When most people think of New York City, they imagine Times Square lights, yellow taxis, and towering skyscrapers. But beyond the clichés, the city is full of unexpected gems and unforgettable experiences. If you're looking to go beyond the usual tourist checklist, this fresh list of things to do in New York will help you see the city with new eyes.

1. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram at Sunset

Forget Uber—how about a cable car over the East River? The Roosevelt Island Tram gives you sweeping views of Manhattan and Queens for the price of a subway ride. It’s a hidden favorite and a unique way to start or end your NYC adventure.

2. Browse Books Under the Stars at the Strand Kiosk

Yes, the iconic Strand Bookstore has a secret satellite stand in Central Park (near 60th and 5th Ave). Grab a coffee, pick out a paperback, and read under the trees. For book lovers, it’s one of the most peaceful things to do in New York.

3. Grab Tacos in a Converted Garage

Skip the chains and head to Los Tacos No. 1 or Birria-Landia in Queens—authentic, bold flavors served straight from a taco truck or hole-in-the-wall garage. Your taste buds will thank you.

4. Take a DIY Art Tour in Bushwick

Tired of museums? Walk the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn, where building-sized murals turn sidewalks into art galleries. It’s an open-air museum that changes every season.

5. Chill Out in a Speakeasy

Find an unmarked door, ring a bell, or walk through a phone booth—and suddenly you’re inside a Prohibition-era bar. Try “Please Don’t Tell” in the East Village or “Attaboy” on the Lower East Side. It’s one of the cooler, lesser-known things to do in New York at night.

6. Visit a Floating Park on the Hudson

Little Island is a floating oasis built on concrete tulips above the river. Located near the Meatpacking District, it’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy pop-up performances, or just take in the skyline.

7. Walk the Abandoned City Hall Subway Station

It’s not on the standard MTA map—but this hidden subway station is a stunning time capsule from 1904. You can glimpse it by staying on the 6 train as it loops back uptown—or take a guided tour through the New York Transit Museum.

8. Try a Midnight Food Crawl in Koreatown

Craving Korean BBQ or bubble tea at 1 a.m.? Head to 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Ave, where neon signs light up all night and the food never stops. A favorite among locals, it’s one of the most delicious things to do in New York after dark.

9. Kayak on the Hudson—for Free

Yes, free! Head to Pier 96 or Brooklyn Bridge Park during the summer months and rent a kayak at no cost. It’s a calm, scenic way to see the city from the water.

10. Watch a Free Movie Outdoors

From Bryant Park to Prospect Park, you’ll find open-air movie screenings happening all summer long. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and enjoy a film under the stars with a skyline in the background.

Wrap-Up: See New York Differently

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a city regular, there are always new things to do in New York that go beyond the usual tourist traps. Try exploring underground bars, floating gardens, taco trucks, or street art—it’s in these unexpected places that New York truly comes alive.

Ready to ditch the typical checklist? Then this version of New York is the one you’ve been waiting to experience.