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3 Unique Attractions You Must See In New York City

Known as the Big Apple, New York City has many well-known attractions, including Time Square, Central Park and more. However, for those who have seen the usual sites, we list below three unique and unusual locations to visit on your next trip to New York City.

Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety protocols are regularly updated for New York City. Always check the latest status before planning your trip.

1. The Evolution Store, Manhattan

For those who enjoy history and the story of evolution, The Evolution Store, in Manhattan’s SoHo art district, is truly unusual. Every shelf and corner of the wood-paneled store features unique natural history collectibles. Here, framed insects and butterflies sit next to fossils and seashells. Skulls and skeletons hang from the ceiling, while medical models and tribal art fills the glass cases. Posters line every spare bit of space in the store.

Photo Ryan Somma/Flickr

Visitors will find the staff very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, as they welcome any questions you may have about their wares. Bear in mind that the specimens on offer are acquired from the same experts that supply museums and are of an excellent quality. Even if you are not interested in buying, it is worth visiting just to see the wonders on display, including an articulated giant sloth skeleton! They also have Great White Shark teeth to marvel over.

The store is located at 687 Broadway and is open Sunday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Visit The Evolution Store website for more information.

2. The SeaGlass Carousel, Manhattan

Located in Battery Park, the SeaGlass Carousel is perfect for adults and children alike. The carousel is housed in a glass-paneled nautilus shell on top of the site of the original New York Aquarium. The carousel opened in August 2015 and is the brainchild of the Battery Conservancy and George Tsypin, an opera and theater designer behind the staging of La Scala operas and more. It took some 10 years and several million dollars to create.

Photo Wally Gobetz/Flickr

The carousel features 30 fiberglass fish, representing 12 different species. As each fish has its own individual motor, riders have unobstructed views while each spins independently, swirling around as though swimming in the ocean. A changing LED light display also gives the impression that the riders are truly underwater, while each fish has its own speakers, playing aquatic sounds and music composed specially for the ride.

The SeaGlass Carousel can be found at State Street and Water Street (between the Battery Park Underpass and State St.). The experience is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Check out their website for more information.

3. Lexington Candy Shop

Anyone seeking a taste of old New York should head to the Lexington Candy Shop. It is renowned as being the oldest, family-owned luncheonette in New York City. In the old days, luncheonettes were as common as Starbucks coffee shops are today, but are now a rare commodity.

The Lexington Candy Shop first opened in 1925 and was last renovated in 1948. Its owners still use the original coffee urns and create traditional New York egg creams and milkshakes with an original Hamilton Beach mixer. The walls are adorned with images of celebrities and other memorabilia, including a photo of Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway. The two famous actors filmed a scene for “Three Days of the Condor” in the shop.

These days, the luncheonette is run by John Philis, the grandson of the original owner. This traditional neighborhood spot is friendly and charming and serves pretty much the same menu as it did way back when. While New York is in a constant state of change, The Lexington Candy Shop remains one of the city’s best treasures. You can find this delightful spot on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 83rd Street in the Big Apple.

Enjoy your alternative visit to New York City this year, visiting these unique attractions and so much more.