The 16 best escape rooms in Manhattan
From mysterious treasure hunts to futuristic missions, where to play the best escape rooms Manhattan has to offer.
Mission Escape Games
Very Positive
265 W 37th St #802a, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We were a little nervous heading into this room after reading the reviews about it being quite challenging but we had limited time in NY so we figured we'd just go for it. It was definitely a challenge, especially with just 2 of us, probably best for a 4 person group, but we really enjoyed it. Even though the puzzles were challenging we were able to work our way through them with minimal clues and although we got a little stuck at times the room overall flowed well. Definitely worth a visit.”
Jtutt5
61 games played
Exit Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
247 W 36th St Suite 101, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Definitely my favorite room at this location! I thought this concept was awesome. A lot of escape rooms in NYC are lacking, but this one was super immersive! The puzzles could’ve been better, it was just a little too easy even with only 2 people. But a great starter room!”
tomboytunes
30 games played
Exit Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
247 W 36th St Suite 101, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We came to NYC on a trip and had to do at least one room. My friends had recommended the company and we brought one our beginner friends along. It was perfect for her because she got to learn and experience a great room but it also gave us experience players a challenge as well. Enjoyed the theme or working to a goal to win. Colors are part of the puzzles for those with color blindness!”
capnrogers7
74 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“I loved the atmosphere, loved the puzzles, and there were some great surprises too. I’m curious to see how much more I would’ve liked this at a different branch, because the NYC Escape Game is very compact, but even still it was so fun!!”
tomboytunes
30 games played
The Escape Game
Overwhelmingly Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was really fun. A nice big colourful set with loads to do, a nice mix of puzzles and physical elements. We were a team of 2 in a game listed as 4-12 players so we were up against it but our host Matt absolutely nailed it with giving us just enough help to give us a fighting chance of getting through, and we made it out after a hectic finish with less than a minute to spare”
ratbag
112 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great game. The Escape Game continues to show why they are the best *chain* escape room company there is. Game is an excellent mix of two themes, which you’d think is hard to do, but they did it. Pretty much all clues either high tech or use the environment around you which is a huge plus. Rooms were beautiful which was to be expected. I normally don’t recommend chain companies to enthusiasts but The Escape Game has consistently high quality rooms.”
travelingescapist69
49 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“While this is probably the most basic of The Escape Game rooms, it executed its concept well and was a blast to complete. Puzzles were reasonably challenging, and we there was a mad rush at the end to finish the room.”
drayner
68 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This is the best implementation of a Prison Break style room I’ve seen. Like every The Escape Game room, the theming, narrative and puzzle design is absolutely top notch. It can reasonably be beaten by two people as long as you are comfortable yelling to communicate.”
drayner
68 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Enjoyed the overall production quality of each room. Even if the puzzles weren’t too hard, I really enjoyed the look and feel of each room. Did feel technologically futuristic as it should be in a Time Machine!”
LexiconPenguino
28 games played
![Only Murders in the Building [Season 4]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_654/f_auto/v1/store/s/c1de15ff-2fd1-4ad3-ab93-4339dbedf2ae.jpeg)
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a fun room. Clue Chase has just rebranded the day before as Paniq, so we were a little confused by Google maps. The room itself follow a speakeasy/prohibition theme. We felt like all the puzzles were fare and logical. One of the props that is meant to light up seemed to fail us, so we got a bit stuck on the finale. The host was great at selling the story. Recommended!”
drayner
68 games played
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“I was hesitant to book this room because of some of the reviews, but I’m so glad I did. We had so much fun! There are a lot of master locks, but they thought of very unique ways to discover each code so it never felt boring or redundant. We absolutely loved our game master, Casey! He was full of energy and made our experience even more fun! We will definitely be back to try their other rooms.”
kellyespencer
36 games played
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“A very well put together room. Excellent execution of the pirate theme, with some very clever puzzles that left us stumped for a while. The host was excellent, they really lean into selling the narrative. Not particularly scary, but expect skeletons.”
