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The Atlas Obscura Guide To New York City

767 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in New York City

Updated November 13, 2024

From the Times Square Hum to George Washingtonʼs dentures, the Big Apple is full of wonders big and small. It was the home of Atlas Obscura for many years, so weʼve scoured the city for hidden wonders, and itʼs possible to see many of them in a single afternoon.

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Unusual Attractions in New York City

See All 767 Things To Do in New York City

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in New York City

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Resilience of New York in 10 Remarkable Sites

New York has been described as a playground for the rich and powerful, but the state's history is full of ordinary people who have overcome extraordinary struggles. What if Seneca Falls, the village that launched the fight for women's suffrage, were as famous as Niagara Falls? What if Weeksville, the historic free Black community in Brooklyn, were as well-known as Williamsburg? From immigrant sanctuaries to the Survivor Tree, here are sites where New York has shown its resilience.

View Itinerary

Explore New York City

Architecture 109
Architectural Oddities 73
Art 67
Shops 64
Museums 55
History 52
Cemeteries 40
Unique Restaurants & Bars 39

Recent New York City Activity

Stories About New York City

Palacsinta-Americana are a DIY party version of the classic Hungarian dessert.

‘Second Generation’ Makes Recipes That Survived World War Sparkle

In his Hungarian-Jewish cookbook, chef Jeremy Salamon of Agi's Counter digs into his family heritage and uses dill like glitter.
by Diana Hubbell
Wholesome fun is dirty business.

Coney Island Was Once Full of Dueling, Backstabbing Theme Parks

Come one, come all to the controversial, ugly beginnings of what was once called 'Sodom by the Sea.'
by Joshua Kagavi

Podcast: 'How To' Make the Best Show about New York with John Wilson

In our first extended episode, we sit down with the show's creator and narrator John Wilson.
by The Podcast Team
A 17th-century engraving depicts a star fort coming under siege.

Star Forts Are Military History, and the Base of Some Strange Conspiracy Theories

Examining why these ubiquitous, obsolete fortifications carry an air of mystery.
by Colin Dickey
Grilled eel and all the sides.

Go Beyond the Beef at Korean Barbecue

Enjoy sizzling shellfish and duck over charcoal.
by Caroline Shin

This New York City Map Is Full of Dutch Secrets

When Broadway was a broad way and Wall Street was a wall.
by April White
Rose Mackenberg believed in something beyond the world we see—but she didn't believe the mediums who said they were in touch with it.

The Ghost-Busting 'Girl Detective' Who Awed Houdini

As an undercover investigator, Rose Mackenberg unmasked hundreds of America’s fake psychics.
by Nina Strochlic
Archestratus is packed with both new and vintage cookbooks.

The Revolution Begins in the Cookbook Store

Paige Lipari, founder of Archestratus, is changing the world one potluck at a time.
by Diana Hubbell

Lists Featuring New York City

Book Corner.
The Final Cross
Edward Dean Adams Power Station
Clifton Hill

The 11 Best Places to Visit Near Niagara Falls for Curious Travelers

11

Including Book Corner, Prophet Isaiah's Second Coming House, and Edward Dean Adams Power Plant

The Conjuring Arts library
Keen's Steakhouse
The New York Herald Monument.

The 11 Best Things to do Near the Empire State Building for Curious Travelers

11

Including Tannen's Magic Shop, The Conjuring Arts Research Center, and Keen's Steakhouse

The crostata, with the storefront in the background.

12 Extraordinary Jewish Restaurants Around the World

A global map of diverse delights.

12

Including Pasticceria Boccione, Gottlieb's Restaurant, and Nahoum and Sons

The Geographic Center of NYC is located on a traffic meridian on Queens Boulevard.
Vale of Cashmere.
Underneath the entrance to the nature walk is a small separate garden (Michelle Enemark CC Attribution Share Alike)

30 Unexpected Places to Have a Joyful Adventure in New York City

Sponsored by Volkswagen
30

Including Geographic Center of New York City, Vale of Cashmere, and Marie's Crisis

Phyllis Diller
Detail of the Texaco map terrazzo mosaic tile floor of the New York State Pavilion (Tent of Tomorrow), 2009

18 Places to Discover Innovation in Roosevelt Island and NYC

Sponsored by Graduate Hotels
18

Including Holographic Studios Inc., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and Patent Pending

Blockhouse No. 1
Manhattan schist
Barrow Street Garden

The Quietest Spots in America’s Loudest City

Keep calm and immerse yourself in New York's urban arcadia.

10

Including The Elevated Acre, Blockhouse No. 1, and Hallett Nature Sanctuary

The Nostalgia Train.
REACH: New York
The secret entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel (detail)
Track 61

10 Secrets of the New York City Subway

Stand clear of the closing doors, please.

10

Including Holiday Nostalgia Train, REACH: New York, and The Secret Entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel

Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
View from the pier

11 Surprisingly Romantic Places in New York City

We heart New York on Valentine's Day.

11

Including Albertine, Deno's Wonder Wheel, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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