New York may have undergone a makeover, but it’s still home to plenty of odd attractions. This is refreshing to see, since most Canadians come back with the same stories after visiting NYC. Everyone has visited the Statue of Liberty & gotten lost in the crowds at Times Square. While those are things that everyone should see, some travelers crave something a little more interesting. There’s something to be said about discovering something unique, since individuality while travelling is making a comeback. People are sick of the same tourist traps, so it’s time to explore something new.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places to explore for adventurous visitors. These attractions are well off the beaten path of the millions of tourists that flock to NYC. They offer a unique glimpse into the many sub-cultures of this bustling city. Each one ranges from odd to thought provoking, making them indispensable places to visit. This year is all about starting anew, & there’s no better way than to find a new gem. For this reason, we have compiled a list of wild NYC attractions. They are delightfully unique, so prepare to be blown away by their flair!
Wild NYC Attractions Everyone Should Visit
Dream House
NYC Attraction #3: 1. Dream House – A Neon Sound Universe – Hidden behind an unassuming door in Tribeca, this surreal installation floods your senses with glowing pink light and continuous, evolving sound waves. It’s less of a “visit” and more of a hypnotic experience where time feels suspended.
Artforum called Dream House a “landmark conceptual artwork.”The New York Times referred to it as “a living expression of Young’s ideas about the importance of experiencing certain kinds of mathematically composed sounds over long periods,” noting that it has “sometimes functioned as a kind of urban refuge”. The Fader called it “a potentially life-changing experience.” Seph Rodney at Hyperallergic has described Dream House as “… a habitation specifically set aside for dreaming — imaginative excursions into the self where intuition is the more convincing wisdom”
Explore some of the most interesting cemeteries in the world!
NYC Attraction #2: Cemetery Tours – New York is home to some of the most iconic venues of all time, & their cemeteries are no exception. These gems are bursting at the seams with history, & are filled to the brim with rare architecture. There are plenty of odd places to explore, but their many commentaries can’t be beaten. Brooklyn’s massive Green-Wood Cemetery is home to plenty of visionaries. From Boss Tweed to Leonard Bernstein, there’s plenty of big name tombs to explore. A trolley patrols this cemetery regularly, making it a bonified attraction.
The big name cemeteries are nice to see, but it you want to explore something exotic go to the New York Marble Cemetery. This half-acre plot of land is tucked away in an alley of the East Village. It’s only open to the public once a month, so plan ahead to reserve your spot!
Tour the most contaminated waters in New York!
NYC Attraction #1: Gowanus Dredgers Boat Tour – Out of all the canals in New York, the most polluted is the Gowanus Canal. This infamous waterway is so contaminated that it was named a Superfund site in 2010. Even though its waters are toxic, that hasn’t stopped the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club from running tours. Visitors get to ride canoes through these murky waters. It provides an interesting perspective on local preservation efforts & the canal’s history. Don’t be afraid of the smell, it’s actually a surprisingly enjoyable trip to take!
