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Weird New York City

Having grown up across the river in New Jersey, I’ll always love New York City, particularly the usual and weird things to do in NYC. Sure, any guide can tell you about The Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. In fact, I can tell you about the usual things to do in New York City. But for you more adventurous travelers looking for hidden gems, weird NYC attractions, and unique NYC experiences, this post is for you. These are unique things you won’t find in most tour guides. This list even includes some fun things to do in NYC at night. From the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens to the Ghostbusters Firehouse in Soho, this guide has a whole host of unique things to do in NYC that will leave you with an amazing New York City experience.

Ghostbusters Firehouse

Located in Tribeca, this iconic firehouse is an Instagram must-have. New York is loaded with iconic movie locations, but few are as nostalgic as the 1903 Beaux-Arts building, home to the real-life Hook & Ladder Company 8. Used for the exterior scenes of the fictional firehouse where Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston set up their ghostbusting operations, this firehouse attracts throngs of tourists.

The firefighters of Hook & Ladder 8, were among the very first responders to the World Trade Center on September 11. In fact, it’s still a fully functional firehouse, so please be respectful as you capture those shots for the gram.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Address: 14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013

2. New York Transit Museum

The actual travel part of travel may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the New York Transit Museum is a cool look at the history of the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems in New York City. And it definitely ranks as one of the more unusual things to do in NYC. My favorite part of the museum is the collection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907. Visitors can also check out an old 12-seat city bus, historical street furniture, a “fishbowl” bus cab, and detailed scale models of trolleys and busses from the past.

The Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn is wheelchair accessible. It also offers visitors with disabilities a reduced $5 admission. Use code welcome during checkout. For more information, check out the NY Transit Museum website.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The Transit Museum's wheelchair-accessible entrance is located on the corner of Schermerhorn and Court Streets, in Downtown Brooklyn

Address: 99 Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

3. Tenement Museum

This Lower East Side attraction shows visitors what life was like for many of New York’s immigrant families. The museum's two historical tenement buildings were home to an estimated 15,000 people, from over 20 countries, between 1863 and 2011. The museum, which includes a visitors' center, promotes tolerance and a perspective on the historical experience of immigrant families.

When first constructed, it contained 22 apartments and of course, a basement-level saloon. Eventually, the basement level was converted into shops. In 1935, rather than update the building to liveable conditions, the landlord evicted the tenants and boarded up the windows. The building lay dormant until the Lower East Side Tenement Museum became involved with the building in 1988.

The Tenement Museum is a time capsule showcasing the low standards of what was once considered acceptable housing.

Wheelchair Accessible: Only tours with “Individual Using a Wheelchair” tickets are fully wheelchair-accessible. All visitors with disabilities can obtain free entry for their care partners. Visit the Tenement Museum website for tickets.

Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

4. Lexington Candy Shop

One of the more unique places in New York City, The Lexington Candy Shop is a throwback to a bygone era of soda fountains and luncheonettes. Founded in 1925, The Lexington Candy Shop has been continuously owned and operated by three generations of family. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, the LCS is three blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the corner of 83rd Street and Lexington Avenue. It’s the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast of eggs/omelets, French toast, or pancakes. Or you could stop by for one of their famous ice cream floats.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 1226 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10028

5. Dinner in an Old Bank Vault at Trinity Place

Dine in Carnegie’s old bank vault from 1904. The basement vault at the Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant was originally commissioned by the New York Realty Bank. Built just north of the city in New York State, the vault was so large and heavy that it had to be sailed down the Hudson River and then transported on railway tracks from Battery Park to its eventual home at 115 Broadway. Each door of the vault weighs in at an impressive 35 tons.

