The City That Never Sleeps… But You Might
So, you think you know New York City? The Big Apple, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, the city that never sleeps. Most people come here for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, or a heated debate about the best slice of pizza. But whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s a lot more to this dainty piece of urban paradise if you’re willing to step off the beaten path. Let’s take the road less traveled and explore some unusual things to do in New York City.
An Abandoned Subway Station, Because Why Not?
If you’re tired of crowded platforms and screeching train brakes, you might enjoy a visit to the abandoned City Hall Subway Station. It’s like stumbling upon an urban time capsule right beneath your feet! Built in 1904, the beautiful architecture of this unused station will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Pro-tip: You can catch a glimpse when riding the 6 train as it loops back uptown from the Brooklyn Bridge stop, but an official tour makes it worth its weight in subway tokens.
Secret Speakeasies That Make “Secret” Look Cool Again
Once you’re done with the ordinary [bars in New York], take a leap back in time to the roaring twenties. NYC’s speakeasies are hidden gems where the password will get you more than a free WiFi connection—it gets you in. Try Please Don’t Tell, hidden behind a vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs. Gimmicky? Sure. But what are you going to do, complain from inside your time machine?
When Macy’s Won’t Do: Wild Shopping Moves
If the usual retail therapy isn’t cutting it, take yourself over to The Evolution Store in Soho. This one-of-a-kind shop is like a cocktail of museums served with a generous twist of bizarre. Where else can you find a $20,000 mammoth tusk, a genuine human skull, and crystals that could make your yoga instructor weep tears of joy? It’s perfect for when you need a truly unique gift, or just some bragging rights.
Get Weird at the Museum of the American Gangster
If exploring illegal operations and seedy underground activities sounds intriguing—and less incriminating than it did just now—take a trip to the Museum of the American Gangster. Nestled fittingly above a theatre in the East Village, this spot dives deep into the Goodfellas of yesteryears. Al Capone would be proud, or at least not prison-fugitive disappointed.
A Midnight Cabal: Sleep No More
Let’s shake up your theater experience with Sleep No More, an immersive production combining Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Hitchcockian suspense at New York’s McKittrick Hotel. The audience isn’t asked to follow along because, darling, you’re IN IT. Wander freely through various rooms and scenarios, like the confused star of your own drama. Who needs dinner theatre when you can binge-act?
Welcome To The Chocolate Factory
For your sweet tooth’s ultimate indulgence, the Tache Artisan Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn is a must-visit. Attend a chocolate-making class and unleash your inner Willy Wonka—minus the orange workforce, thank you very much. But remember, calories in New York don’t count, especially when consumed in the name of art and education.
Underground Markets For An Above Average Experience
Smorgasburg is great and all, but if you’re yearning for something a little less… mainstream, seek out the Hester Street Fair. The market combines local culture, food, and art in one eclectic package. Lifelong New Yorkers might question if such a magical place exists, while tourists won’t believe they stumbled on something not in the guidebooks. Your move, Lonely Planet.
When Reality Bites: Travel Simulators Galore
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the ins and outs of air travel from the comfort of an expired JFK terminal, you can at TWA Hotel. Parked smack-dab in the middle is a restored Connie airplane that’s been turned into a cocktail bar. Because let’s face it, some of us only get dressed up to hear the words, “Is there a doctor on board?”
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