New York City is one of my favorite cities because there is always something new to see and/or do. In the few times a year that I visit, I always make a point to try something that I have never done before. I wanted to put together a list of 7 hidden gems in New York City that you might not think to do while visiting the city. This past trip, I stumbled across Washington Street and the NYC Transit Museum while in Brooklyn (more HERE) but there are SO many more places to explore in the Big Apple. Here are a few hidden gems that you might be missing:
1. The Berlin Wall
Yes, you read that right! Most people don’t know that there are 5 pieces of the Berlin Wall scattered around NYC. Each piece of the wall has unique art created by various artists. Here are where all 5 are located:
Piece 1: 520 Madison Ave
Piece 2: Kowsky Plaza
Piece 3: United Nations
Piece 4: Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Piece 5: The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
2. The Secret Subway Stop at City Hall
If you are interested in the NYC transit system, then this is a MUST-SEE spot. Also known as the City Loop, this was the part of the original NYC subway acting as its’ most southern terminal station. It is located below City Hall in Brooklyn and features Guastavino tile, skylights, chandeliers, and magnificent tile art. The station was closed in 1945 as it could not keep up the with subway’s demand but is still the turn around spot for the 6 train in Brooklyn. The good news is that this hidden subway station is very well maintained for when the public views it. However, the bad news is that the only way that you can see it is to buy tickets through the NYC transit museum and they sell out fast!!!
3. The Park for Perfect Manhattan Views
While everyone is heading to all of the tourist spots for spots of Manhattan, one place that has the perfect view of the Manhattan skyline is Sunset Park in South Brooklyn. In this park, you can capture the ENTIRE Manhattan skyline from a distance and get the perfect Instaworthy shot!
4. The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station
While at Grand Central Station, make a point to stop in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant while in the dining concourse. This is the famous whisper archway. If two people stand at diagonal arches, then they can hear each other’s whispers transmitted over the arch.
5. The Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel
This abandoned subway tunnel is located between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill Historic Districts. What makes this subway tunnel unique is that it is the oldest subway tunnel in the world dating back to 1844. This subway is no longer in use but can be viewed through tour groups on occasion.
6. Greenacre Park in Midtown
This is one of the smallest parks in the city at only 1/7 of an acre. Although it is small, this park features a stunning 25 foot waterfall surrounded by lush scenery and provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway in such a busy city.
7. The Historic Pier 54 in the Hudson River Park
The remnants of the historic Pier 54 steel arch can still be seen today if you go to the Hudson River Park. Pier 54 houses the memories of not one but two historic tragedies. Following the fall of the Titanic, survivors sailed to NYC on the Carpathia which after briefly stopping at Pier 59 to drop off life boats, made its’ final stop at Pier 54 to deliver news to loved ones anxiously waiting at the pier. A few years later, the Lusitania left from Pier 54 before being torpedoed by Germany off the coast of Ireland. Today, all that remains of this historic pier is its’ empty metal arch that once formed its’ entrance with the words “Cunard White Star” still visible.
If you are looking for more info on things to do in NYC, visit my posts HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
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