Restored in 2006, the vault is now home to Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant. Fun fact, The 20th floor of the building was once home to the old Lawyers Club, a society so extra that it kept a private herd of 50 cows across the river in New Jersey to provide members with their own supply of fresh butter. I can report that while the building’s butter no longer comes from a private herd of cows, it’s still delicious.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 115 Broadway New York, NY 10006

6. City Hall Station

I was super bummed to miss out on visiting this unique subway stop on my last trip to New York City. Originally opened in 1904, the City Hall Station is a magnificent train stop complete with a massive chandelier, large glass tiles, and a skylight. Pretty swanky for a subway station. However, despite all its fine architectural details, the stop was one of the least used by commuters. Because of the curved platform, trains had to be specially outfitted to stop there. Not exactly ideal.

These days, while passengers can’t get out of the train and experience the City Hall Station as they once might have, they are able to stay on the train as it loops around those tracks and heads back north. You can catch a glimpse of the splendor of this once-grand station from the train.

The New York City Transit Museum also hosts periodic tours of the abandoned station. Check their website for details.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, but judging by reviews, tours can be difficult for some wheelchair users.

Address: You have to be on the 6 train to see the stop. It is not accessible from above ground. Stay on the Downtown 6 train after it leaves the Brooklyn Bridge station. Pro tip: it is best to be in the 7th, 8th, or 9th car as the train operates very slowly around the curve in front of the City Hall station.

7. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

You might be asking yourself why a botanic garden deserves a place on a list of weird and unusual places. Well, it has to do with what’s in this particular botanic garden. The rare and unusual Titan Arum, a plant with a stench so vomitous it will have you yearning for the sweet, urine-soaked smells of an NYC subway elevator.

(un)Lucky visitors who come at the right time may just get to smell one of the worst natural smells on earth, emanating from this giant repugnant flower.

Aside from the Titan Arum the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features several beautiful gardens including Japanese Bonsai, a desert scape, Shakespeare Garden, herb garden, Daffodil Hill, and a rose garden with more than 1,000 varieties of roses.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 900 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238

8. Nonnas of The World

If you yearn for your grandma’s cooking, you’ll love Nonnas of The World. This restaurant in Staten Island showcases a different grandma’s cooking every night of the week. To date, Nonnas of the World has featured cooks from Japan, Syria, France, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Liberia, Kazakhstan, the Dominican Republic, Czechia, Belarus, Pakistan, and Italy, just to name a few.

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Address: 27 Hyatt St Staten Island, NY 10301

9. Coney Island Museum

The Coney Island Museum, housed on the second floor of a century-old building on Surf Avenue, is dedicated to interpreting and preserving the history of the storied beachfront park that’s been around for over a century. Visitors can enjoy the wild funhouse mirrors, and check out vintage postcards, bumper cars, and other relics of a bygone era.

Unfortunately, because the museum is housed on the second floor of a historic building there is no elevator access.

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Address: 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11224

10. Metropolitan Museum of Art Cloisters

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that’s home to the museum’s incredible collection of medieval and European art and artifacts, including the Unicorn Tapestries. Each of these unicorn tapestries measures at least 12 feet high by eight feet wide. They were created 500 years ago by an unknown artist for unknown royalty in Western Europe. How’s that for mysterious mythical beasts?

Not to be outdone, the actual museum buildings are impressive medieval structures brought over from Europe and reconstructed stone by stone combined with several new structures designed in the medieval style.

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Address: Riverside Drive to Broadway NY, NY 10040

11. Fort Tryon Park

While you’re visiting the Cloisters, take a stroll. in Fort Tryon Park, surrounding the museum buildings. Fort Tyron Park is a 62-acre park in the Hudson Heights and Inwood neighborhoods of Manhattan. It runs from 192nd Street in the south to Riverside Drive in the North and from Broadway in the east to the Henry Hudson Parkway in the west. The main entrance to the park is located at Margaret Corbin Circle. Back in the Revolutionary War the Battle of Fort Washington was fought at the site that would later become the park. So if you’re a war buff, this park may just be for you!

Fort Tyron Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated an NYC Scenic Landmark in 1983.

