Coolest things to see in new york

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

Plus, it’s kind of overrated, but that’s another story altogether. 

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 20 years, and know exactly where to go and what to do as we swan dive into this list epic list of unusual things to do in New York City.

Because guess what?

We’re about to get off the New York City tourist trail and look at some of the best non-touristy things to do in NYC (AKA some of my all-time favorite, cool things to do in NYC).

Truthfully:

Things might even get a little weird, like it sometimes does at some of the best hostels in New York City, as we experience some of the more alternative things to do in New York City, but I promise, it will all be worth it in the end. And while I may sound a bit cryptic here, I promise that no human sacrifices of any kind will be required, scout’s honor.

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.

Also, be sure to check out Go Buses if you want cheap bus tickets into and out of the city.

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.

***Not sure where to stay in NYC? Then check out 414 Hotel (Rooms at this chic, Hell’s Kitchen hotel start at $159 per night and include fridges, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. There’s even a working fireplace in the lobby!), The James New York (Chic, modern rooms at this Soho hotel start at $177 per night and feature high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, glassed-off bathrooms, plush linens made from natural materials, and more), The Bowery Hotel, (Rooms at this 5-star, Nolita hotel start at $300 per night and are cozy, but stylish, with free Wifi, free bike rentals, exquisite city views, and more). and Pod 39 (Located in Murray Hill, this pod hotel sits inside a residential home from 1918. Rooms here start at $120 per night and are cozy and outfitted with queen-size beds or stainless-steel bunk beds with individual TVs and bedside shelves).***

If you’re booking a trip right now then I IMPLORE you to get travel insurance – even if it’s not from me.

After all, this past year has been a wild ride and I don’t want you to lose money because government regulations have changed. 

Truth be told though, I’ve never traveled without travel insurance and don’t think you should either – especialy since I think we’ve all had plans drastically change because of the pandemic. 

Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. You can also read more about which policy is right for you in my full review here.

Contents show

1 Unusual Things to do in NYC: Manhattan

1.1 1. The MET Cloisters

1.2 2. The Escape Game

1.3 3. Visit The Evolution Store

1.4 4. Dream House

1.5 5. The Tenement Museum

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

1.7 7. Morgan Library and Museum

1.8 8. Merchant’s House Museum

1.9 9. The Seaglass Carousel

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

1.11 11. Visit the Old City Hall Station

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

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

1.14 14. Read under the stars at Albertine

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

1.16 16. Visit the Harry Potter New York Store

1.17 17. Meow Parlour Cat Cafe

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

2 Get Your FREE NEW YORK PACKING LIST NOW!

2.1 19. Spyscape Spy Museum

2.2 20. Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

2.3 21. The Vessel

2.4 22. Lexington Candy Shop

2.5 23. Take a Cupcake Tour through Greenwich Village!

2.6 24. Sleep No More

2.7 25. Serra By Birrreria Rooftop Bar

2.8 26. The Campbell

2.9 27. Felix Roasting Company

2.10 28. McSorley’s Old Ale House

2.11 29. Elevated Acre

2.12 30. MMuseumm

2.13 31. Take the Tram to Roosevelt Island

2.14 32. Stop by the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM

2.15 33. Neue Galerie

2.16 34. The Comedy Cellar

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

2.18 36. Visit The Beekman Hotel

2.19 37. Unwind at the Russian and Turkish Baths

2.20 38. Visit the Explorer’s Club Headquarters

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

2.22 40. Stop by Tannen’s Magic Shop

2.23 41. Visit a Tropical Rainforest inside the Ford Foundation Building

2.24 42. Have a Drink at the Trinity Place Bank Vault Bar

2.25 43. Peruse Through Some of the Murder Mysteries You’ll Find Inside the Mysterious Bookshop

2.26 44. Have a Drink at GoldBar, A Swank AF Night Club Beddazled in Gold Skulls

2.27 45. The Ghostbusters Firehouse

3 Unusual Things to do in New York City: Brooklyn

3.1 42. Sunshine Laundromat

3.2 46. New York Transit Museum

3.3 47. Visit the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store

3.4 48. Brooklyn Flea

3.5 49. Time Out Market

3.6 50. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

3.7 51. The Robotic Church

3.8 52. Get a Rainbow Bagel from The Bagel Store

4 Unusual Things to do in New York City: Queens

4.1 53. Chinatown in Flushing Queens

4.2 54. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

4.3 55. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

4.4 56. Visit the Ganesh Temple of Queens

4.5 57. Enjoy Some Water Sports!

4.6 58. Enjoy the Peace and Calm of the Noguchi Museum

4.7 59. Take in Some Modern Art at the Socrates Sculpture Park

4.8 60. Visit Fort Totten

4.9 61. Enjoy the Views from Atop the Brooklyn Grange Farms and Apiary

4.10 62. Loews Valencia Theatre

4.11 63. Swing by the Louis Armstrong House

4.12 64. Explore NYC’s Distant, Dutch History at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House

5 Unusual Things to do in New York City: The Bronx

5.1 65. Ride the Bronx Zoo Bug Carousel

5.2 66. Take a Scenic Stroll through Woodlawn Cemetery

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6.1 67. Visit The Edgar Allen Poe Cottage

6.2 68. Take a Leisurely Walkthrough Van Cortlandt Park

6.3 69. Visit the Hall of Fame for Great Americans

6.4 70. Swing by the Thain Family Forest

6.5 71. Eat REAL Italian Food Along the Bronx’s Famed Arthur Avenue

7 Unusual Things to do in New York City: Staten Island

7.1 72. Enjoy a Home Cooked Meal at Enoteca Maria

7.2 73. Enjoy a Brief Moment of Solitude at the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

7.3 74. Marvel at Some Vintage Photography at the Alice Austen House

7.4 75. Learn About the American Revolution at Conference House

7.5 76. Other Unusual Things to do in Staten Island

8 Additional New York Travel Resources You’ll Love

8.1 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.

8.2 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.

8.3 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!

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