEhsYx-aDY92d-pEhrre-pEjeD5-dXdtBf-dXdtEs-nLF8Vp-fGBSkF-7xJXg8-b2GGC6-dKNMFf-hsJczD

The main terminal of Grand Central Station sits above the dining concourse where you can find the semi-secret whispering gallery | Photo by  Jens Fricke

This secret place in NYC is better heard, not seen. In front of the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant in the dining concourse of Grand Central terminal is an archway. If two people stand at opposite ends of the arch, they can talk into the wall and have their partner hear what they’re saying on the other side. It’s a very neat acoustic trick created by a simple, though inadvertent, bit of architecture called a “whispering gallery”. Don’t be surprised if you catch a marriage proposal when you visit – this is one of the spots in Manhattan where they often take place – but you’re more likely to meet other curious visitors like yourself.

6. Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins

| Photo by Ed via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/gooseotter/22027534085/in/photolist-bEwL6V-brBPTo-dXHdX1-bEwKG6-brBPLU-brBQ6w-brBPW7-bEwLgK-brBQgw-oaYnVf-brBQzA-bEwLc4-7si1qh-zgZ3ot-zgSxX3-zyuSsr-zxq1fU-zgSC1J-yBsULh-zznBwi-4PxxTz-dXHdPG-brBPJ7-brBQt9-8HD4Cp-8HD3LZ-bEwKKz-bEwKRe-brBRb1-a9uvjm-rJ713-7se25x-gq92gR-6Va9th-z7Gqz1-iPUfhm-zq9Zrk-654eqJ-7se4vv-64ZGe2-z7GfJY-z7MhPv-yspNxV-dXHdEQ-oojMEe-3nN8Ln-8EfLCL-oojLRa-4wAnji-52319m

A moss-covered wall in the ruins of the old Smallpox hospital | Photo by  Ed  via Flickr.

There are a lot of abandoned buildings around New York but only a few of them have been officially designated New York City Landmarks. The 19th-century Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island is one of them and its one of the most atmospheric secret places in NYC. New York actually suffered more and longer from smallpox (which was vaccinated against as early as 1796) than many other places in America due to the density of its population and the fact that it received many immigrants from Europe every year. The hospital was built on Roosevelt Island because, at the time, it was only sparsely populated and could function as a de facto quarantine. The gothic revival architecture of the building is wonderfully spooky and its history makes it a must-see for any New York history buff. To get there you hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram at the intersection of East 60 th  Street and 2 nd  Ave. and soar over the East River onto Roosevelt Island. It’s a short trip, but the views alone are stunning, and the ride costs the same as a normal subway fare (just swipe your MetroCard!). Once you get onto the island, head south and you can’t help but run into it. At the time of publication, the ruins are still fenced off but an ongoing refurbishment project is stabilizing them and plans to have them open to the public – though no opening date has been set. Given their propensity to spontaneously crumble, this is one hidden place in NYC that you want to view from a safe distance.

7. Fragment of the Berlin Wall, 520 Madison Ave.

| Photo by Ajay Mathew via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mathewajay/2333451981/in/photolist-pz4hMD-4ycxYH-euFVo5-5wQrHb

A little bit of Berlin in New York | Photo by  Ajay Mathew  via Flickr

When is a secret place in NYC not from New York at all? When it’s a large hunk of the wall that used to separate East and West Berlin. Around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art is a five-panel segment of the Wall located inside of the lobby of 520 Madison Avenue. While you can find fragments of the wall all over the world, this is one of the largest sections still intact. The slab of wall, which was purchased directly from the East German government by the Real Estate mogul Jerry Speyer, used to sit outside (where the above photo was taken). In order to protect it from the elements it has since been moved into the lobby, but don’t worry –  the lobby is open to the public  24/7, so stop by to view this piece of history whenever you want.

8. Loew’s Theater

Once a thriving cinema of the 1920’s, the Loew’s Theater on Canal Street in Manhattan now lies vacant awaiting restoration. Designed by the great theater architect, Thomas Lamb, it was one of the biggest movie theaters in the country when it opened in 1927 but eventually fell into disuse in the 1960s. Another official New York City Landmark, the building cannot be torn down, but developers are still trying to get a plan passed to renovate it. Thus, the theater lies silent and untouched. Getting in takes a bit of creativity – and we don’t recommend it as it’s considered trespassing – but if you can wriggle inside you’ll get a glimpse into the glory days of cinema. For a safer and legal peek into Loew’s Canal Theatre, check out  this picture feature  in the Gothamist.

9. Speakeasies

|Photo by Jan Mark Holzer via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmh-pics/8635504297/in/photolist-4pHLw6-4pMPes-sjrGYu-5D331K-eabTQS-eabTJC-ea6e4v-ea6dmZ-ea6dz8-cp1fmN-cp1bFN-cp1eRo-cp1hZd-cp1dbN-cp1iuE-cp1h53-cp1fYb-cp1cEj-cp1dqJ-cp1ckm-cp1eod-cp1dWu-cp1gx1-cp1j2W-5D7nrS-aEruP6-eNcU33-4pMMAm

Can we interest you in a drink? |Photo by  Jan Mark Holzer  via Flickr

The federal prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s forced New Yorkers to take their parties underground and behind closed doors – a trend that gave birth to some of the most legendary secret places in NYC – the speakeasies. Nowadays, alcohol regulation is much more relaxed, but for the last decade the new wave of speakeasies (essentially small cocktail bars with hidden and/or unmarked doors) have literally been the toast of the town. You can find them all over the city, like the Bathtub Gin on 9 th  Ave. in Chelsea, or the Back Room in Lower Manhattan. A perennial favorite is PDT, which is located beyond a telephone booth in the East Village hot dog restaurant Crif Dogs (the hot dogs are pretty good too).

If you don’t feel like hunting down NYC speakeasies yourself, try the  rooftops and speakeasies tour from Take Me Out.

Honorable Mention: The Staten Island Boat Graveyard

| Photo by Tender Young Pony of Insomnia https://www.flickr.com/photos/msladyflash/2864287990/in/photolist-6gnCNJ-5n7e2G-9imsj-5zmkCY-7XJXw2-aXwsb-aXyv8-obLzpe-7XN7CA-7XNeoh-7XNb6E-7nfAGf-7XNkhu-8MrzyJ-7XK9tn-7XK5QP-9imsi-7XK2Lp-7XNiPm-7XNt5C-7XK76z-7XNhhS-8Mrzgo-7XJYTv-7XK8bH-6gnCku-7XNcPA-7XKaFe-4LNwpK-7XNiDL-7XKdp8

Not the cheeriest of places, but undeniably powerful. | Photo by  Tender Young Pony of Insomnia  via Flickr.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, trek out to southwestern Staten Island for a sight you don’t see every day—the ship graveyard in the Arthur Kill (a tidal strait) has become the final resting place of a veritable fleet of decommissioned ships. Of the 100 odd boats in this family-run salvage yard, there are plenty of historically important vessels from the early 20th century. Because of this, it has become something of a pilgrimage spot for ship enthusiasts. It’s not a problem for you to show up and take a peek but be aware that the area is a bit isolated so we only recommend this trip for those who are truly interested in getting an eerie look at the past of aquatic engineering.

Secret places are hiding all over NYC. Read the entire list of the best secret places in NYC on the Walks of Italy blog.

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11 New York Secrets: the less well known must see sights of New York City!

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New York is full to the brim of secret sights and surprises and we made it our mission to find the best of its hidden gems! Here’s our guide to 11 of the best and less well known tourist attractions in New York City!

New York Secret Sights

1 | Berlin Wall, Manhattan

We were definitely surprised when we stumbled across remnants of the Berlin Wall in the middle of a Manhattan courtyard!

There are pieces of the Berlin Wall scattered all over the world and New York has secured its own piece of German history with two sections of the Wall currently on public display: one at Battery Park and the second in the UN plaza.

It was fascinating to see sections of the wall on display as public art and a poignant reminder of such a monumental period of history.

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

2 | Life Underground, New York subway

The New York subway is never dull but make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the whimsical bronze statues which make up ‘Life Underground’, a series of cartoonish people and animal sculptures illustrating the impossibility of understanding life in New York.

The statues depict business men, construction workers and even a sewer alligator dressed in a shirt and tie.

Their surprise appearance is sure to brighten up any trip underground!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

New York City Pass

The NYC Pass is a great option for visitors to NYC and gives you over 40% off entry (including expedited entry to some) to 6 of the city’s most popular attractions- check prices here!

Click here to buy a New York City Pass

3 | A birds eye view of Times Square!

There’s nothing secret about Times Square  but these panoramic views of the crossroads of the world have to be seen to be believed!

Above the crowds and craziness of Times Square, the hidden cocktail bars (our favourite is the R Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel  where we often stay) offer incredible views of the bright lights and yellow cabs the city is so famous for! Click here for latest prices

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

Where to stay in New York

We’ve stayed all over the city during our trips to NYC. Here’s some of our faves:

  • Pod 51:  an awesome and funky option close to the Rockefeller Center. A great budget friendly choice in the city – click here for latest prices
  • Renaissance Times Square: for its Times Square location, spacious rooms and the stunning R Lounge bar. Enjoy cocktails in the evenings overlooking the iconic Times Square lights! –  click here for latest prices
  • SIXTY Lower East Side: when we want explore downtown with an incredible rooftop pool! This one is not to be missed. –  click here for latest prices
  • Hi NYC:  on the Upper West Side is a great hostel option –  click here for latest prices

Click here for the best NYC hotel prices

4 | Alice and Wonderland, Central Park

Dreams are made in New York city and the Alice in Wonderland statue tucked away in Central Park perfectly indulges childhood dreams!

The Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse and Alice are all in attendance at this tea party and we were delighted to join as a guest!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

5 | The Morgan Library

The Morgan Library is one of the most beautiful places we’ve come across in New York City. It began as the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan and his son, J.P. Morgan, transformed it into a public institution.

The stunning library is a book lovers dream and the personal study is incredible.

The library also houses temporary exhibitions and we were lucky to chance upon Lincoln Speaks, an exhibition illustrating how Lincoln’s words changed the course of history.

Our highlight was Walt Whitman’s handwritten copy of ‘O Captain, My Captain’, his mourning poem written in honour of Abraham Lincoln. And no, I can’t stop reciting it either!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

6 | Irish Hunger Memorial

Under the beautiful backdrop of Lady Liberty and One World Trade Center , the Irish Hunger memorial is a reminder of both the famine and the fact that hunger and poverty continue to exist today.

We were stunned by its elegance from the moment we walked through the entry tunnel filled with poignant quotes and the journey through the memorial is serene and peaceful.

Over 1 million people died as a result of the Famine in Ireland between 1845 and 1852 and around 1 million more emigrated.

The memorial contains stones from each of the Irish counties and represents a rural Irish landscape with an abandoned stone cottage and fallow potato fields.

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

7 | Whispering Galleries, Grand Central

Separated by a stream of commuters I was a little sceptical as we stood in diagonally opposite corners of the Grand Central concourse attempting to whisper sweet nothings to each other across the hallway.

That was until I heard the husband’s voice, clear as day, apparently travelling through the ceiling.

