Unusual New York City Scavenger Hunt Ideas

NYC is the city of dreams, and with all of the glitz and glamour you might forget about its lesser-known charms. There is more to the city than its skyscrapers and luxury shopping and this hunt will take you off the beaten track.

We’ve chosen a few of our favorite and most unusual NYC missions for this scavenger hunt and have broken them down into categories: Art, History, NYC Classics and of course, Food! Learn about the city that never sleeps while getting to explore it from a local perspective with these fun and quirky scavenger hunt missions.

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ART

Eye for Talent (PHOTO) – Find the elusive Banksy’s Hammer Boy graffiti artwork

See Spot Run (PHOTO) – Snap a pic of you with Clifford’s long-lost brother at 424 E 34th S, if you can find him

The Hive (GPS) – Visit one of the most popular art installations of NY, The Vessel, made entirely of stairs.

Walk the Line (PHOTO) – Take a jaunt down the High Line and take a photo of your favorite artwork.

Cityscape (PHOTO) – It’s iconic for a reason! Use your best photography skills to snap a pic of the city skyline in all its glory.

HISTORY

Down Under (GPS) – In stark contrast to the busy subway tracks we’re used to; we’re taking you to an abandoned station. Visit the City Hall subway station that is no longer in use, but has been preserved since 1945.

Ancient Real Estate (GPS) – Venture down cobblestone streets to find the oldest house in Manhattan: The Morris-Jumel Mansion

Time Turner (GPS) – Visit the Tenement Museum to experience NYC in a different era and learn all about the immigrant experience from the 1860s to the 1930s.

Cup o’ Joe (PHOTO) - Find the famous Greek coffee cups that have been in NY since the 1960s, seen in The Sopranos, Law & Order, Mad Men, Brooklyn 99 and many more! Hint: Look for them in bodegas and food carts

NYC CLASSICS

Pizza Rat (PHOTO) – In honor of the infamous Pizza rat, we want you to catch a pic of a city rat. Bonus points if it’s eating a slice of pizza!

Caught in the Act (PHOTO) – Head to SOHO to get a picture of an influencer staging a photoshoot

Run the Rail (TEXT) – Which is the longest subway line in NY?

Off-Broadway (VIDEO) – NYC is brimming with talented people, and sometimes you don’t need to look further than a subway cart. Get a video of a subway performer putting on a show and get bonus points for leaving a tip!

Get Down in KTown (VIDEO) – Koreatown is famous for its karaoke. Visit any one of the many karaoke bars and belt out your favorite tune.

FOOD

Love You A-Latte (PHOTO) – Coffee is an NYC staple and fuels the city that never sleeps. Visit Remi Coffee for a pick-me-up and take a photo of their famous coffee/tea art.

Eat with Your Eyes (PHOTO) – Scour the streets of NYC to find a pizza slice the size of your head.

Taste the Rainbow (PHOTO) - Love it or hate it, the rainbow bagel has taken NY by storm. If you can locate a rainbow bagel, upload a pic and enjoy one of NY’s most divisive foods.

Old School (GPS) - Visit the oldest restaurant in NYC, Fraunces Tavern, which dates back to 1762!

Piled High (TEXT) - Katz’s Deli is a famous NYC food stop and has been around since 1888. What type of meat are they famous for incorporating into their sandwiches?

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