10 cool things to do in New York

10 cool things to do in New York

With New York just a short hop across the Atlantic, New York is a hotspot for weekend breaks and well known for it’s shopping and unique culture. Here is our travel insurance team’s top 10 cool things in New York for visitors.

Indulge in extravagance at the House of Yes

Ever wanted to witness a clubbing experience where the general attitude was “yes”? House of Yes may just be the place for you! A feast for the eyes with burlesque performances, acrobats, dancing, and the freedom to express and mingle til your heart is content. The venue itself is beautifully decorated from the entry to the bathrooms and everything in-between.

Watch hilarious Drunk Shakespeare

Ever fancied seeing what happens when actors get drunk and try to deliver a serious play? Now’s your chance as actors take to the stage in New York to entertain and inspire with Drunk Shakespeare! The premise is that one of the actors on stage has drunk at least 5 shots of whiskey and the rest of the cast must try and keep up with their unique performance. Certainly worth a watch if you’re a lover of Shakespeare and keen to watch a unique take on his plays with a great cast and an inventive twist!

Sip on cocktails in a bank vault

If you’re looking for unique surroundings for a meal out then Trinity Place New York is the venue to visit. As you step in through the huge vault door you’re greeted by an amazing atmosphere and super friendly staff. The food itself, as the name implies, has an Irish edge to it. From the Beef & Guinness pie to the potato and leek soup you can’t go wrong for a little Irish charm on your plate.

Go on a New York Hip-Hop Tour

Hush Tours are the best hip-hop tour in NYC taking you to the home of New York rap, from Brooklyn, Harlem and the Bronx. You will be guided by some of the most knowledgeable tour guides including Grandmaster Caz, Ralph McDaniels, Kurtis Blow, Roxanne Shante, Raheim, Johnny Famous, Lady K Fever, and Reggie Reg. You can choose to go on foot or on the official Hush tour bus. Prices start at just $35 per person, check out their website for the full lowdown.

Cheer for the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden

I can’t imagine there’s much explanation needed for this one, see the New York Knicks play basketball at the legendary Madison Square Garden, a must for basketball fans and those that want to immerse themselves in the NYC culture.

Get a sugar high at Peter Pan Bakery

With New York being the home of doughnuts, you’d be missing out if you love doughnuts and pastries if you don’t visit the Peter Pan Bakery. Getting rave reviews online and is known for selling amazing food at reasonable prices which is why it made it to our list. Here’s a selection of doughnuts that caught our eye; Red Velvet, Apple Crumb, Boston Cream, Blueberry Buttermilk, Sour Cream Glazed, Chocolate Cake, and speciality doughnuts such as Honey Dip French Cruller, Old Fashioned Volcano With Bavarian Cream, Old Fashioned Volcano With Jelly.

Explore the Dream House – Manhattan, New York

The Dream House is an immersive creative installation filled with sound and light created in 1993 by modern composer La Monte Young and visual artist Marian Zazeela. Every move you make will create a soundscape of unusual pitches. Considered an innovative and quirky gem that’s off the main tourist trails, and with admission at $10 it’s an installation art lovers and dreamers should certainly check out.

Hammer some balls at The Sunshine Laundromat

Don’t be fooled by the name, The Sunshine Laundromat offers way more than a fresh change of clothes. As you enter the laundromat all seems relatively normal, yet through a secret door at the back you’ll enter into a world of pinball machines including classics such as Taxi, Attack from Mars, and Twilight Zone.

See the Dyker Heights Christmas lights

If you’re lucky enough to be in New York at Christmas the Dyker Heights Christmas lights are a must see, with an unspoken competition between the houses in the area locals have gone a little overboard with their lights and Christmas décor. The best lights are on 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and from 83rd to 86th Street, make sure you pop down to explore if you’re feeling festive!