It’s all down to the sound waves clinging to the walls but, to us, it was New York magic! It’s the simple things in life!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

8 | Pomander Walk

As we caught sight of Pomander Walk on the Upper West Side it felt like we’d stepped onto an old England street. The colourful Tudor style buildings seem like a miniature movie set in contrast to the high rises that surround the tiny complex.

It’s now a National Landmark and Pomander Walk is locked and gated so a view from the sidewalk may be the only chance of catching a glimpse these days!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

9 | Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway

Beautiful views of Manhattan and the East River together with the novelty of a cable car ride and all for a single swipe of a Metro Card: the Roosevelt Island tram ride is a win win trip in New York City!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

10 | A waterfall and a 1/2 avenue!

Every New York office worker knows the secret shortcut down 6 1/2 avenue from 51st to 57th street, a pedestrianized escape from the craziness of midtown Manhattan.

Paley Park, with its 20 foot waterfall, is situated close by as is the glass waterfall tunnel. Who would have thought Midtown Manhattan could double up as a tropical oasis?!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

11 | Love quotes in Central Park 

On a morning run in Central Park we stopped to tie our laces and noticed a plaque inscribed on the bench: ‘this is a place to dream things that never were – and ask why not’.

And so began our love affair with the Central Park benches! Around 1/3 of the park benches have been ‘adopted’ and inscribed with a personal quote. Let the search begin for your favourite!

New York secret sights ©thewholeworldisaplayground

What are your favourite secret sights in New York? Let us know in the comments!

38 thoughts on “11 New York Secrets: the less well known must see sights of New York City!”

The whispering galleries thing is crazy! Must try that! I love the high line And central park after sundown x

Highline is one of our faves Beth! And love Central Park!

great info to be acted upon

Hope you enjoy as much as we did Cath 🙂

I loved this post! I recently spent three months in NYC, and on my days off I would try to tick off a ‘hidden secret’ from my list! I wish I had seen the waterfall – guess I’ll have to go back!

Fab Dannielle, 3 months is amazing! I’ll join you on the having to go back 🙂

This is one of the next places we are planning on visiting. Cannot wait.

Love this. So much to see in New York. I took the Roosevelt Tram last time I was there and it was great.

Glad you liked it Alouise! That was our first time taking the tram and we thought it was great fun!

I’m in love in 8,9,10! Definitely will check them next time 😉 thanks for sharing!

I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Thank you so much for sharing:-) I am traveling to NYC for the third time and this was exactly what I was looking for. Such lovely unexpected places you’ve shared…looking forward to exploring some of these:-)

Thanks Andele, we’re so glad you liked the article. NYC is so fab for keeping finding things to do. We lived there for 2 years and still didn’t get to do everything! Enjoy your trip!

I direct my friends to the one and only glorious bathroom at Saks 5th Ave.

I like this idea, need to visit to check it out!

These are some very cool ideas. I had no idea about any of them. I love the idea of the cable car especially. Do you have any photos of the view from the cable car?

We have some video Luke, will add it soon!

The Ukranian Institute on 5th Ave has an old world feel and great views of the Met.

Sounds great Lindy, am going to check it out when we get a chance! We definitely need some new hidden gems to see!

The cable car!!! So great. I will try that next month I’m traveling to NY. I am so looking forward. Thanks for the tips

Have an amazing trip! Hope you love NYC!

I live here and still have not visited some of these places! Gives me something new to do with visitors – thanks!

My favorite ‘secret place’ is the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights! The grounds are gorgeous and there are peacocks roaming around!

wow! I just know new 9 things about NYC from ur article. I just moved to NYC in January and I think its hard to cover all NYC has to offer. Phew.. better start moving! really love ur blog

Such a great post 🙂 I have visited NY 3 times and haven’t seen all of these, the Morgan library look’s beautiful.

Cheers Hannah! Such a fab city, I love it so much 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing those secrets! 🙂 I was looking for secret gems for a while and your post was the first one that captured exactly what I was looking for. I am so excited to travel to NYC in August and discover all those places.

Thanks so much for the lovely comment Carolin, it’s so nice to hear that the article is useful! After so many visits and living there we wanted to find some new places to take our visitors and that’s how the list came about! Let us know how you get on in August and if you discover anywhere else for the list!

I am from South Africa and have visited NYC 3 times now and one of my favorite spots and less know touristy places is The Cloisters with its medieval herb garden…peaceful and very special! Next trip I will certainly try a few on your list – these kinds of places are always more exciting to me than the hot spots!

Great suggestion Clare, the Cloisters are fab! Hope you get to try a few more of the spots on the list, I’m going back in the summer and now on the hunt for some more!!

The van cortlandt museum (an 18th century stone house) is another gem. Take the A train to the end. It is right at van cortlandt park in northern Manhattan. I also love the New York historical society on the upper west side, across from Central Park and near the museum of natural history.

Thanks Marianne, I have added to my list to check out!

I loved this post and I live in NY, right next the city. Sometimes you don’t notice things even when it’s under your nose. Thanks for your unique article and more for sharing it with all ! Xoxo

We are going to NYC for the first time…..ever this week!! Overwhelmed at all there is to do. This list helps, thank you for posting!

Have an amazing time Jenny, it’s an incredible place!

Leaving tomorrow to head out there for a third time in 2 years with our daughter, but my like 12th! Loved stumbling across these type of recs. Always nice to find hidden gems I have not already explored in my many trips to NYC.

Thanks Nick, hope you guys had fun!

I loved the benches in Central Park. Also loved turtle pond in that same park.

Go to the M and M store and the Hersheys store. It is an experience to remember. I think it is all the choclates in the world😄

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10 Secret Spots In New York City You Need To Check Out

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New York is the dream city for travel enthusiasts. This sleepless city presents a whole range of activities, delicious food, beautiful architecture and anything you can imagine. But it is especially fun if you know where the many secret spots in New York City are.

There is a never-ending list of tourist spots that everyone will tell you about including Central Park, Time Square, the Empire State and Upper East Side, etc. but that’s just scratching the surface. Every city has some hidden gems not easily discovered by tourists. Even some New Yorkians living in the city for years will be unaware of these secrets of New York.

So, looking for the hidden gems of New York? Or for those quirky things to do in NYC? You’ve come to the right place.

1. Grand Central Station’s Whispering Arch

Secret Spots In New York City Includes The Whispering Arch

While walking down towards the lower side of Grand Central Terminal , you will find an open secret spot worth seeing.

If you stand at one corner facing the arches and whisper, the other person standing at the opposite corner of the arch will hear your whispering clearly.

A bit quirky, but can be a cool trick to show a friend. Why not whisper a jokingly ominous threat to your friend amidst the busy crowd and see if they can hear you? (They will still be able to hear you!) Or what about asking a girl out for coffee? Kinda weird, I know, but the possibilities are endless with this one!

More about how the strange acoustics in this terminal work  here .

2. Glass Waterfall Tunnel

This is a beautiful waterfall tunnel that is situated on the side of the McGraw Hill building. It is merely a 3-minute walk from Time Square.

If you stand inside this tunnel, you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of falling water over you. However, the water just stays inside the tunnel walls and you won’t get wet. Perfect spot for a photo if you ask me.

3. Pomander Walk

Pomander Walk Is One Of The Secret Sights In New York

One of the most underrated secret spots in New York City, this place comes in hand if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the modern-day digitalization, crowds and buildings. This hidden gem is your escape.

Pomander Walk is the sight of old England in New York City. It is a stark contrast to big glass and steel towers which represent New York City, and upon entering in this spot, you feel like you are walking into an English countryside. That’s right, take a deep breath…you can relax now.

4. UN Meditation Room

We told you we’d share some of the quirky things to do in NYC. The meditation room at the UN is open to the general public and is totally free. If you are interested in witnessing a…well, room…with a banal mural and a strange rectangular box in the middle, this is the place for you.

Basically, in this writers opinion, a bit of a hodgepodge and ecumenical mess, this meditation room is supposed to help you “escape into yourself” regardless of creed.

But, to be honest, I think what makes this a “hidden gem” is just how it illustrates how isolated some of the liberal social elites of America are. So stick that in your pipe and meditate on THAT. (Though, seriously, no smoking allowed in the meditation room).

There are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding this room, so it might be fun just to go check it out for that. Maybe you can crack the code?

What’s more, this UN building is basically an international territory, and so if you are in that building, then you cannot claim to be present in any country in the world.

5. Abandoned Smallpox Hospital

Abandoned Smallpox Hospital

The attractive sight of this abandoned hospital is quite provocative. It is located on Roosevelt Island, and after the last inhabitants left this place, no one has ever come back here. It is not opened for the public to visit but you can get close to the outer part of the building, and it’s worth visiting.

If you dig a little into the secrets of New York and its history, you’ll find out that the city was the victim to smallpox a century ago.

5 Best Destinations For A Diving Around The World

5 Best Destinations For Diving Around The World

6. the new york earth room.

Picking back up on the theme of quirky, modern artist Walter De Maria, back in 1977, decided to “art” by dumping 280,000 pounds of soil into a 3,600-square-foot room.

The Dia Art Foundation loved the dirt so much that, in 1980, they permanently reinstalled it at 141 Wooster Street, New York. You can see it today. And yes, it’s the same original dirt.

So if you also like to “art” and like roomy Soho lofts filled with dirt, then you’ve found your spiritual home.

7. The Doyers Street Tunnel

Doyers Street In 1901

In the 17 th Century, this street tunnel located in Chinatown was the escape route for those who wanted to flee from gangsters. Chinatown was a hub for smuggling, gambling, and fighting at the time. SO , this tunnel was a quick getaway for the runners.

This place was called “the bloody angle” back then, but now—rest assured— it is absolutely safe. One of the most recommended places to visit in this area is “ Nam Wah tea parlor .”

8. Secret Apartment Of Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a well-known place called “the home of the Rockettes”. The tourists often go there to watch shows, but usually, they are not aware of a special secret of New York hidden inside. A secret chamber. Ok, not really…but kinda. It’s a secret apartment.

This place was built for a famous entrepreneur of the city named Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel who owned theaters in New York. Many famous actor/actresses used to visit him in this beautiful apartment featuring a 20-feet high ceiling. No one lived at this place after Roxy’s heart attack in 1936, and now it is used for events.

9. El Sabroso

In the industrial dock of Midtown, Manhattan there is a signboard with “ El Sabroso ” written over it. It is a Latin food place where you will find super delicious Latin cuisine. Food is the main part of your visit to any place in the world (or at least it is for me and my hungry stomach).

You can find the latest American cuisines in every corner of the city. However, most of them taste the same and if you want to try something new, visit this secret spot of NYC.

The freshly cooked lamb meat will satisfy your appetite just by looking at it (literally impossible, but I’ve got to make this sound amazing). Some people can’t find this amazing place because it’s tucked away from the main walkways. If you ever go looking for this place, head into the freight entrance at 265 West 37 th Street.

It’s highly rated and, in all honesty, has become more popular in recent years, but it’s still worth the visit.

10. The Cloisters

The Cloisters in NYC

This might be the best secret spot in New York City. It’s basically a museum situated in Fort Tryon Park that is all about medieval European architecture and arts—with a special focus on the Gothic and Romanesque periods.