drayner
68 games played
![Goblins Quest: The Uprising [VR]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_654/f_auto/v1/store/s/e555bd66-4ea3-45a6-aaa2-9ebda17fe6cd.jpg)
Escape Virtuality
Very Positive
130 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
160 Broadway, New York, NY 10038, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Rikers is still one of my very favorite escape rooms ever, so I was very excited to try this one! What makes this company particular interesting is that their designers also worked on Sleep No More, and it shows. You are immediately immersed in the experience as soon as you step out of the elevator. I really don’t want to say more except that I loved every aspect of it. FYI no jump scares or anything, though it feels tense and unsettling…in the best way! There is some evident wear and tear here, but nothing to truly detract from enjoyment. I did enjoy this one less than Rikers overall, but the haunted hotel is still an awesome one”
BaronAsInRed
56 games played
Carbon: 3708
Mission Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“We were a little nervous heading into this room after reading the reviews about it being quite challenging but we had limited time in NY so we figured we'd just go for it. It was definitely a challenge, especially with just 2 of us, probably best for a 4 person group, but we really enjoyed it. Even though the puzzles were challenging we were able to work our way through them with minimal clues and although we got a little stuck at times the room overall flowed well. Definitely worth a visit.”
Jtutt5
61 games played
High Speed NYC
Exit Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“Definitely my favorite room at this location! I thought this concept was awesome. A lot of escape rooms in NYC are lacking, but this one was super immersive! The puzzles could’ve been better, it was just a little too easy even with only 2 people. But a great starter room!”
tomboytunes
30 games played
Sugar Rush
Exit Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“We came to NYC on a trip and had to do at least one room. My friends had recommended the company and we brought one our beginner friends along. It was perfect for her because she got to learn and experience a great room but it also gave us experience players a challenge as well. Enjoyed the theme or working to a goal to win. Colors are part of the puzzles for those with color blindness!”
capnrogers7
74 games played
Gold Rush
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“I loved the atmosphere, loved the puzzles, and there were some great surprises too. I’m curious to see how much more I would’ve liked this at a different branch, because the NYC Escape Game is very compact, but even still it was so fun!!”
tomboytunes
30 games played
Playground
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was really fun. A nice big colourful set with loads to do, a nice mix of puzzles and physical elements. We were a team of 2 in a game listed as 4-12 players so we were up against it but our host Matt absolutely nailed it with giving us just enough help to give us a fighting chance of getting through, and we made it out after a hectic finish with less than a minute to spare”
ratbag
112 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great game. The Escape Game continues to show why they are the best *chain* escape room company there is. Game is an excellent mix of two themes, which you’d think is hard to do, but they did it. Pretty much all clues either high tech or use the environment around you which is a huge plus. Rooms were beautiful which was to be expected. I normally don’t recommend chain companies to enthusiasts but The Escape Game has consistently high quality rooms.”
travelingescapist69
49 games played
Prison Break
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This is the best implementation of a Prison Break style room I’ve seen. Like every The Escape Game room, the theming, narrative and puzzle design is absolutely top notch. It can reasonably be beaten by two people as long as you are comfortable yelling to communicate.”
drayner
68 games played
The Depths
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
Timeliner: Train Through Time
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Enjoyed the overall production quality of each room. Even if the puzzles weren’t too hard, I really enjoyed the look and feel of each room. Did feel technologically futuristic as it should be in a Time Machine!”
LexiconPenguino
28 games played
Only Murders in the Building [Season 4]
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
Moonshine Madness
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a fun room. Clue Chase has just rebranded the day before as Paniq, so we were a little confused by Google maps. The room itself follow a speakeasy/prohibition theme. We felt like all the puzzles were fare and logical. One of the props that is meant to light up seemed to fail us, so we got a bit stuck on the finale. The host was great at selling the story. Recommended!”
drayner
68 games played
Houdini's Workshop
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“I was hesitant to book this room because of some of the reviews, but I’m so glad I did. We had so much fun! There are a lot of master locks, but they thought of very unique ways to discover each code so it never felt boring or redundant. We absolutely loved our game master, Casey! He was full of energy and made our experience even more fun! We will definitely be back to try their other rooms.”
kellyespencer
36 games played
Pirates Of The Bermuda Triangle
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“A very well put together room. Excellent execution of the pirate theme, with some very clever puzzles that left us stumped for a while. The host was excellent, they really lean into selling the narrative. Not particularly scary, but expect skeletons.”
