You are currently viewing 5 Unforgettable Things to Do in New York City (That Most Tourists Miss)

5 Unforgettable Things to Do in New York City (That Most Tourists Miss)

There’s New York City—and then there’s your New York City.


Yes, you can stand in Times Square and snap a photo — but if you’re looking for the real things to do in New York City, you’ll need to go deeper. The magic lives underground, where the subway hums beneath forgotten corners of history, where street art hides in elevator shafts, and secrets echo across tiled ceilings. If you’re craving more than the postcard version, this guide is your key to the city’s unforgettable side.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting independent travel writing.

1. Step Into a Secret Subway Station from 1904

Hidden beneath City Hall Park is one of the most beautiful subway stations ever built—and it’s been closed to the public for over 75 years. Curved tile ceilings, antique chandeliers, and skylights give it an almost mythical feel.

Did You Know?
You can still see the station by staying on the 6 train after its final stop at Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall. It loops through the abandoned platform before turning back uptown.

Ready to explore beneath the surface?


→ Discover all things to do in New York City

2. Ride a Floating Cable Car Over Manhattan

Roosevelt Island Tramway – Midtown East

Hop on this aerial tramway and get a stunning skyline view for just the price of a MetroCard. It soars over the East River to Roosevelt Island—home to peaceful parks, historic ruins, and panoramic walking paths.

Roosevelt Island Tram crossing the East River beside the Queensboro Bridge in New York City
The Roosevelt Island Tram — a scenic way to soar over the East River, Photo by Phil Roeder on Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0

Fun Fact:
The tramway operates entirely independent of the subway system and moves at 16 miles per hour.

Want a view that’s worth the ride?


→ Explore all outdoor activities in New York City

3. Wander a Museum in a Freight Elevator

Mmuseumm – Tribeca

Blink and you’ll miss it: this tiny museum, built inside a former elevator shaft, curates odd and fascinating artifacts from everyday life. Past exhibits include Syrian toothbrushes and bootleg toys from China. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s peak NYC.

Entrance to Mmuseumm in Tribeca, Manhattan — a tiny museum built into a freight elevator
The hidden entrance to Mmuseumm — a micro-museum tucked inside a repurposed freight elevator in Tribeca, Manhattan. Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0

Did You Know?
The museum has a 24-hour peephole viewing window for late-night curiosity.

Think museums are boring? Think again.


→ See all cultural tours in New York City

4. Get Lost in a Wordless Shakespeare Play

Sleep No More – McKittrick Hotel, Chelsea

This isn’t theater. It’s a fever dream set in a haunted 1930s hotel. You’ll wander through five floors of moody lighting, vintage furniture, and masked actors as a modern “Macbeth” unfolds around you. No seats. No stage. No script.

Fun Fact:
Guests wear masks the entire time—adding to the surreal, voyeuristic vibe.

Want to disappear into another world?


→ Check out all unique things to do in New York City

5. Whisper Across the Terminal

Grand Central Whispering Gallery – Midtown

Stand in one corner of this unmarked archway outside the Oyster Bar and whisper—your friend in the diagonal corner will hear you loud and clear. It’s a romantic NYC secret hiding in plain sight.

Did You Know?
The perfect acoustics come from the low ceramic-tiled domes that channel sound directly between corners.

Secret spots like this? They’re everywhere.


→ See everything New York City has to offer

Final Tip: Experience the City Your Way

The list of things to do in New York City is endless—but the memories come from moments that catch you off guard. Skip the obvious. Chase the weird, the hidden, the offbeat. And whatever you choose: walk a little further, stay a little longer, and always look up.

→ Your next adventure starts here: Book all things to do in New York City

FAQ: Things to Do in New York City

What’s the best time to visit NYC for fewer crowds?
Late January through early March is typically quieter. You’ll get better hotel rates and shorter lines at attractions.

Are these activities suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. NYC is one of the best cities for solo exploration, and every item on this list is great to enjoy alone or with company.

How do I get around to these hidden spots?
A MetroCard will take you just about everywhere. The subway is safe, fast, and the best way to experience the city like a local.

You may enjoy these blogs also

USA Travel: Why This Country Should Be Your Next Big Adventure

Ultimate Texas Road Trip Guide: The Wildest, Weirdest, Most Unforgettable Adventure in the USA