New York City is a bustling metropolis, known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods. However, beyond the well-known tourist attractions, there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here’s our round-up of 12 of the best hidden secrets to visit in New York.
- Old City Hall Station
Firstly, the City Hall subway station is a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out. Located beneath the current City Hall subway station, the abandoned station features stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and intricate tile work. Although the station is no longer in use, visitors can catch a glimpse of its grandeur by taking a downtown 6 train that loops through the station before returning uptown.
- The Elevated Acre
The Elevated Acre is a hidden oasis in the Financial District. Tucked away on the third floor of a parking garage, this public park features stunning views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The park also has a spacious lawn, a variety of seating areas, and a bar and grill that’s open during the summer months.
- The Tenement Museum, Manhattan
The Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of New York’s early immigrants. The museum is located in a restored tenement building and features guided tours that explore the stories of the people who lived and worked there. Visitors can learn about the lives of Italian, Jewish, Irish, and Chinese immigrants and the challenges they faced as they settled in New York City.
- The High Line
The High Line is a unique public park that runs along a former elevated railroad track. The park features stunning views of the city skyline and the Hudson River and is home to a variety of public art installations. Visitors can stroll along the park’s winding pathways and enjoy the lush greenery and unique urban landscape.
- Green-Wood Cemetery
Finally, the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. Founded in 1838, the cemetery features stunning Gothic architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable New Yorkers, including Leonard Bernstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Boss Tweed. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cemetery or explore on their own.
- Sleep No More
This immersive theatrical experience in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood invites audience members to wander through a creepy, multi-level performance space inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
- The City Reliquary
This small museum in Brooklyn showcases New York’s unique history through exhibits of oddities and artifacts.
- The Trash Museum
Located in Staten Island, this museum highlights the history of the city’s waste management system with interactive exhibits.
- Coney Island Circus Sideshow
This traditional sideshow in Brooklyn features sword swallowers, fire-eaters, and other unusual performers.
- The Secret Speakeasy
Hidden behind a faux bookcase in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this bar serves up Prohibition-era cocktails in a 1920s-themed setting.
- The Morbid Anatomy Museum
This Brooklyn museum focuses on the intersection of art and death, with exhibits on taxidermy, anatomy, and other macabre subjects.
- Roosevelt Island Tramway
Take a ride on this aerial tramway from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island for incredible views of the city and a unique transportation experience.
So there you have it! New York City is full of hidden secrets waiting to be discovered. From abandoned subway stations to hidden oases in the middle of the city, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in this vibrant metropolis. So the next time you’re in New York, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover some of these hidden gems for yourself.
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