It almost feels like a magnificent European castle. Here you’ll get the chance of witnessing over 2,000 works and pieces from ancient Europe. If you are done with the hustle and bustle of city museums, then go to this secret spot. The breathtaking view of Rose Pink Garden and Cuxa Cloister inside the museum are sure to enhance your time here.

11. Sunshine Laundromat

Exploring the secret hidden gems of New York by yourself or with homies? Don’t miss this place. This is a bar located in one of the most hidden places in the city.

When you go to Sunshine Laundromat, don’t be phased if you can’t find anything else other than laundry machines and dirty clothes. Go inside the place and go behind the laundry area. Be confident.

You will see a left-alone dryer fixed at the ending point. Push the door, and here you go. You have entered the best place to do quirky things in NYC. There are many classic games and a limited edition pinball machines to enjoy (such as Medieval Madness ). Forget the fancy gaming areas and cocktails and enjoy gaming with beer and wine.

It’s all pretty inexpensive so perfect if you’re visiting New York City on a budget.

If you are planning a visit, why not check out these secret spots in New York City? Let us know if you know of any secret spots or quirky things to do in New York which we should add to this list! Comment section is below.

Suggested next reading: 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

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Chris Newton

Published by Chris Newton

Hi, I'm Chris - a web developer who likes to travel. My favourite travel destinations are Italy and France; Italy because I loved seeing all the religious history in Rome, and France because I met my beautiful wife there! While becoming a dad has kept me from travelling lately, I still enjoy learning French and learning from different cultures. If you'd like to know more, you can read more about me here . View all posts by Chris Newton

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Passport Symphony

New York off the beaten track- 20 Hidden gems and untouristy places in New York City

New York is one of the few cities on Earth where you can spend a lifetime discovering new things every day . Even people that never visited NYC know about its most famous places like the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Hamptons, or the Statue of Liberty. These are the first places people usually go to when visiting New York for 3-4 days . However, in the shadows of these attention-grabbing attractions, you’ll find a lot of hidden gems in New York, quirky museums, less-famous but important monuments, and under-the-radar, untouristy places that don’t get as much attention but the experiences they offer are just as exciting.

Many of these hidden gems in New York are only known to locals and fall out of the spotlight only because New York City has so many things to offer . However, life in NYC runs far deeper than the main tourist attractions and sights. If you’re ready to see a new side of the Big Apple, filled with secret spots, amazing nature, and amazing eateries , keep reading- here are the best-hidden gems in New York City. If you’re only in town for only a few days and you want to see the main highlights, that’s okay too. You can always join a Big Bus tour that features the main tourist attractions .

Side note: Keep in mind that there aren’t a lot of transport options to get to some of the places on this list. Hence, it would be a good idea to rent a car for your NYC trip . 

Visit the Old City Hall Station

old city hall station

We’re starting off this list of hidden gems in New York off the beaten track with the Old City Hall Station. In 1904, the first subway in NYC departed from this small but lovely station. It features a gracefully curved platform and an elegant skylight. Unfortunately, its curved platform was abandoned because it was too complicated to lengthen for the growing number of passengers. Although it is no longer a working station, you can still sign up for tours with the Transit Museum. But be sure to look carefully and plan head – these tours are infrequent!

See a part of the Berlin Wall

berlin wall new york

Speaking of hidden gems in New York, many people don’t know this but New York is home to a small 12×20 foot remnant of the Berlin Wall . The western side of the wall is covered with beautiful street murals while the eastern side is empty. The piece of the wall was donated to Manhattan’s Battery Park by the city of Berlin. If you want to visit, you can find this hidden gem in a small Midtown plaza at 520 Madison Avenue.

Explore the tunnels beneath Columbia University

A little known fact: the land on which Columbia University is located today was home to Bloomingdale Insane Asylum . Another thing even fewer people know about is that there’s a hidden tunnel system located right beneath the university which according to some estimate date back to the 18 th century when the asylum was built. Getting inside the Columbia tunnels isn’t easy but if you know someone studying/working at the university or roam around long enough, you’ll find “guides” who are willing to take you there and show you around.

Visit Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island

smallpox hospital

Once the premier center for smallpox treatment in the New York Area, today this old building is forgotten and abandoned, even though technically listed as a landmark by the local authorities. The old building is one of the finest samples of Gothic Revival architecture in New York and if you’re a fan of architecture this is one place you definitely should not miss. The building still stands proud today and looks relatively good, considering it hasn’t been renovated since the 1950s.

Take the Pomander walk

new york off the beaten track

If you want to see a different side of New York , head to Upper-West Side and prepare for a surprise. When I visited this part of the city, I really didn’t expect to see a whole neighborhood of Tudor-style houses hidden behind the endless stretch of skyscrapers of the Big Apple. The neighborhood was built in the 1920s, inspired by a Broadway play that became a huge hit. 100 years later, this neighborhood is not only still alive but also listed as a National Landmark.

Enjoy the view from Little Red Lighthouse

little red lighthouse

This pretty lighthouse was one of the first attempts to decrease the number of traffic accidents at the Hudson River. It was constructed in 1889 and reconstructed in 1948 when it got its current name after the eponymous children’s novel. Since 1979, the lighthouse is a New York City monument but still, not a lot of people know about it. If you’re looking for a peaceful place where you can take a long walk and enjoy some amazing views of the Hudson River and the iconic George Washington Bridge, definitely consider visiting. If you want, you can even come inside the lighthouse during one of its monthly open house days.

Visit NYC’s tiniest Mmuseumm

Talking about hidden gems in New York, we just have to mention one of the quirkiest museums in town. Located inside a freight elevator, MMuseum (pronounced museum) is the tiniest museum in New York. The museum displays artifacts and collections that are overlooked or ignored by most other museums.

Some of the most interesting items in the museum are the shoe that was thrown at George W. Bush, a collection of personal possessions found in the Pacific, a collection of home-made weapons and many other quirky items. If you like museums and want to see the best NYC has to offer, consider getting a City Pass and saving up to 44% on visiting New York’s most famous attractions.

See the largest tax-funded cemetery in the world- Hart Island

hart island nyc

Hart Island’s history is steeped with death and suffering. The first mentions of Hart Island date back to the Civil War. During this era, the island was used as a prison camp where hundreds were tortured and killed. In the 1800s the prison was turned into a hospital facility for treating people infected from the yellow fever epidemy and at one point, the island was even a lunatic asylum. Having this history in mind, along with the fact that no people live on the island, Hart Island was recently turned into a Potter’s field ; a graveyard for unknown individuals, in case you’re not familiar with the term. This makes the island the largest tax-funded cemetery in the world.

Flying to New York? Don’t forget to use Qatar Airways’s Discover the World at a low price program. You can save as much as 20% on your flight.

Get inspired at Houdini Museum

Even though he was quite famous during his days, the museum dedicated to the great magician Houdini doesn’t get nearly enough attention as it should. Inside the museum, you can find hundreds of items related to Houdini’s life journey. Some of them include the famous 1907 escape coffin, a lot of iconic photographs and illustrations of his achievements and some curiosities like the x-ray of the bullet he allegedly caught with his bare hands. If you’re a fan of quirky museums, this is one of New York City’s hidden gems you really shouldn’t miss.     

Try to find Ramble Cave

ramble cave

No list of hidden gems in New York off the beaten track can be complete without the legendary Ramble Cave. Even though Central Park is one of New York’s most famous attractions, the park is so huge it still hides some places that are relatively unknown and unfrequented. This cave was discovered in the early 1900s and was one of the most popular spots in town.

It was also known as ‘Indian Cave’ because the cave floor showed evidence of early Native American inhabitants. However, after several incidents near the cave, including a murder in the 1920s, the cave was sealed off. The steps that lead to the cave are still there but if you don’t know about this beautiful hidden gem, they’re the easiest place in the world to walk past without knowing what hides behind it.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like this list of things to do in Saratoga Springs .

Admire the beauty of Sisyphus Stones

          View this post on Instagram                   The Temple (175cm+ balanced stone sculptures) . . No matter how far away we move from it, we will always return to the Origin. . . #sisyphusstones #art #arts #arte #sculpture #scultura #photo #photography #primitiveart #contemporaryart #summerxart #NYC #myart #sculpturegarden #garden #washingtonheights #temple #sacred #myth #minimalism #nycart #figurativeart #visualart A post shared by Uliks Gryka (@uliksgryka) on Jun 28, 2019 at 7:50am PDT

If you’re walking along the Hudson near Fort Washington, you’ll inevitably notice what-appears-to-be a group of stone people. This unusual but beautiful creation is the work of an artist named Uliks Gryka who was inspired by the numerous jagged rocks on the shore.

The rocks were torn down several times by vandals but they have been reintroduced time after time and nowadays locals contribute to this modern landmark by adding to this impressive collection, thus increasing the colony of stones on the shore that seems to have found a permanent home. Today, locals refer to this place as “the Sisyphus Stones”.

See the longest-continually occupied military base – Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth

Before its closing in the 1990s’, Fort Wadsworth was the longest-continuously-occupied military base in the US. Today, the fort’s remains are part of the Gateway National Recreation Area with parts of the site still under military control but the site is open for visitors and it’s a great picnic area and one of the best birdwatching spots in town.

Enjoying this post? Then, you’ll surely love my list of cool things to do in Williamsburg VA .

Discover Staten Island’s Boat Graveyard

staten island

Outside the city in the southwest of Staten Island you’ll find a very interesting sight; a ship graveyard. A tidal strait called the Arthur Kill has caused the wrecks of about 100 boats that remain strewn across this salvage yard. This location is a bit off-the-beaten-track, but it provides an eerie thrill and even historical relevance, as many of the ships are well-known vessels of the early 20th century.

Say hi to the seals of Swinburne Island

Swinburne Island

Swinburne Island is an artificial island built in the 19th century to house quarantine hospitals for newly-arrived immigrants. However, as time passed by, the need for such a quarantine station disappeared. The island hasn’t been used by the people of New York for quite some time now but the island found a new purpose when a colony of harbor seals decided to move in. Today, more than 100 seals live on the peaceful island away from the busy, noisy streets of New York. 

Visit one of NYC’s forgotten places – Calvert Vaux Cove

Calvert Vaux Cove

Today, it seems like all of New York City is named, categorized, and labeled but if you know where to look for, you can still find places without names, places on the margins that have been forgotten by everyone. One such place is the park in the cove of Gravesend Bay. The site was an illegal junkyard in the 1970s and was supposed to become a seaside residential area but this plan was never fulfilled.

Today, on a glance, this park looks like Brooklyn’s very own junkyard and it’s certainly not a place for everyone. However, if you like abandoned places and want to see a different side of NYC, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Have a drink in the Booze History Museum

booze history museum

If you’re not a drinker or don’t like alcohol, you should skip this one and scroll down. From the outside, this modest museum looks like an ordinary part of Staten Island. However, after stepping inside, you’ll discover that this is in fact, one of the quirkiest museums in New York. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of drinking-themed objects, prohibition artifacts, etc.

You can learn about the most creative ways people used to get alcohol during the Prohibition era; an era when you could get a prescription (alcohol) for anything. The most unusual room in the museum is definitely the disinfection room . Here, the owner sprays vodka into visitors’ mouths with a spray can that looks like a fire extinguisher. After visitors are “disinfected”, they can proceed to the actual exhibition.

