As a huge tourist hotspot, there are no shortage of guides on the biggest things to see and do in New York City. But once you've already been to all those places, what's left? Trust us, there's plenty more waiting to be discovered.
From Manhattan to Brooklyn and Roosevelt Island, there are endless quirky places to be discovered, offering all sorts of fun pastimes. So, for the low-down on unique activities to do in NYC, check out our list below - whether you need an unusual date location, ideas for groups, or even something that's totally free.
Unusual Activities In NYC
1. Visit These Whacky Museums
We all know that New York is packed with iconic museums like the Natural History Museum and The Guggenheim, but if you've already been there and done that, then take a look at these quirkier picks instead. There are countless places to choose from, whether you're after immersive art galleries or uber-niche exhibitions. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Met Cloisters - everyone knows The Met, but their lesser-known sister museum in Fort Tryon Park specializes in European medieval art and architecture
- Tenement Museum - this is a not-for-profit cultural institution that recreates historic homes of immigrants, migrants and refugees across apartments that you can tour
- New York Transit Museum - this Brooklyn museum is entirely dedicated to the history of public transportation, from the Subway to buses and commuter rail systems
- Museum Of Sex - this one is self-explanatory really - it's a museum dedicated to the evolution of human sexuality
- Color Factory - full of immersive, playful installations, this museum is made up of multiple rooms filled with different colours
- The Dream House - located in Tribeca, The Dream House displays a combination of constantly fluctuating sound waves, paired with neon pink reflections of light
- Spyscape - a 60,000-square-foot interactive experience that turns you into a spy, in games developed with top MI6 trainers and psychologists
Color Factory (left) and Tenement Museum (right) are two of our top picks.
2. Check Out Some Street Art
Known for being a cultural melting pot, it makes sense that New York is filled with cool, edgy and inspiring street art. From graffitied murals to unusual statues in major parks, these are the best places to find it:
- Freeman Alley - a hidden gem on the Lower East Side, Freeman Alley is a secret spot that's filled with graffiti from a range of international artists
- Berlin Wall Section - there are five pieces of the painted Berlin Wall across New York, in the United Nations Sculpture Garden, the Kowsky Plaza, Times Square, Madison Avenue and within the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Alice in Wonderland statue - perched in Central Park, this is a huge bronze statue of Alice, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit from the classic novel
- Graffiti Hall of Fame - this is a schoolyard in Harlem that has been decorated with urban art for more than 30 years, attracting some of the world's top street artists
- Wyckoff Street Mosaic - this Brooklyn-based mosaic is a detailed swirl of colors and textures, which from afar merge to create faces and patterns
- Coney Art Walls - is an outdoor museum of street art curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Joseph Sitt, where concerts and other events are often held
Soak up the culture with this free activity in New York City.
3. Head To These Quirky Food And Drink Spots
Bored of all the usual restaurants and bars? Whether you're after crazy things to do in NYC at night or just fancy trying some delicious eats in quirky surrounds, we've sourced all the most unusual places to eat and drink - so you don't have to:
- Le Boudoir - this intimate Brooklyn speakeasy is styled after Marie Antoinette's chambers, promising live jazz and cocktails
- Nonnas of the World - this weird and wonderful spot has a rotating selection of international grandmas cooking their signature dishes
- Sakagura - this hidden izakaya is found under an office building, serving more than 260 different types of sake
- Russian and Turkish Baths Café - this long-standing spot is known for its steam rooms, saunas and spa treatments, but there's a tasty cafe on-site too
- Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen - to the naked eye this may seem like an unassuming Jewish deli, but the owner has been building up a fine art collection on its walls for years
- Holtermann's Bakery - this is the oldest family based bakery on Staten Island, serving the original New York treat Charlotte Russe - hard to find these days
- Burp Castle - this medieval monastery-themed beer bar in the East Village already looks quirky, but the most unusual part is that you have to be quiet here - indoor voices please
Indoor activities in NYC don't get much better than quirky speakeasies or home-cooked meals.
4. Explore New York's Abandoned Subway Stations
- Location: across the subway system
- Price: from free
- Best for: adventurous tourists or New Yorkers who want to learn more about their city
- Why we recommend: you won't find an insight into New York's past quite like this anywhere else, and many of these stations can be explored on your own, though there are tours available if you prefer something more organised
Dating back more than 120 years, New York City's subway has got a lot of history to it. And with all the developments over the years, it's natural that a few stations and sections of the network have become disused over the years. But that doesn't mean you can't still explore these abandoned locations.
