Unique New York City: 30 Evergreen things to do this summer

*Updated May 2020 with some covid-19 changes.

Unique New York City!

Living in unique New York City, one is never lacking in fun and random activities to experience every season. I mean, there’s so much for locals and tourists to do in summer that you will never be able to experience everything before the sun bids us goodbye and the ice cold claws of winter grip us feverishly for another dreary run of Father Winter. Sigh.

Newbies to New York City want to experience Times Square, Central Park, Liberty Island Tours et al and that’s fine but what most people don’t realize is that there are pockets of calm and unique attractions/events present in the city that are not on the radar of the average tourist.

Well. I for one intend to enjoy as much of unique New York City’s seasonal summer activities as I can and I invite you to do same as you run down the list of uniquely random places and activities to experience.

For newbies and second timers to New York City, I implore you to explore the other five boroughs (if you haven’t already) and witness the evolution of the city from colonization till present times.

This list is evergreen and can be done any season but everything feels better in the summer sun, doesn’t it? Without further ado and in no particular order, here goes.

 

SPYSCAPE Museum.

This is a brand new interactive spy museum in unique New York City with lasers to squeeze through a la Mission Impossible, spy history to learn, liars to spot and codes to crack. It literally is spanking new and I for one will grace it with my presence very soon. It’s ideal for big and little kids alike and the website for location and tickets are here.

I visit Spyscape in January 2019 as part of an offer from Expedia on NYC attractions and it is unlike any museum I have been to. You go through interactive games at 8 stations (might be 10, I forget now) testing your spatial ability, numeric intelligence, retention, behavioural patterns and so many other physical, mental and intelligence qualities that determine what kind of spy you can be.

I get Agent Handler because of my emotional intelligence but apparently, I’m also an expert liar! Lmao! The bot who conducts the test asks me:

Do you even have a pulse?

*crying emoji* I don’t know whether to appreciate the compliment or be offended.

Spyscape drives the truth home on how we are all being watched 24/7 all of the time not just from our devices but from millions of CCTVs everywhere. Chilling but extremely interesting. I highly recommend this museum as one of the unique things to do in NYC this summer.

Update: The covid-19 pandemic has closed public entertainment till probably June 2020.

Hudson Yards

Aka Manhattan West, this is Manhattan’s newest neighbourhood between W 14th and W 42nd Streets from 9th through 12th Avenues. Redevelopment is happening to rival the heavily trafficked areas of central midtown with commercial buildings, luxury condos, luxury stores and restaurants planned in the area.

The main landmark is a futuristic looking structure called the Vessel which has 154 interconnecting flights of stairs with 2500 steps and 80 landings! It draws inspiration from Indian step wells and once complete in 2019, people will climb and have a panoramic view of NYC and New Jersey across the Hudson River.

Access to this neighbourhood is via the 7 train at 34th Street-Hudson Yards station stop. Vessel is meant to be an observation point like the Empire State and 30 Rock are in midtown central and Freedom Tower is downtown. I *might* attempt the first 20 flights but after that, c’est fini.

Background: Hudson Yards opened in March 2019 and boy, is it wonderful! I’ve climbed the Vessel and other points of attraction are the luxury mall, The Edge (highest observational point in the western hemisphere), unique murals, and access to the High Line.

 

Update: The covid-19 pandemic has closed Hudson Yards till probably June 2020.

 

RELATED: Spring into A New NYC Neighborhood: Hudson Yards, High Line, Vessel See & Do

 

Brooklyn Navy Yard

This is currently an industrial park showcasing innovative firms and start-ups with new technology in energy efficiency, fashion, food, urban manufacturing and energy. According to New York City, modern and traditional manufacturing techniques intersect with the aid of cutting-edge technology to create new products.

Public access is available in the form of free tours where you learn the history of the Yard till present. Register your visit here and there is a free shuttle bus from pick-up points in Brooklyn.

The NYC Ferry plies Brooklyn Navy Yard on the Astoria route and this is an interesting way to experience unique New York City by water.

Industry City

This is a manufacturing and distribution warehouse from the 1890s located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Today, it hosts a variety of entrepreneurs in design, food, interior, furnishings, and spaces for flea markets, exercise, yoga, food halls, viewing centres, concerts and green spaces.

There are many interesting events and interactive stores to experience here so have a wee browse of Industry City.

