New York's five strangest can't-miss ideas for your next trip

Arguably the most famous city in the world, New York City has long captured the imaginations of travelers from all four corners of the planet. The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty. The Brooklyn Bridge. These renowned landmarks and more draw in millions of tourists every year.

Too many visitors miss the incredible weirdness of New York, probably because of the traffic. There are more than a few spots that make this amazing place so much more than just another city. Adding them to your itinerary will keep your next visit from being just another trip.

The Elevated Acre

Space is at an absolute premium in the depths of Manhattan, particularly in the Financial District. That's what makes the Elevated Acre so special. This lush oasis takes you quite literally out of the madness of the city streets and into a place of peace few know about or experience.

The entrance is an escalator tucked away from prying eyes at 55 Walter Street. Follow it, and you will find a stunning green space hidden amongst the buildings. It features beautifully sculpted gardens and stunning artwork. It is a magical, hidden sanctuary of serenity.

Houdini's Grave

Few names are as closely associated with illusionists and escape artists as Harry Houdini. What started with escaping police handcuffs grew to include massive, death-defying stunts that still impress to this day.

Houdini died on Halloween 1926 after being punched in the gut unexpectedly by a fan. His grave can be found in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York. There have been many issues with vandalism and property destruction over the years, so please be respectful.

Explorers Club Headquarters

If you've never heard of the Explorers Club, you can certainly be forgiven. It was founded in New York City in 1904 by a group of Antarctic explorers. The organization still exists today with 34 chapters around the world, all with the goal of promoting scientific field exploration.

The Lowell Thomas building in New York City remains the Club's home base and an interesting place to visit. It houses the treasures and discoveries of more than a century of exploration. That includes a now infamous Yeti scalp.

The Museum of Interesting Things

Sometimes a name isn't a clear indicator of what you're looking at. In this case, the name could not possibly be any more accurate. The Museum of Interesting Things displays New York filmmaker Denny Daniel's collection of unique antique technology.

What makes the museum even more special is that the content and location change. Themes for displays include literature, math, and science while the venue could be a school, a hospital, or a gallery. Finding it is half the fun.

Keith Haring's 'Once Upon a Time' Bathroom Mural

Yes, this suggestion is a recommendation that you go look at bathroom graffiti. But it's really cool bathroom graffiti. Alongside the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring was one of the luminaries of New York's street art scene in the 1980s.

Haring created "Once Upon a Time" in May 1989, months before his death due to AIDS-related complications. The mural was restored in the 2010s and is open to the public during the Center's business hours. Just keep in mind that it is sexually explicit, though the work is brilliant.