Do you fancy a weekend to New York City? Whether you’ve been before or not, this can be the perfect place for a city break. We all know the traditional tourist attractions. From Central Park to the Empire State building. Visiting these locations has its benefits. There’s a reason some tourist destinations are more popular. Even so, if you’ve been before, you will have already seen these destinations. Even if you haven’t visited before, the more traditional tourist activities may not suit you. If that’s the case, it’s easy to find alternative things to do. People who live in the city don’t spend their time visiting these tourist attractions, after all. And, how better to experience a city than viewing it the way locals do? Here are some off the beaten track ways to get the most of your experience!

THEATRE

With New York, comes Broadway. The appeal is obvious. With big names comes large crowds. We all like to see our favorite stars in shows. But, is this the best way to enjoy New York City? Probably not. Let’s be honest, most of the stars in those shows don’t come from New York. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, you’re better off visiting lesser-known theaters. The good news is, there’s plenty of them! Finding out about these productions may take longer, but it’s worth the effort. If you still want to ensure you see top quality shows, find out about the best off-broadway shows out there. Visit gems like Here, where you can enjoy a coffee before familiarizing yourself with multimedia wonders. Or, head to New Ohio theater, the new space for Robert Lyons. Or, you could see what you find when you’re exploring. There’s nothing so good as dropping in on a local show without planning. Keep your eyes peeled while you travel around. You’re sure to spot advertisements.

WINE TASTING

Ever considered  NYC wine tasting? Maybe not. Most people associate wine tasting with sunny vineyards in Spain or France. Even so, there’s no reason not to try a little wine tasting while you’re away. Vacation is all about trying things you wouldn’t try when at home, isn’t it? You could even look into wine tasting on board a boat. What better way to see New York City than from the water? However you choose to experience it, wine tasting can be a lot of fun. You get to experience a little culture while you’re away, and get tipsy while you do it! If you’ve never been to a tasting before, make sure to attend one next time you’re in the city!

LOCAL EVENTS

In keeping with experiencing an authentic New York, attend local events. Do a little research into what types of events are available during your stay. New York is a city with fantastic variety of culture, so the options are sure to vary. Take your pick between spoken word events, local band gigs and poetry readings. This is a fantastic way to experience art created by New York citizens. The events are sure to lead you to venues you wouldn’t usually experience. There are going to be some gems in there! That aside, you’ll experience a whole new side of New York by witnessing art created by people who live there. What’s not to love? Again, you could even find events by wandering around the city. This impromptu form of travel can lead to some surprising discoveries!

MUSEUMS

We’re all familiar with the most famous New York Museums. From the American Museum of Natural History to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there are many to enjoy. These are perfect if you enjoy the finer things in life. But, have you ever considered the lesser known museums in New York City? If you like things on the dark side, take some time to visit The Museum of Bodies on Fulton Street. Here, you’ll have the chance to see real life bodies and dissected pieces. As well as being out of the ordinary, this experience promises to be educational. You rarely get to see bodies right in front of you! Disclaimer: this is not for the faint of heart! If bodies don’t do it for you, why not head to the Museum of Sex on 5th Avenue? For over 18’s only, this museum looks at the history of sex in all forms. This could be perfect for a romantic weekend for you and your partner. You could both learn a little something you never knew!