You’ll dive into themed escape rooms right off Madison Ave in Midtown Manhattan, working together to solve puzzles and race against the clock. Friendly local guides help set the mood before your 60-minute adventure begins. Expect teamwork, laughter, maybe some new friends — plus that rush when you finally crack a code.
I didn’t expect to feel nervous unlocking a fake prison door in the middle of Manhattan, but there I was — palms sweaty, heart thumping, my friend Jamie whispering “Try the code again!” under her breath. We’d picked Prison Break at The Escape Game NYC (I guess we’re dramatic?), and honestly, you forget you’re on Madison Ave after about three minutes. Our game guide, Marcus, gave us this little pep talk before we started — said not to overthink things. Of course, we immediately overthought everything. There’s something weirdly satisfying about turning over every prop and finding a clue taped under a table leg.
The room itself had this old-school jail smell — like metal and dust — which sounds odd but really pulls you in. At one point I got so caught up trying to solve a puzzle that I barely noticed Jamie humming the Mission Impossible theme behind me. We met another group of players (you might end up with strangers if you don’t book all the spots), and it turned out one of them had done five escape rooms before. She totally saved us on the lockbox puzzle. The hour went by fast; I kept checking the clock above the door, which ticked way louder than any New York street noise outside.
Afterwards, we spilled out onto Madison Ave blinking at daylight like we’d really broken out of somewhere serious. Marcus snapped our group photo while we tried to look tough (failed). You can pick from seven different escape room themes here — Gold Rush sounded fun too, or something about solving a mystery in a market? Anyway, it’s not scary or dark at all; more like being dropped into your own movie for an hour. I still think about that last riddle — pretty sure Jamie will never let me live down missing it by one letter.
Each game is designed for 60 minutes of play time.
It’s on Madison Ave in Midtown Manhattan, near Times Square and Bryant Park.
Most games hold up to 8 players; Playground allows up to 12.
The games are family-friendly and recommended for ages 13+, but younger players can join with an adult.
If you don’t book all spots in a game, other guests may join your group.
Yes, The Escape Game NYC is wheelchair accessible.
You can choose from seven themes like Prison Break, Gold Rush, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, Playground, The Depths, Timeliner: Train Through Time, and Only Murders in the Building.
Yes, there are public transportation options close to the location.
Your booking includes admission for one adventure at The Escape Game NYC in Midtown Manhattan. You’ll get a dedicated game guide who sets up your mission and helps as needed during your 60-minute escape room experience. Plan for extra time before and after for briefing and photos — no need to worry about getting locked in for real!
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