Are you looking for something unique and different to do on your honeymoon in New York City? Perhaps you’ve already been to the Empire State Building, caught a Broadway play, and gawked in Times Square. However, if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do, we’ve got you covered! Here are ten suggestions locals recommend as the best non-touristy things to do in NYC.
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10 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC
1. Check out a secret speakeasy in New York City.
While we might not live in Prohibition times anymore, there are still many speakeasies across NYC. If you’re looking for a great one to check out, try Please Don’t Tell, which has a secret entrance.
2. Head to authentic Little Italy down in the Bronx.
Instead of going to the NoLita neighborhood for some good Italian-American culture, go to Arthur Avenue for an authentic experience. Walk in the footsteps of icons such as Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Frank Sinatra. Enjoy delicious pizza, pasta, and calzones while you’re there.
3. Learn the stories of all the benches in Central Park.
Central Park is one of the largest parks in NYC, and there are many stories behind Central Park’s benches. Many are dedicated to lovers or family members and worth checking out.
4. Visit an abandoned subway station in NYC.
NYC is home to many non-functioning stations and is full of rich history! You can explore and walk through many of them for a slice of the past.
5. Make your own cocktail at The Cauldron.
The Cauldron is a magic-themed bar that lets you create your very own “potion.” Take a cocktail-making class that is as immersive as it sounds! Or, if you’re not in the mood to make your own, head to a bar in the Upper East Side to get your fix.
6. Visit Sunset Park to get a view of the Manhattan skyline.
For a great view of the skyline, head to Sunset Park. It is just outside the city and will give you a fantastic view of the Manhattan cityscape. Head to the highest point to get a picture of New Jersey and NYC.
7. Check out the 25-foot waterfall flows in Midtown.
In Greenacre Park, there lies a 25-foot waterfall. While this little slice of nature might seem unusual for Manhattan, it gets about 700 visitors each day.
8. Browse books at the Strand.
With over 100 miles of books, Strand Book Store is three stories of bound wonders. Their collection includes bestsellers, foreign titles, and even first-edition books that will fill any personal library.
9. Take a New York City ghost tour.
NYC has a reputation for history and spooky stories! There are several guided tours around alleyways and haunted mansions. The stories are full of famous figures and spooky tales. The Greenwich Village Ghost Tour is always a highlight!
10. Ride on The Aerial Tram in NYC.
With a swipe of your MetroCard, you can ride across the East River, which connects the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. The views of the river and the skyline are worth the ride alone!
Save our 10 best nontouristy things to do in NYC.
Of course, while you’re in New York City, you can certainly hit tourist hotspots. However, be sure to include more unique items in your NYC itinerary. There’s always a bit of the bizarre and undiscovered in such a big city. So, take time to discover The Big Apple in a new way on your honeymoon.
Photos: Bianca Ackermann, Pablo Montes, Adam Jaime, Tom Hermans
