40 Unique Experiences in NYC You Can Only Have Here
Discover one-of-a-kind NYC experiences—from UV body painting to hidden gems. The ultimate guide to unique things to do in New York.
New York City is full of iconic attractions—but what about the experiences you can't find anywhere else? The hidden gems, the once-in-a-lifetime activities, the things that make NYC truly special?
Here's our curated list of unique experiences in NYC that you can only have here.
1. Paint in the Dark at DenArt Studio — UV Body Painting
DenArt Studio is the first retail body painting studio in NYC—and arguably offers the most unique experience in the entire city. Under blacklight, UV-reactive paints transform you into glowing art.
Available as couples classes, private hypnotic sessions, or fine art body painting. Professional photos included.
Why it's unique: You become the art. No other city offers this level of body painting experience to the general public.
Price: Varies · Where: 99 Kingsland Ave, Brooklyn
2. Private Hypnotic Body Painting Session
A deeply immersive, transformative experience. In this private session, you're guided into a relaxed, meditative state while the artist paints you. It's part art, part meditation, part performance.
Why it's unique: You won't find this experience anywhere else on Earth. It's a total sensory journey.
Price: Premium · Where: DenArt Studio, Brooklyn
3. Fine Art Body Painting Commission
Commission a completely custom piece of art on your body. From classical paintings replicated on skin to entirely original designs, fine art body painting at DenArt is a premium, personal experience.
Why it's unique: You're not just getting painted—you're getting a one-of-a-kind piece of art made specifically for you.
Price: Premium · Where: DenArt Studio, Brooklyn
4. Adrenaline Activities
City Climb at Edge
Scale the outside of Hudson Yards—1,200 feet in the air. Walk on the ledge, lean out over the city. Not for the faint of heart.
Price: $200+ · Where: Hudson Yards
Axe Throwing
Throw axes at targets in a safe, supervised environment. It's primal, it's fun, and it's surprisingly satisfying.
Price: $25-35 · Where: Kick Axe Throwing, Brooklyn Axe
Indoor Skydiving
iFLY lets you experience the thrill of skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. No plane, no parachute—just you and the wind.
Price: $50-100 · Where: Various locations
VR Experience
Step into another world. VR World and The VOID offer multiplayer experiences—battle zombies, explore space, or solve puzzles together.
Price: $30-50 · Where: VR World (Midtown)
5. Creative Workshops
Pottery & Ceramics
Get your hands dirty making something beautiful. Wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing—create something you'll actually use (or just display proudly).
Price: $45-80 · Where: Brooklyn Clay, The Pottery Studio
Acro Yoga
Partner yoga that combines acrobatics and Thai massage. You'll fly, balance, and trust—great for couples or solo adventurers.
Price: $25-40 · Where: OMFactory NYC, Yoga Space NYC
Mixology Class
Learn to make craft cocktails from pros. Then drink your creations. New skills + cocktails = perfect combo.
Price: $75-120 · Where: Various
Dance Classes
Salsa, bachata, swing—learn to move with a partner. Great for dates or just getting out of your comfort zone.
Price: $15-30 · Where: Various studios
Cooking Classes
Learn to make pasta, sushi, or Thai street food from professional chefs. Then eat what you make.
Price: $75-150 · Where: Cozymeal, ClassBento
6. Entertainment
Comedy Cellar
World-famous comedy club in Greenwich Village. You might catch a Netflix special or tomorrow's biggest star. Intimate, raw, hilarious.
Price: $20-30 · Where: Greenwich Village
Jazz at Village Vanguard
The legendary jazz club where Coltrane recorded live. Small, intimate, incredible acoustics. Bucket list level.
Price: $30-50 · Where: Greenwich Village
Escape Rooms
Test your problem-solving in immersive themed rooms. Horror, mystery, heist—work with friends to escape in 60 minutes.
Price: $25-40 · Where: Various
Night Markets
Queens Night Market brings 100+ vendors selling international street food. Loud, chaotic, delicious. Spring-fall weekends.
Price: $5-15 per dish · Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Most Unique NYC Experience
Of all the unique experiences in NYC, DenArt Studio's body painting stands alone. It's interactive, personal, and utterly one-of-a-kind.
Whether you try the Paint in the Dark class, book a private hypnotic session, or commission fine art body painting, you'll have a story no one else can replicate.
DenArt Studio is Brooklyn's first retail body painting studio—where art meets intimacy, and you become the canvas.