#Unusual Things To See and Do In NYC

5. Morris Jumel-Mansion

From the outside, this mansion looks postcard-lovely, but inside, it’s said to be haunted by the tortured ghost of Eliza Bowen Jumel. She married into a wealthy family in 1810, but failed to gain acceptance from society, thanks to sordid rumors about her past – and when her husband died in 1832, fingers were pointed in her direction, with tales of cruel and inhuman behavior. When her second husband suddenly died on the day they divorced, all the narrowed eyes were again on Eliza. She eventually died – old, mad and a recluse – and, although this house is open to the public for tours as it’s Manhattan’s oldest house and thus a place of historical interest, you may find that you get more than you bargained for on a visit!

6. The Alamo

Most of us think of the fort where the Texans fought the Mexican Army when we think of The Alamo but this one is a giant sculpture in the shape of a cube, which was created by Tony Rosenthal and has stood in Astor Place, at Lafayette and 8th, since 1967. It’s one of those sights that’s come to hold a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers, who use it as an unofficial meeting place – it has even featured in music videos. Its turning mechanism is just one of the things that makes it special but be warned – you will need to have downed your spinach smoothie before you attempt to make it turn; it’s heavy!