New York is a city full of stories, with infinite possibilities. One moment you could be walking through the lively bustle of Times Square, the next you could be huddled in a cafe listening to poetry. It’s a city for the night owls and the morning larks, for the urban adventurers and the bookworms. New York is unlike anywhere else in the world, so honour its individuality with one of these unique tours.

Whether you’re a local looking to discover a different side to your city, or a visitor with only a few days to spare, tours are a great way to take the guesswork out of exploring. And luckily for you, we thought we’d round up the most unusual ways to see NYC in a handy list. Discover the history of the underground railroads, hunt for ghosts, or practise yoga in Central Park. New York has so many facets and cultures waiting to be discovered, so take advantage with one of our unusual, off-the-beaten-track tours!

NYC Underground Railroad Tour – $37

Journey into the past with this underground railroad experience. Your knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the painful history of slavery in America, filled with courageous people who took their futures into their own hands. You’ll visit the site of the city’s first slave market, while learning about the group of brave men and women who formed the networks that became the Underground Railroad, allowing around 100,000 people to reclaim their right to freedom. Visit a former stop on the railroad through which fugitive slaves secretly passed, and an African burial ground memorial. This enlightening, historic tour will leave you informed on the secrets of the underground railroad and the brave people who built it; a true deep-dive into American history.

Brooklyn Graffiti Art Walking Tour – $32

One of the many ways New York tells its story is through art! Discover the exciting world of graffiti artists during this 2-hour Bushwick street art tour.

You’ll meet your guide in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, and from there they will take you on a journey of the area’s most notable and exciting artists, from incredible murals to an exhibition called the Bushwick Collective. During the tour, you’ll learn the history of this up-and-coming art form, as well as insights into today’s top modern artists who use the city as their canvas. While you take in the various works of art, you will be taught about the techniques that brought them to life. Explore New York City through art, and you’ll be amazed by what you can learn.

New York City Ghost Tour – $32

… Do you believe in ghosts?

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a ghost tour is an incredibly fun way to explore any city. What could be more enlightening than learning the various gruesome pasts of the people who used to live here? Get ready, because New York is swarming with spirits…
During this 2 ½ hour ghost tour, your guide will take you through the most haunted streets of New York with a lamplight illuminating your path. Bring your courage, as you will be regaled with the grisly tales of bedlam, murders and mysteries that run through the various historic buildings in the city. You can pick one of three New York neighborhoods: Hell’s Kitchen, Lower Manhattan, or Greenwich Village. Each one is teeming with ghosts just waiting to tell their stories… are you prepared to listen?

Alexander Hamilton Happy Hour Tour – $40

If you – like everyone else in the world – are a fan of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, or just interested in the history of the founding fathers, then this Alexander Hamilton Happy Hour Tour is a fascinating way to explore New York. During this 2-hour scenic tour of New York’s oldest neighborhood, you will learn all about Alexander Hamilton’s fascinating life, while discovering the impact he had on shaping this country into what it is today.

You’ll meet your guide in the financial district, and from there you and the other guests will learn about America’s first Secretary of Treasury’s influence on our financial system via historic sites such as Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and 2 different Wall Street skyscrapers. What better way to end a tour all about the subject of Lin Manuel Miranda’s historic musical than ‘raising a glass’? Your tour will conclude with a beer at the tavern where Hamilton and Burr broke bread before their dual. (Spoiler alert: It did not end well.)

Central Park Sunrise Yoga Tour – $45

Rise and shine, yogis! This Sunrise Yoga Tour is a brilliant and rejuvenating way to experience Central Park. Beginning at 8am, this 1-hour tour will gently wake you up to the city that never sleeps. Watch the sun rise over the bustle of New York as you power-walk through beautiful Central Park, stopping at its most serene spots to practise a few restorative yoga poses. The benefits of yoga on the body and mind are countless, not to mention the awakening effect of crisp, fresh air first thing in the morning.

Your guide is a certified fitness coach, and they will lead your unique adventure through the park after a brief warm up. Stretch and soothe your troubles away in New York’s most iconic park. Is there a better way to start the day?

Dream Queens Greenwich Village Tour – $47

Home to the historic Stonewall Inn, New York has LGBTQ+ history written into its DNA. Learn all about that history through this riotous, enlightening and meaningful Dream Queens Greenwich Village Tour, led by none other than Dream Queen guide extraordinaire, Glace Chance.

You’ll meet your Dream Queen guide and the rest of the group at one of New York’s oldest continuously running gay bars. Enjoy a cocktail or two while Glace gives you a short introduction. Next, head out into the village! This iconic New York neighborhood is filled with 200 years of history, and Glace will present it to you in the most entertaining way while guiding the group with her distinctive red shoe. From Lily Law to Duane Reade, you will hear about the personalities that have shaped the village over the years, laugh your socks off, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour – $50

New York has served as the backdrop for so many stories over the years – and it’s not surprising, given that the city is filled with plenty of its own interweaving narratives. Comedy, drama, and action have all taken place on the streets of The Big Apple, played out by big and small screen stars like Meg Ryan, Will Smith and many more!

During this 2-hour guided bus tour, you’ll discover the filming locations used on the sets of various well-loved movies and TV shows. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will meet you at McGee’s Pub, which served as the inspiration for MacLaren’s bar on the hugely popular TV show How I Met Your Mother. Your group will then be shown through the historic Upper West Side and Upper East Side to view over 40 iconic film and TV locations. Whether you’re a fan of classic sitcoms like Friends and Seinfeld, or are nostalgic for the optimistic romantic comedies of the 1980’s, this tour is sure to put a smile on your face. Over the course of the tour, you can stop in Monk’s Diner from Seinfeld, visit the café where Meg Ryan waits for her date in You’ve Got Mail, and even see the versatile museum featured in Men in Black, Mr. Poppers Penguins, When in Rome and Pitch Perfect. If that’s not enough for you, you’ll also view locations from Gossip Girl, Friends, Trainwreck, Cruel Intentions and more! Bring your camera, because this tour is one you’ll want to remember.