See the Statue of Lenin and the “Red Square”

hidden gems in new york

You probably wouldn’t think that New York City of all places on Earth will be home to a Lenin statue but it actually is and this is just another proof of New York’s diversity. Even more ironically, the statue points towards Wall Street, the heart of capitalism. The statue is located on top of a building on 250 East Houston Street and is inaccessible to the public (unless you know someone that stays in the building but it’s visible from almost every part of East Houston Street.

Check out the world’s oldest subway Tunnel- the Atlantic Avenue

atlantic avenue old subway nyc

The legendary Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel is the oldest one of its kind in the whole world. The tunnel was built in 1844 but was abandoned and forgotten by everyone. Today, the tunnel is not in use anymore and technically closed to the public but curious visitors can still explore the tunnel on one of the few offered guided tours.

Enjoying this post? Then you’ll probably like this list of beautiful small towns in Texas and our list of least visited states in the US .

Relax at New York’s hidden tropical rainforest

new york off the beaten path

Even though not the greenest city in the world, New York has a lot of small parks scattered across the city, some of which are relatively unfrequented and unknown to most tourists. One example is the small private park in the middle of the concrete jungle of Midtown Manhattan. This small private park is technically located inside an office on 43 rd Street but it’s open to curious visitors that can actually find it. The two giant windows on the top create a tropical climate in which the garden’s tropical plants can thrive in.

Are you visiting the Big Apple and are planning to do some shopping? Here’s a list of the best spots for shopping on a budget in NYC .

A secret sunset spot

Finally, we’re rounding up this list of hidden gems in New York off the beaten track with perhaps the most underrated sunset spot in NYC. Most tourists race to the top of the Empire State Building every evening to take unforgettable sunset photos with New York’s beautiful panorama in the background.

As beautiful as this view might be there are a lot of other great sunset spots in New York. And some of them aren’t nearly as crowded. One such place is a park located in a South Brooklyn neighborhood named Sunset Park. From here, you can see the spectacular Manhattan skyline from afar; a sight equally beautiful as the one on the top of the Empire State building.

Helpful resources for traveling to New York

Do you want to cover New York’s biggest attractions but your time is limited? Join a Big Bus tour and get a 15% discount.

For some great accommodation deals, use my Booking code and get up to 15% off on all bookings.

If you want to get your US visa online, you can do so here . IVisa can help you get a visa to pretty much anywhere. The process is super-smooth , the customer support is amazing, and their team does all the work for you!

Don’t forget to use points.com to get more rewards with less points and miles.

Last but not least, check out this list of things I wish I knew before visiting the US .

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Did you ever visit the Big Apple? What are some of your favorite hidden gems in New York? Let us know in the comments!

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hidden gems in new york city

Sunday 15th of September 2019

Wow, looking at some of these pictures, I wouldn't have guessed these places are in New York! I would love to see the remnant of the Berlin Wall, I had no idea it existed in New York. Also, the Pamender walk with the Tudor-style houses looks pretty awesome. The Old City Hall station is so cool and instaworthy! Such a lovely list of places I had no idea existed in New York but certainly deserve a visit next time I'm there.

Passport Symphony

Thank you for your comment, Medha. I'm glad you learned some new things about New York from this article.

Wednesday 11th of September 2019

I was in NY but only for short while. Hope I get to see it again in the future. Saving it for future reference.

Hope you stay longer and visit more places next time, Anna

Alexander Popkov

Tuesday 10th of September 2019

This is indeed an interesting collection. None of these would come to my mind if I think New York. I liked the old station, abandoned ships, and Sisyphus Stones most of all!

Thank you, Alexander, I'm glad you liked this article.

Saturday 7th of September 2019

I love lists like this, getting away from tourists an to the lesser known spots is sometimes the best way to see a city. I have heard of a few of these but not many! The smallpox hospital would be a cool place to visit around Halloween.. it looks super creepy.

Monday 9th of September 2019

It sure is a great idea to visit for Haloween, Hailey :)

Mijia Eggers

The secret sunset spot is a nice place to relax. It reminds me the view in Shanghai, Pudong. It has the city view with a clear sky scene.

That's an interesting comparison :)

  • United States

The 26 Best Things to do in New York City + Hidden Gems

In this travel guide, i'll tell you about the best things to do in new york city and share some of my favourite hidden gems..

Kristoffer Fons avatar

New York City is a fantastic metropolis, but it can be overwhelming for many – because where do you start and end when it comes to things to do in New York?

In this travel guide, I’ll share my favourite things to do in NYC that you should consider on your trip.

Depending on the length of your trip, it may be difficult to see all the sights, but I will give you an overview and then you can choose what to do and see.

However, there are some New York sights that you have to see. That’s why this travel guide starts with the best-known things to do in New York, as they are famous for good reason.

But don’t worry – I’ll further suggest some hidden gems and unknown experiences in this guide.

Let’s start with some of the best things to do in New York City .

1. New York skyline from a skyscraper – Top of The Rock

2. central park – nyc’s breather, 3. american museum of natural history , 4. walk across the brooklyn bridge – best free thing to do in new york, 5. dumbo (down under the manhattan bridge overpass), 6. boat tour in new york, 7. world trade memorial museum, 8. times square by night, 9. grand central station, 10. the statue of liberty, 11. the high line, 12. chelsea market , 13. friends experience, 14. experience gospel in harlem, 15. williamsburg – the trendy area in brooklyn, 16. smorgasburg – street food market in williamsburg, 17. chinatown , 18. little italy – touristy but charming, 19. soho – cosy side streets and good shopping, 20. outlet shopping at century 21, 21. flatiron building – an instagram paradise, 22. roosevelt island tramway, 23. east village & lower east side – best area for local vibes, 24. sports in nyc, 25. shows & musicals, 26. helicopter tour over manhattan, what are the must-do’s in nyc, what to do in nyc with children, when is the best time to visit new york, what are some hidden gems in brooklyn, what are some hidden gems in manhattan.

top of the rock viewpoint

Manhattan’s skyline is tremendously impressive, but when you walk around the city’s streets, it’s hard to see how massive a city you’re walking around.

That’s why you have to take the elevator up in one of the city’s (many) skyscrapers and enjoy the view of the entire New York.

I recommend going up to the Top of The Rock , which is on top of the iconic Rockefeller Center.

top of the rock nyc

But why not go up the Empire State Building?

Well, you can, but you know what you can’t see when you’re in the Empire State Building? The Empire State Building 😀

From Top of The Rock you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.

So I recommend buying tickets to the Top of The Rock and going up there while it’s still light out, so you get a feel for how unique New York City is.

Get tickets for Top of The Rock .

central park

If you’ve been up the Rockefeller Center, you understand how huge an area Central Park spans. Central Park is truly Manhattan’s breathing space, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

I was quite surprised at how cool a park it is. We generally have some incredibly boring parks here in Copenhagen where I live, so it might take little for me to be impressed, but Central Park really is something else.

It would be a shame to travel to New York and not stop by Central Park. I’ve mapped out a route through Central Park that passes some of the best sights there:

The walk ends at the next thing to do in New York on the list.

Natural History Museum nyc

If you follow the walk through Central Park, you end up right next to the Natural History Museum, which is said to be one of the wildest in the world.

At the museum, there are, among other things, massive skeletons from dinosaurs, giant whales and almost everything you can imagine in natural history.

Suppose you are interested in natural history and are travelling to New York. In that case, you must stop by American Museum of Natural History , located next to Central Park.

You can buy special ‘fast-track’ tickets to the museum in advance at Get Your Guide here .

Other famous museums in New York cannot be missed – you can also buy skip-the-line tickets on Get Your Guide (simply click on the link to the Museum of Natural History above)

  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art

Protip : consider getting the New York CityPASS to save 40% on 5 of the city’s major attractions.

brooklyn bridge

Another iconic New York attraction (and it’s even completely free).

I recommend starting the walk on the Manhattan side, which will also be most convenient as most people stay in hotels in Manhattan – have you seen my guide to the best areas and places to stay in New York ?

The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the things you have to do in New York.

However, remember to take a break and enjoy the view ‘back’ towards Manhattan, where you can, among other things, get a good look at One World Trade and generally all of Downtown Manhattan.

The following thing to do on the list comes right as you turn away from the Brooklyn Bridge.

DUMBO is an area of Brooklyn with an exceptional atmosphere.

It goes slower than in Manhattan, and the architecture shows that there have been many factories here, which are now being transformed into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

From DUMBO, you can also take a boat trip on the East River – for instance, you can go up to Williamsburg, which I mention later in the travel guide.

boat tour nyc

A boat tour is another fantastic thing to do in New York. 

Not really an experience that requires much explanation; on a boat tour around Manhattan, you get a completely new impression of The Big Apple , and at the same time, you can enjoy the city’s skyline while sitting in calm surroundings.

There are many different boat trips, but the one I have found with the best reviews and a fair price is this 90-minute boat tour .

9/11 memorial museum

We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001, and on your trip to New York, I recommend everyone to go to ‘Ground Zero’ to see the area with their own eyes. It’s a memorable experience – you don’t leave with a big smile, but it’s one thing you’ll remember.

You can just go to the large memorial for the terrorist attack, but there is also a large museum that gives incredible insight into the events back in 2001.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum online at Get Your Guide here .

I recommend that as the queue for the museum can be very long – after all, it is one of the most well-known things to do in New York.

You can also use the New York CityPASS for the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

You can also enjoy Manhattan’s best views from the One World Trade:

Another one of New York’s best-known sights – Times Square.

Yes, there is a lot of fun going on in the streets, and it’s a pretty big area with many advertising signs and – well, that’s about it, to be honest.

So I understand if it doesn’t sound super appealing, but it’s simply a must to make your way past Times Square – especially in the evening when the many impressions and lights shine through.

New York Central train station is impressive!

It’s an imposing building located centrally in Manhattan, so it’s easy to plan a trip to the terminal.

grand central station nyc

The Chrysler Building is next to Grand Central Station, so you can easily cross it off the list.

the statue of liberty

The Statue of Liberty is another of the city’s best-known and most iconic things to see. 

So it is another one of the city’s ‘must see’ sights, which many do not want to return home from NYC without seeing with their own eyes.

I wasn’t too impressed when I first saw the statue, if I’ve got to be honest – it’s just a statue after all, but I’ll admit it’s an iconic New York landmark, so of course, it’s on my list.

Countless boat trips go around the Statue of Liberty, and you can also book tickets for a trip up the dome ( get an overview here ), but in fact, you can go on a boat trip from Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty for free.

You’ve just got to jump aboard the Staten Island Ferry .

Just head down to the southernmost tip of Manhattan and grab the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal – remember to sit on the right side of the ferry if you want to see the Statue of Liberty!

And by the way, ignore anyone trying to sell you tickets for the Staten Island Ferry – it’s a free ferry for New Yorkers and tourists alike. So all “Staten Island Ferry tickets” are fake!

Get more information about the ferry here .

A free thing to do in New York? Yes! The High Line is a disused, elevated train track, where green areas have been laid out, and you walk elevated above the streets of Manhattan.

