Hidden Things to Do in NYC: Explore Quirky Sights, Tours & Venues

Explore Lesser-Known Neighborhoods

New York City is made up of diverse neighborhoods beyond the well-known Manhattan hot spots. Take time to explore up-and-coming areas like Long Island City in Queens, The Bronx's Mott Haven, or Coney Island in Brooklyn. Wander through residential streets to get a feel for local life and discover small businesses, street art, mom-and-pop restaurants, and more.

Long Island City

Long Island City, or LIC, is known for its waterfront parks with impressive skyline views. But it also has a vibrant arts scene, hip bars and eateries, and a community vibe. Walk down Vernon Boulevard to browse boutiques, stop for coffee, or enjoy an evening meal.

Mott Haven

The South Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven is quickly gentrifying but still retains its vibrant Caribbean and Latin cultures. Wander historic streets, view impressive street art murals, and try authentic Puerto Rican food.

Coney Island

This classic Brooklyn amusement park area has delightful quirky sights beyond the famous Cyclone rollercoaster. Take in the beach and boardwalk scenes, grab hot dogs at the original Nathan's, and explore lesser-visited attractions like the Coney Island Museum.

Attend a TV Show Taping

Score free tickets to a live studio audience taping and get a behind-the-scenes look at how popular TV shows are made. From long-running staples like Saturday Night Live and The View to Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers' late night shows, you have plenty of options. Arrive early to beat the crowds and get a good seat!

Saturday Night Live

NBC's iconic SNL tapes most Saturday evenings when new shows air. Standby tickets are handed out the morning of, so devote some time to waiting in line with other fans. Once inside historic Studio 8H, you may spot cast members or musical guests backstage!

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Get tickets in advance online for a taping of CBS’ late night show at the Ed Sullivan Theater. While not guaranteed, you might catch Colbert taking questions from the audience during commercial breaks.

Take a Specialty Tour

Dig deeper into NYC’s iconic sights, food scene, or history by taking a specialized small-group tour. Options range from scholarly to quirky. Do an early morning bagel tasting walk, explore secret subway stations, or learn about the Stonewall riots with an LGBTQ guide.

Sweets and Shopping Tour

Indulge your sweet tooth and get some retail therapy on a specialized NYC dessert and shopping tour. You’ll sample traditional sweets at century-old establishments in lower Manhattan before heading uptown to browse boutiques and flagship stores.

Social Justice Tour

Walk the streets of Harlem and the Bronx while learning about key moments in New York City’s fight for social justice. This enlightening tour provides historical context around racial issues, economic policies, police brutality, and more.

See a Show at an Iconic Small Music Venue

Skip the Broadway spectacle and catch an intimate concert at one of the city's countless smaller live music venues. Comedians, indie bands, jazz singers, and more take the stage every night at historic establishments like the Blue Note Jazz Club, Village Vanguard, Rockwood Music Hall, and The Bitter End.

The Blue Note Jazz Club

This Greenwich Village mainstay has showcased top national and international jazz greats since 1981. Soak in the sophisticated scene with a drink and meal while enjoying world-class performers in a cozy, cabaret-style setting.

Village Vanguard

Head downstairs to this tiny West Village basement club open since 1935. The Vanguard helped launch the careers of musical icons like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Catch the next rising star at an evening jazz performance.

FAQs

Where are some interesting lesser-known neighborhoods in NYC?

Check out up-and-coming areas like Long Island City, Queens for its art scene and waterfront views; Mott Haven, Bronx for its Caribbean culture and street art; or Coney Island, Brooklyn for quirky beachfront sights.

What TV shows tape live audiences in NYC?

Popular shows like Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The View and late night shows with Seth Meyers often have open audience tickets.

What kinds of specialized tours are good for travelers?

Look for insightful tours like an early morning bagel tasting walk, NYC dessert and shopping tour, or social justice tour focused on racial issues and economic policies.

Where can I hear intimate live music in NYC?

Iconic small music venues for jazz, comedy, indie and more include the Blue Note Jazz Club, Village Vanguard, Rockwood Music Hall and The Bitter End.

Why visit hidden and lesser-known NYC attractions?

To experience one-of-a-kind local sights and get a deeper understanding of NYC history, culture, and community vibes beyond the well-known tourist spots.