NY Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise – $55

From the silver screen to the cool blue water… This New York Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise is another unique perspective on the city, so grab your camera and climb aboard The American Princess. During this four-hour whale watching adventure in Rockaway Queens, you’ll glide into the Atlantic Ocean and breathe in the refreshing sea breeze as the on-board Naturalist gives an educational commentary. Take in the views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline from the vantage point of the boat – and, when you least expect it, you might spot Bottlenose dolphins and whales leaping right out of the water below! An idyllic ocean trip right on the edge of the city.

The Ride Experience New York – $70

Watch the streets of New York come to life with this thrilling 75 minute moving Manhattan performance. During this urban adventure, you will hop on board THE RIDE, New York’s tallest multimillion dollar moving stadium. That’s right – during THE RIDE, the streets of New York turn into the stage, with scheduled performances taking place amongst the real life action. There’s never a dull moment on this immersive and unpredictable experience, so get started by meeting your two funny and knowledgeable guides, and prepare for ‘the ride’ of a lifetime! With panoramic windows and stadium seating there isn’t a bad seat on board, so get settled and be prepared to watch the show unfold outside. Throughout THE RIDE, your guides will regale you with tales of Manhattan – but they’re not the only entertainment in store. As you travel around New York, the city’s most famous landmarks become the backdrop for jaw-dropping live entertainment. From trained ballerinas to freestyle rappers to hip-hop dancers, this magnetic, jaw-dropping variety show is a spectacle to behold, pulling in passers-by to make them a part of the action. All the performers are trained in improv, so whatever is happening on the streets that day becomes a part of the show. An unforgettable, interactive way to see the sights.

New York Burlesque Sail – $79

This is a sailing trip with a difference. Travel back in time as you board the gorgeous Civil War-era schooner Clipper City and enjoy an incredible burlesque show on the water. This two hour New York Harbour sail is sure to entertain, so leave your inhibitions behind as you step on board. As the ship leaves the dock, head to the dance floor and enjoy the music while you sip on drink specials. Soon, the professional dancers will begin their show – so sit back and prepare for a spectacular performance! This unique show will unfold with the Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline as its backdrop. There are definitely worse ways to spend a Friday night!

Manhattan Harbor Architecture Cruise – $89

“New York: Is it finished yet?”

Whether you’re a complete architecture nerd or just want an unusual way to see the city, this Architecture Cruise of New York is the way to go. You’ll be in good hands, as this tour is narrated by a member of the American Institute of Architect’s NYC Chapter. During this 2 ¾ hour experience, you and your fellow urban explorers will circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, cruising under all 18 bridges! You’ll begin at Chelsea Piers, where you will meet the friendly captain and crew and board the motor yacht Manhattan. Once you have settled in your seat it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy breath-taking 360-degree views of the city from the enclosed back-deck observatory. Your highly qualified guide will tell you all about the architecture that makes up the complicated and ever-expanding masterpiece that is New York City. This tour encompasses the Harlem, East and Hudson rivers, giving you a unique perspective on all five boroughs of the city, so be sure to take plenty of pictures!

Skateboarding in Manhattan – $100

Try out the modern sport of skateboarding, and see if you’ve got what it takes to sidewalk surf! This skateboarding lesson in the heart of New York is a great way to connect with the culture of the city. During the hour lesson, you will learn how to use the city structures as a playground for your wheels. Whether you’re a total beginner, intermediate or advanced, this lesson will have something for you. Explore New York on wheels, and connect with the city in a new way.

Manhattan Gelato Making Workshop – $125

Gelato is just objectively the best dessert, and we won’t hear any different. Refreshing, indulgent and Italian… does a dessert get much better than that? (We’ll answer that: No, it does not.) With this gelato workshop in Manhattan, you’ll discover how to perfect this delicious creation so it stops being the occasional treat and becomes something you can make at home with ease! … (uh oh, what have we started?)

This 2 hour gelato class will take place at Mia Chef Gelateria in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan. Here, you will meet your host and teacher, a professional gelateria chef, and they will introduce you to the ancient process of making Italian gelato. The process of making this artisan sweet treat is an incredibly enjoyable one, so get stuck in and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor at the end of the class. You’ll be able to take your own handmade gelato home with you to share – if you don’t eat it all on the way back, that is….

Morimoto Sushi and Sake Sunset Sail – $152

Enjoy a gourmet sailing adventure in New York Harbor! During this 2-hour sunset sail, you can expect a feast of Japanese delicacies, as you tuck into fresh sushi and sake pairings, hand selected by Iron Chef Morimoto himself.

You’ll begin your experience at Chelsea Piers, where you will board the beautiful 105 Schooner America 2.0. After being welcomed on board by the friendly captain and crew, you can enjoy a pleasant journey down the Hudson River. While you take in the gorgeous sight of the New York skyline, you will be served nine different pieces of sushi as well as one roll, expertly paired with cold sake. Unbeatable views, gourmet food and first-class staff make this experience unbeatable.

Happy exploring!

… and that concludes our list of 14 unusual ways to experience New York City. We hope you’ve found something fun to do from our list, and if you’re still looking, remember we have a whole selection of gifts available in New York city here.

New York is an incredible place filled with so much amazing culture, food, and art, it’s hard to know where to start. Hopefully we’ve pointed you in the right direction, but if your wanderlust isn’t satiated, feel free to browse all of our New York experience gifts here.