We are taking our sixteen year old son to NYC (Manhattan to be exact) for his birthday. Can anyone suggest hidden gems to see, off the beaten path or must see but not touristy? We only have a few days, and interesting and quirky would be much more fascinating to him than a crowd of tourists. Thanks!

12 PEOPLE HAVE ANSWERED THIS QUESTION

I've always liked the New Museum downtown - it always has thought-provoking exhibitions, very quirky and much fewer people than Moma and the rest

Erin

We will check it out! Thanks, Dayana.

Ingrid McQuivey

Regardless of the tourists, I liked Ellis Island. You could try a family-style Italian restaurant. My family enjoyed the experience. If it were me, I'd go to a taping of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (you need to be at least 16 years old). And lastly, if you are going to see a Broadway show… More

Ross Borden

Take a stroll on the Highline for sunset! And then maybe hit the driving range (open at night) on Chelsea Pier sports center!

Erin

Ingrid, we too LOVED Ellis Island! Cried a little but oh, the history!

Erin

Ross, we were planning on Highline but sunset sounds heavenly! Chelsea Pier.... We'll check it out.

Scott Brannon

For me the ultimate when I was 16 was to go to The Met and see the Ancient Egypt exhibit. Its hard to beat mummy tombs and all that stuff.

Ingrid McQuivey

I wish FAO Schwartz was still open. When I visited it, I was an adult, and loved it. And of course, you had to dance on the huge floor piano like Tom Hanks in "Big." Just going down memory lane here....

Ingrid McQuivey

*Schwarz

Erin

Scott, absolutely! He has the Met on his list!

Scott Brannon

Also Erin, I remember the "Arms & Armor" exhibit was super cool for my 16 year old male brain. Loads of rare and elaborate medieval armor and swords which he might dig, especially in this Game Of Thrones era. Its such a big place and easy to miss this stuff. Man, now I want to go. Let us all know… More

Erin

Scott, I hope that exhibit is still there. He'd love that. Thanks!

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