4 Uncommon Things to Do in New York as a Tourist

There are a ton of popular spots for tourists in New York, but there are certain uncommon spots that most tourists miss out on. 

Visiting both common and uncommon spots around the city will make for a truly fulfilling experience! Whether you are into art or food, there is something for you to do in the Big Apple, or a day trip upstate. 

4 Uncommon Things to Do in New York

1. Visit the Eternal Flame Falls

Image credits: NYFalls

Located in Chestnut Ridge Park, the Eternal Flame Falls are a unique attraction but not very well known to tourists. This is a day trip from NYC.

The falls can be reached from the dedicated parking lot. From here, it’s a small hike (about 1.4 miles), with a moderate difficulty, to reach the waterfall. 

The waterfall can be visited during any season. However, proper footwear, such as waterproof boots, is suggested. 

The falls are about 9 m high. The main attraction here is the flame, about 75 cm tall that is visible through the falls. The flame burns from a supply of natural gas. On some rare occasions the flame goes out when high winds or water touches it, other than that the flame is almost always lit. 

2. Visit Opus 40

Image credits: Opus 40

Opus 40 is one of the most amazing sites to visit in New York. The non-profit outdoor park, founded in 1978, spreads over 63 acres. It hosts a stone sculpture that measures about 6.5 acres. The sculptor, Harvey Fite, mainly followed ancient Mayan and Aztec techniques to build the sculpture from stones and handheld tools. 

The park hosts weddings during the year in addition to group tours and being open to the public. The park hosts events including live musical performances, dance performances, outdoor movie screenings, and more. 

3. Visit the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope

Image credits: Emerson Resort & Spa

The world’s largest kaleidoscope, the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, stands at a whopping height of about 56 feet. It’s also known as the Emerson Kaleidoscope. You can plan to visit this on the same day as you visit Opus 40. 

The kaleidoscope was designed by self-taught, award-winning artist Charles Karadimos. It can be experienced through the Kaleidoshow, a visual and sound experience at The Shops at Emerson set in an old grain silo. 

4. Visit haunted places

Belasco Theatre

Image credits: Playbill

Fall is the perfect time to explore upstate New York for all the horror fanatics as there is so much to do like halloween adventures! Explore some of the most haunted places, including the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the Palmyra Historical Museum, the Amityville Horror House (this is a private property now, although you can drive by and view it!), the Belasco Theatre, and many more. 

New York’s highly experienced and reliable tour operator, e.e.tours, will help you organize the best group trips to New York with the best fixed and customized itineraries. A reliable tour guide will ensure a well-planned, and memorable experience for your group!