When one envisions things to do in the bustling metropolis of New York City, iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the opportunity to snap photos of the Statue of Liberty immediately come to mind. These attractions are undoubtedly iconic and a must-visit for any tourist. However, what if there were a way to delve even deeper into the heart of this vibrant city, to unearth experiences that have the potential to leave a lasting impact on your life? This is precisely why we've meticulously curated a list of the top 15 unusual and unique activities to partake in while in NYC. These hidden gems are scattered throughout the city, waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls seeking to break away from the ordinary. Embarking on these distinctive adventures will transform your time in New York and provide you with a meaningful starting point for planning your next unforgettable trip.

1. Take a Helicopter Ride to See New York City from Above

Topping the list of the most unusual things to do in New York City is taking a helicopter ride with Riding with Blade. This might be your ticket to freedom if you want to see the cityscape from above, avoid the traffic, and make a memory that will last a lifetime.

Blade provides a distinctive and thrilling perspective of New York City from the skyline. Rise above the tallest skydeck in New York and take in some of the most amazing panoramic vistas available. Aerial views of famous sites such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty can be obtained from your helicopter, providing you with additional protection and comfort.

The fact that you can snap pictures from 10,000 feet in the air when you rent a helicopter instead of the 1,100 feet that the highest sky deck in New York can reach really caught our attention. That implies that by booking with Blade, you can receive a better deal than if you were to purchase tickets for a sky deck that wouldn't provide the same amazing views.

Blade not only provides vistas of a lifetime but also makes navigating traffic simple. Manhattan traffic can be a headache, particularly when it comes to important occasions like arriving at the airport on time. Fortunately, Blade simplifies the process, enabling you to bypass traffic and reach airports such as JFK from New York in about fifteen minutes. Blade's value for tourists is enhanced by the ability to rely on a helicopter to transport you from point A to point B, eliminating the worry of traveling through unforeseen traffic delays.

Blade also crafts an opulent, life-changing experience from the time you make your reservation. During your flight and after Blade's vehicle services leave you off to their VIP lounge, you can anticipate receiving very individualized treatment. They also guarantee that your trip is perfect and that you arrive at your destination without incident.

2. Experience The Beast, a Tour by the Sea

Riding in The Beast, which is ideally situated in the center of New York City, provides high-speed thrills and a distinctive view of the city, making it one of the favorite unusual things to do in the city.

Adrenaline junkies can fast-forward across New York Harbor at top speed while strapping themselves into its cushioned seats and taking in the city's views from the waterfront. This speedboat's "inner beast" is mostly responsible for its heart-pounding speeds.

The Beast's engines, which have 1400 BHP of horsepower, can match the demands of thrill-seekers. Comparatively speaking, some of the most luxurious speedboats in the world with equivalent horsepower cost more than $400,000. This means that seeing The Beast not only offers boat fans a quick look at what a luxurious boat feels like, but it also does it at a far lower cost.

With its unique perspective of the city, The Beast lets you see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It allows tourists to experience both sightseeing and thrill-seeking simultaneously. This indicates that you make better use of your time amid New York's hectic daily schedule.

We also like that The Beast is easily and quickly accessible for visitors, situated right in the middle of New York. The Beast is located on Pier 83, which is less than ten minutes' ride by bus from Times Square. The Beast is therefore one of the most entertaining and distinctive things to do in New York City.

Pro Tip: To guarantee a seat on The Beast, it's a good idea to come thirty minutes in advance.

3. Cradle up in an Aircraft Carrier: Travel back to the 1900s with the Intrepid

Yes, sleeping on an aircraft carrier while posing as a soldier could be one of the most interesting and distinctive things to do in Manhattan. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum provides moderately priced after-hours access to history by allowing people to spend the night amid the planes, just as enlisted sailors once did.

Immersion in an aircraft carrier that has fought in several conflicts since sailors first breathed on the sea to protect their homeland will be possible for you. It provides views of real, fully restored aircraft on the flight deck as well as fully reconstructed gallery decks and accommodations ready for a squadron.

Crowds swarm the historical landmark known as The Intrepid every day of the year. Without the throng, you may enjoy the exhibits to yourself when you have exclusive overnight admission. This is useful for creating unique, isolated photos where it's just you and history. Thus, seeing the Intrepid is one of our favorite unusual things to do in New York City.

The cost of sleeping on the Intrepid might not be as high as you might imagine, in addition. Manhattan's most affordable hotels can cost up to $200–300 per night, or $100–150 per person. This implies that spending the night at this museum is not only reasonably priced, if not a little less so, but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in the center of New York.

The flying deck, which is part of the museum, is exposed to the elements and closes in the event of rain, so make sure to visit on days when the weather is nice.