New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · See and do · Things to do

My favorite unique things to do in New York.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 29 places.

It’s safe to assume that if you’re searching for unique things to do in New York City this isn’t your first rodeo in the Big Apple. Observation decks have been done, Broadway shows have been seen and hotdogs just aren’t cutting it anymore, huh?

So what do you do when the gravity of New York City keeps drawing you in but you’ve checked all the iconic things to do? You start living like a local, enjoy a plethora of non-touristy things to do in NYC.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Antonina’s favorite unique things to do in New York, 2026

  1. Maxi's NoodlesRestaurant · Flushing, QueensCheck out Maxi’s Noodles for a no-frills noodle experience.
  2. Prospect ParkPark · Prospect Park, BrooklynBiking the pathway in Prospect Park feels like such a treat and that’s why we consider it one of the most it.
  3. Essex MarketMarket · Downtown ManhattanEssex Market | Located in Downtown Manhattan, Essex Market is New York City’s most historic food hall.
  4. Turnstyle Underground MarketMarket · ManhattanTurnstyle Underground Market | Stretching over an entire city block, this underground market is located in a subway station (yes really!).
  5. Time Out MarketMarket · ManhattanTime Out Market is a collection of some of the best restaurants in New York City and offers stunning views of Manhattan.
  6. Roosevelt Island TramOther · Upper East SideThe tram takes you from the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island for the price of a subway ride ($2.75).
  7. Arthur Avenue Retail MarketMarket · Belmont, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue)
  8. Zero Otto NovoRestaurant · Belmont, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue)
  9. Gino's Pastry ShopBakery · Belmont, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue)
  10. Grand BazaarMarket · Upper West SideOne of the best year-round markets is Grand Bazaar, located on the Upper West Side.
  11. Union Square GreenmarketMarket · Union SquareAnother great market is the Union Square Greenmarket that runs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, year-round.
  12. Cantor Rooftop GardenBar · Upper East SideExperience a unique NYC activity by heading to the Cantor Rooftop Garden for a cocktail.
  13. Coney IslandLandmark · Coney Island, BrooklynConey Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during New York City’s summer months.
  14. Theodore Roosevelt BirthplaceLandmark · Flatiron DistrictTheodore Roosevelt was born in a townhouse located at 28th E. 20th Street on October 27, 1858.
  15. Sleep No MoreTheater · ChelseaBeing immersed in the artistic vision and talent, even though you won’t be acting yourself, is one of the most unique things to do in New York City.
  16. Brooklyn BowlOther · Williamsburg, BrooklynRegardless of what you classify the Brooklyn Bowl as, one things for sure.
  17. Cellar DogBar · West VillageCellar Dog, a spacious underground venue, offers over a dozen nostalgic games for a trip down memory lane.
  18. Industry CityLandmark · Sunset Park, BrooklynChock-full of events, eateries and shops, Industry City has it all.
  19. Hatchets & HopsBar · Williamsburg, BrooklynAt Hatchets & Hops folks can enjoy one of the bar scene while literally chucking axes at targets.
  20. Pier 57Park · ChelseaLocated right beside Little Island in Chelsea, Pier 57 is a free rooftop park that offers amazing views of Manhattan.
  21. Tenement MuseumMuseum · Lower East SideThe 5-story Tenement Museum is comprised of two historic buildings dating back to 1863.
  22. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space MuseumMuseum · Midtown WestHome to a remarkable collection of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world.
  23. The Morgan Library & MuseumMuseum · Murray HillThe Morgan Library & Museum allows visitors to step inside the private library of J.P. Morgan.
  24. New York Transit MuseumMuseum · Downtown BrooklynThankfully, visitors can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.
  25. Manhattan BridgeLandmark · Manhattan/BrooklynCrossing the Manhattan Bridge is a top non-touristy activity, offering epic views often enjoyed without the crowds of its famous counterpart.
  26. Governors IslandLandmark · Governors IslandWhether exploring history or tanning on a summer day, it’s one of the best non-touristy experiences in NYC.
  27. Green-Wood CemeteryLandmark · Sunset Park, BrooklynSpanning 478 acres, it has unparalleled spring and fall colors, providing a serene escape from city noise.
  28. Delacorte Theater (Shakespeare in the Park)Theater · Central ParkWith over 60 years of free Shakespeare plays, the 1,800-seat Delacorte Theater in Central Park is the stage.
  29. MET CloistersMuseum · Washington HeightsVisit the Met Cloisters, an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to Romanesque and Gothic periods.

On the map

Where they are.

22 neighborhoods, Belmont, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue) and Manhattan most of all.

Belmont, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue)

Chelsea

Manhattan

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Upper East Side

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Central Park

Coney Island, Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Manhattan

Flatiron District

Flushing, Queens

Governors Island

Lower East Side

Manhattan/Brooklyn

Midtown West

Murray Hill

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Union Square

Upper West Side

Washington Heights

West Village

Antonina’s favorite unique things to do in New York, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 27 Unique Things to Do in New York City (Local’s Guide).