Think you’ve done it all in New York City? Famous for sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, there is plenty New York City is known for. But beyond the bright lights of Times Square, you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, Brooklyn’s cool, artsy spots and Queens’ diverse food scene. From hidden attractions to new city view points, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in New York City.
So if you’re buying a home in New York City, shopping for an apartment in your next neighborhood, or have your eyes on a rental house, check out these tips from local experts to help narrow down your options on what to do on your next outing in the Big Apple.
1. Find the best views in NYC
Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or just passing through, the West Side of Manhattan is full of iconic sights and experiences. For sought-after horizons, New York photographer and writer Stacie Stine recommends taking a run or bike ride on the West Side Highway to experience great Hudson views. “Or, hit up Pier i on 72nd for great sunset views after shopping at Zabar’s, the iconic gourmet grocery store,” says Stine.
To begin or end your day on the West Side, Stacie’s coffee secret is a little-known gem hidden inside one of the city’s most famous attractions: The Whitney Museum. The Frenchette Cafe in the lobby is new to the museum, opening in late 2023, and partners with the 8th floor Studio Cafe also located in the building – perfect for a cappuccino with a view
2. Hunt for the best street food
You’re not doing New York City right if you’re not sampling the vast array of food options. “If you’re hunting for street food that goes beyond the usual hot dogs, head to Roosevelt Avenue in Queens,” shares Shay, food blogger at New York Street Food.
“This lively stretch offers an authentic Latin American food tour, with everything from Colombian arepas to Mexican tacos, all served from carts that feel like hidden gems,” says Shay. “Don’t miss the Ecuadorian ceviche stalls—fresh, tangy, and a must-try. It’s the perfect spot to explore NYC’s vibrant, multicultural food scene off the beaten path.”
If you’re looking to tap into more of the globe, travel blogger Shweta from Zest in a Tote favors “a walking food tour through Greenwich Village, Chinatown, or Hell’s Kitchen” to round out your NYC foodie experience. Sign up for themed food tours, like desserts or pizza in the area, or make up your own. Whatever your taste, you won’t be going hungry in New York.
3. Discover a plane in the middle of the city
There are a few Easter eggs in New York City, and Anne Travel Foodie has the scoop on one of them – a rustic British World War I replica plane placed on top of one of the many highrises in the area. “You can find the replica of the plane on the rooftop of the 26th story high office building on 77 Water Street,” Anne reveals.
The plane was placed atop the building in 1970 as a way to distinguish the highrise from others surrounding it. While access to the rooftop itself is limited, you can head to the public plaza to see the plane; or, venture into the lobby of 77 Water Street for another surprise – a fully-operational, turn-of-the-century candy shop.
4. Explore abandoned ruins
Looking for arguably one of the most unique things to do in New York City? If you love a good thriller, head to the edge of Roosevelt Island across the way from Times Square, home of the Renwick Hospital that housed smallpox patients in the late 1800s.
“The atmosphere behind the walls feels like one created by Stephen King: here, you’ll find rusted gurneys and abandoned medical charts, glass broken in a hurry and hauntingly peeling wallpaper,” raves Maxime of Citizen Seven travel. The eerie quality of the crumbling stone structure, combined with the lights that illuminate the building at night, make for a special evening (or daytime if you prefer) experience.
Tack on an extra adventure, and get from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island via the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a cable car that flies you between skyscrapers for a spectacular view.
5. Be (fully) engrossed in local art
In a city that is known for attracting an abundance of visual wonders, why not take it a step further and engage your senses by stepping into an active exhibit? An expert on all things to do in NYC, City Guide director Ethan Wolff confides, “Immersive experiences are the newest wave of New York City attractions.”
In a slew of tours, shows, and experiences to choose from, Ethan suggests: “One great off-the-beaten-path destination is INTER_, which boasts two floors of otherworldly environments. The newest installation here is The INTERnet, a masterful large-scale weaving that visitors are invited to climb through and experience the artwork from within.”
The INTERnet is made up of thousands of feet of colorful webbing, allowing you to climb, jump, and float your way through the exhibition. It’s also handwoven, contributing to the complexity of the entire piece.
6. Embrace urban adventure
Let’s face it, no matter how old you are it’s fun to engage in some friendly competition with your crew. That’s why if you haven’t yet tried exploring your favorite New York City neighborhood by scavenger hunt, you need to add this activity to your list.
“Scavenger hunts turn the streets of New York into a playground,” explains Sam from Adventure Clues. Explore hidden treasures in Chinatown, trace a path along industrial New York history, or even spot new corners in the classic Central Park. “Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll be surprised by how much you discover along the way,” promises Jared Nissim, Director of Secret City Scavenger Hunts.
If you have kids, introduce them to Teddy and Puppy, your NYC adventure companions. Following an illustrated storybook that features a special map of the city, you and your loved ones will traipse around New York, uncovering both famous sights and hidden treasures. With less planning for you and more fun for them, this adventure is a great option whether you’re just visiting or looking for a fun weekend activity.
7. Adventure along New York City’s island coastlines
When you think of NYC you probably imagine a sea of buildings, but did you know you can actually access the ocean from the city? You can choose to stay on land and venture along the shore, looking out over the ocean. Or, charter a boat to see the city skyline from a new perspective.
The NYC coastline by bike
Matt Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, says his favorite way to experience this outdoor treasure is by bike. “NYC has over 600 miles of coast,” Matt explains. “However, less than six of those 600 miles actually face the ocean – and they’re down in the Rockaways.”
To start your coastline adventure, Matt suggests taking the Queensboro Bridge east to Queens Blvd to Woodhaven Blvd until you get to Howard Beach, where you can fuel up on a slice from New Park Pizza. From there, head along Broad Channel until you hit the Atlantic. “Go jump in the ocean,” Matt laughs, “you deserve it!”
To end your epic day by the water, refresh yourself with a frozen pina colada at Conolly’s on B94th – word on the street is that the bev comes with a rum floater.
The NYC coastline by boat
If biking isn’t your thing, experience the iconic NYC skyline from the water. Steve Masters, captain at Monty’s Ark Adventures, fully leans in to the idea of customizing your day out at sea to suit your needs.
“Whether you are looking for a leisurely cruise around the harbor, a dock and dine experience to locations such as Prime Steakhouse in Huntington or Louie’s in Port Washington, or a more adventurous excursion up the Hudson River for the glorious fall foliage,” shares the United States Coast Guard Master. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable New York experience when you go by boat.
8. Tick off items on your New York bucket list – for free
“It may be an expensive city, but there are so many unique things to do in New York City that are free that most people don’t think about,” reveals Rebeka from NYC for Free. “Instead of paying for a ticket, most museums offer a night once a month or once a week that is free. The Whitney is every Friday night and second Sunday, MoMA is every first Friday of the month, and the Brooklyn Museum is every first Saturday.”
“For an affordable afternoon”, Rebeka continues, “check out the area of Pier 57 (NYC’s only public rooftop park) and the food market below, plus Chelsea Market and Little Island are nearby.”
New York City is full of unique things to do
Whether you’re hopping between world-class museums, diving into street food from every corner of the globe, or just soaking in the unique energy of each borough, NYC is all about finding something exciting around every turn. Break your gaze away from the eye-catching popular sights of the Big Apple, and you’ll find countless treasures that make NYC a good place to live.