I love exploring Industry City during summer for their food events – they have so many and I love food – and since it’s right by the water, the cool breeze and quiet ambience are a calming change from the hubbub of Brooklyn & Manhattan.

The Cloisters/Fort Tryon

The Cloisters is a medieval museum in Fort Tryon, Upper Manhattan, housing artifacts from early Christendom in Europe.

Fort Tryon park itself is so quiet with exposed bedrock (it’s heaven for  pro and amateur geologists) and remnants of brick walls as you ascend towards the entrance of The Cloisters.

This quiet park is a change from crowded and tourist-heavy Central Park if you’re willing to make the hike to 207th Street. Make this a day trip and take the hike up with the A train, explore the park and Cloisters overlooking the Hudson as one of the unique things to see and do in New York City.

 

RELATED: A Day at the Cloisters: Angels, Art & Artifact

Van Cortlandt Park

Another city park, it is located in north Bronx and is the third largest park in New York City. It is also home to the country’s first public golf course, a freshwater lake and the oldest house in the borough.

You can get here via the 4 train  to Woodlawn or the 1 train to the last stop at 242nd St. This is another hike so consider this another day trip withing unique New York City!

Prospect Park

This is my favourite spot to hang out in in Brooklyn and yes, I am biased because I live in the borough. There are oases of serenity within where you can have some peace and quiet away from the crowd.

If you’re into biking or rollerblading, work out your limbs as the park is permanently closed to vehicular traffic. In the height of summer, there are cookouts galore and I want this summer to be the one where I cop some BBQ from a random grill master in the park. Follow me on IG and I’ll let you know how it goes. Lol.

Beginning in June through August, Prospect Park Bandshell has free musical events and they are phenomenal. Arrive early with a blanket and picnic basket to stake your place right in front of the stage.

 

 

RELATED: 10 Unmissable New York City Experiences

Roosevelt Island

It is a tiny sliver of an island smack in the middle of Manhattan and Queens. The F train passes through but the best way to get here is via the Roosevelt Island aerial tram on E 59th Street/2nd Avenue.

This is a legit cheap day trip form NYC across the East River and either the tram or NYC ferry will get you there for the same price of a one-way subway fare, $2.75.

There are a few historical attractions to visit here like the nation’s first Smallpox Hospital said to be haunted and a bona fide lighthouse allegedly built by asylum inmates – that was how the story began back in the day – but the interesting one is an asylum turned luxury condo. Of course!

I visit Roosevelt in peak summer when it crested 100 deg F and I was getting warning alerts from the City to stay indoors. It was fun but brutal.

RELATED: 10 Things to Do On Roosevelt Island on a Cheap Day Trip from NYC

Wafels and Dinges

This is my sweet tooth rearing its greedy head. The first time I have this is at the Christmas Market in Bryant Park in December 2017 and I scarf down the hot waffles on such a bitter December night. I forget their name and only know they are Belgian until Twitter comes to the rescue and a follower knows exactly what I mean and tells me.

When I Google their address, I discover a stand on 34th/6th Ave which is a walking distance from work! I abstain from sugar the day before and pop out for a visit during lunch. It is delicious, just like the first time I taste it.

Rockaway Beach

This isn’t generally on the radar of most tourists except they know about it. It is in Queens and underwent redevelopment after being battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Presently, the boardwalk is restored, buildings re-built and the area jazzed up better than before. You can get here either by the A train to Far Rockaway or the NYC Ferry to Rockaway Beach. I prefer the ferry because how many times do we get to sail to a different borough in warm weather?

Broadway Bites

This is a seasonal open-air food stall space located in Greeley Square, 33rd & Broadway. You cannot miss it as it is right on Broadway between 33th and 34th Streets.

They have everything from meats to dessert and vegetarian platters of major cuisines. I have my first matcha ice cream roll and a chicken and waffle from Chick ‘n’ Cone. Delish!

UPDATE: It is only available for a month so if you want to experience it this summer, it begins in early May.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Piers 3 – 6

These are waterside Brooklyn gems that are gorgeous in summer because they are very family friendly. Children can play safely while mum and dad relax with an ice cream cone or a book on the green overlooking downtown Manhattan.