It’s a memorable experience to climb the stairs, walk south (my recommendation) and then get incredible views of the long, classic American streets here and there.

The High Line is a thing that should be on your list of must-do’s in New York – and if you start from the North and go South, you’ll end up at the next thing to do on my list.

The indoor Chelsea Market has everything from vintage shopping, excellent wine bars and hip little street food places. 

It is undoubtedly a place where you can easily spend a few hours. I recommend either going there in combination with The High Line or saving it for a day when the weather is not suitable for the many outdoor experiences NYC offers.

I’ve embedded a video from Chelsea Market above so you can get an idea of what kind of place it is.

Friends Experience NYC

If you watched TV in the ’00s and 2010s, which most of us did, you naturally know Friends .

In New York, you can experience the magic of one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms by visiting the Friends Experience in the heart of New York.

This two-story interactive adventure leads you right into the iconic world of Friends.

Sit in Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, take a selfie on the famous orange couch and order a coffee from Central Perk .

Immerse yourself in the show’s history with original costumes and props, and recreate your favourite scenes.

The Friends Experience is more than just an attraction – it’s a tribute to a show that has touched millions of hearts.

Read more and buy tickets here .

The Harlem area in New York is a gem for those wanting to experience  gospel . 

Gospel is a music genre that has roots in the African American churches in the USA from the late 19th century.

Gospel has been a powerful voice in many of the USA’s social justice movements and has influenced various other music styles, from blues and jazz to R&B and rock and roll.

So here, you get more than just an exciting music experience – you delve into an essential part of America’s history.

On this 4-hour tour , you will wander through Harlem’s historic streets, visit famous locations such as the Apollo Theater and Columbia University, and finally end with an inspiring Baptist service, where the power of a live gospel choir will engulf you.

Find out more about the tour here .

Williamsburg is one of the New York areas most often described as the city’s hipster centre.

It doesn’t matter that much that an area is called one or the other. What counts for me is whether I like the area myself – and that is definitely the case with Williamsburg.

The atmosphere is more down-to-earth than in Manhattan, where things are always going fast. 

Williamsburg is a little calmer, and all the streets are not overpopulated with other tourists and honking cars – but that does not mean that there are no tourists in Williamsburg because there are.

But there are also many good cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It doesn’t take long to get to Williamsburg from Manhattan by subway, so I recommend going there and experiencing a slightly different side of New York than the one in Manhattan.

It is, in particular, the area north of the Williamsburg Bridge and to Nassau Avenue that I recommend – around Bedford Avenue for example.

Yep, we’re staying right in Williamsburg, where every Saturday (note: spring-summer-autumn only – see website for opening dates) is a large street food market.

Street food is upon us these years, but I was amazed by the quality of the food stalls at Smorgasburg. In addition, quite a few stalls specialise in American food that we can’t get anywhere in Copenhagen , where I live – and I have yet to see it anywhere else in Europe.

And if good street food isn’t enough to attract you, I can tell you that the area is in a park down to the East River. That means the market area offers a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.

I have since visited quite a few Chinatowns around the world. The one in Bangkok is the coolest so far, but Chinatown in New York almost beats it.

Here you feel like you’ve come to another country – and it’s not just in a single street or two.

Chinatown in New York stretches over a large area, teeming with Chinese people, restaurants only with Chinese writing and generally many strange shops, where you feel very far from the United States.

Check out my short video from Chinatown (although the text is in Danish I’m sure you’ll get a feel for the area):

A cool and exciting thing to do in New York. And by the way, Chinatown is super well located – almost right “below” Soho, where most tourists pass by at some point.

So come on down and experience Chinatown; I’m sure you won’t regret it. And it’s free! 😀

I highly recommend Whiskey Tavern if you’re looking for a nice place to get a couple of beers in the area.

Just north of Chinatown, we find another area dedicated to a country far from the United States, Italy .

little italy nyc

Little Italy is different from Chinatown, and I’ve got to be honest here; it is a very touristy area where you have to be careful not to end up in a tourist trap of a restaurant.

However, it is quite fun to wander through the streets of Little Italy, which are markedly different from other areas of Manhattan.

However, remember to check Yelp, Google or Tripadvisor before entering a restaurant – there are so many good places to eat in New York, so it would be a shame to end up in a tourist trap where they serve bad food at high prices.

soho nyc

I touched briefly on Soho earlier in this travel guide and recommend visiting the area.

If you’re going to be shopping on your trip to NYC, you will probably naturally gravitate towards Soho, as there are many good shops in the area.

However, I especially love the side streets around Broadway. Here you find the beautiful cobbled streets with the classic New York fire escapes, small cafes and cosy shops.

Soho is just a great, cosy area and one of the areas I recommend staying in when you’re going to New York.

Technically not a tourist attraction, but undoubtedly an experience! Right next to the World Trade Museum, we find Century 21.

Century 21 Downtown is a massive outlet where you can save considerable money on well-known brands. I went (a bit) wild in the Calvin Klein underwear section and also found quite a few good Lacoste products.

There’s a lot of Calvin Klein in the men’s department, but also many other famous brands, so I recommend making a trip to this outlet in New York if you want to shop for very cheap clothes.

Tip : getting there around opening time is a good idea, as the store fills up quickly!

We arrived 5-10 minutes after they opened, where it was wonderful to walk around, but after about half an hour, there really started to be a stream of people.

flatiron building nyc

There isn’t much to tell about the Flatiron Building – just check out the picture above (or read the building’s history here ), and then you know what it’s all about.

If you need an excellent photo for your Instagram or want to see beautiful, iconic buildings, then you should stop by the Flatiron Building in New York.

Fortunately, it is also a building located in an area where many tourists would still pass by.

This is one of the more extraordinary things to do in New York, and very cheap. You can use your Metrocard to ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a ski lift that takes you from Manhattan to the small Roosevelt Island in the East River.

The video above actually tells everything you need to know before taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway, so I won’t write much more 😀

Please note that you cannot pay with cash – only Metrocard. Read more practical information here .

The East Village and Lower East Side are my favourite areas of New York (closely followed by Williamsburg). The two areas exude history, beautiful buildings, and just another feel to them than elsewhere in Manhattan. You truly feel that locals are living here.

While I previously mentioned Soho as a good area (it is!), the East Village and Lower East Side are a little less populated by tourists, but on the other hand, these areas are packed with fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants.

If you want to go for a walk in the city with the cool New Yorkers, I recommend going on a pub crawl in the East Village.

Possibly start on the excellent Fool’s Gold 😀

yankee stadium nyc

This is one of the things to do in New York you can quite easily forget. When we travel to New York, we are so obsessed with seeing as many things as possible that we (perhaps) forget that many big sporting and cultural events are taking place in the city.

Of course, baseball, basketball and ice hockey are some of the major sports.

Especially tickets for baseball are worth paying for, and it should be an incredible experience (I’m still missing my first visit to a baseball stadium) – think draft beer, hot dogs and a good atmosphere 😀

Take a look at the calendar for concerts , sporting events and cultural events .

broadway musicals and shows

And then there are always the fantastic musicals on Broadway, where shows like Aladdin, Phantom of The Opera and the like are always running – get tickets for Broadway musicals and other shows in NYC here .

Helicopter tour over Manhattan

It’s not a cheap thing to do, but if you want to try something incredible on your trip to New York, you should try a luxurious tour of New York’s iconic skyline with a deluxe helicopter tour.

You will gain a completely unique perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Manhattan’s impressive skyline.

Find out more and book online here .

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in New York City and that you’re ready for your trip to the fantastic city in the United States . And remember to do your USA ESTA application if you’re not from the US.

If you’ve any questions about NYC or the things mentioned in this travel guide, please comment below, and I’ll help you.

Frequently Asked Questions about New York

Below I answer several questions about New York that travellers often ask.

You must experience Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, as they are some of the city’s most famous sights. However, New York offers many other exciting experiences, and there is enough to see for many trips. In this guide, I will tell you more about the well-known must-see attractions and recommend the lesser-known things to do in New York.

There are plenty of great experiences for people of all ages in NYC. Times Square is full of child-friendly experiences, and just walking around the square with all the costumed Disney characters is an experience. I mention Central Park Zoo, Roosevelt Island Tram, and many other child-friendly experiences in the guide.

Spring is the best time to visit New York. The winter in New York can be freezing, and it’s not uncommon for the city to be covered in snow. Spring, however, comes early, and April is a great month to travel to NYC. Summer in New York quickly becomes very hot, and the locals tend to escape the city in July when it can be +25 degrees Celsius.

Brooklyn has many hidden gems worth exploring. Here are some lesser-known attractions and activities that you might enjoy:

The Brooklyn Art Library : Located in Williamsburg, this library houses the Sketchbook Project, a collection of over 50,000 sketchbooks submitted by artists from around the world.

Green-Wood Cemetery : This historic and beautiful cemetery, established in 1838, spans 478 acres and is the final resting place of many notable figures. It offers guided tours, events, and beautiful views of Manhattan.

Di Fara Pizza : This legendary pizzeria in Midwood, founded by Domenico DeMarco in 1965, is famous for its delicious pies made with top-quality ingredients. Be prepared for long lines, but the pizza is worth the wait.

Jalopy Theatre and School of Music : A Red Hook gem, Jalopy offers live music, performances, and classes in a cozy, intimate setting.

Coney Island Creek Park : Often overlooked, this park offers serene views, walking trails, and a glimpse of the historic Yellow Submarine, a partially submerged vessel from the 1970s.

Red Hook Winery : Located on Pier 41, this winery offers tastings and tours, with a focus on New York State wines.

The Puppetry Arts Theatre : This small theater in Park Slope showcases puppet shows, workshops, and other events for kids and adults alike.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside : This Prospect Park facility features ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the summer, along with other seasonal activities.

Floyd Bennett Field : Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, this former airport is now a recreational destination for camping, sports, bird-watching, and more.

The City Reliquary : A small, quirky museum in Williamsburg dedicated to New York City artifacts and curiosities, ranging from old subway tokens to vintage seltzer bottles.

Manhattan has countless hidden gems, from lesser-known attractions to unique experiences. In this guide I’ve mentioned a lot of the main things to do in Manhattan so here are some hidden gems as well:

The Morgan Library & Museum : This beautiful library and museum houses rare books, manuscripts, and works of art, including a Gutenberg Bible and original drawings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Elevated Acre : Tucked away in the Financial District, this elevated park offers a quiet escape with stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge.

The Whispering Gallery : Located in Grand Central Terminal, this unmarked archway allows you to whisper to someone standing diagonally across from you, with the sound traveling along the curved walls.

Mmuseumm : A tiny museum located in a former freight elevator in Tribeca, Mmuseumm showcases a unique collection of modern artifacts from around the world.

The Cloisters : Situated in Fort Tryon Park, this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, featuring serene gardens and stunning views of the Hudson River.

The Museum of the American Gangster : This small museum in the East Village explores the history of organized crime in the United States, housed in a former speakeasy.

The Little Red Lighthouse : Underneath the George Washington Bridge, this historic lighthouse offers a quaint, picturesque setting along the Hudson River Greenway.

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument : Located on Riverside Drive, this neoclassical monument honors Union soldiers and sailors from the Civil War and offers beautiful views of the Hudson River.

