Watch A Movie In Bryant Park
Rounding out this list of free things to do in NYC is a summertime favorite. Lay down a blanket and bring some popcorn and candy and settle in for an open-air movie in Bryant Park during the summer. Films include classics like Big, Goodfellas, and The Birdcage, and the program even holds fan votes so people can pick their favorite flicks. Get there early as it gets crowded: the lawn opens at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking and the movie starts at sunset.
What And Where Is Soho
SoHo stands for South of Houston Street.
The acronym was coined by Chester Rapkin, a city planning commissioner who published a report in the 1960s and called The South Houston Industrial Area.
The area boundaries are Houston Street on the north and Canal Street in the south, 6th Avenue on the west and Crosby Street on the east.
SoHo is located within the greater Lower Manhattan District and can be reached by multiple subway lines.
You can use this , but how you get here depends on where you are going, as there are several subway stations scattered around SoHo.
We visit SoHo every day on our SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour as well as a few others. See our live schedule and let us take you here.
Several NYC subway lines run through parts of SoHo.
- C train to Spring Street Station
- N/R trains to Prince Street Station
- B/D/F/M to Broadway-Lafayette Station
- 6 train to Spring Street Station
- A/C J/Z, N/Q/R trains to Canal Street Station
We have 2 posts on the NYC subway that are very handy:
TIP: Many hop-on-hop-off tourist buses stop near SoHo.
TIP #2: Why not stay here? Check out the top rated SoHo hotels on TripAdvisor.
Grand Bazaar Nycgrand Holiday Bazaar
Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated weekly shopping market in NYC. Open every Sunday, you’ll find all kinds of creative makers and passionate dealers, vending one-of-a-kind, rare, and unique goods. This Sunday youll also find the markets annual Grand Holiday Bazaar. Explore unique gifts indoors and out from 150+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Come hungry! There are great artisanal food options as well. 10am-5pm.
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Fun Things To Do In New York City At Night
They say its the city that never sleeps. New York City is by far one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There is so much to do and see both during the day and at night. Some of the major attractions offer long hours for you to experience the most fun things to do in New York City at night.
Read Under The Stars At Albertine
Read under the stars at one of the most beautiful bookstores in all of NYC, Albertine. One of my favorite unusual things to do in New York City that is also one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side.
Youre probably wondering what is Albertine anyway, am I right?
Well, believe it or not, Albertine is a French American bookstore, on 5th Avenue, that is literally right across the street from the MET.
Pretty cool right?
And no, you dont have to speak French or buy a book to enjoy this magical place because I swear, this bookstore is unlike any other store that youve ever been to.
Why you may wonder?
Well, first of all, you have to pass through a metal detector just to get into the store, which has an impressive, white marble atrium with gorgeous statues and exquisite column work.
It feels more like a royal residence than a bookstore.
But once youre inside, it gets even better.
Walk upstairs, gaze up at the ceiling, and become mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of stars and constellations that dot the vibrant blue ceiling a scene that is beautifully reminiscent of Van Goghs immortal painting, Starry Night.
***Since youre here enjoying one of the many unique things to do in New York City, you might as well visit the MET, Central Park, Belvedere Castle, and the immortal Alica and Wonderland Statue since they are ALL basically right across the street. Yup, youre welcome.***
Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY
Price: FREE!
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Impress Your Foodie Friends With A Visit To A Michelin Star Restaurant
Weve all heard of the Michelin Guide a review of all the top-rated restaurants in the world. One star meaning exceptional, two stars extraordinary and three stars perfection.
Lucky for us, very few cities in the world can rival the New York culinary scene and the Michelin chefs that call it home.
Normally known for being gravely expensive, there are a few New York Michelin spots that wont rob the bank and still provide you with a unique, top-class dining experience.
- Agern A Danish restaurant located in Grand Central Terminal, headed up by Icelandic chef Gunnar Gíslason. Diners can partake during lunch hours for $40 or $48 .
- Carbone Located in SoHo, Carbone offers a throwback to 20th century Italian America gastronomy. With some methodical ordering, you can walk out with under a $60 billand possibly leftovers too.
- Gotham Bar and Grill Perhaps one of the more relaxing restaurants on the Michelin list, Gotham offers a Three Course Prix Fixe Lunch Menu for $48.
Live Music At The Iridium
For more than 25 years, musical landmark The Iridiumhas been hosting intimate experiences of the worlds best rock, jazz, blues, and beyond. Look for the venue to be back December 27th, lining up shows like the Harlem Blues Project, The Ed Palermo Big Band Presents a Very Zappy Christmas, and the guitar innovator Kaki King.