There is a large grilling section at Pier 6 with seating where families bring their grill, whip up some magical barbeque and the aroma is just scrumptious as you walk by. If you cannot be fussed with all of that, just patronize Fornino’s pizza located at the pier where the NYC ferry docks. Yes, the NYC ferry brings you here and to other NYC waterfront ‘hoods and of course, there is ice cream.

My fave mode of transport here is the NYC Ferry from either DUMBO in Brooklyn or Pier 11/Wall Street at the South Street Seaport to Pier 6.

RELATED: What To Do In A Day in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Governor’s Island

Another gem within the New York City harbour, this is a car-free island so get ready to walk, bike, tandem bike or quad-cycle.

There are various seasonal activities to experience here but my faves are the zip-lining and rock wall climbing.

The NYC Ferry or Water Taxi go here from the South Street Seaport or DUMBO in Brooklyn. The island closes in October so squeeze in a visit before all summer activities end.

RELATED: Daytripping Activities on Governor’s Island.

The Oculus/Freedom Tower Observation Deck

This is a 2-in-1 special in downtown NYC built around the 9/11 Memorial Park. The Observation Deck provides panoramic views of unique New York City and is a sight to behold at night.

For the deck, you need to book time slots as there is a mad rush in summer and be prepared to go through TSA like security screening. The highlight is the elevator ride up 102 floors where the history of NYC over the centuries is told in stunning moving graphics.

The Oculus is built in the shape of a dove to symbolize peace and is a wow moment when seen in person. It houses Westfield Mall where you can pop in to browse and eat on a toasty day and it is linked underground to Brookfield Centre, another fave spot near the Hudson River in Battery Park City.

Botanical Gardens

If you’re an introvert/ambivert like moi, you cherish calm and serenity within nature and like to escape there often. We’ve got the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for such purposes and they are so tranquil with blooms and ecosystems to soothe your senses.

Click on the related link below for more info and links to these Gardens.

RELATED: A Frugal Amviverts Guide to NYC

Harry Houdini Museum

This is such a hole-in-the-wall museum that I have no idea it exists till I discover it poring over Google Maps. Yes, beloved. I peruse Google to find unique New York City spots I need to visit during lunch or weekends.

The museum contains Houdini’s costumes and magic acts used on stage as well as stories on how he actually conducted these befuddling tricks.

It is on 213 W 35th, Ste 401, and it never gets crowded plus the front desk guy puts on a magic show. At least he did for me. Lol.

Skyscraper Museum

This museum celebrates New York City’s rich architectural heritage through the ages as well as the individuals and technologies that still shape the vertical rise of the city. If you’re like me and notice architecture every where you go, you’d love this unique museum in the world’s first skyscraper city.

It is located downtown in Battery Park City and has educational talks and tours for school-age kids too.

Visit them here today.

Jackson Heights

Located in Queens, this neighbourhood contains the most diversity in America where you find any cuisine from the common to the most obscure.

You want yak meat, you can find it here at Nepalese restaurants. Wanna try a bright cloth? There are S/E Asian fabric stores selling intricate fabric and material for sewing and saris.

Get here on the E,F,M,R and &. Basically, MTA is our lifeline in the city and can get you anywhere.

Tenement Museum

Located on 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side, it tells the tale of urban immigration into New York City from the European Jews to the Irish and Italians after them.

These buildings still stand today and the apartments are so tiny that there are showers in kitchens and kitchen sinks over bath tubs. Yes. You read right.

“Do people live here?”, you ask. Of course! This is New York City, baby, and some of these apartments go for between $1700 and $2700.

I’ve been inside many and in a previous job, I audited these apartments, was shown rent rolls where I legit shrieked! Granted, a lot are rent-stabilized and cost way below market price…but that’s another conversation regarding ridiculous rents in New York City.

Tours of early immigrant tenements are available and you’ll marvel at the tiny space that a large family had to squeeze into with insufficient heat and hot water.

Click here to learn more about the tour and museum.

Walking Tours

This is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of unique New York City beyond the conventional tourist traps. There are mural tours, tours on the history of downtown and Harlem and for a less traditional walk, there are tours on The Ramones, a punk rock group formed in NYC, and a tour of the sites of the movie, Goodfellas.

The Ramones and Goodfellas tours are run by Brian Ciccioni as part of Air BnB Experiences and you can reach him on Twitter at @brianmayroam. Tell him that Kemi from Musings and Adventures blog recommends him.

