New York City is famous for its iconic landmarks and bustling streets, but for those seeking an offbeat adventure, there’s much more to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. The city offers a variety of hidden gems, strange experiences, and quirky activities that cater to those who crave something different. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, these unconventional activities will give you a fresh perspective on the Big Apple.
From abandoned subway stations to secret speakeasies, New York has a rich history of eccentricities waiting to be discovered. You won’t find these spots in your average travel guide. Instead, you’ll have to venture into lesser-known corners of the city, where the unexpected is always just around the corner. These oddities are perfect for travelers looking to step off the beaten path and dive into the city’s more unusual side.
So, if you’re ready to break away from the crowds and explore New York like never before, keep reading. It’s time to uncover the hidden wonders of this incredible city, where the strange and the wonderful coexist in the most fascinating ways.
Unusual Adventures in the Big Apple
For those seeking more than just the typical tourist spots, New York City offers plenty of unconventional adventures. Explore its hidden corners, embrace quirky experiences, and uncover a side of the city that many miss.
Start your journey with a visit to the abandoned City Hall subway station. This stunning, opulent station was closed to the public in 1945 but can still be glimpsed during certain subway rides on the 6 train. Another unique location is the Elevated Acre, a secret garden on top of a skyscraper in the Financial District. Tucked away behind office buildings, it offers a peaceful retreat with incredible views.
If you enjoy the eccentric and the unusual, the Museum of Sex in the Flatiron District is a provocative yet informative experience showcasing the history of human sexuality through art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. For a more thrilling adventure, embark on an urban treasure hunt with a scavenger hunt tour through Brooklyn’s hidden gems and offbeat locations.
For nature lovers, the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is more than just a burial ground. With its Gothic architecture, wooded paths, and historical monuments, it provides a serene yet mysterious environment for exploration. Alternatively, take a kayak ride along the Hudson River for an unexpected perspective of Manhattan’s skyline, all while enjoying the tranquility of the water.
Finally, finish your day with a visit to the Sleep No More immersive theater experience. This avant-garde production blurs the lines between reality and performance as you move freely through the rooms, creating a personalized and haunting adventure through an old, abandoned hotel.
Explore Abandoned Subway Stations
New York City’s subway system is a labyrinth of tunnels and stations, but not all of them are in use. For those interested in urban exploration, the city’s abandoned subway stations offer a glimpse into a forgotten world beneath the streets.
One of the most famous abandoned stations is the City Hall Station, an architectural gem that closed in 1945. With its beautiful tile work, vaulted ceilings, and intricate details, it stands as a reminder of New York’s past. Though it’s not open to the public, you can catch a glimpse of it by staying on the 6 train as it loops around the station at the end of its route.
Another intriguing site is the old Myrtle Avenue station in Brooklyn, which closed in the 1960s. Though the platform is no longer accessible to passengers, you can still see remnants of the station from nearby subway tunnels. Urban explorers sometimes venture into the depths of the subway system to uncover other abandoned stations like the former Worth Street Station or the elusive 191st Street Tunnel.
While access to most abandoned stations is restricted, there are occasional guided tours and special events that allow visitors to experience these forgotten spaces. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to step into a part of New York’s history that remains hidden from the masses.
Visit the Museum of Math
For those who see beauty in numbers, the Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) offers an exciting and interactive experience in the heart of New York City. This unique museum celebrates the wonder of mathematics through hands-on exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
MoMath’s exhibits invite you to explore mathematical concepts in fun and surprising ways. Try your hand at twisting shapes, solving puzzles, or experimenting with motion to uncover the hidden patterns in everyday life. The museum’s immersive exhibits, like the “Square-Wheeled Trike” and “Math Midway,” let you engage with math in ways you never thought possible.
Beyond just numbers, the museum delves into the connections between math, art, and technology. You’ll find yourself fascinated by the geometric beauty of kaleidoscopes and the mesmerizing patterns in fractals. Whether you’re a math enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to the Museum of Math offers a fresh perspective on the world around you.
Located in Manhattan, MoMath is an unconventional stop for those looking to experience New York from a different angle, offering a playful yet educational way to dive into the world of mathematics.
Take a Nighttime Sail on the Harbor
For an unconventional way to experience New York City, consider taking a nighttime sail on the harbor. As the city lights flicker on, the view of Manhattan from the water transforms into a dazzling skyline of glowing towers and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
These evening sails offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the gentle breeze of the harbor adding to the calm atmosphere. Whether aboard a classic schooner or a private yacht, you can enjoy stunning views without the crowds found on more traditional tours.
The contrast between the quiet of the water and the vibrant city skyline creates a magical setting perfect for reflection or simply taking in the beauty of the night. Some tours even include wine and cheese, enhancing the experience as you sail past the illuminated Statue of Liberty or drift along the East River with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge lit up against the night sky.
