Quirky Experiences in New York

Love a spooky tale? Greenwich Village is full of grisly murders and dark tragedies where spine-tingling energies can still be felt today. The Greenwich Village Ghost Tour includes a stop at the Hanging Tree that still stands in Washington Square Park and the site of the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire which killed 146 garment workers, and led to some of the first workplace safety laws in the US.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum provides the ideal setting for an immersive, fictional mystery game. Wander through period rooms and grounds to discover clues and facts on whodunnit. Once you’ve solved the crime, you’ll get to mingle over cheese and wine at a murder mystery after-party.

Gossip Girl was the show that defined New York City for a generation of fans. Explore the playground of the elite with The Gossip Girl Sites Tour designed to help you bask in the glamour of the Upper East Side. A local actress will escort you around, making sure you feel like you’re taking in the reports of the real Gossip Girl. Relive the glitz of Gossip Girl with stops at many of the 40 Manhattan locations the show captured in its six seasons from 2007-2012.

New York City is the birthplace of the American comic book and the superhero. As the superhero movie genre has boomed, New York City has offered ambiance and backdrop for some of its biggest moments. Walk down Publishers Row where the comics began and take a look at where shows like Gotham and Daredevil were filmed. Superheroes of New York even takes a stop at the bar where some of the greatest comic book artists hung out; maybe you’ll get inspired to add your own legacy.

The City That Never Sleeps has to fill those midnight hours somehow. The Nightlife Experience Tour takes you through a smorgasbord of nightlife activity in the Meatpacking District. The district once known for, well, meatpacking is now home to a mix of wine bars, late-night hipster cafés and underground clubs. From the glitzy to the skeevy, this area has something for every taste, and your tour can even be tailored to meet your hopes for your night out on the town.

Alcohol was illegal in the United States from 1920-33, but New Yorkers have never been known to follow the rules. New York City’s thriving drinking scene can be visited on The Prohibition Pub and History Tour. From underground bars to hidden liquor stashes, this tour teaches you all about New York City in the early 19th century. You will even be able to sample a drink from the Prohibition era to see just what people were breaking the law for.

Swingers, the Crazy Golf Club in NoMad, offers the ultimate quirky experience in New York City. Guests can immerse themselves in a British-style crazy golf adventure, testing their skills on three unique nine-hole mini golf courses.The prize wheel at the 9th hole adds an opportunity for exciting surprises. After a round, visitors can indulge in delicious street food from a curated selection of top-notch vendors, including Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, Tacos by Fonda, and Emmy Squared Pizza, while enjoying crafted cocktails that keep the fun flowing. Whether one is a mini golf pro or simply seeking a unique outing with friends, Swingers offers a great time for unique socializing experiences, friendly competition, and culinary delights.

New York City is known for the bright lights of Times Square and the wondrous showmanship of Broadway. The Ride is an interactive experience which highlights all of the great performances which can be seen from the streets because all the city’s a stage. Their special tour buses include stadium-style seating so everyone gets a good view for all the entertainment from their comedic tour hosts. This tour gives a fresh view on the classic New York City highlights.

Harlem gained notoriety during the aptly named Harlem Renaissance as its culture and music flourished, a legacy which holds true today. This Gospel Tour centers around church, treating you to the joyful tones of a New York gospel choir. On your way there, your guide will point out local favorites, like the Apollo Theatre and Saint John the Divine Cathedral to add some historic context to the experience.

Improv comedy institution, The Second City has just opened its very first New York outpost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in February 2024. The Second City first opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become one of the world’s most influential names in improvisation and comedy, celebrating its 65th year in business this year. The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet. They recently announced their newest series of shows entitled, ‘The Second City Presents: A Fully Improvised Extravaganza’, featuring surprise celebrities for each show, and a cast of improv all-stars. So far they’ve announced star appearances such as Padma Lakshmi, David Cross, and Jeff Hiller in the coming weeks, but you never know who else will drop in.

Additional reporting by Culture Trip