The most incredible city in the world, New York City has thousands of wonderful things to see and do. The city has a massive music scene, rich in originality and variation, which has influenced many modern producers. Apart from clubbing, the city has epic shopping oppurtunites, with incredible variety and bargains to be had. And there is no better city on the planet for food and dining – thousands of good restaurants and cafes dot the city. Classic sites such as the Empire State Building and many new sites offer days of fascinating touring. Then there is the theatre in New York – amazing, both on and off-Broadway. You might be looking for more off-beat, cultural things to do, and New York has plenty. Here are five of them:
Concrete Jungle
While the city is known for its massive hip hop acts such as Wu Tang Clang and Nas, there is a smaller underground vibe filling the landscape…. Drum and Bass music. Catch iconic artists like Calibre, Loxy, Seba and Goldie playing a varied selection of drum and bass records at events such as Direct Drive and Natural Selection. The venue’s small and intimate setting provides an amazing atmosphere for live music. Don’t forget though that the drinking age limit in the states is 21, so bring ID.
The Brooklyn Bridge
This classic landmark spans the East River, and connects Brooklyn and Manhattan Island. An architectural masterpiece, it is one of the most-photographed bridges in the world. A bike path allows cyclists safe access to the crossing, and affords quite amazing views of the river and skylines. You won’t ever forget this easy and spectacular ride!
Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” Museum
Another classic attraction, this amazing museum is filled with weird and wonderful artefacts from around the world. Right on Times Square, you will find the collections to include wax figures, strange inventions, tool and weapons, and even shrunken heads. Adults and kids will love their time here, with surprises around every corner. Plan to leave at least 2-3 to get a good tour of the more than 500 items on display. Again, an experience you will never forget.
Walking “Ghost Tours”
For those of you with the supernatural in mind, there are many spooky and mysterious areas and sites around the city. Hundreds of ghosts, many famous, have been seen here. The Hotel Chelsea is notable for many, including the ghost of the writer Dylan Thomas, who died in room 206 here. Or you can tour the New Amsterdam Theatre, and experience the chills of the ghost girl who dwells here. The Dakota apartment building is said to be visited by the ghost of John Lennon. Edgar Allen Poe died in poverty here, and Harry Houdini famously left notes about his contacts from “the other side”.
The Best Pizza in the City
If New York has a most-famous food, it’s probably Pizza! There are deli sandwich houses, bagel bakeries, Chinese treats and American burgers, but pizza rules. There are hundreds of good and great pizza places around the city, but since 1905, Lombardi’s has claimed to be both the oldest and the best. Traditional red-check table cloths and the pictures of the famous and infamous dot the walls. Our own favourite is the spicy sausage and green peppers, but there are many more to choose from, especially those you haven’t tried before!
The “Luxury Chocolate” Walking Tour
Ghosts may chill and excite you, but chocolate will warm you down to your toes. Allow two full hours to explore midtown New York, dipping into famous and obscure chocolate shops and their wares. Many shops offer displays of the chefs actually creating their lip-smacking masterpieces. If you are on a diet, take a day off.
New York holidays offer these and many more, some even more unusual, activities for both adults and kids. Doing unusual things can really make a vacation special. Be sure to bring along your camera – you never know what sites you may wish to capture and remember for a lifetime.