There most well-known of these is Old City Hall, which you can tour courtesy of The New York City Transit Museum. There are also stations which are easily accessible on foot, from Court Street Station to Sedgwick Avenue.
Explore New York's history in a whole new way at these abandoned stations.
5. Roosevelt Island Tramway
- Location: 254 E 60th Street, Tramway Plaza, NY 10022
- Price: $2.90 per ride (single)
- Best for: getting a good view of the city
- Why we recommend: this is an affordable way to reach a new part of New York, and we love the picturesque views from on board the cable car
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a unique transport system that connects Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. These cable cars offer an amazing view of the city as you cross the river, making for amazing photo opportunities and costing less than $3 per journey.
The ride takes only four minutes, and there's all sorts to explore on the island once you're there, from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park to the historic Blackwell Island Lighthouse.
Admire the city from above on this cable car.
6. Take An Open-Door Helicopter Ride
- Location: Manhattan
- Price: varies
- Best for: thrill-seekers
- Why we recommend: we love a high-adrenaline experience, and this is the ultimate one in NYC. And if you love getting amazing Instagram shots, this is definitely the thing for you
If you've ever seen photos of someone dangling their legs from a helicopter above New York City, you may be wanting to try this high-adrenaline experience yourself. There are multiple providers offering helicopter rides, including FlyNYON, Manhattan Helicopters and HeliNY.
You can choose between an open or closed-door trip, providing unbelievable views of Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and beyond. This is bound to raise a few hairs, and you'll be able to snap an Instagram-worthy shot of your own.
See NYC in a whole new light from these aerial tours.
7. Stop Off At The Grand Central Terminal Whispering Gallery
- Location: 89 E 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10017
- Price: free
- Best for: a unique phenomenon that's free to witness
- Why we recommend: there aren't many things to do that are both free and require no reservations, and we love stopping off here for a fun activity while travelling around the city
This busy station isn't all about transportation, as it's also got a whispering gallery within the building. There's a domed intersection on the lower floor, where if you whisper on one side of the arch it can be heard on the other.
This phenomenon is caused by the unusually perfect arches that make up the gallery, with distinctive tile work known as 'Gustavino' tiles. Plus, it can be accessed at any time for free.
Share secrets in this bustling station.
8. Play Games At An Arcade
- Location: multiple locations
- Price: varies
- Best for: nostalgic fun
- Why we recommend: retro arcades are a great way to unleash your inner kid, with old-school machines and consoles to get competitive over. And whether you're after a unique date night, a group night out or an afternoon with family, they're fun for everyone
Found all over the city, New York's arcades are a great way to have fun with friends, family or a partner. There are countless options to choose from, such as quirky bars filled with retro consoles or family-friendly destinations that promise nostalgic entertainment.
We've rounded up all the best places for gaming while sipping cocktails and eating street food, from Chinatown Fair to Lucky Strike and Barcade's many venues.
Try your hand at some nostalgic arcade games.
9. Ferry To Governors Island
- Location: New York Harbor
- Price: free
- Best for: a day trip
- Why we recommend: we always feel so peaceful on this hidden gem of an island, and the views of the iconic Statue of Liberty and beyond certainly add to the experience
After non-touristy things to do in New York? Just 800 yards from Lower Manhattan and even closer to Brooklyn, Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor that many people don't know about. it's accessible via a short ferry ride, and while it still counts as part of Manhattan, you feel like you've stepped into a whole new world here.
The car-free area is ultra-peaceful, with green gardens to stroll around and views of the Statue of Liberty. You can rent a grill for the day at Picnic Point and cook up a feast, or head to a restaurant at sunset if you want to leave things to the professionals.
This tranquil island is a stone's throw from Brooklyn and Manhattan.
10. Attend Shakespeare In The Park
- Location: 81 Central Park W, NY 10024
- Price: free
- Best for: theater lovers
- Why we recommend: you can see huge actors in a mesmerising performance without spending a penny, and the setting is beautiful as well. Though it may not be a true hidden gem due to its popularity, we still think it's pretty rare to find something like this outside of New York
One of the biggest events of the year, Shakespeare in the Park takes over the Delacorte Theater in Central Park every summer. They choose a new play each year, performed open-air against a backdrop of the Belvedere Castle, and it's totally free to attend - although tickets are required.
In 2025, you can catch Twelfth Night from August 7th to September 14th, featuring big names like Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Tickets are highly competitive, you can get them by lining up in person at the Delacorte on the day of the show or entering an online lottery.
You won't find a much more gorgeous backdrop than this.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to rooftop bars in New York City.
