Somewhere between living and dreaming is New York City. The City That Never Sleeps is electrically powered 24 hours a day. There's a dizzying array of things to do in New York, and it's a place everyone should see at least once.
And sure, Times Square it's a tourist trap worth taking in at least once… just for the experience, but it's really just the beginning.
While we've all seen New York in countless movies, TV shows, and travel guides, the best things to do in New York and cool places to visit are probably not the first places that come to mind.
So if you're looking for unique places to visit in New York, I've got the list for you!
Here are ten unique places to visit in NYC (which are definitely not Times Square).
Grand Central Station
Since 1871, Grand Central Station has been the gateway to the city. More than 750,000 New Yorkers pass through here every day, in addition to an additional 21.6 million tourists a year.
This place is big business, and you really can't understand the magnitude of it until you're actually standing there.
It's worth exploring and learning about the station's history.
After working up an appetite, head to the chic 1920s bar, The Campbell, for classic cocktails. You will feel like you are reliving the golden age of train travel.
Just stopping in NYC for a quick minute? You might want to stay at the TWA Hotel located across the street from JFK!
Empire State Building
Of course, on every list of fun things to do in NYC you will see this iconic building.
Built between 1930 and 1931, the Empire State Building has 102 floors and is famous for being the skyscraper highest in Midtown Manhattan.
Curiosity: Builders were in a mad rush to create the world's tallest skyscraper - the Chrysler Building "almost" beat them, but once the Empire State Building was completed at 1,250 feet, it was the tallest building in the world by nearly 40 years.
Construction sites on the site of the former Waldorf-Astoria hotel (the current Waldorf Astoria New York was built on Park Avenue in 1931).
Little Italy and Chinatown
These are two of my favorite neighborhoods, and luckily they're right next to each other!
Plan at least one day just to walk around and see where the day takes you.
Every time I explore New York, I find the random little spots I stumble across Little Italy and Chinatown are as memorable as the world-class Broadway shows and chic restaurants of Manhattan.
And, of course, you can't talk about Little Italy or Chinatown without mentioning the food. While the best places to eat in NYC are scattered throughout the city, these two districts are uninterrupted.
Whether you're looking for the best dim sum in NYC or the best pizza in NYC – you'll find some of the best options in these neighborhoods!
Met Cloisters
Located on a high hill at the northern tip of Manhattan it's a really fun surprise… walk along a winding tree-lined path for breathtaking views of the Hudson River and you'll find the Met's second location: The Met Cloisters!
Inspired by the Middle Ages, the cloisters are a perfect place to reflect and recharge. Here, you will really feel like you went back in time! This is a very unique location in the US as you won't find a combination of medieval European architecture, stunning gardens or these works of art anywhere else.
While The Met is often at the top of many NYC travel plans, be sure to add The Met Cloisters to your itinerary as well.
The Fort Tryon Park museum has an impressive array of Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture worth exploring.
greenwich village
When it comes to fun things to do in NYC, it's hard to beat Greenwich Village. Known for its winding streets, beautiful hidden alleys and mom and dad restaurants, Greenwich is one of the coolest villages in New York.
Just walking the streets of this eclectic Manhattan neighborhood is a unique experience. If walls could talk, this century-old capital of Bohemia would have the biggest story you've ever heard.
And don't forget to come hungry! Greenwich Village is one of the great gastronomic capitals of the country. Try some of all the best local fare on a food tour of Greenwich Village!
Some of the best restaurants in the area include the fish tacos and agua de sandía at Tacombie, and Murray's Cheese on Bleeker Street (you'll find their cheeses all over the country).
Here are some fun facts about the area: Even though the Friends show was filmed at a studio in Los Angeles, a building in this area was used as the outdoor building shot!
At the corner of Bedford and Grove, you'll see people posing for selfies and taking pictures. The ground floor has a Mediterranean restaurant called The Little Owl with a bright red facade and blue awnings.
64 Perry Street in The Village it was also Carrie Bradshaw's fictional home – the outside was used for the exterior shots of the apartment in Sex and the City.
