Las Vegas is popular for its casinos, hotels, and live shows that would challenge any city for its night life but Las Vegas is more than just The Strip. Here’s a short list of things to do in Las Vegas without going inside a single casino.

• Visit the Grand Canyon

Although it’s not within the vicinity of Las Vegas. There are various day tour groups and tours that will allow you to enjoy this majestic view.

• The Neon Boneyard

Much of Las Vegas history lies in its hotels and casinos which are more often than not coupled with glamorous neon signs. Once these signs (along with the establishments at times) retire they find a new home in the Neon Boneyard. Make sure to contact tour groups that offer night trips.

• The Hoover Dam

If you’re a sucker for road trips then a visit to the Hoover dam is for you. Just an hour drive from Las Vegas proper, the Hoover dam is a marvel to behold. Various tour groups offer guided tours so be sure to check them out.

• Lake Mead

After visiting the dam be sure to visit Lake Mead. The lake offers various water activities that are offered in what is considered as the largest water reserve in the USA.

• The Mob Museum

Make sure to visit the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas to have an interactive crash course on Mob history as well the the history of the city during the prohibition. Sit in the electric chair or see mob paraphernalia in this weirdly noir trip down Las Vegas memory lane.

When I’m in New York, I just want to walk down the street and feel this thing, like I’m in a movie. –  Ryan Adams

New York offers various attractions that highlight everything that the city can offer from culture to architecture, finance, and art. Although these attractions are a must see for anyone intending to visit New York it doesn’t capture the entirety of what the city has to offer. Here’s a quick list of the lesser known places to visit when you happen to drop by New York.

5 Off the Grid Places to Visit in New York City

• The Piece of the Berlin Wall in Manhattan

The painted pieces of the Berlin wall can be seen in various places in New York (5 in total) the most notable of which is situated in 53^rd street near Madison Avenue.

Source: Moellenkamp, Jeorg. “Part of The Berlin Wall near MoMA.” July 27, 2008

• The GhostBusters Fire Station

For that pop culture fix the Hook and Ladder 8 fire station found in Tribeca was the fire station used as the headquarters of the Ghostbusters in the cult classic.

Source: Duke, Eli. “NYC: Ghostbusters Fire Station.” May 22, 2011

• Greenacre Park

A serene escape from the fast paced lifestyle of the city Greenacre Park hosts a variety of foliage plus an enchanting 25 foot waterfall.

Source:Henderson, Jim “Greenacre Pk 215.” October 18, 2008.

• Trinity Churchyard

A landmark showcasing what New York City architecture has to offer. This landmark expresses a medieval feel that is sure to stand out amidst the tall buildings of the city.

Source:Gryffindor “Trinity Church NYC.” January 1, 2010

• New York Hall of Science

A place where history meets innovation, the NYSCI was built for the 1964 World’s fair and currently holds various exhibits and displays that are both interactive and informative.

Source: MusikAnimal. “Main Entrance to the New York Hall of Science.” February 16, 2015

Tip!

There are a lot of off the grid locations and hidden attractions that can be found in the tapestry of culture which is New York City. A way to further enjoy the depth of the city is to ask locals about locations or attractions aside from the usual must-see’s of New York.

When I’m in New York, I just want to walk down the street and feel this thing, like I’m in a movie. –  Ryan Adams

Amidst the tall buildings and the glaring fast paced lifestyle of Metropolitan New York lies a city that is yet to be explored and appreciated. The Big Apple may seem daunting and overwhelming but a few tips and guides will help you appreciate not only the beauty of what we know of New York but also the hidden gems situated in the most mundane of areas and alleys. Here’s a quick list of recommended places to help you start your journey in the Big Apple.

5 Must See Destinations in New York

• The Statue of Liberty

To start things off nothing screams of New York City than the Statue of Liberty situated off shore from Manhattan on Liberty Island.

• The Empire State Building

Tip – be sure to consider the optional VIP ticket to bypass the long lines going up the building.

• Central Park

Live out your romantic comedy moments by taking a stroll with your special someone in Central Park.

• Metropolitan Art Museum

Indulge in what New York has to offer culturally in the prized collections and pieces found in the Metropolitan Art Museum.

• Broadway

Cap off your New York trip with a Broadway musical. Be sure to check the listings regarding the shows and show dates prior to your visit.

Tip!

New York has a lot of things to offer and these 5 are but a few of the main attractions of the city. A useful tip is to begin your trip with a view of the city from an observation deck. This allows a complete view of the city and its impressive skyline. The Empire State Building is one that offers such an experience, but other places such as the Top of the Rock Observatory and the One World Observatory offer the same experience plus the added feature of seeing the Empire State Building as well.