Quirky Experiences in New York

Discover an alternative side to NYC on a unique tour
Discover an alternative side to NYC on a unique tour | © Felix Lipov / Alamy Stock Photo

US Books Editor

New York is a mix of countless influences and a city filled with experiences for every possible interest. From ghosts to gossips, these eight unique experiences will give you fresh insight into the Big Apple.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Greenwich Village Ghost Tour

Greenwich Village has a decidedly spooky side

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.

Visit the historic Mount Vernon Hotel Museum for a fascinating tour

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 Sites Tour

Make like Blair and Serena on a Gossip Girl tour of NYC

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.

Superheroes of New York

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.

Nightlife Experience: The Meatpacking District After Dark

Manhattan’s Meatpacking District has a rich history

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.

NYC: Prohibition Pub and History Tour

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.

THE RIDE NYC, 8th Avenue

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 Gospel Tour

Harlem is the place to go in NYC to experience gospel music

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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