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Address: Riverside Drive to Broadway NY, NY 10040

12. Try Rudy’s Free Hotdogs

Rudy’s is one of the oldest bars in New York City and one of the first to obtain a liquor license when prohibition ended in 1933. Rudy’s is now famous for its notoriously inexpensive beer prices and an impressive selection of beers. Patrons at this dive bar also receive a free hot dog with a drink purchase. If you’re looking for free things to do in New York, you can’t beat that.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 627 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

13. Dine at One of The Oldest Chinese Restaurants In New York City

Hwa Yuan Szechuan is a third-generation family-run restaurant in Chinatown and the birthplace of cold sesame noodles. In 1967 chef Yu Fa Tang opened up Hwa Yuan Szechuan Inn in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Born in Sichuan province and trained serving banquets around Taiwan, Tang made his way to New York by way of Hong Kong, Brazil, and India. Upon his arrival in New York City, he already had a reputation for one dish, cold sesame noodles.

Tang’s version utilized both American peanut butter and Chinese sesame paste, punched up with vinegar, chili oil, and a smidge of sugar for balance. The dish has been carried on by his son Chien Lieh Tang, and his grandson, James Tang. The Beijing duck also comes heavily recommended. Personally, I couldn’t get enough of the red wine chicken and spicy dumplings.

Don’t be turned off by the sparse attendance downstairs, the action is upstairs. And yes, there Is an elevator.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 42 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

14. Visit a Speakeasy

PDT (Please Don’t Tell) located at 113 St Marks Place sits behind a telephone booth in Crif Dogs, a tiny East Village staple where you can get some of the most creative hot dogs in the city.

Once you pass through the secret entrance, you enter a world of dimmed lights, fascinating taxidermy, and killer cocktails. It’s one of the best things to do in New York at night.

Make your way to the back of the speakeasy, and you’ll enter a shimmering world with a grand, wraparound staircase leading to the second floor and a massive chandelier. I highly recommend making reservations in advance.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Address: 113 St. Mark’s Place New York, NY 10009

15. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

I had been hearing about Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for years, so I was thrilled to finally make it there on my last trip to NYC. This unassuming storefront has some of the most incredible flavors of ice cream in the city including pumpkin pie, matcha green tea, lychee, black sesame, red bean, taro, durian, jackfruit, and blueberry cheesecake, just to name a few. The taste is otherworldly and I say this as a true ice cream aficionado. If you like ice cream, this is the place to go.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, through a separate entrance. Instructions to ring for assistance are on the front door.

Address: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

16. Explore the Catacombs

Did you know New York City has catacombs? Me either. But they do and they’re amazing. You no longer have to travel to Europe to experience the haunting thrill of catacombs.

The catacombs under the old St. Patrick’s Cathedral are among the few catacombs in the United States. Despite being overshadowed by the older and more famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral uptown, the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a historical landmark in its own right. Here Bishop John Hughes protected the Catholic community from a mob of angry Protestants with a show of force from armed parishioners.

The Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral would be a refuge for newly arrived immigrants, beginning with the Irish and then later the Italian, Hispanic, and Asian communities. As Catholics became more successful and established in New York City, the Catholic elites would be entombed in the catacombs within the cathedral’s crypts. Some famous Catholics entombed here are Congressman John Kelly (advisor to Abraham Lincoln), the Delmonico Family (who founded the oldest restaurant in New York City), civil war veteran General Thomas Eckert, and socialite Countess Annie Leary.

For 200 years the catacombs were rarely seen by anyone other than the clergy, workers, and family members of the entombed. However, in 2017 the basilica finally opened the catacombs to the public. Visitors can now enjoy candlelight tours through the dark passageways and learn more about the history of Catholics in New York City.

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Address: 266 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

17. See A Floating Subway Map

I happened upon this floating New York City subway map while out for a stroll with my pup, Maddie in New York’s SOHO neighborhood. The art piece is built out of stainless steel concrete and lights. For this project, artist Françoise Schein, received the Award for Excellence in Design from the Art Commission of the City of New York, in 1985.

