8 NYC Activities that Don’t Involve Times Square

Skip the tourist spots & experience a new side of the Big Apple with these off-the-beaten-path NYC activities.

There you are, in a sea of flashing lights filled with angry costume characters, dueling selfie sticks and honking cabbies who instantly regret following their GPS.

Like a bad dream, there’s no exit to this chaos. The sea of tourists – captivated by the twinkling lights of corporate America – is packed together so tightly you can hardly breathe, hardly move, hardly think beyond the phrase “Get me out!”.

There’s a reason New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague. It’s visited by more than 300,000 pedestrians every single day, according to the Times Square Alliance. That’s nearly three times the population of Reykjavik – Iceland’s capital city – walking through a five-block radius. {Shudder}

But somehow, Times Square is still on nearly every New York tourist’s itinerary. I realize it’s a necessary evil to get to a Broadway play, and sure it’s somewhere you need to see once in your life, but one time in the chaotic nightmare that is Times Square is really all you need.

OK, enough with the negative Nancy-isms. If you’re visiting New York City this summer, here are 8 off-the-beaten-path NYC activities beyond Times Square to spice up your trip.

1. Jet Skiing on the Hudson River

Sure, you can see the Statue of Liberty from a boat, but kick it up a notch with a Hudson River jet ski tour. Given the huge wakes from passing boats, staying upright can be a little tricky (you seriously ride right up next to the ferries!), but it’s an exhilarating way to see the Statue, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge and that gorgeous NYC skyline.

2. The High Line

While it’s by no means undiscovered, the High Line is still a unique way to enjoy the city. The park is a 1.5-mile elevated park built along a historic freight rail line. It features public art, outdoor shops and conveniently runs right into Chelsea Market. Visit in the early morning or late evening to avoid the biggest crowds.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park

For possibly the best waterfront views of Manhattan, stroll along Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River. It’s filled with public art, playgrounds, kayaking, pools, volleyball, soccer, a carousel and … you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, have your camera handy, because Brooklyn Bridge Park is unbelievably photogenic.

4. Café Wha

With historic clientele like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, you know Café Wha’s gotta be good. This semi-hidden gem in Greenwich Village features live music and comedy, with a house band that’ll send chills down your spine. They play everything from Alicia Keys to Pink Floyd, and open each show with a raunchy comedy act. (Note: Make reservations in advance, and get there early; seats fill up quickly.)

5. Fort Tryon Park

Going way uptown now, Fort Tryon Park is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Located off the 190^th Street stop, Fort Tryon is a quiet park along the Hudson that features gardens, dog parks and sweeping views over the New Jersey Palisades and the George Washington Bridge. The Cloisters Museum is also located in the park, so you can make a full, off-the-beaten-path day of it.

6. NYC Helicopter Tour

I (sadly!) have not done this one yet, but NYC-based travel blogger Nikki at The Pin the Map Project had an amazing experience, so you can bet it’s on my bucket list now. Check out her video if you’d like to add it to yours, too!

7. Chelsea Piers Driving Range

Instead of gazing out over the Hudson, head up to Chelsea Piers and hit golf balls into it. The four-story, 200-yard netted fairway juts out into the river, and stays lit up and open well after dark.

8. Pier 13

For some of the best skyline views – and sangria, craft beer, food trucks and games – stop by Pier 13 in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Gasp – New Jersey! I know, I know. You’re in New York, why would you ever go to New Jersey? Well, for one, Hoboken’s Pier 13 offers a one-of-a-kind view up from the GW bridge down to Staten Island (did I mention craft beer?), and it’s closer than you think. I’m talking a five-minute ferry ride from 39^th Street in NYC.

Now, I may be biased given I live in Hoboken, but I can tell you from experience – those flawless skyline photos are well worth the fare.

If Times Square is a *must* on your NYC sightseeing list, do it. But once you’ve battled the crowds, dodged angry cabbies and made it to the other side (phew!), you’ll be beyond grateful for the unusual, less touristy activities that the Big Apple has to offer.