The Earth Room : A SoHo art installation by Walter De Maria, this exhibit consists of 250 cubic yards of soil, offering a meditative experience in the heart of the city.

The New York Marble Cemetery : Hidden in the East Village, this cemetery dates back to the 19th century and is a peaceful spot amid the bustling city.

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9 Secret Spots To Visit In New York City

Photos And Postcards From New York City (9)

New York can be a traveller’s dream! Combine millions of people, different cultures, beautiful architecture, scrumptious food  and amazing museums and what do you get? An all-time incredible city to explore.

Visiting the best areas of New York is a must, as is visiting the iconic Lady Liberty and the Top Of The Rock but what about everything else. Where are the secret spots you have to see in this incredible city? 👀

Things To See New York (7)

I’ve always been about experiencing the best views in Manhattan (case in point here and here ).

You see, ever since finding out about these secret spots in London , I’ve been on the hunt to uncover New York’s secrets spots which will hopefully help on your next trip to New York.

You Need To Visit These Secret Spots In New York City

Take a look, below, at some of the secret spots you have to visit in New York. 

1.) Whispering Arch of Grand Central Station

Things To See New York (14)

On the walk down to the lower concourse of Grand Central Station is one of New York’s open secrets that every visitor has to try.

Stand to face the corner of the arches and ask a loved one, friend or random stranger to stand on the opposite side of the arches. Surprisingly, even when speaking in a normal volume, your voice will carry straight to the ear of your recipient on the other side of the arches.

This little spot has become a really cool little place to surprise a loved one with a surprise proposal. 💍

2.) Touch The Berlin Wall

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City

After the fall of the Berlin Wall a generation ago, parts of the wall were distributed all across the globe, with five pieces ending up across the city of New York.

Take a journey down to 520 Madison Avenue to see this one above (which is very similar to these parts of the wall in the East Side Gallery in Berlin).

If you’re living ‘across the pond’, don’t forget to visit the piece that resides outside  The Imperial War Museum in London  too.

3.) Walk New York’s Glass Waterfall Tunnel

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (2)

Nestled onto one side of the McGraw-Hill building in New York, the glass waterfall is situated a mere 4-minute walk from all the action at Time Square. Stand inside the tunnel and let the waterfall over you… There’s an overwhelming feeling of being inside this ‘waterfall’.

All without getting wet of course! 💦

4.) See Old City Hall Subway Station

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (1)

Old City Hall Subway Station is one of the prettiest subway stations in New York. Closed in the early 20th Century, the stained glass window and beautiful arches is a remnant of historic New York.

This can be one of the hardest secret spots of the lot to see when you’re in New York but if you stay on the 6 train while it turns around you may catch a rare glimpse of this beautiful station.

On certain, special occasions the MTA Transit Museum may also run special tours of the station – which allows you to really enjoy this magnificent piece of New York City history so it’s worth checking in with them before you visit.

5.) See The Abandoned Small Pox Hospital

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (9)

Built on Roosevelt Island, this abandoned smallpox hospital has been left untouched since its last inhabitants left.

It’s an eery reminder of the endemic problem smallpox was in many of the world’s largest cities.

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (14)

Nowadays, this hospital is closed to the public however if you travel to Roosevelt Island, you can still get relatively close to this infamous New York site.

6.) See The Tiny Little Doors

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (13)

Created by artist, Cynthia von Buhler – there are scores of tiny little doors that are dotted all across New York City .

Keep your eyes peeled, especially around pedestrian crossings, where you might be lucky enough to spot one on a lamp-post.

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (10)

Legend has it that these doors move around (almost like they lead to magical fairytale kingdoms) so you need to be very alert to see one.

7.) Time Square Sound Installation

Things To See New York (12)

With the hundreds of thousands of visitors each day, it can be hard to hear the calming art installation that has been installed by Max Neuhaus right in the middle of Times Square.

Created in the 1970s, it has now become a permanent installation in New York .

To hear this, walk or stand in the pedestrian triangle (above the grates) between the streets of 45th and 46th, as the crowds dissipate, you will begin to hear the installation in all its glory.

8.) Pomander Walk

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (11)

Discover a piece of Olde England right in the heart of New York City.

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (8)

Pomander Walk is such a stark contrast to the huge glass and steel towers that define New York City and looks like you’ve just stepped into a quaint little town in the middle of the English countryside.

9.) UN’s Meditation Room

10 Incredible Secret Spots You Have To Visit In New York City (7)

Most people are not familiar with the Meditation Room at the United Nations but it is totally free and open to the public to visit (subject to airport-style security checks). It’s a great way to see a little part of the iconic UN building.

Did you know that the U.N. Building, despite being located in New York City is regarded as an International Territory?

Visiting this is building is one of the few times you can technically say you are not in any country in the world! 🤗

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14 Most Beautiful Places To See In New York City

  • New York City offers a vibrant and diverse experience with its famous streets, iconic buildings, and beautiful parks and gardens.
  • The High Line is a must-visit urban oasis with lush greenery, gardens, and stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington Square Park, and Central Park are some of the most beautiful and culturally significant places to see in New York City.

New York City is one of the most vibrant destinations on the East Coast. Whether walking down its famous streets, visiting its iconic buildings, or discovering the beauty of New York City's parks and gardens - the city will have anything but a dull moment. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and people from all over the world visit to immerse themselves in all that it has to offer.

With some of the most delicious world cuisine ( including some authentic Italian restaurants ), museums, a raging art and music scene, shopping, entertainment, and more - New York is the epitome of city life. Experiencing the city's hustle and bustle will be a lifetime trip. This city is home to some of the most beautiful and historical places in the United States. Choosing which sites to add to one's bucket list may be challenging with all the options. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to see in New York City.

UPDATE: 2023/09/28 22:43 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

More Beautiful Places To Visit In New York

New York is one of the world's biggest cities, and there are countless beautiful places that locals and tourists should visit. Therefore, this list has been expanded to include places such as the High Line, the Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, the Washington Square Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have fun!

RELATED: 10 Things To Do In The Bronx: Complete Guide To NYC's Northernmost Borough

The High Line

The High Line in New York City is an urban oasis suspended above the bustling streets of Manhattan, and its tranquil ambiance and architectural ingenuity make it a must-visit destination, providing both locals and tourists a respite in the heart of the metropolis.

This elevated linear park, repurposed from a historic railway track, offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and public art installations adorn the path, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity. The High Line provides stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River, offering a unique perspective of New York.

  • Address : New York, NY 10011, United States
  • Open hours: From 9 am to 10 pm

DUMBO, Brooklyn

DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a famous neighborhood in Brooklyn. Nestled along the East River, it boasts a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, thanks to its cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline characterize this waterfront enclave.

DUMBO is a hub for art, culture, and innovation, hosting numerous galleries, boutiques, and tech startups. Visitors can revel in the enchanting scenery of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, and savor culinary delights at trendy eateries. DUMBO encapsulates Brooklyn's dynamic spirit, making it a compelling destination to explore.

It's possible to reach DUMBO by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge walking or by bike

Washington Square Park

Locals and tourists looking for an urban oasis amidst America's most populous city can find it at Washington Square Park. The place is a cultural crossroads, offering a serene respite, captivating ambiance, and a front-row seat to the lively spirit of Greenwich Village.

Located in Manhattan, the Washington Square Park features the iconic Washington Arch, a historic landmark. Trees, gardens, and a central fountain surround visitors. The park's bohemian atmosphere, abuzz with musicians, artists, and locals, lends it a dynamic character. The stunning arch frames views of the surrounding cityscape, adding to its allure.

  • Address : Washington Square, New York, NY 10012, United States

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is often referred to as "The Met" (Yes, the same place that hosts the famous Met Gala). The museum is an architectural and cultural masterpiece in New York City thanks to its grand Beaux-Arts façade.

Beyond its architecture, the Met features a worldwide collection representing 5,000 years of history. Visitors admire over two million works, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum's diverse exhibits, including European paintings, Egyptian antiquities, and Asian art, offer a global journey through artistic expression.

  • Address : 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
  • Admission fees: $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, $17 for students
  • Open hours: From Sunday to Thursday - 10 am to 5 pm; Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm

Central Park

Central Park is one of New York's most iconic attractions. People from all over the world visit to admire its beauty, and the best part - is that Central Park is free, and there are many ways to spend time there . This park is famous for its landscape design and is one of the city's most beautiful places. The park offers many things to do and see, where visitors can spend hours discovering different areas with some of the most picturesque views.

  • The Central Park has 843 acres

Old City Hall Subway Station

With some of the most beautiful places in New York - Old City Hall Subway Station is a must-see when visiting the city. Initially opening in 1904, this hidden subway station has a mesmerizing architectural build and is a beautiful way to see New York's historical public transportation system. It is located at the end of the six-train line, and tours are available for guests who want to visit the old subway station.

  • Admission fees: Between $35 and $50

Related: New York City's Springtime Waterways: Exploring The City's Rivers & Harbors On Boat Tours

Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a historical attraction in the city - a neoclassical structure that offers some of the most beautiful views in the city. People worldwide visit to witness the statue and all its beauty. With some of the prettiest parts of New York one can explore , a trip to the Statue of Liberty will show visitors the rich history of New York City. This is one of the best locations to take amazing pictures!

  • Ferry fees: $12 (Children), $24.50 (Adult), $18 (Senior)
  • Pedestal access: $12.30 (Children), $24.80 (Adult), $18.30 (Senior)

Prospect Park

New York City has some of the most beautiful parks, not just Central Park. Prospect Park is in Brooklyn, New York, and is home to a breathtaking green space in the city. From excellent trails, a botanical garden, waterfalls, and a zoo - Prospect Park is a must-visit when discovering beautiful areas in New York City. Whether walking in the park or having a picnic with family and friends, it's a lovely way to spend some time in the city's gorgeous outdoors.

  • Famous events: Evening Under the Sphere, FallFur Picnic, Harvest Moon Circle

Brooklyn Bridge

Take a trip to Brooklyn Bridge to see one of the most iconic bridges in New York. Visiting New York's beautiful and historic attractions is one of the best parts of traveling in the city. Brooklyn Bridge’s stunning architectural build shows the city's vast history. It's a beautiful way to walk along the bridge, with many opportunities to take pictures and view the city's skyline.

It's possible to cross the Brooklyn Bridge using the pedestrian walkway.

Edge Observation Deck

Edge Observation Deck is an attraction in New York City that offers some of the most mesmerizing views of the city. It is 100 stories high and is a beautiful way to immerse in the city's beauty. It is one of the best ways to see the city's beauty from a high point. A trip to the Edge will be the experience of a lifetime with its glass floors, breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, and a bar for enjoyment.

  • Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

Related: Flavors Of New York State: Discovering 10 Must-Try Cuisines In New York City

New York is home to some of the most iconic neighborhoods. SoHo is a neighborhood worth visiting for those who want to experience New York's beautiful streets and breathtaking buildings. From art galleries, shops, street vendors, restaurants, a nightlife scene, and so much more - there is much to see and discover in this beautiful neighborhood in New York City.

