When you think of New York, what first comes to mind? Most people would probably name the city’s most well-known landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or bustling Times Square. These iconic sites are definite must-sees when visiting the city for the first time, but New York is so culturally diverse and rich in history that you would miss out on so much if you limited your itinerary to only the usual tourist attractions. Read on to learn more about some truly unique places to visit in New York City.
Explore New York’s Haunted Past
Book a tour with https://nyghosts.com/ and learn more about the city’s strange and mysterious past. These 90-minute walking tours are held at 8pm and begin at the Arch in Washington Square Park. Participants are then led through the winding streets and historic buildings of Greenwich Village, an intriguing Bohemian neighborhood where tales of tragic events and paranormal activity abound.
If you’re up for a fun and spooky yet educational adventure fit for adults and kids alike, a ghost tour in New York is definitely a one of a kind experience that will allow you a glimpse into the darker side of the city’s past.
Wander Through An Abandoned Subway Station
City Hall Station, located at Park Row and City Hall Park, was built in October 1904 with lavish architectural details such as Guastavino vaulted ceilings, beautiful colored glass tiles, skylights, and even brass chandeliers. Sadly, it was one of the least used stops in the subway system, as it was built on a curve and could only accommodate five-car trains, which made it inefficient. Passenger service ceased completely in 1945.
Today, the New York City Transit Museums hosts exclusive guided tours of this architectural marvel. Participants must be a member of the museum, and book tickets in advance via their website.
Visit The Famous Ghostbusters Firehouse
New York is a popular choice for movie locations, but the Ghostbusters film franchise is definitely one of the most nostalgia-inducing for people born in the 80’s and early 90’s. The exterior of the Hook & Ladder Company 8’s firehouse, located at 14 North Moore Street in Tribeca, was used as the base for the first Ghostbusters film in 1984.
Today, it remains a fully functional firehouse, and its firefighters were among the first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Browse Through A Magical Store
For a dose of magic, Tannen’s Magic Store has been supplying amateur and professional magicians with props and tricks since 1925. Located in the Herald Square district of New York City, it is the city’s oldest operating magic shop, and is currently situated down the hall from Flosso-Hornman-Martinka, where the great Harry Houdini himself used to reside as president. Drop by the store to stock up on magical items such as magic canes, dice, cards, invisible paint, and classic rabbit-conjuring hats. The store also offers DVDs and magic camps and classes—perfect for the budding magician.
Learn To Love Math
Whether math was your best subject in school or your worst, you are sure to enjoy a visit to the National Museum of Mathematics, also known as MoMath. Its fascinating exhibits, galleries and programs seek to give visitors a tangible idea of how mathematical concepts look and behave in real life. Even if you absolutely hate math, it’s hard not to get absorbed by the museum’s many quirky displays, including lasers, calculating machines, interactive sculptures of light and sound, and bicycles with square wheels.
This short list is really just a starting off point for those who want to experience New York City in a different and unusual way. There are literally hundreds more of unique spots to visit throughout the city; all you need is the willingness to stray off the beaten path and to think out of the box.