The narrowest house in New York is located in Greenwich Village at 75 1/2 Bedford Street. The 9 1/2 foot wide building occupies 92 square meters… and is valued at around US$ 7.35 million. Damn it!
If you're not from the area, keep in mind that while it sounds like it's pronounced "Green-which", it's more like "Gren-itch".
The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
You already know that Central Park is among the best things to do in New York, but be sure to plan a little extra time to enjoy the beauty of this restaurant.
Opened in 1954, the landmark restaurant is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal in the heart of Central Park.
You will definitely need to make reservations as this place is packed (and for good reason!), Loeb Boathouse Central Park has a lovely patio that opens onto the lake and you can see the boaters paddling peacefully… as well as the food! Come hungry as everything on the menu is delicious.
When you're ready to get back outdoors, head straight to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain for an unforgettable photo shoot.
Brooklyn Bridge
Linking the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1883, this iconic bridge provides a safe and scenic passage for millions of passengers and tourists. While it offers serious function, the Brooklyn Bridge is also a really cool thing to photograph (both standing and under it!).
Snap these essential photos and head to the famous DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
It is definitely one of the best things to do in NYC and one of the best things to do in NYC on a budget.
In DUMBO, you'll find an artistic collection of galleries, theaters and boutiques that dot the cobbled streets. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to Time Out Market New York for everything from Thai to Southern and Tuscan food.
Morgan Library and NY Public Library
One of the best things to do in New York is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Exploring local libraries is a great way to experience local life away from the tourist traps.
Whether you're looking for quiet couples getaways or mother-daughter weekend getaways, this is one of the top things to do in NYC that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Morgan Library
The Morgan Library is a short walk from Grand Central/Penn Station in the Murray Hill neighborhood.
It is located in the former brownstone of JP Morgan Jr. and is quite pleasing to the eye. You won't find many tourists here; it's usually the locals who frequent the Morgan to see new exhibits or attend performances.NY Public Library
NY Public Library
The NY Public Library is truly grand! The Beaux-Art-style building on Fifth Avenue features an elegant main reading room with high carved wooden ceilings. And you have to see it to believe it.
Chelsea Market and High Line
Built in the 1890s, Chelsea Market is the original location of the National Biscuit Company factory – better known as Nabisco!
Rebuilt in the 1990s as a cafeteria, this place should not be missed on a trip to New York!
Located in Lower Chelsea, Chelsea Market is the perfect place to stroll, shop and eat, and is another prime place to take a food tour!
From the market, head to the 1.5-mile-long park in the sky: The Highline.
The High Line is built on a historic freight rail line (it was originally used to transport goods to different depots across the island) and is elevated above the streets of Manhattan, offering a unique way to see the city.
New York residents saved the railroad track from demolition and the space was given new life as a High Line so visitors could experience nature, art and design all in one place. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the whole thing and it's open year round.
This peaceful space is a perfect oasis to get away from it all.
Old City Hall subway station, opened in 1904
old town hall
Built between 1803 and 1812, New York City Hall is the oldest city hall in the United States that still stands! While not New York City's first town hall – it was built in the 17th century and NYC was then called New Amsterdam) – this structure was demolished in 1790.
While the building is beautiful – especially the exterior, it's really the surrounding landscape… and the basement that impresses me the most! City Hall Park and its many flowers provide a fabulous respite from bustling Manhattan, and the subway station is where it is!
Located directly under City Hall Park is the former City Hall subway station, which opened in 1904.
This station is a bit *extra* as it was designed to be a sample of the new metro system. It features Guastavino tiles, skylights, colored glass tiles and brass chandeliers. Talk about bougie!
Although it has been closed for a while, I recommend checking out the Old City Hall station tour when it opens again.
For a deeper dive underground (and an unusual but cool thing to do in New York), check out the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn.
Bonus
Restricting it to just the top ten things to do in NYC, I had to leave countless amazing points out of this NYC guide.
If I could leave you with two extra pieces of advice, I'd say always check the Broadway schedule! There's always something great!
And, in my opinion, the Statue of Liberty is best experienced from afar. That said, a trip to Ellis Island It's worth it for history buffs, but I wouldn't say it's a must-see if you're trying to narrow down your list of things to do in NYC.
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