A corporate group enjoying cocktails and drinks at The Edge

Looking for Unique Experiences in NYC? Start Here.

August 1, 2025 | Edge NYC

New York City is packed with iconic attractions — but if you’re searching for unique experiences in NYC that go beyond the usual tourist checklist, this guide is for you.  

Candlelight® Concerts at Edge NYC: Music Meets the Skyline 

One of the most atmospheric events in the city, Candlelight® Concerts at Edge blend live music with jaw-dropping views from NYC’s highest outdoor sky deck. 

Held at Edge in Hudson Yards, these performances take place 1,100 feet above the city and feature candlelit ambiance on the outdoor skydeck with soundtracks including Beyonce, Queen, Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill. With panoramic skyline views and a magical atmosphere, it’s one of the most unforgettable ways to enjoy live music in New York. 

Tickets are available via Edge NYC, with dates selling out quickly. Get Tickets Here. 

Must-See Theatre in NYC 

While Broadway isn’t exactly under the radar, it’s still one of the most iconic and uniquely “New York” experiences and there’s always something new lighting up the marquees. 

For something a little different: 

  • Catch a limited-run play or revival at smaller Broadway houses like the Hudson or Booth Theatre. 
  • Discover Off-Broadway hits like Little Shop of Horrors or new works that often set the stage for future Broadway runs. 
  • Use apps like TodayTix or check for digital rush tickets to score last-minute deals and spontaneous seats. 

Immersive & Offbeat NYC Experiences 

New York’s creative scene is packed with interactive installations and immersive experiences. Some standout picks: 

  • ARTECHOUSE NYC – Dive into large-scale digital art in a futuristic, projection-based space beneath Chelsea Market. 
  • The FRIENDS™ Experience – Walk through recreated sets from the beloved TV show and snap photos in Monica’s apartment or Central Perk. 
  • SPYSCAPE – Channel your inner agent with interactive spy missions, code-breaking challenges, and real-life espionage stories. 
  • Museum of Ice Cream – Slide into a pool of sprinkles and explore a pastel-hued playground dedicated to all things sweet. 
  • Marie’s Crisis – A legendary basement piano bar in the West Village where the crowd belts out show tunes every night. No frills, no stage, just a pianist and passionate patrons singing their hearts out. A must for Broadway lovers. 

Unique NYC Hangouts & Rooftop Spots 

Looking for a cool place to unwind after a day of exploring? Take a look at these NYC hangouts: 

  • Panorama Room (Roosevelt Island) – Take the tram to Roosevelt Island for skyline views and cocktails in this sleek lounge above Graduate Hotel. 
  • Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – A hidden speakeasy inside a hot dog shop in the East Village. 
  • The Jazz Club at Aman NYC – An upscale, atmospheric hideaway for live jazz and cocktails beneath the historic Crown Building. 
  • Dante (Greenwich Village) – A historic NYC institution ranked among the world’s best bars. Sip Negronis, Aperol Spritzes or seasonal cocktails in a laid-back yet elegant setting that oozes charm. 
  • Double Chicken Please (Lower East Side) – Currently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, DCP reinvents food into cocktails, think “Cold Pizza” or “French Toast” in liquid form. 

Something for the Thrillseekers 

  • City Climb at Edge – A once-in-a-lifetime adventure – scaling the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above Manhattan. Suited up with safety gear, climbers ascend a series of open-air platforms culminating in the chance to lean out over the edge of the building, with nothing but the skyline beneath you. It’s officially the highest open-air building ascent in the world, and a bucket list experience for anyone looking to take NYC to new heights (literally). 
  • Trapeze School New York (Pier 40) – Learn to fly through the air on a real trapeze with professional instructors. No experience needed, just some courage and core strength! 
  • FlyNYON – Fly high above the city in an open-door helicopter tour for dramatic views of Manhattan, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, these unique experiences in NYC offer new ways to see, hear, and feel the city.