Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Janell
New York City has many popular and renowned attractions such as Times Square, The Empire State Building and The Statue Of Liberty. While these are all worth experiencing, they only offer a small taste of the Big Apple. For a truly memorable and unique NYC trip, why not explore some of the less touristy and off-the-beaten-track attractions that this city has to offer? Below are 10 examples of offbeat things to do in NYC.
Explore the ruins of Roosevelt Island
On the southern end of Roosevelt Island, you’ll find the impressive and spooky ruins of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital. This roofless gothic structure makes for some great photographs – especially at dusk with the Manhattan skyline in the background. The ruins are not open to the public, however you can walk around them via the island’s walking paths. To reach Roosevelt Island take the F train or the Roosevelt Island tram.
Go on a jazz cruise
Attend a jazz performance while exploring the sights of New York harbour by sea. These cruises typically take place in the evening, providing a great opportunity to photograph landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as the sun sets. There are even dinner cruises available where you can enjoy top quality food while listening to jazz and sightseeing. These cruises depart from Chelsea Piers and Lower Manhattan.
Climb a skyscraper
If you’re feeling brave, NYC offers the opportunity to scale the outside of a skyscraper Spiderman-style. City Climb at Hudson Yards offers a controlled ‘lean-out’ over the edge at 1,200 feet. Don’t worry – you have a harness! This could make a great NYC gift experience for a friend or relative who is a thrillseeker. Photos can be purchased afterwards.
Take pictures outside the Ghostbusters firehouse
Avid cinephiles should consider planning a stop at 14 North Street in Tribeca, where you’ll find the FDNY firehouse featured in the movie Ghostbusters. It’s a great place to take some photos (just be wary that it is a working firehouse so fire trucks may need to come in and out). Spare an hour afterwards to explore the cobblestone streets of Tribeca where you’ll find lots of chic cafes and the Tribeca Art Factory.
Make cocktails at a speakeasy
During the prohibition era, many hidden bars known as ‘speakeasies’ were set up around New York City. You can still visit several original speakeasies, as well as a few modern ones with secret entrances (and in some cases ‘passwords’). While grabbing a drink in one of these bars is a popular tourist activity, some of these bars also offer mixology classes, providing a chance to learn how to make classic New York cocktails like the Manhattan. Make sure to book one of these events in advance as they have limited places.
Visit the New York Transit Museum
A trip to NYC isn’t complete without a ride on the subway. However, you can take this subway experience to a new level by visiting the New York Transit Museum. Located in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, this museum is a love letter to how NYC moves. Board vintage subway cars, explore adverts through the ages and learn about the city’s underground evolution. You can find this attraction at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Attend a robotic church service
In Red Hook in Brooklyn, artist Chico MacMurtie and Amorphic Robot Works present the Robotic Church – an immersive performance involving robotic congregants in a former church building. Rows of robots carry out a carefully choreographed concert made up of percussion and light. It’s definitely one of the weirder attractions you’ll find in NYC.
Unfortunately, the Robotic Church is only open on select nights for shows and tickets can run out quickly, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and plan your visit carefully if you’re interested in this sci-fi art installation.
See the Berlin Wall
You don’t have to fly to Germany to see the Berlin Wall. Several original segments of this Cold War structure can be found throughout New York and are still marked with graffiti from the 1980s. You’ll find a few slabs on Madison Avenue near Paley Park, a piece in Battery Park and a segment in the gardens of the United Nations Headquarters (you may need to book a tour to see this one). It’s worth noting that these sections of wall are occasionally moved, so check their location online in advance.
Stand on the Marilyn Monroe subway grate
Visit Lexington Avenue and East 52nd Street to channel the iconic movie moment from The Seven Year Itch, where Marilyn Monroe’s dress famously billowed up. There is no plaque or sign to mark this location, so you may just have to guess as to which subway grate it is. Be wary that this street can get very busy – early morning is often the best time to take a photograph so that you’re not getting in the way of crowds.
Tour New York by helicopter
For a unique and breathtaking view of Central Park and landmarks like the Empire State Building, consider taking a helicopter tour of New York. The tours typically depart from Downtown Manhattan Heliport or New Jersey and last 15 to 30 minutes. It’s a chance to see all the landmarks from above and take some stunning photographs. Helicopter tours are weather-dependent – to make sure that your tour isn’t cancelled, consider planning a visit in the summer when there’s a better chance of clear skies.