If there’s one thing New York City does best, it’s offering experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. From immersive art to secret speakeasies and one-of-a-kind attractions like RiseNY, this city thrives on originality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker looking for something new, here are some of the most unique things to do in NYC that perfectly capture its bold, creative spirit.
1. Soar Over the City at RiseNY
Let’s start with an experience that truly captures the heart—and height—of New York. Located in the center of Times Square, RiseNY is part museum, part ride, and entirely unforgettable.
You’ll begin your visit with a cinematic journey through NYC’s history, narrated by Jeff Goldblum, before stepping into interactive galleries that celebrate the city’s role in fashion, music, film, finance, and more. Then comes the grand finale—a state-of-the-art flying theater that lifts you 30 feet into the air as you glide above the skyline. You’ll soar past the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, complete with wind, mist, and scents that make it feel real.
It’s an experience that’s as thrilling as it is emotional—offering a literal “rise” through New York’s past, present, and future.
📍 Location: 160 W 45th Street, Times Square
🎟️ Tip: Book online to reserve your time and skip the wait.
2. Visit a Hidden Bar Behind a Hot Dog Shop
Only in New York can you walk into a hot dog joint and find a speakeasy. Behind the vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs on St. Marks Place lies Please Don’t Tell (PDT)—one of the city’s most beloved hidden bars. Pick up the phone, dial once, and if there’s space, you’ll be led into a cozy cocktail den serving inventive drinks and gourmet bites.
3. Explore the Elevated Wonder of the High Line
The High Line is an NYC classic, but still one of the most unique public parks in the world. Built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, it combines art installations, lush gardens, and unmatched views of the cityscape.
4. Take a Ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram
For a truly unexpected way to see Manhattan, hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram. This aerial tramway connects the East Side to Roosevelt Island, offering stunning views of the skyline and East River for the cost of a subway swipe.
5. Visit the Tenement Museum for Living History
Step into the past at the Tenement Museum, where restored 19th- and early 20th-century apartments tell the stories of immigrant families who helped shape New York. Each tour offers a deeply personal glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
6. See Art in a Subway Station
NYC’s subway system isn’t just a way to get around—it’s also home to incredible underground art. From mosaics at the Times Square–42nd Street station to installations at the Second Avenue line, the MTA Arts & Design program turns everyday commutes into cultural experiences.
7. Visit the Smallest Museum in the World
Tucked inside a freight elevator in Tribeca, Mmuseumm showcases rotating exhibits of curious everyday objects—everything from items left behind at airports to objects that tell stories of global culture. It’s quirky, thoughtful, and uniquely New York.
8. End the Day With a Skyline View
Round out your NYC adventure at one of the city’s many observation decks, like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or Edge at Hudson Yards. But for a one-of-a-kind blend of thrill, emotion, and storytelling, RiseNY’s flying theater experience is the perfect finale—it’s the only place you can fly over New York without ever leaving Times Square.
Discover the NYC You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
New York City is full of surprises—hidden stories, bold innovations, and experiences that capture its one-of-a-kind energy. From historic landmarks to modern marvels like RiseNY, there’s always something new to discover.
Ready to explore?
Plan your visit and book tickets to RiseNY at riseny.co.