A nighttime sail on the harbor is one of the best ways to see New York from a different perspective, offering an intimate, tranquil experience that few tourists get to enjoy.
Discover Hidden Bars and Speakeasies
New York City is home to a number of hidden bars and speakeasies that transport you back to the Prohibition era, where secretive entrances and unique atmospheres reign. These elusive spots are tucked away behind unmarked doors, inside basements, or hidden within everyday storefronts, offering a sense of adventure to those willing to seek them out.
One of the most exciting aspects of these hidden bars is their secrecy. Finding them often involves navigating through obscure alleyways, behind bookcases, or inside unassuming shops. Once inside, you’re greeted with a world of craft cocktails, vintage decor, and a sense of being part of an exclusive, underground society.
Some speakeasies focus on creating an immersive experience, from the ambiance to the drinks themselves, offering creative concoctions and high-quality spirits. The charm of these hidden gems lies not just in their drinks but in their unique, intimate settings that make you feel like you’re part of something special.
Exploring New York’s hidden bars and speakeasies offers a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience, letting you step into a world of mystery and nostalgia while enjoying expertly crafted beverages in an atmosphere that is anything but ordinary.
Tour Secret Rooftop Gardens
New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers, but hidden among these urban giants are secret rooftop gardens, offering a quiet escape above the bustling streets. These lush green spaces, often tucked away in unexpected locations, provide a serene environment with stunning views of the city skyline.
Some rooftop gardens are part of private buildings, accessible only to residents, while others are open to the public, albeit in a more exclusive or restricted manner. These gardens range from minimalist spaces with carefully curated plants to elaborate oases filled with flowers, trees, and even art installations.
Exploring these secret gardens offers a rare chance to experience a side of the city that many overlook. Some tours guide visitors to these hidden green spaces, revealing not only the natural beauty but also the stories behind their creation and design. Whether you’re walking among wildflowers or relaxing in a Zen-inspired space, rooftop gardens provide a peaceful respite from the city’s fast pace.
A rooftop garden tour in New York lets you discover the surprising blend of nature and architecture, offering a refreshing perspective of the city that is far from the typical tourist path.
Experience a Silent Disco in Central Park
A silent disco in Central Park offers a one-of-a-kind way to dance the night away while surrounded by nature. Instead of loud music blaring from speakers, participants wear wireless headphones, each tuned to their own DJ’s playlist. The result is a surreal experience where the park is filled with dancers grooving to the same beat, yet the environment remains tranquil for passersby.
These events often take place in the evenings, transforming Central Park into a lively dance party under the stars. The headphones create an immersive atmosphere, allowing you to switch between different channels, choosing your preferred DJ or genre. The contrast between the peaceful surroundings and the energetic movements of the crowd makes it feel like you’re part of a hidden world in the middle of New York City.
Silent discos in Central Park offer a playful, low-impact way to enjoy music while maintaining a sense of intimacy and fun. It’s an ideal activity for those looking for an unconventional way to experience one of New York’s most iconic locations, combining nature, nightlife, and a sense of community.
Walk Through Forgotten Cemeteries
New York City’s forgotten cemeteries offer a unique and eerie way to explore the city’s history. These hidden burial grounds, often tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, are filled with elaborate tombstones, weathered mausoleums, and fascinating stories of those who shaped the city’s past.
One of the most notable is the Trinity Church Cemetery in Lower Manhattan, which dates back to the 1600s. Here, you can stroll among the gravestones of notable figures like Alexander Hamilton’s family, offering a direct connection to the early days of New York. Another hidden gem is the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a sprawling, historic cemetery that features beautiful landscapes, ornate monuments, and is also home to various art installations and wildlife.
Walking through these forgotten cemeteries feels like stepping back in time, where the city’s past is preserved in the tombstones and the architecture of the final resting places. Each cemetery has its own unique atmosphere, from peaceful and reflective to mysterious and overgrown, making them a perfect spot for those looking for a more unconventional and introspective New York experience.
Attend an Underground Art Show
New York City’s underground art scene offers an alternative and often thrilling way to experience the city’s creative spirit. These secretive art shows, held in unconventional spaces like warehouses, basements, or hidden lofts, provide a raw and unfiltered look at the work of emerging artists. Unlike traditional galleries, these events are often spontaneous and experimental, allowing artists to push boundaries and engage with audiences in unexpected ways.
Underground art shows often feature a mix of visual art, performance, and interactive installations, blurring the lines between art forms. The venues are usually off-the-beaten-path, with minimal promotion, making them feel like exclusive events for those in the know. To find these shows, you may need to keep an eye on alternative event listings, social media groups, or word-of-mouth recommendations from local creatives.
Attending an underground art show in New York is not just about viewing art but about immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant counterculture. These hidden gems offer a chance to discover cutting-edge works while experiencing the thrill of being part of an underground movement.