Snug Harbor, Staten Island

Often the forgotten borough when New York City is being mentioned, it does have a few gems hidden within. Snug Harbor is a cultural centre and botanical garden with horticulture, performing arts, farms and lots more for families to enjoy.

Click here for summer events on schedule.

Catch a BAM show

New York City isn’t all about Broadway shows as we also have ballet, contemporary and dance shows from all cultures. At the Brooklyn Academy of Music, avant-garde performing arts is available as well as talks, plays and classes regarding the performing arts world.

Click here for digital programs.

Update: There are no physical events because of the covid-19 pandemic and its resultant lockdown of New York City.

South Street Seaport

The Seaport is another fave spot of mine in downtown NYC with cobbled streets, a museum, ships, shops, restaurants, views of DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge. There are so many activities to explore in the Seaport District where it feels apart from the rest of the city because of its architecture and quiet streets.

At night, chill on the deck chairs of Pier 15, Heinecken River Deck or the Rooftop, both on Pier 17, while nursing a cool thirst quencher and revelling in the serenity of it all. An introvert’s dream.

Catch an Alvin Ailey show

This is an American institution featuring contemporary dance shows married with classical ballet. You need to see a show to really experience it and it sells out internationally.

A classic favourite is Revelations and believe me, you’ll be dancing and clapping in your seats. I know the words and the tunes to all of the songs in this piece because I catch an Ailey show almost every year.

Click here for limited digital access to full length theatre shows.

Update: The covid-19 pandemic and the NYC lockdown closed performances till further notice.

International African Arts Festival

This is a unique New York City festival happening every August showcasing African arts, crafts, jewellery and foods.

There are live musical shows and it’s just a beautiful atmosphere where everyone is eating, shopping or listening to music on the green. It holds in Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn and everyone is very welcome.

Bushwick Collective – Street art and murals

These are prevalent in the city especially the Lower East Side (LES), Brooklyn and Bronx. On LES, the Bowery, Delancey and Essex streets have so many murals interspersed on main and side streets and the art below is from a random Bowery wall.

In Brooklyn, there is the ever famous Bushwick Collective with an amazing collection of street art depicting everything from abstract to political themes. The art changes often and have your camera out to immortalize your favourite art. You will not regret this visit.

Arthur Avenue

This is the real Little Italy of unique New York City where generations of Italian-Americans are born and raised. It is in the Belmont area of the Bronx and is one of the best places for authentic Italian foods like bread, pasta, cheese, sausages, childhood pastries, gifts and sweets.

It also features many authentic Italian restaurants and there’s a history to it as Joe Pesci was discovered by De Niro here. It’s all the way on E 180th & 181st St but no subways go here so you will have to Uber it.

The closest transit is the Metro-North Harlem line stopping at Tremont. From here, a cab or Uber is your best bet. Hey! It’s an opportunity for adventure, innit?

Astoria

In the borough of Queens, it is a trendy Italian/Greek/Middle-Eastern neighourhood with requisite cuisines from these cultures. Shawarma and shisha? Check. Authentic Napoli pizza and real feta? Also check.

The NYC Ferry now plies the Astoria waters where you can exercise your sea legs or take the subway (N,W) to Ditmas Blvd., walk down the blocks to 39th Avenue while stuffing your face with all the treats you pass by.

Staten Island Ferry

I’m sure you tire of all the ferry options on this list but they are an integral part of unique New York City and a desperate alternative to the over-crowding of subways and buses.

The ferry is downtown and is free to board. For the much frugal traveller, you can spot Lady Liberty on both legs without having to pay the fare to Liberty Island if you don’t want to. The night time view of the New York City skyline from the pier on Staten is worth the river crossing.

Long Island/The Hamptons

Long Island is technically not part of the 5 boroughs of unique New York City but it is where the 1% retreat to in summer for Gold Coast shindigs, pool parties, fancy charity events and private beaches.

If your pockets don’t stretch to renting a summer beach house, there are towns and beaches to visit for the day. For example, Sag Harbor, Montauk, South Hampton, Massapequa and Amangasset have affordable day trip beaches.

Long Beach in Nassau County was re-built in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the boardwalk is lovely. Do not forget to take a deck chair and a beach umbrella because these are not available at any beach in the City.

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to Pin and bookmark for when next your travels bring you to unique New York City. Until then, happy and safe travels! xoxo

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