Whether it’s your first time in NYC or a repeat visit, you obviously want to plan your time there so that not a second is wasted. However, before you go traipsing off to the Empire State Building or rushing off to Times Square, consider going somewhat off the beaten track and opt for something a little bit different. For a city that has so much going on, it’s very easy to get stuck in the idea that you have to tick off the traditional NYC bucket lists, and forget that there is a huge variety of activities and sites that you may not have considered. So if you’ve seen the Empire State Building more than enough times in the cinema, and you couldn’t care less about the Statue of Liberty, then here are some alternatives that you may not have considered.
The unusual sights
If you’re the type of person who finds enjoyment in the more wonderful examples of humanity’s imagination and creativity, then you can’t go wrong with a short trip along the Hudson River to check out the Sisyphus Stones. An experimental art project by Uliks Gryka, the Sisyphus Stones have a mystical air to them that defies the attempts of vandals to knock them down. However, if you’re after something a little more lively, then you can’t go wrong with the Wild Bird Fund. Started as a wildlife conservation center, it heals and protects more than 3000 birds and releases them back into the wilds of NYC. With a bird population that consists of more the 300 varieties, a trip to the Wild Bird Fund will give you a very warm feeling inside.
For theatre lovers
A theatre trip is simply a must-do activity when visiting NYC. The trouble is choosing what to watch. With such a variety of shows available, you could choose to spend some time on Broadway, and bear witness to the wonderful new addition to the JK Rowling universe with a showing of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Get your tickets easily from ticketsales.com and you could soon be wondering why there are so many muggles wandering the street of New York. You could even head off-Broadway and delight in some of the more avante-garde choices available.
For the fans of the morbid
If you have a bit of a dark side, then you are going to be spoiled for choice in New York. There is simply so much on offer that it can be hard to narrow it down, but one of the highlights is the Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins. One of those places that doesn’t get enough attention, if you’re the kind of person who likes abandoned ruins with a morbid hue, then that’s the choice for you. Protected by the Landmark Preservation Committee, you won’t be able to explore too much, but it’s worth the short trip for just a glimpse of the dilapidated ruins.
There’s so much more to NYC than simply following the crowds of tourists, and by taking the time to explore a little bit, you could soon be enjoying the most unique and wonderful holiday imaginable.
