After a few months of hard work and dedication, you finally have some time off. So what to do, what to do? Travel, of course! And what better destination to visit than the always-exciting, never-boring New York City?
Sure, you could hit up the usual tourist spots: Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. But where’s the fun in that?
If you want to make the most of your vacation and see everything that New York City has to offer then you need to think about doing something a little different, something off the beaten path.
Luckily, New York City has no shortage of interesting and unique things to do. Here are 10 offbeat things to do in New York City:
1. Take a walking tour of the city
There are many different companies that offer walking tours of New York City, and they are a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll learn about the history and architecture of the city as you walk around, and you’ll get to see some of the less touristy parts of town. Do you want some hints on what you could see on such a tour? The Brooklyn Bridge, the Woolworth Building, Grand Central Station, and the United Nations headquarters are all possibilities. I’ll let you discover the rest!
People love walking tours because they are a great way to get some exercise while sightseeing. They are also relatively cheap, and you can usually find coupons or discounts online. Plus, you can go at your own pace and stop to take pictures or rest whenever you want. You’ll also get the chance to meet new people and chat with your tour guide.
2. Visit a speakeasy
New York City was once home to many speakeasies, and there are still a few around today. These hidden bars are a great way to experience a piece of history, and they make for a unique night out. I’ll give you some hints on what to look for: an unmarked door, a password, and a dimly lit interior. Once you find one, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
If you’re interested in visiting a speakeasy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, they are usually hidden, so you’ll need to do some research to find one. Secondly, they often have strict dress codes, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately. And finally, they can be quite pricey, so be prepared to spend a bit of money.
3. See a show at an off-Broadway theater
Off-Broadway theaters are small, independent theaters that produce shows that are usually less mainstream than those on Broadway. Seeing a show at an off-Broadway theater is a great way to support local artists and see something a little different. Some of the most popular off-Broadway theaters in New York City include the Public Theater, the Atlantic Theater Company, and the Signature Theatre Company.
Tickets to off-Broadway shows are usually less expensive than Broadway shows, but they can still be pricey. You can often find discounted tickets online or at the box office on the day of the show. However, the experience of seeing a show at an off-Broadway theater is definitely worth the price.
4. Attend a street fair
New York City is home to many different street fairs, and they are a great way to experience the city’s diverse culture. From food to art to music, you’ll find it all at a street fair. You can find street fairs all year round, but the most popular ones are usually in the summer. Some of the most popular street fairs in New York City include the Brooklyn Book Festival, the New York City Wine and Food Festival, and the Sixth Borough Fair.
Most street fairs are free to attend, but some of them do charge a small fee. You can usually find information about upcoming street fairs online.
5. Go on a food tour
Food tours are a great way to sample the best that New York City has to offer. You’ll get to try a variety of different dishes and learn about the city’s culinary history. For instance, on a food tour of Chinatown, you’ll get to try authentic Chinese cuisine and learn about the neighborhood’s history. Not into Chinese food? Don’t worry. There are food tours for nearly every type of cuisine imaginable.
There are many different companies that offer food tours, but make sure you choose the right JFK limo service for you. You’ll be in safe hands, with great connoisseurs that know where all the hidden foodie gems are. Some tours are more expensive than others, but they are all worth it for the food lover.
6. Shop at a flea market
New York City is home to many different flea markets, and they are great places to find unique gifts or souvenirs. You can also often find good deals on vintage clothing and furniture. If you are a collectionner, then a flea market is a great place to find rare and interesting items.
Some of the most popular flea markets in New York City include the Brooklyn Flea Market, the Queens Flea Market, and the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. You can usually find information about upcoming flea markets online. Start digging and see what treasures you can find.
7. Visit a museum
New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, and there’s sure to be one that interests you. Whether you’re into art, history, or science, you’ll find a museum that will educate and entertain you.
For instance, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, and it’s a great place to spend a day. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Immigration History Museum or the 9/11 Memorial Museum. And if you’re looking for something different, you can check out the Museum of Sex or the American Museum of Natural History. Another great option is the New York Pass, which will give you access to over 80 different attractions, including many museums.
8. Go to a comedy club
New York City is home to many different comedy clubs, and they are a great way to spend an evening. You’ll laugh your head off while enjoying some of the best stand-up comedians in the business. Speaking of which, here are a few names you might recognize: Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer, and Kevin Hart.
There are many different comedy clubs to choose from, but some of the more popular ones include the Comedy Cellar, Carolines on Broadway, and Gotham Comedy Club. Tickets can be pricey, but you can often find discounts online. So, get a good laugh and enjoy a fun night out at a comedy club.
9. Take a bike tour
Seeing New York City by bike is a great way to get some exercise while taking in the sights. There are many different companies that offer bike tours, and they vary in length and price.
Make sure you choose a tour that’s right for you and be prepared to ride through some busy streets. But don’t worry, you’ll be in good hands with an experienced guide. And at the end of the day, you’ll have worked up an appetite and be ready to enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer. And boy, will you have some stories to tell your friends and family back home.
10. See a movie at an outdoor theater
Seeing a movie at an outdoor theater is a great way to enjoy the warm weather. There are many different outdoor theaters in New York City, and they usually show classic or cult films.
Some of the more popular outdoor theaters are the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, the Films on the Green festival, and the Rooftop Films summer series. Reputable names like the Museum of Modern Art also host outdoor movie screenings.
This is an experience not to be missed, especially if you’re a movie lover. So grab some popcorn and enjoy a film under the stars. For a romantic evening, try to find a theater that shows classic black-and-white films, like “Casablanca” or “Gone With the Wind.” Your beloved will be sure to appreciate the gesture, and you will create lasting memories.
Tickets are usually very affordable, and you can often find discounts online.
Takeaway
Traveling is never just about the destination – it’s also about the journey. And what better way to enjoy your travels than by experiencing all the different and unique things that New York City has to offer?
Whether you’re into food, art, history, or just want to have some fun, you’ll find something on this list that interests you. And remember: New York City is a great place for the culture vulture. There are many different things to see and do, and you’re sure to find something that interests you. So get out there and start exploring!