We don't need to tell you how large, exciting and diverse New York City is - chances are that you probably know that already! But there are a few places that you can go that will make your trip that much more interesting. These five things to do in New York will give you a different taste of the city and make your experience a lot more colorful.
5 Off-The-Beaten Path Things To Do In New York
1. The Conservatory Garden in East Central Park
The Conservatory Garden is Central Park's six-acre formal garden. It is divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French and English. The Garden's main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate, on 5th Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets. This magnificent iron gate, made in Paris in 1894, originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.
Address: 5th Avenue, New York, NY
2. Brooklyn Flea
Started in 2008, the Brooklyn Flea features hundreds of vendors selling everything from furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans and designers. On Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill, the Flea also operates Smorgasbord, a giant all-food market that showcases the best of Brooklyn’s artisanal food scene. Time Out New York calls Brooklyn Flea “the best reason to cross the river.”
Address: 176 Lafayette Avenue on Saturdays; Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza in DUMBO on Sundays, Brooklyn, NY
3. Mast Brothers Chocolate Makers
This New York-based chocolatier was the creation of brothers Rick and Michael Mast in 2007. If you’re hungry for something light, sweet and satisfying, stop by for a tour and a sampling of delicious chocolate bars, beverages and confections that look and smell as good as they taste.
Address: 111 N. 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY
4. Aire Ancient Baths New York
Opened in 2008 inside a circa 1883 TriBeCa building which formerly housed a textile factory. Aire provides its guests with a beautiful space to relax the body and mind. Aire offers everything from thermal baths to yoga classes to flamenco acoustic concerts to ease the day’s stress away.
Address: 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY
5. Obscura Antiques and Oddities
People have been flocking to this unusual shop for more than 20 years. Located in Manhattan’s East Village, Obscura Antiques and Oddities sells things you didn’t even know existed, such as antique medicine bottles, bone dice and mummy head globes.
Address: 207 Avenue A, New York, NY