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 it’s because they’re so interactive and engaging! The beauty of these experiences though is the variation in how you’re actually “immersed.” From visual/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.
đź“ş Buy your tickets to Squid Game: The Experience here!
đź“Ť 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!đź“Ť 277 Canal St
3. Horizon of Khufu
Step into the world of Ancient Egypt with the newly opened Horizon of Khufu VR experience in NYC. This immersive adventure takes you 4,500 years back in time to explore the story of King Khufu and his iconic pyramid on the Giza plateau. With breathtaking visuals, a virtual guide, and insights from top Egyptologists, this 45-minute journey is both educational and thrilling. You’ll feel as if you’re truly trekking through the sand dunes and pyramids of Egypt. Don’t miss this chance to uncover the secrets of the pharaohs!
⚱️ Buy your tickets to Horizon of Khufu here!
đź“Ť Eclipso – 555 W 57th St
4. “We Call It” Performances
Whether you enjoy jazz, ballet and even Flamenco, the “We Call It” series whisks you away to different worlds. The Big Apple becomes The Big Easy at this jazz show dedicated to the sounds of New Orleans! Escape the hustle and bustle of NYC at these incredible shows.
Check out all upcoming “We Call It” Shows in NYC here.5. 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!
đź“Ť Location: Eclipso NYC – 555 West 57th St.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Mercer Labs
Mercer Labs is a fairly new immersive experience museum, that just opened last year by artist Roy Nachum and business partner Michael Cayre. Nachum, who’s most known for his album cover work on Rihanna’s 2016 album Anti, is the brains behind the artistic curation…which even features some nods to the album itself.
Plenty of rooms including a fluffy pink flower room, a robot in sand installation, and light display of over 500,000 LED lights are just some of the 15 different rooms to be explored. The giant projectors, 4D sound studio, and even ball pit are worthy enough to attract all ages.
đź“Ť 21 Dey St
9. 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!
đź“Ť 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
10. Submerge at ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE is one of NYC’s leading immersive art spaces, and right now they are putting on an exhibit titled Submerge. Throughout 2025, they’re welcoming over 100 artists in an open-call program to spotlight the next generation of creative innovators. From motion-captured performances to 3D-animated dreamscapes, it’s the ultimate showcase of artists turning their digital creations into IRL immersive art experiences. Submerge is happening at ARTECHOUSE through the whole year, and tickets hover around $25.
đź“Ť439 W 15th St
11. 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!
đź“Ť 233 5th Ave
12. 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.
đź“ś Buy your tickets to Drunk Shakespeare here!
đź“Ť 125 Pearl St
13. 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!
đź“Ť 263 Mulberry St