New York is brimming with endless opportunities. Take in the sights of famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Afterward, enjoy a slice of pizza or a hot dog while strolling through Times Square or Central Park. If the tourist traps aren’t your thing, then there are many unique things to do in New York as well.
Here are 14 unique things to do in New York, with a specific focus on New York City. You’ll find a ton of fun activities and culturally enriching experiences in the City That Never Sleeps!
1. Visit The Tenement Museum
Explore the rich, multicultural history of New York at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. This museum offers guided tours of historically restored tenement apartments and businesses.
By visiting the exhibits, you’ll get a first-hand look at what life was like for immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a profound way to experience the city’s past through the stories of those who shaped it.
2. Walk The High Line
The High Line is an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line above Manhattan’s West Side. It offers spectacular views of the city’s architecture and the Hudson River.
If you’re afraid of heights, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the area as well. The park features lush horticulture, art installations, and public seating areas—a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a reflective escape from the city bustle.
3. Explore Roosevelt Island
Do you want to find unique things to do in New York that involve sightseeing? Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway for stunning aerial views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge.
Once on the island, you won’t want to miss the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and the abandoned Smallpox Hospital. Both of these destinations are great for history buffs who want to learn something new.
4. Discover the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal
There are many hidden gems in New York. For instance, the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is a hotspot you won’t want to miss!
Located in front of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant, this architectural feature allows people at opposite diagonal corners of the tiled archway to hear each other’s whispers clearly. It’s a quirky, fun experience for visitors of all ages.
5. Attend a Live TV Show Taping
In the age of streaming, a live studio audience is no longer as popular. Luckily, you can get your fix of this form of entertainment live in New York.
New York City is the hub for many American TV shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” or “Saturday Night Live.” Sometimes you can even win free tickets!
6. Explore the Secret Chambers beneath the Brooklyn Bridge
The most unique things to do in New York are often hidden from tourists. For instance, the Brooklyn Bridge has secret vaults that were once used for wine storage.
While not always open to the public, these chambers are sometimes accessible through special tours. It’s a little-known fact that adds an intriguing layer to this iconic landmark.
7. Kayak on the Hudson River
Are you an outdoorsy person? You won’t want to miss kayaking on the Hudson River.
Several pieces across the river offer free kayaking sessions during the summer. It’s a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective while getting a bit of exercise.
8. Tour the Ghostbusters Firehouse
Movie fans will love this hidden gem located in Tribeca. The Hook & Ladder Company 8 firehouse is famous for its role in the Ghostbusters movies.
Fans of the franchise will enjoy seeing this piece of cinematic history. Check out memorabilia and make plenty of jokes about who you’re going to call along the way!
9. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Enjoy panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island for free! You can do all your sightseeing in one day by taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
This 25-minute journey is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Take in the scenic views and meet plenty of interesting people who are also along for the ride.
10. Explore the Green-Wood Cemetery
If you’re not easily afraid, then a day in the cemetery could be an enjoyable way to experience the city. Green-Wood Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Brooklyn with plenty of famous gravestones.
Visit the resting place of famous figures like Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The cemetery is also known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, serene ponds, and stunning hillside views of Manhattan.
11. Visit the Earth Room
Beautiful art is found all over New York City. Experience some of that culture by visiting the New York Earth Room.
This interior earth sculpture by Walter De Maria is located in a SoHo loft. This installation, consisting of 280,000 pounds of soil, combines the realms of art, nature, and architecture in an unexpected urban setting.
12. Go Birdwatching in Central Park
Central Park is a haven for migrating birds and a great spot for birdwatching, This activity is a serene way to sightsee while enjoying all the nature NYC has to offer.
The Ramble, one of the park’s three woodland landscapes, is particularly popular among birdwatchers. You’ll see a diverse avian population, and maybe even see species you’ve never seen before.
13. Attend the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island
Each summer, Coney Island hosts the Mermaid Parade. This is the largest art parade in the United States.
Participants dress in handcrafted costumes inspired by seafaring mythology. Try to time your trip so you can experience this splash of color and creativity on the boardwalk.
14. Check Out the Floating Farmhouse
While New York has a plethora of farmers markets, one of the biggest hidden gems is this floating farmhouse. Located on the East River, Swale is a floating food forest where visitors can pick fruits and vegetables for free.
It’s a unique initiative that blends urban farming with educational projects on sustainability. Check it out while you’re in the area.
Heart New York
If you don’t want to fall into the typical tourist traps, there are plenty of unique things to do in New York instead. The city’s charm extends far beyond its famous landmarks.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, delving into these hidden NYC gems can offer new perspectives and add an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. You can uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and creativity that the Big Apple has to offer.
Read More:
15 Unconventional Chicago Adventures You Need to Try
10 Unexpected Pitfalls of Using Electric Scooters in the City
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.