Destinations / New York City / Top Things To Do in New York City for Magic Lovers
Top Things To Do in New York City for Magic Lovers
1. Tannen's Magic Shop
America’s oldest magic shop is a pilgrimage site for conjurors. Browse decks, gimmicks, books, and pro gear while swapping moves at the counter with working magicians.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the heartbeat of New York’s magic scene—part store, part clubhouse—and a reliable place for expert advice and real-world performance tips.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for unrushed demos; expect longer lines in October. Closed Sundays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a quick demo tailored to your skill level and budget; staff will steer you to effects you can perform the same day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved, old-school and welcoming—visitors praise hands-on help and insider knowledge.
2. Chamber Magic
Steve Cohen’s elegant parlor show channels Gilded Age New York in an intimate salon at the Lotte New York Palace, where mindreading and miracles unfold within arm’s reach.
✓ Why Go:
World-class sleight-of-hand in a refined setting—this is NYC’s quintessential upscale magic night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday evenings; book weeks in advance during peak seasons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress code is cocktail attire—lean into the vibe—and arrive early to enjoy the hotel setting before curtain.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently called a must-see; polished, intimate, and astonishing without pyrotechnics.
3. Speakeasy Magick
A rotating roster of NYC’s best magicians circulates table-to-table in a hidden, lounge-like setting for an evening of close-up astonishment hosted by Todd Robbins.
✓ Why Go:
Multiple magicians, myriad styles—one ticket delivers a sampler of New York’s underground magic talent.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings, especially Thu–Sat. Tickets sell out quickly; plan ahead.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s 21+ at this venue. Ask your host to start you at a quieter table for the most immersive close-up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about seeing miracles inches away—smart, playful, and very New York.
4. Monday Night Magic
NYC’s longest-running magic show brings a new lineup every week—stage acts plus close-up miracles at intermission—in a classic Greenwich Village setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s weekly magic tradition: variety, community, and real-deal performers who keep the art alive.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mondays at 8 pm; holiday editions pop up seasonally at larger venues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose the dinner-and-show option for guaranteed seating and arrive early for pre-show close-up magic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, funny, and skillful; fans love the ever-changing lineup and intimate vibe.
5. The Magician
Dan White’s sought-after, small-capacity show blends modern mentalism with classic deception in a chic penthouse venue—an elegant, grown-up take on wonder.
✓ Why Go:
Scarce tickets, huge payoff: it’s the buzzed-about NYC magic experience that regularly sells out.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend evenings; new ticket blocks typically release on Fridays—set an alert.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ages 18+; dress smart. If sold out, join the waitlist—last-minute drops happen.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Mind-blowing yet tasteful; guests call it unforgettable and deeply immersive.
6. 69 Atlantic
A secret 20-something-seat theater tucked behind the Art of Play curiosity shop hosts rotating close-up masters in an ultra-intimate Brooklyn room.
✓ Why Go:
Front-row magic without the crowds—every seat feels like a private show.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday–Saturday evenings; check the residency calendar for visiting headliners.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to explore the shop’s puzzles and optical curiosities before showtime; 21+.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A gem for connoisseurs—guests love the craftsmanship and salon-like atmosphere.
7. Brooklyn Magic Shop
Part boutique, part micro-theater, this family-run Carroll Gardens spot sells approachable tricks and hosts lessons, camps, and small parlor shows.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on learning for kids and curious adults—perfect for starting or leveling up your sleight-of-hand.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekends for families; check the calendar for classes and mini-shows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book a private lesson to master a routine you can perform the same day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly, patient, and community-driven—visitors feel encouraged and inspired.
8. Abracadabra NYC
A Flatiron institution for costumes, props, and magician’s supplies—from Svengali decks to stage-worthy gimmicks—plus aisles of theatrical oddities.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on practical trick decks and accessories, or build a full character for your next routine.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays to avoid crowds; October gets festive (and busy).
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for performance-ready, self-working effects if you’re just starting out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chaotic in the best way—shoppers love the selection and spontaneous demos.
9. Houdini's Grave
Pay respects at Harry Houdini’s monument in Queens—an enduring shrine to the world’s most famous escape artist and a touchstone for magicians.
✓ Why Go:
It’s magic history in real space; a quiet moment of inspiration between Brooklyn and Manhattan adventures.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; avoid Halloween when access may be restricted and crowds increase.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small pebble to leave in tribute; check cemetery hours before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Solemn and meaningful—fans describe it as a must for Houdini admirers.
10. Magic at Coney!!!
A Sunday matinee series at the Coney Island Museum featuring rotating illusionists, mentalists, and family-friendly variety magic—classic seaside showmanship.
✓ Why Go:
Pair boardwalk nostalgia with live magic for an only-in-Brooklyn afternoon.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sundays at 4 pm; summer adds extra Coney Island energy before or after the show.
✓ Insider Tip:
Make it a combo day: museum visit, Luna Park rides, then the show—buy tickets in advance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Charming and down-to-earth—audiences love the eclectic lineups and vintage vibe.
