5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Vacation Activities in NYC

Planning a trip to the Big Apple? New York City is a world-renowned culture hub with thousands of things to fill your itinerary. While there are plenty of major attractions you won’t want to miss, here are a few lesser known activities that will give you the big city experience while avoiding the crowds and saving you some big bucks as well.

Graffiti Hall of Fame

Officially named legal public art, this wall on Park Avenue encloses a playground outside of the Jackie Robinson Education Complex. Its only nearby rival is 5 Pointz Aerosol Arts Center which, while not official sanctioned (yet), is largely considered the best outdoor graffiti museum in the world. It draws hundreds of visitors every year, both artist and tourist, to view over 350 brightly colored murals, and has become an ideal scene for several R&B music videos.

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

A bargain-lover’s paradise, this street market was name one of the Top Ten Shopping streets in the World by National Geographic. Here artists, locals, and tourists heckle sellers for antiques and vintage clothing, home décor, jewelry, and more. This is a great place for rare finds that will have people back home talking.

Improv Comedy Show

A budget-friendly alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on a Broadway performance is to check out a love improve comedy show. There are several theaters in the city where aspiring comics test their funniest routines, often pulling audience members onstage with them to be part of the act. If you’re ready to laugh until you cry, an improve show is the perfect way to spend an evening. And for $10 or less per person it’s quite a bargain for a couple hours of entertainment in this city.

Tour Central Park

One great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city is to spend some time in Central Park. There are plenty of things to do in Central Park along the 46 miles of pathways, including a big carousel, The Plaza Hotel, The Met, a waterfall, famous statues, museums, and an ice rink. Also, keep your eyes open for the spots where hundreds of Hollywood favorites were filmed. If you’re hoping to hit only the highlights, try a walking or bike tour where a tour guide can point out the most memorable sights.

South Street Seaport

Anyone who’s ever stumbled upon this quaint maritime village is no doubt confused about its contrast to the rest of the Big Apple. Wandering through historic cobble-stoned shopping district is a breath of fresh air outside of the rest of the city. It also has some of the best views available in the city, including the NYC skyline (which will take your breath away at sunset), the Brooklyn Bridge, and the East River. This is a great place to wind down after a long day in the city, and a great place to take some great pictures too.