For this New Year’s Eve weekend, R& B/neo-soul icon Macy Gray will be in residence for a special run of shows. Fan favorites will intermix with all-new music being played live for the very first time. . Show dates are Thursday, December 30th New Years Eve and New Years Day . New Years Eve Holiday Bash packages will feature a prix fixe menu with open bar and an escort to watch the ball drop in person. Find show information here.
Looking ahead to 2022, you’ll find Iridium shows like the YES Tribute Band Total Mass Retain on January 10th featuring Vernon Reid and the fieriest frettboarding female ever to strap on a Stratocaster on January 12th swing and ska purveyors the Cherry Poppin Daddies on January 16th English guitar legend Albert Lee on January 20th-21st NYC-based ensemble the Ed Palermo Big Band on January 24th Electric Miles featuring trumpeter Randy Brecker on January 28th-29th pop craftsman on February 6th and Roomful of Blues founder Duke Robillard on February 9th.
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Embrace The Macabre With A Tour Of Nycs Very Own Catacombs
When you think of catacombs, I bet your first thought is of Paris, or maybe even Rome.
Am I right?
Well, believe it or not, NYC actually has its very own set of catacombs too!
I know:
Totally crazy but totally true!
And guess what?
Theyre actually hidden beneath NYCs one and only, St.Patricks Cathedral.
I know, my mind was totally blown too. So:
If you think that you might want to visit this hidden gem of NYC for yourself, then all you need to do is book a 90-minute, Catacombs by Candelight Tour, and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
Okay:
Maybe not a lifetime since I can dream up some pretty outrageous things, but whatever, this tour still sounds pretty cool.
Because along the way:
Youll get to explore super-secret, totally mysterious parts of St. Patricks Cathedral that no one else EVER gets to see.
And believe it or not:
This set of catacombs in actually the only one in NYC that is open to daily visitors.
Therefore:
This experience really is the very definition of unique since you cant actually do this type of tour anywhere else in the city!
And while I havent done this tour myself:
You better believe that the next time Im up in NYC, Ill be taking part in this wickedly weird, totally unusual thing to do in NYC.
I mean:
Actually:
Dont answer that. LOL. Youre probably infinitely more normal than I can ever hope to be.
However:
I do know that Im not alone in my weirdness since um, hello, American Horror Story is a very real THING.
#KeepingItReal
Remember Why You Love Nyc From Its Many Observation Decks
Throughout fallMultiple locationsOne silver lining of the pandemic: there has never been a better time to explore our citys wonderful collection of sky-high observation decks. What should be on your punch list? The Empire State Building, of course, but we also recommend One World Observatory , Edge , and Top of the Rock for Midtowns most spectacular views. Diehard view seekers might want to pick up a New York CityPASS C3, which offers access to all but One World Observatory on a single ticket.Cost: Varies
Throughout fallCitywideRemind yourself of NYCs supremacy with dough on a whirlwind tour of bagels. Eat your weight in lox, schmear, and poppy seeds with Tompkins Square Bagels, Russ & Daughters, and/or Black Seed Bagels. If you decide to eat em all in one day, just drink a lot of water, OK? Otherwise youll end up as salted as that gravlax you pounded.Cost: Varies
Throughout fallCitywideWhile the citys parks can sometimes be packed on weekends, head to the road less travelled for some more fresh air: an off-hours , hike. With plenty of green space in every borough, our lesser-known parks have miles and miles of hiking trails for some serenity from our city sidewalks. Pick a path in your local park, leave the headphones off for the chorus of nature, and get some fresh air in your lungs.Cost: Free
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Izzy Baskette is an editorial assistant at Thrillist.
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My Personal Best Fun Group Things To Do In New York City
One of my personal best fun group things to do in New York City is exploring Central Park together and finishing up the sightseeing with a picnic in the park on Sheep Meadow.
There is so much to see and do in Central Park that there is no way that any of you in your group would get bored or not like the idea of heading to Central Park. Near Columbus Circle inside The Shops theres a Whole Foods Market where you can purchase everything for your picnic. From there it is only 10 minutes walk to Sheep Meadow.
Sitting on the lawn with people I love being surrounded by, talking about life and all the memories we made in the city is one of my favorite things to do as a group in NYC. If you find yourself exploring different ideas with your friends and family, please leave them in the comments. I would love to hear about your experience as a group in New York.
Uniquely New York Experiences That Shouldnt Be Missed
& Jessie Festa
Uniquely New York isnt just a famous tongue twister. Its also the best way to describe the City That Never Sleeps.
From the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the shores of Queens, there are few places on earth quite like New York City.
