Manhattan is globally renowned for its iconic landmarks – the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square. But for those who’ve visited before, or travellers eager to delve deeper than the usual tourist trails, discovering the truly unique things to do in Manhattan offers a richer, more personal experience. This borough is a mosaic of cultures, histories, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Move beyond the postcards and dive into the unconventional, the quirky, and the genuinely local experiences that make Manhattan truly special. From offbeat museums to lesser-known green spaces and culinary adventures, prepare to explore the heart of New York City in ways you never imagined. unique new york experiences
Unique Manhattan Experiences & Activities
Looking for experiences that go beyond the standard sightseeing tour? Manhattan offers a surprising array of activities that provide a different perspective on the city.
Roosevelt Island Tramway
One incredibly simple, low-cost, yet utterly unique experience is riding the Roosevelt Island Tramway. This aerial tram glides over the East River, connecting Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. What makes it stand out? The sensation of soaring right between towering skyscrapers is unlike any other cable car ride in the world. It’s a brief journey, just a few minutes, but offers striking views, especially after dark when the city lights sparkle below. Board the tram in Manhattan at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street, near the Queensboro Bridge. Metrocards are accepted, making it as affordable as a subway ride.
Governor’s Island
Technically part of Manhattan but feeling like a world away, Governors Island offers a peaceful escape just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. This car-free oasis provides some of the most breathtaking, free views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a perfect spot for walking, biking, or simply relaxing.
A truly unique activity here is renting a grill at Picnic Point for a day of cooking and lounging in Adirondack chairs with unparalleled waterfront vistas. Other attractions include unique dining spots like Island Oyster and cultural events, making it a diverse destination for those seeking unique things to do in Manhattan. For amazing views, consider a statue of liberty tour or if you prefer German, freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
Open-Door Helicopter Ride
For an unforgettable, albeit more extravagant, perspective, nothing beats an open-door helicopter ride over Manhattan. Seeing the city unfold beneath you from this vantage point is a truly unparalleled experience. Providers like FlyNYON offer flights where you’re securely harnessed, allowing you to lean out and capture incredible photos and memories. You’ll swoop over iconic landmarks like the financial district skyscrapers, Central Park, and the Hudson River, gaining a breathtaking panorama. It’s a brief but intense experience that provides unique views, making it a top choice for extraordinary unique things to do in nyc 2022 (and beyond).
Shakespeare In The Park
Each summer, Central Park becomes home to Free Shakespeare in the Park, hosted at the Delacorte Theater. This isn’t just local theatre; it’s a world-class production featuring renowned directors, designers, and often famous actors. Attending a performance under the stars, with Belvedere Castle as a backdrop, is a magical experience. While getting tickets can be part of the adventure – often requiring lining up early or trying lotteries – the payoff is a high-calibre cultural event in an iconic outdoor setting, absolutely free. It’s a beloved local tradition and one of the truly unique things to do in Manhattan during the warmer months.
Seek Out Movie Locations
New York City has been the setting and star of countless films. A fun and free way to explore Manhattan uniquely is to seek out famous movie locations. From classic Hollywood scenes at the Pulitzer Fountain to iconic moments filmed in Greenwich Village brownstones or Upper West Side apartment buildings, the city is an open-air film studio. Walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters connects you to cinematic history and allows you to see familiar streets and landmarks through a new lens. Websites and guides exist to help you find specific locations, turning a simple stroll into a fascinating treasure hunt.
Unusual Manhattan Museums
Beyond the world-famous Met and Natural History Museum, Manhattan is home to several smaller, more specialized museums offering distinct experiences that delve into unique aspects of history, culture, and art.
Neue Galerie
Located on Fifth Avenue’s prestigious Museum Mile, the Neue Galerie focuses on early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design. While smaller than its famous neighbors, it houses significant works, including masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, such as the captivating “Woman in Gold.” Visiting offers a more intimate art experience. The museum also features Café Sabarsky, a Viennese-style cafe providing delicious Austrian pastries and coffee, adding a delightful cultural layer to your visit. It’s a quiet corner of European art and history tucked away in the Upper East Side, perfect for art lovers seeking unique things to do in Manhattan.
