What are some of the must-see New York attractions travelers never miss? If you want to explore new and unique experiences in New York, the city offers abundant opportunities. Typical tourist hotspots tend to be overly saturated, so not everyone enjoys visiting those. Thankfully, if you dig a little further, you’ll encounter little-known places that offer unbridled charm and beauty.
Apart from exploring New York’s eclectic culinary tour experience, there are a variety of unique activities you can enjoy in New York and even more rich flavors to enjoy. These hidden gem locations will help you learn more about the city and its rich cultural history.
Tour City Island
There’s a precious little gem hidden at the northern borders of NYC known as City Island. You’ll experience the full-bodied flavor of seafood cuisine on this island. You can also score some vintage pieces and collect some memorabilia from its famous antique stores. If you love being around bodies of water, you can learn sailing at the New York Sailing Center on City Island and enjoy the less explored, clear waters of Orchard Beach. There are endless activities for you to enjoy on this island, including visiting the Nautical Museum which lies just off the island’s main drag of City Island Ave.
Visit the Oldest Pub at McSorley’s Old Ale House
Established in 1854, this pub’s motto, “We were here before you were born,” couldn’t ring more true. One of the favorite joints of St. Patrick’s Day revelers, McSorley, will help you travel back in time because nothing much has changed in the establishment. The pub floors are littered with sawdust. Famous people like Abraham Lincoln and John Lennon have been to this location. Keep in mind that it’s a cash-only joint, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and kids are denied access after 6 p.m.
Visit the Roosevelt Island Small Pox Hospital Ruins
Now a vibrant and fast-paced Island in the Manhattan borough, Roosevelt Island once served as a quarantine location. This was especially helpful during the 1850s when New York had a significant smallpox outbreak. But the hospital became redundant in the 1950s as the virus infections became less rampant. If you’re a fan of spooky locations, then you’ll enjoy touring these ruins.
Tour the West Village and Catch Up With Dylan Thomas’s Ghost
This ranks as one of the most unconventional things to do when you visit the West Village. The White Horse Tavern is Dylan Thomas’s last known location before his death. He was a famous writer who loved the pub, which was, on most occasions, filled with top creatives and activists in New York. A joke goes around that he frequents the pub from time to time.
Visit the Merchant’s House Museum
Located in the lower part of Manhattan borough in Astor Place, the Merchant’s House Museum is one of the rare house museums which helps preserve the city’s culture. You’ll get to tour the Treadwell family home here and learn about the lives of Irish servants. Touring this house museum will also help you learn more about the elite Bond Street area, as one of the must-see New York attractions one never miss.