When we visited most people were just walking past it without a second glance, but it really is beautiful if you take the time to sit and appreciate the view.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 110 Greene Street New York, New York, 10012

18. Visit Mmuseumm

Step into an elevator and take in this tiny museum dedicated to the “overlooked, dismissed, and ignored.” Mmuseumm is one of NYC’s tiniest oddities. Conceived in 2012, the creators make use of every inch of space in the 36-square-foot exhibition. Due to space constraints viewing is limited to 3 visitors at a time.

The micro exhibitions rotate between seasons so you can visit repeatedly and discover new tiny treasures every time. If you can’t make it during regular viewing hours, you can always check in the viewing window which is open daily 24 hours. The best times to view through the window are early morning or late at night.

Mmuseumm is open from April – November, Friday – Sunday, 11 am-6 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation for admission.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! Mmuseumm is wheelchair accessible and provides exhibition text, a phone-based audioguide in English, and docents.

Address: 4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

19. The IFC Center Theater Peep Hole

On its surface, the IFC Center Theater looks like any other movie theater, but what you might not realize by just passing by is that the wall outside contains a secret peephole, allowing you to catch a glimpse of a movie playing inside. Stop on by and see a sneak peek of one of the latest films.

When facing the entrance, look for a small metal circle about five feet from the ground. On the circle, you will notice two more, eye-width apart. No other signage exists.

Wheelchair Accessible: No due to the height of the eye holes. But the theater inside is.

Address: 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

20. Play Pinball at Sunshine Laundromat

On the surface, Sunshine Laundromat might look like any other laundry spot, however, behind one of the laundry machines in this Brooklyn suds spot is a hidden room filled with one of the more unusual things to do in New York… numerous antique pinball machines and a bar. With its simple decor, dim lighting, and thick brick walls, this secret room is odd, but awesome at the same time.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in New York, this is an excellent place to spend an evening with your friends, or on a fun date. Challenge them to a game of competitive pinball or just have a beer from their affordable bar. They also have a collection of board games to play.

Open Daily: 7 AM to 2 AM Sunday to Thursday and 7 AM to 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Location: 860 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

21. NYC Street Art

If you’re looking for great New York City street art, I have a guide for that. While some people may not see graffiti as art, I say, you haven’t seen good graffiti.

One of the best spots to take in this urban art form is the graffiti tunnel at 191 Street subway station. This tunnel is definitely a hidden gem of NYC. Normal tourists usually don’t pass by this area because it’s somewhat removed from your usual tourist haunts. It is a secret only known to the locals of Washington Heights.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Location: 191 St Subway Station, accessible through the 1 train.

Opening Hours: It’s part of the subway station so it’s open 24/7, but I would avoid going late at night because that area can get sketchy.

22. Try Glamping on Governor Island

One of the newest unusual things to do in NYC is glamping on Governor Island, a 172-acre island in New York Harbor.

Normally, Governor Island is used for recreation activities, art exhibitions, and seasonal events. This means Governor Island is often quiet and offers lots of greenery and excellent views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty. Nowadays, visitors don’t have to explore Governor Island on a day trip. The newest attraction on the island includes a set of glamping facilities and an incredible farm-to-table restaurant. Relax and enjoy the views with a great glass (or two) of wine.

If you are seeking romantic things to do in NYC, glamping on Governor’s Island should be high on your list.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: Craig Rd N, Governors Island, New York, NY

23. New York Public Library

Opened in 1911, the building was declared a New York City Designated Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Register of Historic Places site in the 1960s. Located along Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets the Beaux-Arts style library sits just east of Bryant Park.

