Is there anyone who doesn’t know about New York City or NYC? Known as the city that never sleeps, it is one of the most glamorous cities in the world. You wouldn’t be wrong to say that New York is a financial, fashion, and cultural hub in the United States. From towering skyscrapers and the iconic Statue of Liberty to the beautiful Central Park and Weird NYC Attractions, NYC is irresistible because of its alluring charm. Almost every attraction in New York City is internally-renowned that includes world-class museums, historic streets, and delectable food. But, there is more to explore and experience in NYC. Wondering what? Yes, I am talking about those weird things to do in New York. Evidently, there is no need to tell any traveler about the popular tourist attractions in NYC considering the popularity of this vibrant city. The only need to talk about New York tourism is the weird things to do in NYC that most miss. So, let’s begin our list of the best weird things to do in New York.
Table of Contents
Weird NYC Attractions
Spyscape
Spyscape is a museum, in fact, I should say one of the unusual museums in NYC. The museum allows you to find your inner spy. It has an interactive sequence. It is indeed a cool spot that is ideal to visit for people of all ages. There are exhibitions that are built in such a way that test your skills in encryption, deception, hacking, surveillance, and special ops. Not just this, the museum also gives you a little history tour and tells you about the history of spies. The concept in itself is so unusual that Spyscape becomes a must-visit attraction in New York City.
Location
928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee
39 USD
The Graffiti Tunnel
Visiting Graffiti Tunnel is indeed one of the most unusual things to do in NYC. The tunnel is located at 191 st subway station. It is often considered to be one of the hidden NYC attractions in the vibrant and gleaming city of New York. You won’t get to see many people as it is only known to the people of Washington Heights. The Graffiti Tunnel links the subway station with the street. The tunnel was once a dirty, dark place full of rats. Thus, in order to make it more lively, artists were hired to change the appearance of this tunnel. Today, it has indeed become a place where you tourists love to visit and to capture amazing Instagram worthy pics.
Location
191 St Subway Station, accessible through the 1 train
Operating Hours
All throughout the day
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Old City Hall Subway Station
For a fact, Old City Hall Station is the first subway station that was built in NYC in 1904. The station was actively operated till 1945. In that year, it was decided to abandon the station due to the safety security and regulations. Today, the trains no longer fit into this subway station. Until a few years ago, the New York Transit Museum decided to start unusual tours in NYC. However, in order to be a part of this tour, you must be a member of it. If not, then you will have the other option to catch the glimpse of this historic and iconic station by boarding the downtown 6 stations after Brooklyn Bridge Station.
Mmuseumm
Just like its spelling, Mmuseumm is indeed amongst those top weird NYC attractions. This is the strangest I’ve ever been to. Unlike other weird Weird NYC Attractions, there is not a large chunk of exhibitions put up on display at this museum in New York. Mmuseumm has just a few exhibits that can be explored within half an hour. The museum has some weird curated display of artifacts that are put up in a freight elevator. These exhibits are most often overlooked but here at Mmuseumm, these have given huge importance. Some of the exhibits that you can expect to see here are hot water coil heaters built in Lithuania, plastic gloves from Montana, and many more. Another weird thing about this place is that it has some peepholes that allow people to see exhibitions all throughout the day.
Location
4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013, United States
Operating Hours
With peepholes in the door, the museum is accessible all throughout the day.
Entry Fee
Though there is no entry fee, a minimal sum of 5 USD is suggested as a donation.
A Helicopter Ride to See NYC From Above
Rather than weird, if you are looking for unique things to do in New York, then a helicopter ride above the city is highly recommended. There must be hardly anyone who will not admire a helicopter ride. A helicopter ride over Manhattan in NYC gives you that once in a lifetime opportunity to capture the surreal and scenic views of the gleaming New York City. Do not forget to capture the views as they will be memories that last forever with you. Though a helicopter ride in NYC is not a popular activity, yet it is one of the things you must do.
** If you plan to travel outside of NYC make sure you check out some of the top hikes in New York State, Letchworth State Park Hiking**
Gospel Concert in Harlem
Ever heard of a gospel concert? Well, considering the rarity of this activity, the gospel concert has to be on your list of weird things to do in NYC. The concert gives you the chance to experience the richness of African American culture in Harlem, New York. Talking about Harlem, it is literally one of the amazing places to visit in New York mainly because of its churches, legacy with jazz music, and the internationally-renowned Apollo.
Queens County Farm
Queens County Farm is the oldest working farm in New York and visiting this place is indeed a unique thing to do in NYC. If you really want to travel like us, then this place has to be on your list of weird places to visit in NYC. Considering the historical significance and beautiful charm of this oldest far in New York, I personally love to visit it. Queens County Farm dates back to 1600 and is located by the Queens-Nassau County border. The farm has nothing to show you despite its architecture but as I said the historical significance makes it worth visiting. Besides, events are also held at this place on weekends. Queens County Farm is one of the best places to visit with your family.
