Unusual & Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC

New York City in summer offers more than just crowded landmarks and long lines. It’s a playground of hidden treasures and quirky adventures. If you've seen the Empire State Building and walked Central Park already, this guide will introduce you to NYC’s lesser-known delights — perfect for visitors looking to explore something off the beaten path. And especially while staying at our prime location of Hotel Beacon NYC!

Clandestine Speakeasies and Secret Bars

Forget the tourist-filled rooftop lounges, and seek out New York’s best-hidden drinking dens:

Patent Pending (NoMad): Step through a nondescript café door and descend into an intimate, Nikola Tesla-themed speakeasy. The drinks are botanical and precise, making the secrecy worth the search.

Loulou (Chelsea): Slide through an old Coca-Cola jukebox to find a cozy cocktail lounge with French-inspired fare. Open and inviting, this spot still maintains its low-profile charm.

Rooftop Gardens and Quiet Green Escapes

Looking for shade, serenity, and summer blooms? Venture beyond Central Park:

Elizabeth Street Garden (Nolita): A community-run plot filled with sculptures, wildflowers, and gentle fountains. Ideal for some peaceful relaxation.

Smiling Hogshead Ranch (Long Island City): An urban farm where bees hum, vegetables thrive, and weekend workshops on gardening and beekeeping are held in reclaimed warehouse spaces.

The Met Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park): This medieval-style complex overlooks the Hudson River and delivers peacetime in Renaissance gardens complete with stone benches, blooming herbs, and illuminated stained-glass.

Quirky Museums and Hidden Collections

Explore small, surprising museums you didn’t know existed:

Mmuseumm (Tribeca): A tiny museum squeezed into a freight elevator that remains open even when technically closed. Peek through a view port to see fascinating everyday objects turned into art.

Poster House (Chelsea): America’s only museum dedicated solely to posters, covering vintage, political, pop culture, and modern design in one vibrant gallery.

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (East Village): Tells the story of community gardens, squatters, and grassroots movements that shaped our understanding of shared public space.

Bone Museum (Williamsburg): View collections of skulls, skeletons, and anatomical oddities, perfect for the science-curious or anyone intrigued by macabre displays.

Offbeat Walking Tours

Venture beyond the obvious landmarks and into stories that only locals know:

Bushwick Street Art Tour: Discover East Brooklyn’s mural scene: colorful, ever-changing walls, and artists working live on new pieces in backstreet studios.

Lower East Side Ghost Walk: Hear spine-tingling stories of haunted tenements, forgotten tunnels, and unsettled souls told by “spirited” guides in this historic enclave.

“Girls” TV Show Stoop Tour (Greenpoint): Fans of the HBO series will appreciate a peek at the iconic stoop alongside local cafés, with playful commentary on the intersection of truth and television.

Hidden Shops & Artisan Markets

Skip the chain stores and bring home something unexpected:

Artists & Fleas (Williamsburg): A weekend flea-meets-makers market bursting with artisans crafting jewelry, art prints, vinyl, and recycled fashion.

Strand Bookstore Rare Room (East Village): Tucked inside the iconic Strand, this special room is filled with first editions, rare prints, and antique books for bibliophiles.

Make Hotel Beacon Your NYC Home Base

After a day of exploring the city’s hidden and quirky gems, return to spacious rooms with convenient kitchenettes, each ideal for preparing a quick snack or relaxing meal. Unwind on the hotel’s tranquil terrace, a shaded escape for reading or enjoying a quiet drink. With major subway lines just steps away, Hotel Beacon NYC offers quick access to every borough, making it the ideal launchpad for your New York adventures.

These surprising, lesser-known spots give you an insider’s peek into New York’s secret soul. They spark curiosity, invite conversation, and leave you with stories that go far beyond selfies in front of skyscrapers. And as the sun sets over Manhattan's skyline, returning to the warmth of Hotel Beacon — with our roomy suites and neighborhood charm — reminds you that you’ve uncovered the city’s true character.