Color Factory
Inject some pure joy and playfulness into your trip at the Color Factory in Soho. This interactive museum is a celebration of color in all its forms, offering a sensory journey through vibrant installations. From rooms filled with confetti to drawing stations and a giant ball pit, it’s designed to inspire wonder and fun for all ages. It’s not a traditional museum experience; it’s a space dedicated to delightful visuals and tactile interaction. It’s also a fantastic spot for colorful photos, and included in your ticket are some small treats and souvenirs, making it a cheerfully unique thing to do in Manhattan.
Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side offers a poignant and deeply human look at American history through the eyes of immigrants who lived in a real tenement building. Guided tours take you through recreated apartments, telling the stories of the families who resided there, using historical research to bring their daily lives to light. It’s an immersive experience that connects visitors directly to the struggles, resilience, and contributions of immigrant communities. The museum also offers walking tours of the surrounding historic Lower East Side neighborhood. Booking in advance is highly recommended for this moving and unique historical exploration in Manhattan.
Spyscape
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a spy? Spyscape is an interactive museum in Midtown West dedicated to the world of espionage. Beyond learning about famous spy stories and code-breaking history through engaging exhibits, the highlight is participating in immersive challenges designed by intelligence experts. You can test your surveillance skills, navigate laser grids, and practice lie detection. At the end, you receive a personal spy profile suggesting which role might suit you best. It’s a high-tech, interactive adventure that’s miles away from a typical museum visit, making it a seriously cool and unique thing to do in Manhattan.
The Morgan Library And Museum
Tucked away near Grand Central, The Morgan Library and Museum is a hidden architectural and cultural gem. Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, the building itself is a stunning masterpiece of design. Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking library room filled with rare books and manuscripts, alongside galleries hosting rotating exhibitions focusing on art, literature, and history. It feels like stepping back into the Gilded Age. The museum also boasts a lovely glass-enclosed courtyard café, offering a peaceful spot for reflection amidst beautiful surroundings. It’s an elegant and surprisingly tranquil experience amongst the bustle, listing high among the unique things to do in Manhattan for those who appreciate history and literature.
The Met Cloisters
Transport yourself to medieval Europe without leaving Manhattan by visiting The Met Cloisters. Located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is housed in a building designed to resemble a European monastery. It features architecture and art from the medieval period, offering a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The collection includes illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and artifacts displayed within peaceful gardens overlooking the Hudson River. Visiting the Cloisters, especially during spring or fall, provides a unique blend of art, history, and natural beauty, a truly distinct experience compared to visiting the main Met building.
Unique Food & Drink in Manhattan
Manhattan’s culinary scene is vast and varied, extending far beyond classic pizza and deli sandwiches. Exploring its unique food and drink spots offers delicious insights into the city’s diverse cultural fabric.
Red Rooster, Harlem
In the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural hub celebrating American comfort and soul food. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s menu features elevated takes on classics like shrimp & grits, mac & cheese, and fried chicken & waffles. But the experience is amplified, especially on Sundays, by the incredible live music, including powerful gospel brunches. Enjoying delicious, soulful dishes while immersed in the vibrant energy and music of Harlem is a profoundly unique thing to do in Manhattan, connecting you directly to the neighborhood’s rich heritage.
Clinton Hall
For a playful and unique culinary adventure, head to Clinton Hall. With multiple locations across Manhattan, this beer hall and restaurant is famous for its eccentric “Doughnut Grilled Cheese.” Served dangling from a hook with cheese dripping into a bowl of tomato soup, this dish sounds bizarre but is surprisingly delightful, featuring a halved, pan-fried doughnut with mozzarella inside. It’s a fun, Instagrammable dish that defies expectations. Paired with their extensive craft beer list and locations offering giant board games, Clinton Hall provides a casual yet memorable dining experience.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
David Chang’s original Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village is credited with helping ignite the modern ramen craze in America. This spot elevates traditional ramen into a sophisticated culinary art form, using quality ingredients and innovative flavors. While ramen bowls like the smoked pork are the stars, their steamed buns (filled with options like pork belly or shiitake mushrooms) are also legendary. Dining here is a chance to experience a place that significantly influenced contemporary American dining, offering a distinct and highly acclaimed culinary moment among the unique things to do in Manhattan for food lovers.