Location
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004, United States
Opening Hours
All throughout the day
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Savor The Taste of Greek Pastries in Astoria
Astoria is one of the most popular neighborhoods in New York City. The city has plenty to offer to its tourists. But if you are a food lover this neighborhood has some treats for you, the greek pastries. Yes, if you have a sweet tooth, then surely this is something you must try. Astoria dining is indeed an experience in itself and savoring the greek pastries is an important part of it. This place is home to people who have migrated from Greece and there are Greek supermarkets that serve the delicious pastries.
Explore the Diversity of Jackson Heights
Jackson Height is another popular neighborhood for all first-timers in NYC, it’s known for its rich diversity. This is the place where all the food lovers can savor the cuisine of different countries. Whether you are an Indian cuisine lover or you’re looking for a place that has Colombian cuisine, Jackson Heights is the place where you will find it all. The options here are limitless and if you have a good appetite, you can indulge in them all.
Kayaking in East River
Let’s be honest, did you know that there could be an experience like kayaking in NYC? Surely not! But there is an opportunity to indulge in the kayaking experience in the East River.
Explore the History of Jazz at The Louis Armstrong House
Are you a music fanatic? Even if you are not, and you would love to learn about the history of Jazz music. Louis Armstrong House was once the home of Louis Armstrong and his wife. Today, the house is converted into a museum which is dedicated to his life and music. Talking about Louis Armstrong, well, he was once one of the most renowned American trumpeters. Besides, he was also amongst the most influential personalities in Jazz. The museum houses a vast collection of his 1600 recordings. Besides, there are scrapbooks, photographs, home-recorded reel-to-reel tapes in hand-decorated boxes, band parts, letters, and manuscripts. Along with him, there are more rich collections related to other famous personalities.
Obscura Antiques And Oddities
Yes, you guessed it right, this place is dedicated to the famous TV show – Oddities. You can expect to see all the creepy things that showed in the TV show. It is indeed one of the weirdest places in NYC. Items such as strange medical equipment, a mummified cat, possessed ventriloquist dummies, and more. All these items at this store are put up on sale. Being a local resident of New York, I can say Obscura Antiques and Oddities is indeed one of the most unique NYC stores to visit. Also, do not be amused if you see Gomez and Morticia Addams roaming in the store.
Location
207 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States
Opening Hours
Sunday to Monday from `12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
The Museum of Sex
Yes, New York City even has a ‘sex museum’. Well, if this place is really enticing or appealing, there is nothing to be shy about. Visit this Weird NYC attractions without even thinking twice. Why? Perhaps, it is one of the most unusual places to explore in New York City. Besides, the museum is known to preserve and present the history, cultural significance, and the evolution of human sexuality. Like any other museum, The Museum of Sex is also an informative place that imparts knowledge of human sexuality in the minds of visitors. But at the same time, this place is very interesting. Visitors can expect to explore the bouncy house with inflatable breasts for the jumping pleasure, photographs, and artifacts. However, you are not allowed to touch any artifact in this museum. There is also a gift shop where you can buy some adult stuff.
Location
233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
Entry Fee
9 USD
Savor Cocktails in a Bank Vault
In the heart of New York City, there is a hidden old bank vault that dates back to the years 1904. Do not make a mistake to compare it with an ordinary vault. This bank vault is transformed into a swiss bar and restaurant and it’s called the Trinity Place Vault Bar. Along with being a quirky place, this is also an elegant restaurant where you can savor the taste of amazing cocktails. The place has a dual vault entrance at both ends. Each of these entrances takes you to the bar. These are not ordinary doors. As I mentioned, it is a vault restaurant and bar, the gates are five-inch thick and weigh 35 tons. You definitely cannot find any place like Trinity Place Vault Bar to enjoy a drink or feast time with your friends and family. Along with that, it is the safest place you can ever think of drinking in. Not just the architecture, but the interior of the place is also a key highlight. It is adorned with dragons, gargoyles, and eagles. Besides, it is dotted with glasses and ribbed ceilings.
Location
115 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 (Entrance on Cedar Street)
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday:
Lunch – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Dinner – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Bar: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday:
Brunch – 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Dinner – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Sat) & 10:00 PM (Sun)
Bar: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Sat) & 10:00 (Sun)
So, these are some of our recommended fun and Weird NYC Attractions to visit on your trip to New York City. I hope you have liked it. To know more about New York or if you want us to cover any specific travel post on New York, quote us in the comment section. Meanwhile, you can check out our other posts on New York and Weird NYC Attractions. Cheers!
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