  • Things to do: Museum of Ice Cream, The Museum of Modern Art, Housing Works Bookstore

Madison Square Park

Home to some of the most beautiful parks - Madison Square Park is high on the list of New York's mesmerizing outdoor spaces. It is a fantastic place to visit to walk and enjoy New York in the spring. For nature lovers, the park offers various greenery to escape the busy city life. Whether taking a small snack or enjoying time with family or friends, it will be a beautiful and relaxing experience in the city.

  • Address : 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most popular destinations in New York City. People worldwide travel to see its iconic lights, billboards, buildings, and so much more. It is a must-visit when touring the city to see the town's beauty and all it is known for. Offering many shops and restaurants, the area has much to do and see, with many opportunities for pictures. Times Square is one of New York's most busy and thrilling areas and is worth experiencing for those traveling to the city!

The most common and convenient way to reach Times Square is by subway. Multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and S lines, serve the Times Square-42nd Street station.

Related: 10 Top-Rated Museums In New York City That Should Be On Your List

New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Visit the New York City Public Library to get views of its stunning architecture and immerse in the city's history. This extensive library is a charming destination to discover New York's diverse beauty and experience all the city's spaces. With a fantastic collection of books and areas to discover inside and outside the library, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New York City.

  • Address: 476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street

14 Most Beautiful Places To See In New York City

Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More

17 Beautiful Places in New York City That Are Sure to Delight

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Beyond its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, New York, NY, holds a treasure trove of hidden gems, enchanting neighborhoods, and picturesque locations that beckon locals and tourists alike. From the iconic Central Park, with its sprawling meadows and winding pathways, to the dazzling lights of Times Square at night, the city is home to a number of spots to explore. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Brooklyn , purchase a house in Queens , or just visit for the week, exploring the beautiful places in this vibrant city is an adventure that promises to inspire you. In this Redfin article, we will look at some of the places that make New York City a true urban paradise.

1. Central Park

Central Park covers around 843 acres and is one of the most iconic urban green spaces in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it offers a wide range of attractions, from the Central Park Zoo and the famous Bethesda Terrace to the picturesque Bow Bridge and the expansive Great Lawn.

“My favorite place in New York City is Central Park,” remarks local newborn photographer Magenta BY Melissa . “It is a one-of-a-kind mix of natural beauty, important culture, and chances for fun. Not to mention, It gives you a break from the city’s craziness. It’s like no other city park and makes New York, New York.

Melissa recommends visiting the park in the morning with freshly brewed coffee to see the cute dogs running around.

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“My favorite beautiful place in New York is Charlotte Beach in Brooklyn,” remarks New York portrait photographer Shearer Portraits . “It’s set inside Marsha P. Johnson State Park and is extremely peaceful. It offers a sandy beach, great seating, and amazing views of Manhattan across the East River.

3. Williamsburg waterfront

The Williamsburg waterfront is a picturesque stretch that has significantly transformed in recent years. Once dominated by industrial warehouses, it has become a trendy area where visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, scenic parks like Domino Park, and various recreational activities. The waterfront is also dotted with chic restaurants, bars, and shops.

Williamsburg Waterfront

4. Tudor City Bridge

Tudor City Bridge, also known as the Prospect Hill Bridge, is an iconic pedestrian bridge spanning over 42nd Street in Manhattan.

“Tudor City Bridge is one of the most hidden, beautiful places in the city. The angles of the buildings create the perfect frame for timeless images of New York,” says Khonsu.

5. East Room of J. Pierpont’s Library

“My pick for the most beautiful place in New York City is the East Room of J. Pierpont’s Library at The Morgan Library and Museum. Spanning three levels in a lavishly decorated room, the library in the East Room is a bibliophile’s dream. The ground floor features a rotating display of rare manuscripts and books, and the top two levels, while off-limits to visitors, can be appreciated from below. It is a hidden gem in New York and somewhere that I always recommend to friends visiting the city,” notes Julia Martin of Bookish Wayfarer .

6. The cable car to Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Tramway, often referred to as the Roosevelt Island cable car, is an aerial tramway that connects Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. Offering breathtaking views of the East River and the city skyline, it provides a scenic and efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

“For amazing city views, I love taking the cable car to Roosevelt Island,” states local Amy Nghe Photography . “There is a great rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of the Graduate Hotel where you can take 360° views of NYC on a beautiful day.”

Roosevelt Island Cable Car

7. Robotic Church

The Robotic Church consists of 50 computer-controlled pneumatic sculptures as part of a site-specific installation and performance series.

“I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Robotic Church, where I witnessed a performance by fifty humanoid robots created by the Amorphic Robotic Works collective, founded by Chico MacMurtie in 1991. It was an awe-inspiring experience to see these robots communicate through sound and body language to tell the story of evolution and humankind. At the same time, Chico MacMurtie led the performance from the control tower situated at the top of the former church nave,” shares Richard Tiland, President of New Evolution Video and dk3studios .

8. Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, located in New York City, is one of the largest and most prestigious natural history museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of pieces.

“The museum is located in New York City’s Upper West Side neighborhood, and you can visit multiple exhibits of the natural world, some of which include The Hayden Planetarium and the great Blue Whale,” shares Simba Production .

9. Noguchi Museum

Located in Long Island City, Queens, the Noguchi Museum is a dedicated institution to the works of renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi.

“I can think of no better way to spend a few hours on a hot summer day than meandering through the Noguchi Museum’s galleries and garden,” raves food and travel blog Anita’s Feast . “It is easy to linger here, to appreciate the texture, color, and composition of cuts in the stone of the sculptor’s larger works. Soothing, contemplative, and thought-provoking, the museum in Long Island City is worth a stop any time of year. In summer, the Noguchi is a true oasis.” 

Noguchi Museum

Photo courtesy of Anita’s Feast

10. Squibb Park Bridge

The Squibb Park Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn designed to provide a scenic pathway between Brooklyn Bridge Park and Squibb Park, offering stunning views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. 

Local photographer Abby Cope states, “Squibb Park Bridge, in Dumbo, links Brooklyn Heights to the waterfront via an adorable pathway with big views of lower Manhattan.”

11. Prospect Park

Prospect Park is an urban oasis that spans over 500 acres of lush greenery, rolling meadows, and serene water features. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same architects behind Central Park, Prospect Park offers relaxation and recreational opportunities. This meticulously landscaped park boasts a diverse array of attractions, including the serene Lullwater, the iconic Boathouse, and the picturesque Long Meadow, which is one of the longest continuous stretches of meadow in any urban park in the United States. 

12. The Strand on Broadway

The Strand Bookstore has multiple locations famous for its extensive collection of new, used, and rare books. 

“The Strand on Broadway is a must-see for writers and readers to visit,” remarks Hotel Sales Focus . “The famous slogan, ‘18 Miles of Books,’ is justified with high-ceiling rooms containing more than 2.5 million new and used titles. While you may get better pictures at the Statue of Liberty or the American Museum of Natural History, you won’t experience a better NYC vibe than at The Strand.”

Books

13. Randall’s Island

Randall’s Island is a 273-acre landmass situated in the East River, primarily used for recreational purposes. It offers many facilities, including sports fields, tennis courts, a golf center, and beautiful parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and events.

“I have a growing appreciation for Randall’s Island. It is a quiet oasis away from the city, not nearly as crowded as Central Park. It is a great place to picnic, ride bikes, and walk. When you cross the footbridge on 103 rd Street, approaching the center, there is the most amazing breeze,” notes Nancy Zafrani, General Manager of Oz Moving & Storage , with 30 years in the industry and a lifetime of knowledge as a New Yorker.

14. Wave Hill

Wave Hill is a public garden and cultural center located in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx. On 28 acres overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades, Wave Hill boasts meticulously landscaped gardens, woodlands, and rolling lawns that provide a picturesque backdrop for art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the serene aquatic garden, the vibrant wild garden, and the fragrant flower garden, all meticulously designed to offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty and horticultural artistry. 

15. The many entertainment venues 

New York City is a global hub for entertainment, boasting an array of venues that cater to every taste and preference. Among its most famous attractions are the iconic Broadway theaters, located in the renowned Theater District of Manhattan. Broadway showcases world-class theatrical productions with shows such as “Hamilton” at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and “Hadestown” at the Water Kerr Theatre. These venues are not only celebrated for their top-notch performances but also for their historical significance in the world of theater.

Maestra Music notes, “From the Theater District in Midtown at the West Bank Cafe before a show to Central Park near the Delacorte Theater for summer picnics and vibing out at Chelsea Music Hall for concerts, we are always open to exploring new places to connect and create lasting memories.”

Richard Rogers Theater

16. Grand Banks

Grand Banks is an oyster bar and maritime-inspired restaurant located on a historic schooner docked at Pier 25 in Manhattan’s Hudson River Park. 

“The Grand Banks is my favorite spot in New York City,” shares local blogger Loving New York . “You sit on a two-master, enjoy the view of the Hudson River and the One World Trade Center, and can eat really delicious seafood. Especially in the evening, a visit is worthwhile because you have the best sunset view from here.”

17. The Cloisters

The Cloisters is a museum in Fort Tryon Park at the northern tip of Manhattan. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is renowned for its unique focus on European medieval art and architecture. The museum is a literal and figurative masterpiece, as it incorporates architectural elements from several medieval European monasteries and features a stunning collection of over 5,000 medieval artworks, including illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, stained glass windows, textiles, and more. 

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Boldt Castle located in Alexandria Bay, New York.

  • 9 Most Charming River Towns in Upstate New York to Visit in 2024

Upstate New York is home to charming towns with stunning landscapes that leave you in awe of nature. Lovers of the outdoors will fall in love with Upstate New York because there are many activities to do in this region where the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains are situated. 

This part of the United States differs from other parts of New York because of its rural and country features. If you are looking to have fun in a quiet and reserved town with endless beauty and timeless history, here are nine charming low-population towns near the river to visit in 2024. There is a lot to see and do in these towns for solo travelers, families, and friends. Come along with your hiking boots because there are many trails to discover.

Coeymans, New York.

Coeymans, New York. By Dougtone - Flickr , CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Hudson River marks the eastern town line of Coeymans. It was named after an early settler who was a patent holder of the area. In 1800, the town had a population of 400. In 2024, it has a population of 7256. From nature parks to historic homes, you are in for a fun time here.

Spend time at Joralemon Park. Enjoy the view of the park from under the pavilion or go hiking along the several miles of walking trail through the woods. Finished from the park, go on a guided walking tour, stopping by Mull House and Cemetery, Tobias Ten Eyck House and Cemeteries, and Coeymans-Bronck Stone House. Bring your day to an end by checking out the Valley Paper Mill Park in Alcove, which is 14 minutes from Coeymans. 

Landscape view of the corner of Main Street and South Street in Beacon, New York, USA.

Beacon was named in honor of the Beacon fires that blazed from the Fishkill mountain, alerting the Continental Army of the British troop movements. Beyond its history, Beacon is a beautiful river town worth visiting.

It is home to one of the largest museums in the United States, the Dia Beacon Museum. Go to the town's Main Street and join the long line of antiquers to hunt for rare antiques or savor the beautiful waterfront view of the waterfall of Fishkill Creek that runs through the area. Hiking up Mt. Beacon on the railway trail. Visit Beacon Historical Society to relish the rich, preserved tale of the town. If you are interested in glass sculpting, you should visit Hudson Beach Glass for classes and glass product shopping. Go to Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park to get a beautiful view of the Hudson River while taking an evening stroll.