Inside the building, you’ll find the main reading room, public catalog room, library shop, various reading rooms, and art exhibitions. You don’t have to be a local to visit. Out-of-state visitors can apply for a temporary card. My personal favorite spot is the maps division, which houses more than 20,000 atlases and 433,000 sheet maps, some dating back as early as the 16th century. There’s also a Manuscripts and Archives division containing illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

The rare books division houses the first Gutenberg Bible to be brought to the US, and first edition works by Shakespeare, Voltaire, and Walt Whitman, among others. However, admission to the rare book division requires pre-registration.

Even if you’re not a voracious reader, you can appreciate the building’s art and architecture. I also highly recommend the library shop if you’re looking for unique gifts for that literature lover or quirky NYC gifts and souvenirs.

The building has been featured in such films as 42nd Street, The Wiz, Ghostbusters, Network, The Thomas Crown Affair, Spider-Man, Sex and the City, Arthur, and many more.

Wheelchair Accessible: The New York Public Library’s flagship location the Stephen A Schwartzman Building is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Address: 476 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

24. See (Part of) The Berlin Wall

One of the more unusual things to do in Manhattan is check out a piece of the famous Berlin Wall. Standing near the entrance of an unassuming office building in Manhattan sits a literal piece of history.

After the fall of the Belin Wall in 1989, pieces were divided up and sold abroad. Several of these pieces currently reside in New York City, one in a garden near the UN building, one at the entrance of the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, and one between the Gateway Plaza, North Cove Marina, and World Financial Center.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 393 South End Ave. New York, NY 10280

25. Roosevelt Island and The Roosevelt Tram

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path and one of the more weird things to do in New York, check out Roosevelt Island, an island in New York City’s East River. Located between Manhattan and the borough of Queens, Roosevelt Island is about 2 miles long and 800 feet wide. To get there from Manhattan, you can take the F train to access the Roosevelt Island Station. Alternatively, you can take the Roosevelt Island tramway.

Famous for once housing prison inmates, smallpox sufferers, and a now defunct asylum, the island has become gentrified and is now home to New York State Park, The Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a memorial to journalist Nelly Bly, whose reporting led to the closure of the island’s asylum, and several important works of architecture, most notably, The Octagon.

The island is also home to 4 recreational fields, Southpoint Park, a seven-acre green space, and Lighthouse Park. The entire island is circled by a publicly accessible waterfront promenade.

Roosevelt Island is also host to several more weird places in New York, the Smallpox Hospital Ruins, the Roosevelt Island Tramway (one of only two aerial trams in the United States), the Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary, and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. Suffice it to say the island is pretty weird and has a wild history.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: Roosevelt Island New York, NY 10044

26. Dream House

If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC, be sure to check out the Dream House. La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela's "Dream House" will immerse you in an ever-changing world of sound and light.

If you’re strolling down Church Street in Tribeca, keep an eye out for a black door with a cryptic white sign that reads “The Dream House.” On the third floor of an unassuming building sits a one-of-a-kind experience, with its absorbing, constantly fluctuating sound waves accompanied by neon pink reflections of light.

Created in 1993 by modern composer La Monte Young and visual artist Marian Zazeela The Dream House is the culmination of 40 years of their work together. Young and Zazeela invite you to visit their dream world, Wednesday through Saturday from 2 PM-Midnight. Admission is $10.00.

Wheelchair Accessible: No. It can also be stuffy inside and the flashing lights may not be appropriate for those with seizure disorders.

Address: 275 Church Street New York, New York, 10013

27. The Staten Island Ferry

I love a good boat ride and if given the option to take a train, sit in traffic, or experience a fun ride on a ferry, I’ll take the ferry every time. One of the last operating ferry systems in New York, The Staten Island Ferry has transported people between Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs long before bridges were introduced. Today, the Staten Island Ferry provides almost 22 million people with ferry service every year, taking almost 70,000 passengers daily between St George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan.

Even if you have no business on Staten Island (though I highly recommend dinner at Nonnas of the World, listed above), you’ll enjoy the stunning views of Manhattan as you take the 25-minute ride across the river.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004

28. Treasures in The Trash Collection

One of the more crazy things to do in NYC, Treasures in The Trash Collection, is located on the floor of the MANEAST11 garbage truck garage. The odd attraction is an ever-growing collection of strange items that have been plucked from the trash, and while it is traditionally not open to the public it is filled with their stuff.