Ukrainian Food In Little Ukraine
Manhattan’s East Village is home to a historical Ukrainian enclave, often called Little Ukraine. Exploring this area and sampling its traditional cuisine offers a glimpse into a specific cultural identity within the city. The most famous spot is Veselka, a restaurant opened by post-WWII refugees that continues to serve comforting Ukrainian dishes like borscht, handmade pierogi (boiled or fried dumplings), and goulash. Dining at Veselka is not just about the food; it’s about experiencing a piece of living history and cultural heritage, a delicious and unique thing to do in Manhattan.
Bemelmans Bar
For a taste of old-world New York elegance, step into Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle hotel on the Upper East Side. Known for its classic cocktails, live jazz piano, and the charming murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans (creator of the Madeline children’s books), the bar exudes a timeless sophistication. While it’s a pricey experience, visiting for just one drink early in the evening allows you to soak in the atmosphere of this iconic, luxurious Manhattan institution without breaking the bank. It feels like stepping back in time, offering a refined and distinctly unique nightlife experience.
Unique Manhattan Stores
Manhattan is a global shopping destination, but beyond the flagship stores and department giants, unique boutiques and historic shops offer a different kind of retail therapy, often intertwined with history and culture.
Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery
A Lower East Side institution, Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery has been serving traditional Jewish knishes since 1890. Knishes are baked pastries typically filled with potato or other savory ingredients. Walking into the bakery is like stepping back in time; the storefront has remained largely unchanged since 1910, retaining a wonderfully retro charm. While simple, trying a knish here is a taste of authentic New York Jewish culinary history, a truly unique thing to do in Manhattan for food and history enthusiasts. Just be sure to check their opening hours before you go!
Block Drug Store
In the ever-evolving East Village, Block Drug Store stands as a fascinating relic of the past. Operating since 1885, this independent pharmacy features a striking neon facade dating back to 1945. It’s easy to assume such a vintage storefront might house a modern boutique, but it remains a working drugstore. Stopping by for a small purchase not only supports a local, historic business but also allows you to appreciate its preserved retro aesthetic, a small but charmingly unique find in Manhattan.
The Corner Bookstore
Located in a lovely brownstone on Madison Avenue in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood, The Corner Bookstore is a rare and wonderful find: a thriving independent bookstore. Since 1978, they’ve offered a carefully curated selection of books and personal service reminiscent of a bygone era. Browsing their shelves feels intimate and local. It’s the kind of place that embodies the literary spirit of the city. Visiting this charming shop offers a peaceful retreat and a reminder of the value of independent businesses, making it a delightful and unique thing to do in Manhattan for book lovers.
NYC’s First Vegan Boutique
For over 20 years, long before veganism was mainstream, Moo Shoes opened its doors as New York City’s first vegan boutique in Manhattan. This pioneering shop offers a wide range of cruelty-free shoes, handbags, and apparel for men and women. They focus not only on avoiding animal products but also on sustainability and ethical labor practices, featuring unique materials like apple and pineapple leather. Shopping here means finding stylish items that align with conscious values, supported by knowledgeable staff and occasionally greeted by the store’s rescued cats. It’s a unique retail experience reflecting modern ethical trends.
Harry Potter Store
For fans of the wizarding world, visiting the Harry Potter Store near the Flatiron Building is one of the most immersive and unique things to do in Manhattan. More than just a shop, it’s a multi-level experience filled with themed merchandise, photo opportunities, and even virtual reality adventures like “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight.” You can enjoy Butterbeer from the cafe or explore the Honeydukes-inspired candy section. The attention to detail in the store’s design creates a magical atmosphere that transports visitors directly into the Harry Potter universe.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Manhattan Parks & Gardens
Finding moments of peace and quiet in the urban intensity is a unique experience in itself. Manhattan offers several lesser-known parks and green spaces that provide a serene escape and offer glimpses into local life or unique views.
