Have you already been to the Big Apple and ticked off every item on your list of the best things to see and do in New York ? In this article we are going to tell you about 10 original plans in New York . There are so many plans! New York is a metropolis in constant change, which seems to never sleep, and there are always pending options, alternative and original places to visit and amazing plans that you can only enjoy here.
10 original plans in New York
Forget about Times Square , the famous viewing platforms on the rooftops of skyscrapers and strolling around Central Park … Below we are going to reveal original alternative plans to the typical, neighborhoods that very few tourists have visited and very cool things to discover the “secret” side of New York.
Among our 10 original plans in New York:
1. Fly over the city in a helicopter
If you want to end your trip on a high note (literally), consider taking a helicopter ride . If New York is already the most spectacular city in the world at ground level, having it under your feet must be crazy. It's not something that happens every day (unless you're related to Logan Roy , of course) so it may be worth digging into your pocket to live one of those experiences that you will surely remember forever.
2. Enter the Chrysler lobby
You've probably come across the silhouette of the Chrysler Building , one of New York's most iconic and beautiful skyscrapers , many times while walking through Manhattan. But did you know that you can visit its lobby for free ? It's well worth the visit and, we repeat, it's free !
Check out all the art deco details and don't forget to look up at the ceiling, where there is a stunning mural by Edward Trumbull , which was considered the largest painting in the world at the time.
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3. Kobra mural route: an original plan in New York
Kobra is one of the most wonderful urban artists out there today: his murals often touch on social themes or pay tribute to great historical figures, and the masterful use of colors and geometric shapes make his style unique and inimitable (and they really try, ahem).
Personally, we love it, so on our last trip to New York we prepared a route around the main murals of Kobra . We encourage you to follow it: we sincerely think it is a very original plan in New York.
4. Watch a movie in Bryant Park
Are you traveling to New York in the summer? You may already know, but if not… here’s the scoop: there are movie nights “under the stars” in Bryant Park . Being able to enjoy a great movie lying on the grass and surrounded by skyscrapers is one of those things that you never even thought about. Are you up for the plan, which by the way is free?
The films are usually all-time hits, and be careful because some come with a surprise! Bring a blanket or a towel, something to eat and remember to arrive early to occupy your little piece of grass. More information and programming here .
5. Free kayaking, another original plan in New York
Now, for an alternative activity in New York this one! Did you know that you can go kayaking for free with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower East Side before your eyes? There are several associations that allow you to rent kayaks for free , and several piers from which to start your route. We recommend you read this post from ANuevaYork to discover them all.
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6. Discover the Red Hook neighborhood
In New York there are neighborhoods and neighborhoods. Obviously it is almost obligatory to walk around Manhattan from top to bottom, but if you want to be surprised, there are other areas that are also worth visiting. One of these half-unknown but charming neighborhoods is Red Hook, in Brooklyn. Anthony Bourdain said that it was a haunted neighborhood and one of the few places where you can have a beer before 11 hehe.
Red Hook was founded by Dutch settlers back in the 17th century and was used as a trading port for years. Today, the neighborhood is slowly becoming more “hipster” and more and more people are deciding to visit this curious industrial-bohemian neighborhood.
Here we tell you everything there is to see and do in Red Hook (by the way, from here there are some really nice views of the Statue of Liberty).
7. Try your luck at the Broadway Lottery
And if you're one of those skeptics who thinks that this lottery thing doesn't work, you should know that we won! Well, Rober, the one with the flower in his partner's ass. And the best of all is that we won The Lion King , so we paid only $30 (each) to see the best play on Broadway.
It was great, so great that we would go back and pay full price - it's sooooo worth it! You can try your luck on the Broadway Lottery website .
8. Location tour
New York is a city straight out of a movie, that's for sure. We assure you that the first time you visit it you will have the feeling of knowing it, of having been there, of having walked its streets... and what if we go one step further? If you have a favorite series , like Sex and the City , Gossip Girl or Friends , you should know that there are tours that take you to discover the locations where they were filmed! They are very cool 🙂
You can also, of course, put together your own tour… you just have to search in advance on the internet, there is everything there!
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9. Have a drink at a speakeasy , a fun thing to do in New York
Speakeasies are those clandestine bars that became fashionable during the years of prohibition… and that continue to enchant New York nights. Some of the best known (what a paradox hehe) are: «Please don't tell», « The Blind Barber» or «Apotheke Mixology» . Ideal also for rainy days .
10. Watch the sunset from Rooftop 93, another alternative plan in New York
It's not as famous as 230 Fifth , but this rooftop bar, which is located on the top floor of the Wyndham Garden Chinatown hotel , has incredible views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is not as crowded and offers a great happy hour. It is located, as its name suggests, in the Chinatown neighborhood .
⭐ Here we recommend other rooftop bars in New York.
More original plans in New York
If the above are not enough for you, here are some alternative plans:
- Sign up for the free tour of mysteries and legends of New York , a plan that fans of the unknown and spooky stories will love.
- Go to the Astoria Museum (and explore this curious neighborhood in Queens, with clear Greek roots).
- Travel to Korea without leaving Manhattan… all you have to do is visit Koreatown , on 32nd, 33rd and 34th Streets between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, and find yourself surrounded by Korean shops and restaurants.
- Jackson Heights , one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in New York. It is located in Queens.
- Spa with a view : We discovered this spa thanks to Cristina and we fell in love at first sight: being able to take a dip in a heated pool, with amazing views of Manhattan, is one of the things you will definitely enjoy on this trip.
- Go to the most authentic Little Italy , the one in the Bronx . Here we tell you what to see in the Little Italy of the Bronx
- Attend “ Amateur Night ” at the Apollo Theater , where emerging artists try to make a name for themselves in one of the city’s most legendary theaters.
- Everyone who travels to New York visits the High Line and almost everyone goes to Chelsea Market. But what if we told you that there is a food market right next door that almost no one knows about? It's the Gansevoort Market .
- Say goodbye to the city with a sunset from the WNYC Transmitter Park , in Greenpoint, the Polish neighborhood. It's one of our favorite things to do in New York.
These are our recommendations for getting to know “another” New York, but we are sure that there are thousands more plans to be had: this city is a box of endless surprises. What are your favorite original plans in New York ?
