Some of the best things to do in New York do not really lie in plain sight. You would really have to look for these. People very easily get stuck on tourist traps here and end up visiting the same old places over and over again without really experiencing the unique and quirky side of New York, which has a way of catching even the best of us off guard. Thankfully, we have you completely covered with our collection of weird things to do in NYC if you’re looking for a unique (and slightly strange and eerie) experience. Hop on!
1. Momath Museum of Mathematics
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in New York, then you might surprisingly find yourself having a good time here. Math can be really off-putting, right? Well, this strange museum will make you think otherwise. This entire place is like a playground of sorts full of technical puzzles, bikes with rectangular wheels, light shows, and whatnot.
It will keep you thinking for days and you will definitely find yourself respecting mathematics as a discipline more. And if you’re looking for something educational then this is a highly recommended place to visit for things to do in NYC with teens.
2. Whispering Gallery
Looking for things to do in NYC with kids? Well, you can always show them this cool trick. When you find yourself at Grand Central Terminal next time, take a quick detour down to the domed intersection on the lower floor and test out this unique acoustic phenomenon.
Grab your kid and head to opposite corners of the gallery. Lean in close to the tiled walls and whisper softly. Thanks to the strange acoustics of the space, you’ll be amazed to find that despite the noisy surroundings, you can hear each other’s whispers crystal clear!
It’s a simple yet mesmerizing trick that never fails to delight visitors. So, if you have some time to spare before your train departure, don’t miss the opportunity to try out this cool auditory illusion at Grand Central Terminal.
And if you need help finding the spot, just look for the nearby Oyster Bar restaurant—it’s a stone’s throw away from the Whispering Gallery.
Recommended if you are looking for free things to do in New York.
3. Blindfolded Dinner at Camaje’s Bistro
Picture this: you’re seated at a table, blindfolded, with only your senses of taste, smell, and touch to guide you. At Camaje Bistro’s special Dinner in the Dark events, the menu remains a mystery until the very end, adding an element of surprise to each dish.
Without the distraction of sight, diners are invited to fully immerse themselves in the culinary experience, savoring each bite and discovering and guessing new flavors in a whole new way.
Dinner in the Dark events at Camaje Bistro are held 4-5 times a month, so be sure to check their website for upcoming dates and make your reservations in advance. Located near subway stations W 4 St-Washington Sq and Houston St/Varick St, Camaje Bistro is easily accessible from various parts of the city, making it one of the fun things to do in New York for first-timers but also one of the many fun activities in NYC for couples to indulge in.
4. Hidden Tropical Forest
If you’re looking for hidden things to do in New York then this might be it. If you think that New York is just about bustling metropolises, then this Manhattan office building might surprise you. What might look like just another tower of glass and steel from the outside is an entire botanical garden from the inside.
Magnolias, giant trees, small shrubs, water pools, yes, all of that in the middle of an office building. In fact, the towering glass walls are only there to provide a greenhouse effect. Cool, right?
5. Museum of Sex
Ah, if you’re out for crazy things to do in New York then how can we forget about the Museum of Sex (or kinks as it is otherwise known)? But don’t let the title fool you. This museum actually takes a scholarly look at sex, which is often less talked about in public.
Here you will find artifacts, sculptures, and artworks from around the world featuring how this topic is perceived in different cultures. Additionally, they also plan exhibits such as “The Sex Life of Animals”.
Oh, and by the way, this is only open to those aged 18 or above, so keep that in mind as well. This is also definitely a risky but surprisingly cool idea for a date if you are looking for romantic things to do in NYC.
6. The Ramble Cave
If you talk to the veterans of the Big Apple, they will tell you how much places in New York have changed dramatically over the years. This is true for even Central Park which is one of the oldest institutions in not just New York but in the entire country. But you can still find some traces of old New York here and there and if you’re out for an adventure then you better start looking for the Ramble Cave in Central Park.
The cave was not part of the original design but during construction, it showed up as a cavity. What’s more interesting is that archaeologists found signs of Native American dwelling in the cavity as well. While it is definitely an interesting place, make sure to look to your left and right because it has famously been a place of trouble as well (yep, people have been shot here too!). Definitely on our list of fun things to do in NYC this weekend but we definitely don’t recommend it if you are looking for things to do in New York at night.
7. Treasures in the Trash Collection
It may not sound as appealing but this is actually one of our bucket list things to do in New York. This is the famous New York City garbage truck garage that features strange and quirky items that were disposed of in the city. Everything from pottery to plastic flowers to action-hero figurines. And some of these items are actually worth a lot. If you are looking for beauty is cast-away items that nobody wanted but still found a home somehow then this is the place to be!
8. New York Transit Museum
Want to take a trip down memory lane? Or perhaps you want to recreate that one Rick and Morty episode where they get stuck on a timeless simulation train. Or maybe you are just looking for things to do in New York in the rain. Well, the New York Transit Museum is the place to be.
Housed in a decommissioned subway station, the museum invites visitors to explore a treasure trove of vintage subway cars, buses, and trolleys dating back to the late 19th century. From wooden cars with wicker seats to sleek, stainless steel models, the collection is a blast from the past.
But the museum isn’t just about admiring artifacts from afar – it’s also a hands-on experience! Visitors can step aboard historic vehicles, ring the bells of vintage trolleys, and even try their hand at operating a simulated subway car. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s transportation heritage.
It’s also great if you’re looking for cheap things to do in NYC.
9. Pinballs at Sunshine Laundromat
Beneath the facade of a typical laundromat, Sunshine Laundromat in NYC conceals a peculiar secret. Behind a washing machine, you’ll find a hidden room with antique pinball machines and a laid-back bar. This hidden gem, with its rough brick walls and subdued lighting, offers a strange yet captivating escape from the city’s hustle. It’s the perfect spot for an evening out with friends or a unique date, where you can engage in lively pinball battles or enjoy a casual drink from the reasonably priced bar, not to mention the assortment of engaging board games available.
10. Cross Island Chapel
For those considering an unconventional wedding venue in New York, Cross Island Chapel provides a charmingly eccentric option. It’s located on a pond in the serene town of Oneida. This tiny 28.68-square-foot chapel looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, yet it can accommodate a cozy gathering of three people. Accessible only by boat, this non-denominational chapel features a simple cross atop a rock pile and tiny stained-glass windows. It is one of the most weird things to experience in New York if you’re thinking about a small, intimate wedding.
11. Go Glamping on Governor Island
Governor Island now offers one of the more unusual things to do in NYC—glamping. This 172-acre island traditionally known for recreation and art exhibitions, is now home to a wonderful glamping experience. Unlike the typical day visit, guests can stay overnight in comfortable glamping tents, complete with luxurious amenities and a farm-to-table dining experience. This new attraction allows visitors to relax in nature with stunning views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Conclusion
The quirks of New York City are never-ending. You can always find something or another here that people have not discovered before. After all, this is why people come to New York City. To find something about themselves that they had not discovered before. It is the land of artists and dreamers for a good reason.
Want to learn more? Check out this list of fun things to do in NYC for birthdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coolest thing in New York City?
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are undoubtedly one of the coolest places to visit in New York. A gift from the French and a reminder of the American dream of freedom, bravery, and resilience. Make sure to check it out on your next visit to New York!
How do I not stand out in NYC?
To blend in like a true New Yorker, try to dress casually yet stylishly, opting for neutral colors and comfortable shoes for navigating the city streets. Avoid looking lost by walking confidently and purposefully, consulting maps or your phone discreetly when needed. And don’t forget to avoid tourist traps by exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and dining at local eateries favored by locals.