drayner
68 games played
Goblins Quest: The Uprising [VR]
Escape Virtuality
- Escape room
- IRL
The Haunted Hotel
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“Rikers is still one of my very favorite escape rooms ever, so I was very excited to try this one! What makes this company particular interesting is that their designers also worked on Sleep No More, and it shows. You are immediately immersed in the experience as soon as you step out of the elevator. I really don’t want to say more except that I loved every aspect of it. FYI no jump scares or anything, though it feels tense and unsettling…in the best way! There is some evident wear and tear here, but nothing to truly detract from enjoyment. I did enjoy this one less than Rikers overall, but the haunted hotel is still an awesome one”
BaronAsInRed
56 games played
More Escape Rooms
About Manhattan
This is it, Manhattan, the center of the universe as far as some people are concerned. A new experience to discover around every corner, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Manhattan is as complex as the people who call it home, and it certainly offers something for every taste. If classic tourist spots get you going, then look no further than The Empire State Building or The Statue of Liberty. Or if less traveled roads are more your style, then perhaps a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is for you. Oh and in case you haven’t heard, the food here is phenomenal. From Michelin-starred renowned restaurants like Eleven Madison Park to one of the best slices of pizza anywhere at John’s of Bleecker Street, it would take 10 lifetimes to experience everything Manhattan has to offer. Oh and by the way, Manhattan also happens to have some of the very best escape rooms in the world.
Learn More About Manhattan Escape Rooms
Since the first escape rooms arrived in New York City in 2016, the culture capital of the World hasn’t stopped crafting these immersive puzzle experiences. In fact, New York City is home to nearly 50 different escape room venues and Manhattan offers a particularly exciting array of escape room experiences that are suitable for all tastes. 60 Out’s Gold Rush has been a fan favorite for years, and was voted the 4th best escape room in Manhattan. Clue Chases’s Houdini’s Workshop is another hit that is known for its beautiful set and immersive story. With over 100 escape games in the entire area, the possibilities are nearly endless — you’ll find games with themes of horror, adventure, crime, espionage, and plenty you may not expect.
How Do Escape Rooms Work?
Remember those point-and-click adventure games where you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles to find the key and escape? Those online games were the original inspiration for the live escape rooms you’ll find all across the world today. An escape room is an immersive experience where you (and your team of 2 or more people) are locked in a room with a series of puzzles for 60 minutes. To escape and win the game, you have to look for clues, solve the puzzles, and find the key. While most escape rooms only give you 60 minutes to complete the challenge, others may have shorter or longer time limits. Many venues are private rooms where you and your team are the only players. However, some places may pair you with other groups who booked a slot at the same time. And don’t worry about getting stuck, asking for hints on a difficult puzzle is totally normal. While the original escape room (created by SCRAP in 2007) had a fairly simple aesthetic, today’s escape games often take you into a different world. Artistic set designs, secret doors, and unique interactive elements are all part of the fun. It’s like an adventure game that you can interact with in real life. But if you’re hoping to preview any rooms before you book a game somewhere, detailed images and videos can be hard to find. To keep the puzzles a secret and preserve the experience of seeing the room for the first time, most venues only offer a few photos or a short trailer about the room’s theme or narrative. The only way to know what it’s like is to go and try it for yourself!
Find the Best Manhattan Escape Rooms with Morty
There are plenty of awesome escape rooms to choose from in Manhattan. The goal of Morty is to make escape rooms more accessible for everyone to find and play. With Morty, you can: - Browse escape rooms anywhere in the country - Read reviews and ratings from other community members - Book a room together with your friends Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned escape room enthusiast, our aim is to help you play more escape rooms and visit more immersive attractions.
Frequently asked questions
How Do I Book an Escape Room in Manhattan?
Most escape room venues don’t accept walk-ins, and time slots for popular games may fill up fast. Besides that, not every escape room is the same — some have varying difficulties, and you don’t want to get stuck playing a room that’s beyond your experience level. That’s why the best way to book an escape room in Manhattan is through the Morty app. You can get updates on new games, read reviews, compare details (including difficulty, theme, runtime) and plan an outing with friends, all on the same platform. You can even coordinate games with your friends collaboratively. Download the Morty app and book your adventure today!