763 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in New York City (2024)

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763 Cool, Hidden,and Unusual Things to Do inNew York City

Updated August 22, 2024

From the Times Square Hum to George Washingtonʼs dentures, the Big Apple is full of wonders big and small. It was the home of Atlas Obscura for many years, so weʼve scoured the city for hidden wonders, and itʼs possible to see many of them in a single afternoon.

Boroughs

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens The Bronx Staten Island

New York, New YorkOld City Hall StationA beautiful and abandoned New York subway station from 1904, complete with chandelier.

New York, New YorkThe Evolution StoreA terrific purveyor of natural history objects and curios.

New York, New YorkDream HouseLa Monte Young and Marian Zazeela's "Dream House" will immerse you in an ever changing world of sound and light.

New York, New YorkRoosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital RuinsA crumbling hospital from the 1850s on Roosevelt Island.

New York, New YorkThe Elevated AcreAmid the bustle and noise of the Financial District hides a secluded garden oasis above the city streets.

From catacombs by candlelight to speakeasy drinks and prohibition tours.

Discover Experiences

The Resilience of New York in 10 Remarkable Sites

New York has been described as a playground for the rich and powerful, but the state's history is full of ordinary people who have overcome extraordinary struggles. What if Seneca Falls, the village that launched the fight for women's suffrage, were as famous as Niagara Falls? What if Weeksville, the historic free Black community in Brooklyn, were as well-known as Williamsburg? From immigrant sanctuaries to the Survivor Tree, here are sites where New York has shown its resilience.

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763 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in New York City (18)

Architecture108

Architectural Oddities73

Art66

Shops64

Museums54

History52

Cemeteries40

Hidden37

Sacred Spaces37

Homes35

Restaurants34

Places To Stay7

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wants to go toHome for Retired Playground Animals
L
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wants to go toFlushing Meadows-Corona Park
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wants to go toBronx Zoo Bug Carousel
A
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wants to go toWonderville
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wants to go toThe Ganesh Temple of Queens

Coney Island Was Once Full of Dueling, Backstabbing Theme ParksCome one, come all to the controversial, ugly beginnings of what was once called 'Sodom by the Sea.'by Joshua KagaviMay 23, 2024

Podcast: 'How To' Make the Best Show about New York with John WilsonIn our first extended episode, we sit down with the show's creator and narrator John Wilson.by The Podcast Team April 18, 2024

Star Forts Are Military History, and the Base of Some Strange Conspiracy TheoriesExamining why these ubiquitous, obsolete fortifications carry an air of mystery.by Colin DickeyApril 15, 2024

Go Beyond the Beef at Korean BarbecueEnjoy sizzling shellfish and duck over charcoal.by Caroline ShinMarch 25, 2024

This New York City Map Is Full of Dutch SecretsWhen Broadway was a broad way and Wall Street was a wall.by April WhiteMarch 19, 2024

The Ghost-Busting 'Girl Detective' Who Awed HoudiniAs an undercover investigator, Rose Mackenberg unmasked hundreds of America’s fake psychics.by Nina StrochlicMarch 14, 2024

The Revolution Begins in the Cookbook StorePaige Lipari, founder of Archestratus, is changing the world one potluck at a time.by Diana HubbellMarch 11, 2024

New York City and London Could Have Looked Very DifferentAn airport in midtown? See alternate versions of the cities based on real proposed projects.by Frank Jacobs, Big ThinkMarch 1, 2024

The 11 Best Places to Visit Near Niagara Falls for Curious Travelers11Including Book Corner, Prophet Isaiah's Second Coming House, and Edward Dean Adams Power Plant

The 11 Best Things to do Near the Empire State Building for Curious Travelers11Including Tannen's Magic Shop, The Conjuring Arts Research Center, and Keen's Steakhouse

12 Extraordinary Jewish Restaurants Around the WorldA global map of diverse delights.12Including Pasticceria Boccione, Gottlieb's Restaurant, and Nahoum and Sons

30 Unexpected Places to Have a Joyful Adventure in New York CitySponsored by Volkswagen30Including Geographic Center of New York City, Vale of Cashmere, and Marie's Crisis

18 Places to Discover Innovation in Roosevelt Island and NYCSponsored by Graduate Hotels18Including Holographic Studios Inc., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and Patent Pending

The Quietest Spots in America’s Loudest CityKeep calm and immerse yourself in New York's urban arcadia.10Including The Elevated Acre, Blockhouse No. 1, and Hallett Nature Sanctuary

10 Secrets of the New York City SubwayStand clear of the closing doors, please.10Including Holiday Nostalgia Train, REACH: New York, and The Secret Entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel

11 Surprisingly Romantic Places in New York CityWe heart New York on Valentine's Day.11Including Albertine, Deno's Wonder Wheel, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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