Westport, New York, situated on the shore of Lake Champlain in New York State.

Westport is Located within the Adirondack Park. It stands as the birthplace of the Adirondack Chair. This picturesque river town has an eastern borderline formed by Lake Champlain. Get access to lake-side dining, hiking, biking, boating, and golfing. 

As the birthplace of the "Adirondack Chair." You get access to lakeside dining, hiking, biking, and golfing opportunities here.

Follow the Lee Park Trail hike up to the Hoisington Brook Cascade, a little fall under a stone bridge. Other trails to look out for are the Art Farm Trail, Long Valley Trail, Champlain Area Trails, and Field and Forest Trail.

Canandaigua

Main Street in downtown Canandaigua, New York.

Main Street in downtown Canandaigua, New York. Editorial credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

On the northern end of the Canandaigua Lake is the beautiful town of Canandaigua . The Finger Lake region of New York is known for its astonishing waterfront view, and Canandaigua is not left out. 

It is littered with small quaint shops, historic places, fine dining, and an amazing waterfront view. From swimming to boating, the town stands true to the meaning of its name, “the Chosen Spot.” Here are some places to look out for when you visit: Kershaw Park for picnics and relaxation, Granger Homestead & Carriage House Museum for a fun time-traveling historical experience, Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail for finger-licking meals and wine-tasting, etc. In the downtown area, visit the Canandaigua Farmers' Market on a Saturday for some farm produce shopping. Enjoy water activities like boating and fishing at The Canandaigua City Pier.

Poughkeepsie

Aerial perspective capturing the sunset over Poughkeepsie.

Aerial perspective capturing the sunset over Poughkeepsie.

Once called "The Queen City of the Hudson," Poughkeepsie is one New York town worth visiting in 2024. Shortly after the American Revolution , this city served as the second capital of the state.

Once recognized as the World's longest pedestrian bridge in the world until it was overthrown in October 2016, the Walkway over the Hudson is a sight to behold. It offers pedestrians the opportunity to enjoy the astonishing view of the Hudson River.

Explore the shops in the Downtown area and mingle with the locals and other tourists during your shopping spree. Go on a scenic drive at night on the Mid-Hudson Bridge and revel in the view of the river. Relish delicacies at Rossi Rosticceria Deli. The Poughkeepsie Public Library District is not just a library; it is an architectural site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A landscape view of the shops and restaurants along West Strand Street in The Rondout, Kingston's historic waterfront, captured in Kingston, New York, USA.

Kingston is a town rich in history and culture. It lies on the west side of the Hudson River, about 54 miles south of Albany City .

Its story dates back to the 1700s when it became New York’s capital. Eventually, it was destroyed by fire during the infamous Saratoga campaign  in the American Revolutionary War.

However, that did not end the town’s story. It later became a commercial town when cement was found in a part of the community. 

Kingston is packed full of diners, parks, museums, and shops where travelers can get all-round pleasure when in town. Visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum to see Mathilda, the 1898 steam tugboat, and several other notable boats. Take your kids to the Forsyth Park Playground, go with friends, or go solo and participate in sports activities like basketball, tennis, and baseball. At the Forsyth Nature Center, families and friends will have a great time learning about the different species of birds and reptiles.

Alexandria Bay

 The view of The Power House and Clock Tower of Boldt Castle on the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, New York, USA.

The picturesque Alexandria Bay is located in the Thousand Islands Region of Northern New York. This village has more to offer than beauty; a lot of history is built into the walls of the sites here. 

Starting from the Boldt Castle, a 120-room mansion built by George C. Boldt for his wife Louise, who unfortunately did not live to see its completion. It is open from May to October. Check it out if you are in town during that period.

The next stop is the Longue Vue Island, the only artificial island in the region. Explore the entire island and discover secrets that will lead you to the Ghosts that have been said to haunt the island. If you are in town in April, go wine-tasting at Dark Island Spirits.

Mohonk Lake in the Catskill Mountains of New York State.

On the west side of the Hudson River is the beautiful Catskill village. From its main street to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, there is a lot to see and do in this small, quaint area. The town has a population of less than 5000 people, offering visitors a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

The Rip Van Winkle Bridge is a six-mile bridge that runs over the Hudson River, connecting the Hudson town to Catskill. On the bridge, there is a pedestrian walkway that allows cyclists and hikers access to two monuments, the homes of two of Hudson’s River School Painters. Also, check out the Hudson River Skywalk while you are there. Enjoy the river view and a taste of history. 

Croton-On-Hudson

Sunrise over Croton Dam, NY, with its stepped spillway waterfall. The long exposure captures a smooth and silky effect on the falling water, creating an artistic ambiance.

Sunrise over Croton Dam, NY, with its stepped spillway waterfall. The long exposure captures a smooth and silky effect on the falling water, creating an artistic ambiance.

On the Hudson River's shores is another New York village you should look out for. Once called the town of Cortlandt but was later renamed Croton-On-Hudson. You should plan your visit to coincide with any of the annual events organized here, like Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival, which is usually held in June.

Visit the New Croton Dam that stretches over the Croton River. The mountainous area around the dam offers a lot of recreational activities, from picnicking to cross-country skiing. This area is constantly booming, and life is going all year round. Croton Point Park is one of the largest parks in Westchester County. The park offers visitors cross-country skiing, hiking, walking, and fishing opportunities. Learn the town’s history at Van Cortlandt Manor Museum.

Discover Upstate New York's Hidden Highlights

Upstate New York comprises welcoming, nature-rich towns with charming landscapes and unending pleasurable activities for people of all ages. You can add each of these towns to your travel bucket list of places to go in 2024. You will learn about the history of these small towns and also discover new trails and piers. There’s a long list of things to do. Pack your bags and begin your adventure today.

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Jessica Grose

A.i. is making the sexual exploitation of girls even worse.

An illustration that includes a photo of a cellphone with a blurred image on its screen.

By Jessica Grose

Opinion Writer

On Tuesday, Kat Tenbarge and Liz Kreutz of NBC News reported that several middle schoolers in Beverly Hills, Calif., were caught making and distributing fake naked photos of their peers: “School officials at Beverly Vista Middle School were made aware of the ‘A.I.-generated nude photos’ of students last week, the district superintendent said in a letter to parents. The superintendent told NBC News the photos included students’ faces superimposed onto nude bodies.”

I had heard about this kind of thing happening to high school girls , which is horrible enough. But the idea of such young children being dehumanized by their classmates, humiliated and sexualized in one of the places they’re supposed to feel safe, and knowing those images could be indelible and worldwide, turned my stomach.

I’m not a technophobe and have, in the past, been somewhat skeptical about the outsize negative impact of social media on teen girls. And while I still think the subject is complicated, and that the research doesn’t always conclude that there are unfavorable mental health effects of social media use on all groups of young people, the increasing reach of artificial intelligence adds a new wrinkle that has the potential to cause all sorts of damage. The possibilities are especially frightening when the technology is used by teens and tweens, groups with notoriously iffy judgment about the permanence of their actions.

I have to admit that my gut reaction to the Beverly Hills story was rage — I wanted the book thrown at the kids who made those fakes. But I wanted to hear from someone with more experience talking to teens and thinking deeply about the adolescent relationship with privacy and technology. So I called Devorah Heitner, the author of “Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World,” to help me step back a bit from my punitive fury.

Heitner pointed out that although artificial intelligence adds a new dimension, kids have been passing around digital sexual images without consent for years. According to a 2018 meta-analysis from JAMA Pediatrics, among children in the 12 to 17 age range, “The prevalence of forwarding a sext without consent was 12.0 percent,” and “and the prevalence of having a sext forwarded without consent was 8.4 percent.”

In her book, Heitner offers an example in which an eighth-grade girl sends a topless photo to her boyfriend, who circulates it to his friends without her permission. After they broke up, but without her knowledge, “her picture kept circulating, passing from classmate to classmate throughout their middle school,” and then “one afternoon, she opened her school email to find a video with her image with sound effects from a porn video playing with it.”

That kind of situation is already sickening, but the creation of fake nude images adds another layer of transgression. In the Beverly Hills case, according to NBC News, not only were middle schoolers sexualizing their peers without consent by creating the fakes, they shared the images, which can only compound the pain.

“If you’re creating an image of someone else and doing it without their consent,” Heitner told me, “whether it’s real or fake, you are violating that person and violating their privacy, violating their safety.” In these situations, she said, girls may feel that their sense of social acceptance has been lost. They may feel a sense of torturous humiliation from not knowing who among their peers has seen these types of images and who hasn’t. In her book, Heitner describes situations in which girls stop going to school altogether.

But Heitner also cautioned against over-punishing the perpetrators when they are younger children. “It’s important to understand that a 12- or 13-year-old is developmentally different than an adult,” she said. While it may be appropriate to suspend that child or move them to a different school if their victims no longer want to be around them, they shouldn’t be indefinitely barred from all participation in school or cast out of society. They are redeemable; they can make amends and become adults who know better. (It should be noted that in the Beverly Hills case, according to NBC News, the superintendent of schools said that the students responsible could face suspension to expulsion, depending on how involved they were in creating and sharing the images.)

Kids need to be better educated, starting in elementary school, about technology and consent before things like this happen. If you think grammar school is too young to learn about such things, remember that these days it’s typical for kids to get their own cellphones at around 11 or 12, and many kids even younger than that have access to a family iPad with image creation and sharing capabilities. As Heitner writes in her book:

Teach your child the importance of never sharing an explicit message or photograph of another person — especially without that person’s consent. Explain to them that regardless of how they came across the explicit image or message, passing it on to someone else is unethical, perpetuates that person’s violation, and is very likely illegal in their state (especially if the image is of a minor).

The relevant laws apply most directly to real photos, though. In some states, A.I.-generated nudes exist in more of a legal gray area. There is no federal law that protects victims of deepfakes, and, according to reporting by Tenbarge and Melissa Chan, “Politicians and legal experts say there are few, if any, pathways to recourse for victims of A.I.-generated and deepfake pornography” — almost all of whom are women, according to a 2019 study. School districts and our legal system need to move quickly to come up with policies that deal with these issues, because they are not going away and they are only going to become more pervasive as technology evolves and proliferates.

Heitner also emphasized the importance of getting to the root of this kind of behavior. “We actually need to lean into teaching kids about empathy and respecting one another’s humanity,” she said, and also look at “the misogyny and homophobia in society that seems to be giving these kids license to bully along these very sort of gendered lines and police one another’s bodies.”

I regularly hear from people who say they’re perplexed that young women still feel so disempowered, given the fact that they’re earning the majority of college degrees and doing better than their male counterparts by several metrics. At a certain level, it’s not that complicated: Girls frequently feel less-than because they know that some of their peers have the impression that they’re allowed to be thoughtlessly degrading. And further, they know that a portion of society values them only as objects . They walk through the world with that weight on their shoulders, and it’s up to all of us to help lift it.

Jessica Grose is an Opinion writer for The Times, covering family, religion, education, culture and the way we live now.

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