Touring one of New York's few catholic catacombs on a guided tour is possibly one of the strangest things you can do while visiting the city. With the help of knowledgeable professionals, you may enjoy a unique experience that is typically not available to the general public—a lighted atmosphere guided tour of the Catacombs by Candlelight.
When you schedule a trip on their website, you have VIP access to the crypts beneath St. Patrick's Basilica, which are normally inaccessible to the general public. Discover a secret realm directly beneath New York City's bustling streets. Since most tours are in small groups, you and your tour guide will be able to see the catacombs up close.
Unusual activities in NYC
The candlelit décor strewn throughout the crypt adds to the mystery surrounding these enigmatic catacombs. As you delve into the streets, it illuminates the names of the New Yorkers laid to rest, taking you to a different period.
You get to view a sight that is only available to a small number of people, and the tour is led by knowledgeable guides. They make the crypts come to life and help you understand the background of New York. The best thing about these guided tours of the catacombs, in my opinion, is that they are available at various hours on the weekends to accommodate visitors and residents who have jobs throughout the week.
Explore the NYC Catacombs by Candlelight:
Book in Advance: To secure your spot for the Candlelight Catacombs tour, it's essential to book in advance through their website. This way, you can ensure VIP access to the crypts.
Small Group Tours: Enjoy an intimate experience as most tours are conducted in small groups. This allows you to get up close to the catacombs and interact with your knowledgeable guide.
Mysterious Atmosphere: The candlelit décor adds to the mystique of the catacombs. Take in the names of the New Yorkers laid to rest as the candlelight guides you through history.
Flexible Scheduling: These tours are available at various hours on weekends, making it convenient for both visitors and residents with weekday commitments.
Experience the Queen's Ball:
Dress the Part: Embrace the Regency era by donning your most elegant attire. This event is a chance to dress up and immerse yourself in the Bridgerton-esque atmosphere.
Live Music and Dancing: Enjoy live classical music and learn the dance moves of the Regency era. Expect to waltz with costumed actors and fellow attendees, creating a memorable evening.
Captivating Performances: Witness a captivating love story unfold on the dance floor with incredibly talented performers. You might even be chosen as the "Diamond of the Evening," a royal experience.
Photo Opportunities: Take advantage of numerous photo ops during the gala. From lavish couches to crimson carpets, the backdrop is perfect for stunning pictures to remember your time in NYC.
Discover NYC's Secret Speakeasies:
Hidden Gems: Seek out hidden speakeasies like Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store, Please Don't Tell (PDT), and Apothéke. Look for their intriguing entrances, and remember they prioritize discretion.
Apothéke Experience: At Apothéke, embrace the medicinal motif by wearing elegant clothing. Bartenders craft unique "medical" cocktails using therapeutic herbs and botanicals. Don't miss the academy events for wellness insights.
Please Don't Tell (PDT): PDT's secret entrance adds to its allure. Head to Crif Dogs eatery and use the phone booth to contact the hostess for entry. Pair their inventive drinks with house-made hot dogs for a memorable experience.
These tips will help you make the most of your unique and memorable experiences in New York City. Enjoy your adventures!
Discover a curated list of 15 extraordinary activities that go beyond the usual tourist spots in New York City, providing a unique perspective on the bustling metropolis.
Posted by Unusual And Unique Things To Do In NYC on 2023-09-23
Experience an elegant evening at the Queen's Ball.
I think one of the most interesting things to do in NYC is to attend the Queen's Ball, whether you're a fan of the Bridgerton series or just want to spend a night of sophisticated excess. A unique chance to take pictures, an engaging and engaging show, and a night of dancing are all provided by The Queen's Ball.
Discover the dance moves of the Regency era while you enjoy live classical music performance by costumed actors who will waltz with you. You could be spinning on the dance floor with a group of amiable theatergoers and visitors who are all decked up to enjoy the evening. Furthermore, the location is exquisitely furnished, giving you the impression that you are in the midst of Bridgerton's premiere season.
Like in the show, you may watch as a captivating love tale plays out on the dance floor. See incredibly gifted performers twist and dance while doing acrobatic feats as they gradually fall in love over the evening. The possibility for any member of the public to be chosen as the Queen's favorite, her "Diamond of the Evening," is what I find most appealing. It signifies that every visitor has the opportunity to experience Bridgerton to a whole new level and feel like they were handpicked by royalty.
In between the acting and dancing, there are plenty of photo ops during the gala. Take a seat on a padded couch behind a lavish curtain, or step outside onto a crimson carpet festooned with lights and flowers. The justification to don your most beautiful Regency-style gown, along with a stunning backdrop, will result in some breathtaking pictures that will immortalize your time in New York and make it truly unforgettable.
Discover NYC's Secret Speakeasies
One of the most interesting ways to kill time and make memories in New York is to discover the hidden speakeasies that still adhere to traditions from a bygone period. The bustling streets of New York are dotted with numerous secret speakeasies with intricate entrances, but the three that most caught my attention were the Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store, the Please Don't Tell (PDT), and the Apothéke.
From the extremely detailed decor to the hanging "Chemist" sign outside, The Apothéke is a clandestine speakeasy with a medicinal motif. It is recommended that you wear elegant clothing to complement the sophisticated decor of this den. In keeping with the apothecary motif, bartenders craft "medical" cocktails by combining libations with therapeutic herbs and botanicals.
The academy events at this speakeasy are my favorite part; you may join up and learn the "elixirs" to wellness and excellent health.
Location: 10013 New York, NY, 9 Doyers St.
Accessible: There won't be a "Apothéke" label. Rather, you should search for a door that has a red light on it and a sign that reads "Chemist" above it.
With a premise of extreme secrecy, the Please Don't Tell (PDT) is home to one of the most famous speakeasies in New York. The rustic brick walls and understated furnishings create a pleasant, hidden-away atmosphere in the dimly lighted den. You'll enjoy their inventive and fresh drinks even more when paired with their house-made hot dogs.
The aspect of this speakeasy that appeals to me the most is its secret entrance, which requires knowledge to enter the lair.
Location: New York, NY 10009, 113 St Marks Pl
How to Enter: Go inside the Crif Dogs eatery and use the phone booth to gain entry. All you have to do is answer the red phone to get in contact with the Please Don't Tell (PDT) hostess.
The Queen's Ball is an elegant and immersive event where attendees can enjoy Regency-era dance lessons, live classical music, and an interactive love story performance. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the glamour and romance of the Bridgerton era.
Spyscape is an interactive museum in the heart of Manhattan that offers visitors the chance to become spies for a day. It features hands-on spy challenges, interactive games, and insights into the world of espionage, making it an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
Central Park is a one-of-a-kind urban oasis that can only be found in New York, offering a range of activities, including conservatory gardens and horse-drawn carriage rides, all against the backdrop of Manhattan's skyline.
The Seaglass Carousel is an immersive and unique experience located in Battery Conservancy park. It features fish-shaped, fiberglass ride vehicles in a beautifully lit, underwater-themed environment, providing an enchanting and unforgettable carousel experience.