#Unusual Things To See and Do In NYC

New York City is one of the primary places in the world that feels like home before we’ve ever even visited – it’s been in so many films and TV programs that it has a thrill of familiarity, even for first-timers. This is, of course, one reason why seeing all of those sights in the flesh is so enticing and exciting – but equally, half of the joy of traveling is the never-before-seen and the brand-new – so be sure to mix up your exploration of New York’s icons with these lesser-known treasures when you’re considering which unusual things to see and do in NYC.

1. City Hall Station

Opened in 1904, this was New York City’s first ever subway station and looked more like a ballroom, with its elaborately designed vaulted ceilings, glass tiles, chandeliers and skylights. It was never used as a ballroom, mind you – but it was hardly used as a station either, not only because the nearby Brooklyn Bridge stop had better connections but because City Hall’s curved platform limited the trains that could stop here. It was eventually closed in 1945 but if you stay on the Number 6 line beyond its terminating stop, you’ll be able to see the station as the train curves back around the line.

2. 6 ½ Avenue

Manhattan’s numbered streets are well known, even to those who have never visited the city – but this one tends to fly under the radar and, in fact, was only officially recognized as a street – New York’s only fraction of a street, no less – in 2012. Running between West 57th and West 51st Streets, the space is one of the city’s Privately Owned Public Spaces, for which a recent initiative is now boosting awareness. It’s more a fun secret walkway than an actual attraction, but if you’re in the area, it’s quite cool to get a picture of yourself with the street sign, Alice in Wonderland style.