Once in a lifetime:

The City that Never Sleeps waits for no man — and with so much to see and do, it’s the special experiences that will stay with you long after your holiday ends. After all, who just wants to just look at the Big Apple? We, for one, would rather take a big bite. Here’s our guide to five really cool things to do in New York that fall off the traditional tourist radar.

New York Trapeze School

Fancy flying through the air with the greatest of ease? Sign up for trapeze lessons from high-flying, high-energy experts Trapeze School New York. While the impressive indoor facility in South Williamsburg is open year-round, in the summer months, Trapeze School New York sets up at a stunning outdoor location at Pier 40, overlooking the Hudson River. Feeling slightly nervous? Note that their motto is “Forget Fear. Worry about Addiction®” and we’ve found it’s best to visit time and again.

Schooner Adirondack

While the Staten Island Ferry never fails to give us a thrill (and not just because it’s free), this elegant, 80-foot schooner is a fantastically upscale way to view New York Harbor, get up close to the Statue of Liberty, and experience the wind in your hair with family and friends. The service is top-notch, beverages are complimentary, and the ride is reliably smooth.

The Rockettes Experience

If, like us, you’ve dreamed of dazzling a crowd with hyper-precise high kicks, we’d suggest a Rockette masterclass — taught by a bona fide Rockette from New York’s famed dancing troupe, naturally. These four-hour experiences feature authentic Rockette choreography, where you can learn tap, jazz and, of course, the world famous kickline routine. As well as a two-hour dance class, the experience also includes a mock audition, photo opportunity with your instructor, and a Radio City Music Hall stage door tour.

New York Helicopter Tours

While sightseeing buses are certainly fun and informative, a helicopter tour of New York’s greatest landmarks is rather more spectacular, and something too few visitors take advantage of. We like them because they offer a wonderfully distinctive vantage point on the magic and madness that is the Big Apple, and help you understand both the grandeur and the geography of spectacles such as Ellis Island, South Street Seaport, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

VIP Classes and Tastings at La Scuola di Eataly

Overseen by Lidia Bastianich — one of Manhattan’s most celebrated restaurateurs, and foremost Italian food experts — La Scuola is a wonderful way to learn how to make pasta from scratch, cook like a Florentine, or master the art of ragù. And because the school is located within the sensational Italian food market, Eataly, you’ll have ample opportunity to snack and browse afterwards.