15+ Quirky Attractions in NYC You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
While most people think they’ve seen it all in New York—Times Square, Central Park, Broadway—there’s so much more to explore. The city has hidden gems and quirky spots that often don’t make the postcards but are just as fascinating. Let’s take a look at some of these quirky attractions in NYC that showcase a different side of New York.
Quirky Attractions in NYC: Offbeat Spots Worth Discovering
The Elevated Acre
Hidden away in the Financial District, The Elevated Acre is a rooftop oasis where you can escape the city’s chaos. It offers beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of the East River, perfect for some quiet time above the city hustle.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 55 Water St, Escalators outside of building, New York City, NY 10041-0001
- Website: https://www.55water.com
- Phone: +1 212-747-9120
- Operating hours: Daily, 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Old City Hall Subway Station
If you take the 6 train past Brooklyn Bridge, you might just catch a glimpse of this hidden 1904 subway station. With its grand arches and chandeliers, it’s a fascinating piece of New York history. To explore it fully, you can join a special tour offered by the Transit Museum.
- Price: $-$$
- Location: Beneath the magnificent Municipal Building at the intersection of Centre Street and Chambers Street
The Little Red Lighthouse
Just under the George Washington Bridge, you’ll find a charming little red lighthouse. It might look like something out of a children’s book, but it’s very real. It’s open for tours on select weekends and offers great views of the river.
- Admission: Free
- Address: Fort Washington Park Hudson River Greenway under the Manhattan side of the George Washington Bridge, New York City, NY 10033
- Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org
Bone Museum
Head to Williamsburg for a museum that showcases real skeletons, skulls, and anatomical oddities. It’s a bit eerie but also educational and artistic, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the human body or the strange side of science.
- Admission: $$
- Address: 255 McKibbin St Studio 0014, Brooklyn, NY 11206
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonemuseum
- Phone: +1 914-230-0937
- Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Roosevelt Island Tram & Smallpox Hospital Ruins
Take a scenic tram ride to Roosevelt Island, where you can enjoy views of the skyline. Afterward, take a walk to the eerie ruins of the 1850s smallpox hospital. The Gothic-style ruins are a haunting reminder of the city’s medical history.
- Price: $
- Address: 59 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday 6:00 am- 2:00 am, Friday – Saturday 6:00 am- 3:00 am
The Evolution Store
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk through a cabinet of curiosities, The Evolution Store is the place for you. Filled with fossils, taxidermy, and other oddities, this shop transforms browsing into an adventure.
- Price: $$
- Address: 687 Broadway New York, NY 10012
- Website: https://theevolutionstore.com
- Email: info@theevolutionstore.com
- Phone: 212-343-1114
- Operating hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am-7:00 pm, Closed Sunday
Mmuseumm
This tiny museum is located inside a freight elevator and offers a rotating collection of exhibits focused on everyday objects. It’s a quirky and ever-changing spot, perfect for those who love the unusual.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, New York 10013
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmuseumm
- Email: info@mmuseumm.com
- Operating hours: Friday – Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
The City Reliquary
If you’re a fan of New York’s offbeat history, The City Reliquary in Williamsburg is worth a visit. From vintage subway tokens to quirky city souvenirs, this museum is a treasure chest of NYC’s past.
- Admission: $$
- Address: 370 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- Website: https://www.cityreliquary.org
- Phone: +1 718-782-4842
- Operating hours: Saturday – Sunday 12:00 nn-6:00 pm
Sniffen Court Historic District
Take a stroll down Sniffen Court in Murray Hill, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The cobblestone paths and historic carriage houses make this little block a peaceful escape from the usual New York chaos.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 150 E 36th St #158, New York, NY 10016
191st Street Graffiti Tunnel
Located in Washington Heights, this graffiti-covered tunnel serves as a dynamic, free art gallery. The street art constantly changes, offering a fresh perspective on urban creativity every time you visit.
- Admission: Free
- Address: Washington Heights at 191st Street
Brooklyn Banks
If you’re into street culture, Brooklyn Banks beneath the Brooklyn Bridge is a spot you can’t miss. Known for its iconic skateboarding scene, this place blends athleticism and urban grit.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 896 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, United States, New York
- Website: https://www.thebrooklynbank.com
- Phone: +1 646-706-6055
Masstransiscope
This moving art installation is visible only from a train near the Manhattan Bridge. Blink, and you might miss it, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled as the train passes by.
- Admission: Free
- Location: BMT Myrtle Avenue
Grand Central Whispering Gallery
Grand Central’s Whispering Gallery is a fun architectural feature that lets you whisper across the hall to someone and hear them perfectly. It’s a playful spot to try out with a friend.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 89 East 42nd St, New York, NY 10017-5503
- Operating hours: Open 24/7
New York City Fire Museum
Located in a 1904 firehouse, the New York City Fire Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s firefighting history. From antique gear to old photographs, it’s a cool way to learn about the city’s past.
- Admission: $
- Address: 278 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycfiremuseum
- Phone: +1 212-691-1303
- Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Staten Island Boat Graveyard
For an eerie yet captivating sight, head to the Staten Island Boat Graveyard. This shoreline is home to abandoned ships, offering a hauntingly beautiful scene best explored by kayak or camera.
- Admission: Free
- Address: 3272 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island
- Operating hours: Open 24/7
Elizabeth Street Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita is a serene escape. The whimsical sculpture garden is a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy art and nature.
- Admission: Free
- Address: Elizabeth Street (between Prince & Spring streets), New York
- Website: https://www.elizabethstreetgarden.com
- Email: info@elizabethstreetgarden.com
- Operating hours: Daily, 12:00 nn-4:00 pm
If you’re looking for more good food spots in New York City, read our blog 15+ Late-Night Eats in NYC That Are Actually Worth Staying Up For
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