The collection was started by sanitation engineer, Nelson Molina, who began plucking treasures from his route over 20 years ago in an attempt to give his corner of the garage a little flair. His hoarding quickly caught on and fellow coworkers began adding weird pieces to his collection. Everything from exotic lamps to pieces of pop kitsch are plucked from the upper Manhattan waste. Of course, Molina has final approval of everything that is admitted into the collection. The collection is not organized like a traditional museum, but Molina tends to group the pieces by size, general theme, and color.

Anyone wanting to take a look at this collection of interesting and eclectic cast-offs can get in touch with the city to request access, but sanitation workers are allowed at any time.

Email tours@dsny.nyc.gov to set up a viewing.

Wheelchair Accessible: Unknown. Email for information.

Address: 343 East 99th Street New York, New York, 10029

29. The Naked Cowboy and Other Weird Times Square Things

Times Square is one of the most visited places in the world, and certainly not traditionally weird or unusual. Though there is a lot of weird and unusual activity happening if you know where and when to look. For instance, I had to grab an obligatory shot of my dog with the one and only Naked Cowboy. a Times Square fixture since 1998. The Naked Cowboy, aka Robert John Burck, started off his performing career as a busker in Venice Beach, California but became famous for his boots and underwear-only appearances in Times Square. Broadway is now pedestrian-only, so look for him on Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets.

For a real Times Square treat that not many people get to see, head to Times Square at 11:57 pm to see the shiny billboards take a break from their regular schedule to showcase digital artwork. The event only lasts for three minutes so don’t blink or you might just miss it!

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: The junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street.

30. The Museum of Interesting Things

Wondering where you can see a butter churn, a 1,800-year-old metal fire starter, and a 1901 cylinder phonograph all in one place? No? Well, maybe it’s because you didn’t even know you could see these objects all in one handy location, The Museum of Interesting Things presents a wide variety of interesting objects of yesteryear.

Once located in Manhattan’s East Village, the museum is the brainchild of Denny Daniel, a freelance filmmaker and photograph restoration expert who wanted to use his extensive collection of fascinating antique devices to inspire curiosity and innovation. What began as small demonstrations in Denny’s apartment, grew as people showed more and more interest. The project finally evolved and began to travel. The exhibit is organized by categories, like Math, Literature, and Science. He even takes his traveling museum to schools, hospitals, libraries, and galleries. Visitors are encouraged to handle some of the items and experience what it was like to use them.

Recently, the exhibit has grown to include several “green power” items, including a crystal radio, powered by nothing more than radio waves.

Viewings can be arranged by calling to schedule a visit. Contact: (212) 274-8757.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: It’s always on the move. Call to arrange a viewing.

31. Socrates Sculpture Park

I’m a big fan of Sculpture Parks and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens is no exception. In 1986, artist Mark Di Suvero found an abandoned landfill alongside the East River being used for illegal dumping. Believing the area could be more than just trash, he formed a coalition of community activists and artists and transformed the site into a massive outdoor gallery.

The park was named after the ancient philosopher Socrates as a nod to the large Greek community in nearby Astoria, Queens. Since its founding, Socrates Sculpture Park has presented the works of thousands of artists from around the globe. The art on display is always changing and represents a myriad of styles and themes. Each new season of art is celebrated with a fabulous opening night party.

The park also offers fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline and ample area to picnic, jog and gather with friends and family. The park also hosts outdoor performances, yoga classes, and film screenings.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd Queens, New York, 11106

Unusual and Cool Things to Do in NYC

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of weird things to do in NYC. Hopefully, it’s inspired your next trip, or, if you’re local, that it’s inspired you to get out and see more of this great city. Know of any weird NYC spots that I’ve missed? Feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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