The citys diversity makes it the perfect place to seek out new experiences of all kinds.
Moreover, the five boroughs are full of unique shops, parks, attractions, restaurants, and more that both visitors and locals will have to see to believe.
So, where do you start?
Weve compiled a list of 31 uniquely New York experiences everyone should try.
The next time you think youve done everything there is to do in NYC, see if youve checked off some of the items on this list!
Note: This post on unique places in NYC features affiliate links to trusted partners we think youll love!
Need help capturing your uniquely New York experiences with you in the photos? Book one of our Private Photo Journeys, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or step your game up even further with an NYC Influencer Shoot. Email with inquiries.
Then you wont want to miss my !
Just a few highlights from the guide include:
- Where to get creative java drinks in beautiful , too!
- How to discover unique opportunities for exploring nature in New York City!
- Ways to get off-the-beaten-track to explore a side of the city many tourists miss!
Once youve grabbed the guide, keep reading to discover truly fun experiences and unique places in NYC!
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Visit The Life Underground
Even New Yorkers dont know this secret spot, the Life Underground tiny bronze figures that decorate the 14th Street and 8th Avenue subway station. Designed by artist Tom Otterness, these cute and playful cartoon-like statues precisely depict the small details, history, and myths of New York City.
You can hop on any A, C, or E train to the 14th St station. Or take the L train to the 8th Avenue station and follow signs to the A, C, E platform. Some of the statues are on the upper level, and most are on train platforms with many under stairwells.
Slow down when visiting this attraction, and you will spot something interesting otherwise, you wouldnt.
Playful Life Underground bronze figures at 14th St & 8th Ave.
Day Or Night Pay A Visit To The Jane Hotel
Take one look at The Jane Hotel and you can feel the notable presence. In 1912, The Jane Hotel hosted the remaining Titanic survivors for the days following the Atlantic tragedy.
Now, The Jane Hotel offers a unique hotel experience, an Italian restaurant, Old Rose, as well as a seasonal rooftop bar and popular nightclub.
If you want to stay more on a budget, check our guide on 3 best hostels in New York City.
Address: West Village, NY
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Sleeping On Your Belly
Do you like to sleep on your tummy, but experience problems oftentimes? The position might not help you. If you experience insomnia, chances are that youre not comfortable sleeping in this position. It can tense your neck and your lower back. But if this is how you like to sleep, you might consider using a very soft cooling pillow to keep your neck comfortable.
The Museum At Eldridge Street
Shining lights, sumptuous decoration, and a time capsule of Old New Yorkthe Museum at Eldridge Street is the perfect place to visit for the holiday season. Step inside the landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue and step back in time, as you learn about the Jewish immigrants who found religious freedom in their new country, the opulent sacred space they built in 1887, and the 20th-century restoration that saved this decaying masterpiece. Experience the magic with a docent-led or self-guided tour. Learn more at eldridgestreet.org.
This Sunday, join historian Scott Brevda on a walking tour exploration of what life was like for Jewish immigrants a century ago, employing traces of the era that remain in the neighborhood. Youll see where children played, where people shopped and ate, how they got the news, and where they banked.
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+ Things To Do In Nyc With Teens
Planning vacations with activities that interest adolescents can be difficult, but there are plenty of things to do that will be fun for them and for the whole family. If youre looking for things to do in NYC with teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including…
- Empire State Building Observatory
- Luna Park at Coney Island
- Yankee Stadium: Classic Tour
- American Museum of Natural History + more museums
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square
- and more…
Visit Lady Liberty And Ellis Island
For some, this is a must-do for visitors to NYC. You will need to plan to spend 4-5 hours to see both islands, but it really is worth it.
The views on the boat cruise out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are wonderful.
We offer tips for planning your visit to both attractions and include our own self-guided tours of both islands.
Alternatively, you can also get tickets for pedestal access with some Statue of Liberty tours.
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Go To The Top Of The Empire State Building
A great way to see NYC lit up at night is by going to the Empire State Building observation deck. The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and has stood in New York City since 1931.
You can go to the Empire State Building observation deck until 11 PM, so theres no excuse not to visit the building in the evening. Once on the viewing deck, located on the 86th floor, youll be able to take in stunning nighttime views of NYC.
Hone Your Secret Agent Skills At Spyscape
Channel your inner supersleuth and dive into the mysterious world of spies at this interactive museum. 007 fans love the James Bond exhibition which includes one of the original cars.
Uncover the truth about codebreaking and discover real-life gadgets used out in the field. You will be tasked with several Skyscape challenges, so get ready to crack clues and tackle laser rooms.
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