25 Off The Beaten Path Things to Do in NYC

There are a lot of things you can do and places you can go in New York City. Whether you are a local or a tourist in The Big Apple, our list of 25 off the beaten path things to do in NYC is a must try. You will never really know what’s in store for you until you discover it.

New York is one of the top destinations to visit in the world and has a unique mixture of history and modern age. You can also find high-end fashion and along the busy streets of New York are also the busy people who call it home. Just like its skyscrapers, The Big Apple also has soared high in aspects not only fashion but in financial and cultural part as well. The people here prove how diverse this city is. You can find almost all nationalities and you can taste almost all cuisines. Activities in New York are also as eclectic and interesting as its people. We are not just talking about a stroll in the park, but activities like painting and even pottery are open to people of all ages. While there are regular things we can do in New York, there are also those odd things to do in NYC and odd places to visit as well. You’ll be amazed at what these off the beaten path things may bring you especially if you are into adventure and discovering something odd.  If you are into doing something unique but also special (like maybe something for a great date), you can get great suggestions from our list of 25 special things to do in NYC.

No matter how modern this city is, there are still good finds that will show people how well these unusual places are preserved. Although not all survived innovation, as some have closed down. Some also have undergone renovations keeping the theme intact and have been reopened to the public. Others have re-purposed the function of the place.

While there are a lot of things to choose from in New York City, we got our top choices of off the beaten path things to do in NYC using the Class Curious database, which is filled with all sorts of classes and adventures to do in NYC. These top choices will give you the most unusual experiences in the city. Our list is ranked in alphabetical order, as that is really the only way to rank these places for the purposes of our article.

Below you will find our list of 25 off the beaten path things to do in NYC, so take notes for your next free weekend in the city.

25. Zelda Fitzgerald’s Abandoned Sanatorium

Zelda Fitzgerald’s Abandoned Sanatorium also dubbed as Craig House is a Gothic mansion that used to be an elite mental institution.  Now the haunted place lies eerily in upstate New York.  The place remains untouched and it is in the process of decaying.

24. Trinity Place Bank Vault Bar

Dining with 35-ton bank vault doors would be a different experience.  The Trinity Place Bank Vault Bar focuses on fine dining, and diners will pass through the vault door which dates way back to 1904. A wide selection of menu and drinks are available, which will make for a fun and unique evening out with friends.

23. The SeaGlass Carousel

WXY Architecture was responsible for making The SeaGlass Carousel possible.  This is not just fantasy, as it will leave you with a magical impression of romance. Children of all ages can ride, as well as children at heart. It would make a great spot for your next date.

22. The High Line

Meditation and Tai Chi are some of the activities you can find at The High Line. The former elevated railroad line has been repurposed into a walking path and garden in the heart of the city. A tour seeing the flowers, pollinators, and migratory birds are also on their schedule of activities.  The High Line also promotes creativity using recycled materials.

21. Tannen’s Magic Store

Louis Tannen was the founder of Tannen’s Magic Store.  Since 1925, this store has provided professional and amateur magicians with everything they need to be successful magicians. If you are into magic or just quite mesmerized by it, you can come here and see if you can get something for yourself and improve your magic skills.

20. Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary

At the southern end of the Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary is a small shelter for our feline friends.  This great idea was thought of by the Wildlife Freedom Foundation. These abandoned cats found their perfect sanctuary on the island, and you can pay them a visit whenever you please.

19. Obscura Antiques and Oddities

As a young, medical student Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux was the genius behind anatomical models made of papier-mache. Obscura Antiques and Oddities that rank 19th on the list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC does not only show durable anatomical models, but they also sell antiques and other memorabilia in their shop.

18. New York’s Hidden Tropical Forest

It seems impossible that you could find a tropical forest in the concrete jungle, but yes it is very possible. The hidden tropical forest, naturally, finds its home within a twelve story high office building in the city. It’s filled with trees, shrubs, and this oversized greenhouse is open to the public all year round.

17. Museum of Sex

The Museum of Sex that ranks 17th on the list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC emerged on the city scene in 2002.Various exhibits are available here that showcase and focus on human sexuality. This includes photographs, works of art, and even inventions.

