Planning a trip to New York City? Not looking to do the same activities that every other tourist does? Look no further. Keep reading for 16 things to do AND eat, all in New York City:
- AKC Museum of the Dog. Located just blocks away from Grand Central Station, this museum is unique, cheap, and fun!
2. Japan Fes New York. This festival pops up all over the city starting in the spring. Spanning multiple streets, booths range from traditional Japanese food to unique twists. Find dates and locations on their Instagram @japanfes.
3. Grand Bazaar NYC. Located near central park, this shopping market is open every Sunday from 10-5. Featuring food, clothing, vintage items and art, there’s always something to find.
4. Bryant Park. Known for its winter village, this park is great year-round, ice skating and shopping in the winter and concerts and beautiful horticulture in the warmer months.
5. Books Kinokuniya. Located across the street from Bryant Park, this bookstore has three unique floors. A traditional bookstore on the ground floor, manga surplus on the upper level and a world of Japanese items on the lower level, there’s something for everyone.
6. Tannen’s Magic Shop. At almost 100 years old this is New York City’s oldest magic shop. They have books on close-up magic, card tricks, a bathtub used by Houdini and even offer magic classes. As a heads up, visitors do have to search to find it, with a partially hidden location that includes going up an elevator and down a hallway.
7. Washington Square Park Dog Run. One of New York’s most popular parks has two dog runs, one for large dogs and one for small, and are great to attend, even if you don’t have a dog.
8. Bibble & Sip. This restaurant has the cutest pastries and drinks with their signature Alpaca motif.
9. Levain Bakery. A New York staple, this bakery has famous cookies and great bread with new gluten-free and vegan options.
10. Applejack Diner. Located near Central Park, this classic diner is an underrated New York staple. With pictures of celebrities who have eaten there and a family atmosphere, it’s a great place to get a meal.
11. Lao Ma Spicy. This highly-rated Chinese restaurant is a great hole-in-the-wall stop for lunch.
12. American Museum of Natural History. A New York staple, this museum has thousands of artifacts and many exhibits to go see.
13. The High Line NYC. This elevated rail structure turned walking path is a great way to spend a day. With views of the city and leading to Chelsea Market, it’s fun for everyone.
14. Chelsea Market. Located right off the High Line this market has dining, shopping and entertainment options galore.
15. The Little Shop: one of New York’s speakeasies, guests enter through a convivence store where they can purchase snacks before heading to the bar in the back. Located in the Seaport area and easy to get reservations, it’s a fun spot to check out.
16. Museum at FIT: At the Fashion Institute of Technology, this free museum has the city’s most fashionable exhibits.
With this list, the next time you go into the city will be jam-packed with fun activities that you haven’t heard about a hundred times before.