Freeman Alley
In the Lower East Side, near the Bowery Mural, Freeman Alley is a short, covered alleyway that has been completely transformed by vibrant street art. Every surface – walls, shutters, pipes – is covered in layers of graffiti, murals, and posters. It’s an ever-changing canvas for urban artists, making each visit potentially different. The semi-circle lights strung overhead add to its distinct atmosphere. Exploring this dynamic, unofficial outdoor gallery is a unique and free way to experience Manhattan’s street art culture. cool experiences in nyc
Little Island Park
Jutting out into the Hudson River at Pier 55, Little Island Park is a relatively new and architecturally unique public park. Supported by futuristic, tulip-shaped concrete pilings, this park offers winding paths through diverse plantings, sloped lawns perfect for lounging, and an amphitheater with river views. It provides a welcome pocket of greenery and innovative design, feeling distinctly different from the surrounding city grid. It’s a modern marvel and a tranquil spot for relaxing, enjoying the river breeze, and appreciating the city skyline from a unique perspective.
Columbus Park
Nestled between Chinatown and the Civic Center, Columbus Park is a small, unassuming green space that serves as a vital community hub. Here, locals gather to socialize, play games like Mahjong and Xiangqi (Chinese chess), and simply pass the time. While not grand or scenic in a traditional sense, its authenticity is its charm. Sitting on a bench and observing the lively interactions offers a genuine glimpse into the neighborhood’s character, providing a peaceful moment away from the more touristy areas – a truly unique thing to do in Manhattan for cultural immersion.
Verdi Square
Located at the intersection of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side, Verdi Square is a small park named after the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, whose statue stands prominently within it. It’s a pleasant spot to pause, with benches, gardens, and the distinctive vintage head house of the 72nd Street subway station. Its charm lies in its local feel and historical markers. If you’re in the area, perhaps after visiting the nearby American Museum of Natural History, grabbing a famously thick cookie from the original Levain Bakery a block away and enjoying it here offers a perfect, unique Manhattan moment.
St. Luke In The Fields Garden
Hidden within the grounds of St. Luke In The Fields Church in the charming West Village, these gardens offer a surprisingly peaceful sanctuary. Small but beautifully maintained, with benches nestled among flowers, trees, and blooming shrubs (especially lovely in spring), they provide a quiet retreat from the bustling streets. It’s a perfect spot for a moment of solitude, reflection, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature unexpectedly found in the heart of the city. Finding these tranquil spots is itself a unique urban exploration in Manhattan.
Sasaki Garden, Washington Square Village
For a particularly unique experience during cherry blossom season (typically late March to April), seek out Sasaki Garden within the Washington Square Village apartment complex near NYU. While not a public park in the traditional sense, it’s accessible and features a beautiful grove of mature cherry trees that offer a stunning display when in bloom. Unlike more famous cherry blossom spots, this garden is often relatively quiet, providing a peaceful place to sit under the blossoms and escape the crowds – a truly hidden gem among the unique things to do in Manhattan during springtime.
Sakura Park
Further uptown in Morning Heights, near Columbia University, Sakura Park is another lovely spot known for its cherry trees. Its name, meaning “cherry blossom” in Japanese, commemorates a 1912 gift of trees from Japan to NYC. The park features a stone Japanese lantern donated by Tokyo and an attractive pavilion. While it can be quiet, especially on a weekday morning, it offers beautiful blossoms and a sense of calm away from the usual tourist paths. It’s a peaceful corner of Manhattan with a unique cultural connection.
Carl Schurz Park
Located on the Upper East Side overlooking the East River, Carl Schurz Park is a favorite among neighborhood residents but less frequented by visitors. It offers beautifully landscaped gardens, tree-lined promenades, and scenic views of the river and bridges. It’s a well-maintained, attractive park perfect for a relaxed stroll, jogging, or simply enjoying the waterfront scenery. Although Gracie Mansion (the NYC Mayor’s official residence) is located here, the park’s real appeal lies in its elegant design and tranquil atmosphere, providing a pleasant and somewhat unique green space experience in Manhattan.
To Conclude
Manhattan is a city of layers, and while its famous landmarks are undeniably spectacular, uncovering the unique things to do in Manhattan allows for a deeper connection with its diverse culture, rich history, and vibrant local life. From exploring hidden museums and tranquil gardens to indulging in unconventional culinary delights and discovering offbeat attractions, venturing beyond the guidebook reveals the many fascinating facets of this iconic borough. So next time you visit, dare to step off the well-trodden path and create your own collection of unique Manhattan experiences.