16. MoMath-The Museum of Mathematics

You and the family will enjoy spending your weekend at MoMath-The Museum of Mathematics. Quality time with family, fun summer activities with friends and even your birthday party can be held here.  A square-wheeled tricycle would be a fun experience too!

15. Mmuseumm

This one-of-a-kind, natural history museum is found inside a freight elevator and shows collections that have been ignored. Mmuseumm is not open all the time, as their public hours are noon until 6:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.  This is a wheelchair accessible place and you can opt for a tour with a guide instead of going during public hours.

14. High Bridge

The High Bridge connects Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in The Bronx and is open 7:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. daily.  This is the oldest bridge in NYC and an iconic landmark as well.

13. Hallett Nature Sanctuary

The rustic trail to Hallett Nature Sanctuary will be a great stop for you if you enjoy viewing native plants and other wildlife. There are scheduled tours with guides to tell you more about the wonderful Hallett Nature Sanctuary. It’s definitely a contender for off the beaten path things to do in NYC.

12. Greenacre Park

An escape from the city within the city is the perfect way to describe Green Acre Park.  You can enjoy reading a book in this serene place, on the bench or with your feet in the water. It will be a totally refreshing time for you.

11. Grand Central Terminal Whispering Gallery

While Grand Central terminal is definitely not “off the beaten path,” its whispering gallery is, where you can have your whisper heard on the other side. This is a fun and random attraction that people of all ages enjoy. Don’t divulge your secrets though for other people might know of them.

10. Graffiti Hall of Fame

The now clean and newly renovated Graffiti Hall of Fame was once was a spot for those who want to practice their craft.  These are walls to four separate schools and a unique form of art in the city.

9. Ghostbusters Firehouse

If you are feeling nostalgic in New York City, which is a home to an extensive list of movie locations, you can always pay a visit to the Ghostbusters Firehouse, the next one on our list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC. You’ll be able to see inside if you are given the chance to have a tour.

8. Evolution Nature Store

Science and natural history collectibles and decors might be a weird piece for your house, but if you are into it, you can find what you are looking for at the Evolution Nature Store.  This store is licensed to distribute their products and this is also supplied by an authorized dealer.

7. 5Pointz

We are continuing our list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC with 5Pointz that is a unique, aerosol art exhibit space in Long Island City. All the graffiti art has been painted on 200,000 square feet of an old factory building. Its name reflects the five boroughs of New York City and it’s meant to be a place where artists can unite through art.

6. Durian NYC

Do you want to experience the exotic King of Fruits? If so, you can find it at Durian NYC in Chinatown.  I have to warn you though that this fruit has a notoriously foul smell but despite the smell, it tastes heaven. Durian is also very nutritious and you won’t find it at your local grocery store. Now, let’s see what else we have on our list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC.

5. Dream House

You may picture something fancy when hearing Dream House but this is not your typical luxurious house.  This space is all about light and sound.  La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela were the geniuses behind this concept. Keep an eye out for their upcoming concerts.

4. City Hall Station

Well-renowned architects Heins and LaFarge are the masters who designed the City Hall Station that ranks 4th on the list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC.  The tracks are still used for a turnaround but the train does not stop there anymore.  There are schedules as to when people are allowed to have a tour and this and you can also opt for having a tour guide, and there are regulations on taking photos which need to be strictly followed.

3. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

In China, it is said that ice cream has been around since way back in the Tang Dynasty.  Well, this is just one of the speculations as to how ice cream started in China.  However, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been operating for four decades now and is a family-run business.  You have a lot of flavors to choose from and ice cream cakes are available as well.

2. Bannerman Castle

Hudson Valley is where you can find Bannerman Castle, the number 2 on our list of off the beaten path things to do in NYC, where you’ll experience a cultural, historical, and educational trip, all in one. You can go on kayak tours, constellation tours, and even have your wedding here.  For the kayak and constellation tours, there are schedules that you have to check so you know when they are held and what fees need to be paid.

1. 5 Beekman Street

Here lies 5 Beekman Street in the luxurious and busy streets of New York. Would you believe that this was an abandoned building for a long time? However, it was reopened as a hotel in 2016 and is just one block away from the City Hall.  5 Beekman Street has the Victorian-style of a New York City long since gone.

This concludes our list of 25 off the beaten path things to do in NYC. We hope we introduced you to some new and unique places to visit in your spare time.