We love New York City, but sometimes it’s okay to want to step into another world!
Immersive experiences have been popping up around the city for years now, and they’re so engaging. The beauty of these experiences is the variation in how you’re actually “immersed.” From visual and audio presentations taking up massive walls, to theatrical performances, to even one-of-a-kind dining experiences, there’s so many ways to dive head first into a mind-blowing escape from reality.
With that said, here’s our list of the best immersive experiences in NYC to check out right now:
1. Squid Game: The Experience
Think you have what it takes to win Squid Game? The Netflix smash hit comes to life in Midtown with a full-blown immersive experience that will make you feel like a contestant in the show. Outsmart the eerie Young-hee doll in Red Green Light, test your nerves on the treacherous Glass Bridge, and go all-out in the epic Warships game…it feels like you’re actually in the show.
Plus, there’s also exclusive merch available for super fans, iconic photo stations, soju-infused cocktails, and a whole lot more.
📺 Buy your tickets to Squid Game: The Experience here!
📍 Manhattan Mall – 100 W 33rd St
2. Banksy Museum
Calling all Banksy enthusiasts! Secure your spot to the largest collection of Banksy’s recreations and life-sized murals inspired by the artist. This enthralling exhibit filled with photo-ops and various rooms to step into is completely encompassing. Go behind the mind of the Banksy and like-minded artists in this thought-provoking exhibition. The Banksy Museum is only here for a limited time!
Buy your tickets to the Banksy Museum here!📍 277 Canal St
3. The Guilty Banquet 
The Guilty Banquet transforms dinner into suspense: enjoy a three-course meal as a gripping murder-mystery unfolds right at your table. Every dish might conceal a clue, so keep your detective skills sharp while enjoying this fine-dining experience. At the end, its up to you and your fellow diners to vote who you think may be the culprit. Food is purchased separately at the venue—come hungry for intrigue, drama, and exceptional taste.
⚱️ Buy your tickets to The Guilty Banquet here!
📍 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
4. “The Jazz Room”
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just getting into jazz, “The Jazz Room” whisks you away to the genre’s defining eras from its Dixieland beginnings to straight-ahead jazz. The Big Apple becomes The Big Easy at this 60-minute performance dedicated to the sounds of New Orleans and beyond! Escape the hustle and bustle of NYC at these incredible shows. Check out all upcoming “The Jazz Room” Shows in NYC here.
📍 235 West 46th St
5. ARTECHOUSE Presents: Blooming Wonders
For a floral fantasy like none other, “Blooming Wonders” delivers with high-resolution projections and interactive visuals that make the immersive garden pop. The 40-minute show is a larger-than-life representation of beautiful blooms that blend the best of nature and technology. When all is said and done, stop by the ARTECHOUSE XR Bar for a cocktail before venturing home. Get tickets now.
📍439 W 15th St
6. Tonight With The Impressionists
Step back in time with this artistic virtual reality experience! Escape to Paris 150 years ago with this ground-breaking VR at the birth of impressionism and walk through locations central to the Impressionist movement, from the official Salon to Le Havre. Meet Monet and his contemporaries as budding artists on the cusp of their careers. Snag tickets to Tonight With The Impressionist Experience here!
📍 Location: Eclipso NYC – 555 West 57th St.
7. Candlelight concerts
There’s something incredibly magical about listening to live music by candlelight. Both the soothing sounds produced by talented musicians and the enchanting glow from a sea of candles is enough to leave you feeling enchanted, relaxed and ready for more. In NYC, the Candlelight series is paying tribute to a host of singers, bands and composers at stunning venues like St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. Prepare to be dazzled by these spellbinding tribute concerts that celebrate some of the greatest artists in history.
🕯️Check out all upcoming Candlelight concerts in NYC here.
8. Dining in the Dark
Looking for a unique food-focused immersion? Head to Dining in the Dark, a tasting experience that will have your tastebuds tingling and your curiosity peaking! After you choose a specific style menu, you’ll be blindfolded, helping your other senses leap to new heights as you try out a delicious curated meal. Not to mention that the venue is darkened and candlelit, you’ll be walking into a culinary journey like never before!
🍽️ Buy your tickets to Dining in the Dark here!
📍 11E 31st Street, Manhattan
9. Batman at Immersive Gamebox comes to life & you can snag a discount when you book
New York City becomes Gotham City! Grab a group of competitive loved ones and play this thrilling Batman game at Immersive Gamebox located at 81 Essex St. When booking tickets don’t forget to snag a 10% discount when using the code: SECRET10.
Take on notable characters like The Joker, The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Bane, and Poison Ivy with your crew. Solve puzzles, drive the Batmobile, scale buildings, and battle crime in this immersive group adventure available at over 30 locations worldwide — from Chicago and San Francisco to across the pond! Grab your discounted tickets here!
10. Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience
Want to take a journey back through rock n’ roll history? Now’s your chance. The iconic music mag is showing off its 60 years of covers, behind-the-scenes concert footage, and more imagery that music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts will appreciate. Oh, and the experience’s playlist? Top-notch.
📍439 W 15th St
11. The Jury Experience
Drama and nail-biting tension unfolds at this interactive trial simulation known as The Jury Experience in NYC. It’s a live theater show with a super unique twist — you decide the ending. Once the actors on stage present their mind-twisting arguments and the witnesses have been interrogated, you and your fellow jurors make the final decision. Is the accused guilty or innocent? Analyze the evidence, unveil the truth and cast your vote…
🧑⚖️Get your tickets to The Jury Experience here.
📍Irondale, 85 S Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY
12. SuperFunland at The Museum of Sex
The Museum of Sex always has something exciting going on behind closed doors! Their latest exhibition, SuperFunland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, is an interactive indoor adventure perfect for everyone! Get ready to jump into their 4-D immersive “Tunnel of Love” ride, an erotic fortune-telling machine (modeled as RuPaul), a mechanical bull, and a lit-up climbing structure. This is the perfect way to take the edge off!
📍 233 5th Ave
13. Drunk Shakespeare
Where art thou Romeo?! Perhaps another drink Juliette? Join the Drunk Shakespeare Society for an immersive night of classic Shakespearean evening of revelry, cocktails, performances, and more! Each show is uniquely different and it’s a hysterical way to watch the actors give raucous performances while slamming down shots of whiskey.
📜 Buy your tickets to Drunk Shakespeare here!
📍 125 Pearl St
14. Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
Immerse yourself into the legendary Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral as you unlock age-old secrets during this exclusive catacombs tour! In this experience, a tour guide will lead you through the hidden and off-limit areas of the church, telling you all about the history and spooky stories along the way. You’ll see the final resting places of famous New Yorkers who have left their mark on Catholic, New York, and American history first hand, as well as connect with the church’s past in a truly unique and unforgettable way!
⛪ Buy your tickets to the Catacombs tour here!
📍 263 Mulberry St
Curious what other exciting, interactive experiences await? Try your hand at the best escape rooms in NYC. Here’s hoping you make it out in time!