Take a step off the beaten path and see the underrated beauties of New York
New York is a dream destination for many. Towering buildings, busy streets, and exquisite parks represent New York City’s charm as both the melting pot of innovation and a travel destination. The city’s charming destinations, like Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park, allow travelers to get a taste of the “American dream.” Moreover, New York is the hotspot for hidden gems. Less-known yet interesting attractions are scattered across the Big Apple. These places are worth the shot!
We have compiled a list of hidden gems you must see in New York City. If you are looking for the calmer, less-touristy part of New York, you should include them in your bucket list.
1. Battery Park
Battery Park is the perfect place to find serenity in New York City. Although it is not as popular the Central Park or Hudson River Park, Battery Park has its own charms. The park is located in the Southern Manhattan area, overlooking the Hudson River. Battery Park offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere as it has fewer visitors.
Battery Park has blooming flowers, manicured plants, fountains, and a harbor. It is lovely to chill, stroll around, or have a picnic. Battery Park is also great for enjoying the sunset, as the Hudson River looks stunning, with dusk lights glimmering on its surface.
Location: Southern tip of Manhattan Island, New York City
2. City Hall Station
We can find beauty in unexpected places. This phrase reflects City Hall Station, a vintage railway that was built in 1904. City Hall Station lies under the City Hall Park, hiding beautiful architecture only a few people know. The subway station has vaulted ceilings and fascinating arches made out of bricks and ceramics. Chandeliers light the station dimly, along with colored glass tilings that allow sunlight to enter the room. As you enter the station, you may feel like you are in Hogwarts or a medieval chapel.
Although it is abandoned, City Hall Station still functions in subway loops. The No.6 Train that heads to the Brooklyn Bridge Station passes secretly through the City Hall Station. If you want to see this abandoned station, you can join official walking tours provided by the New York Transit Museum.
Location: Underground City Hall Park, Civic Center, Manhattan
How to get there: Join the official tour by New York Transit Museum
3. Elevated Acres
Elevated Acre is a rooftop garden that offers a panoramic view of New York City, including the stunning Brooklyn Bridge. It is situated between tall buildings and the busy streets of NYC. Elevated Acre is an oasis for anyone who is looking for a calm and relaxing time in the midst of a bustling day.
Elevated Acre is designed in a modern style, with steel benches and neatly manicured plants. The garden is also equipped with a wifi connection, making it a great place to do your work, especially if you are working remotely. You can also grab a coffee or a to-go lunch and enjoy it in Elevated Acre while looking at the panoramic views of lower Manhattan.
Location: 55 Water Street, Financial District of Lower Manhattan
How to get there: Go to the 55 Water Street building in the Financial District and find an escalator leading you to the park. From the escalator, take a short walk to the Elevated Acre.
4. Greenacre Park
Greenacre Park hides behind the tall buildings between the 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The Greenacre Park is a small park designed by certified designer Hideo Sasaki. Greenacre Park highlights a 25-foot tall manmade waterfall that was constructed out of granite rocks. The greyish waterfall collaborates nicely with lush plants, pretty ivy vines, and verdant trees.
The park provides several facilities for visitors, such as seating areas and a small cafe. It is a great place to chill, drink coffee, and talk with your friends or loved ones. This New York hidden gem has a pleasant and cool atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer.
Location: 217 East 51st Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Operational Hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
5. Little Red Lighthouse
If you are visiting the George Washington Bridge, you can take a short walk off the main path towards a spot under the bridge. A small, bright red lighthouse stands on the rocky tip of the Hudson River. Look at how that small splash of red can color up the earthy-colored scape of the bridge.
Little Red Lighthouse is the last remaining lighthouse in Manhattan. It was built in 1880 and was once used to guide river travelers to New York. Little Red Lighthouse looks well-maintained and vibrant despite its status as a century-old building. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the views of the Hudson River.
Location: Fort Washington Park, Hudson River Greenway
6. Met Cloisters
See the medieval side of New York in the Met Cloisters. The castle-like museum stands on the Northern tip of Manhattan. Met Cloisters is the only American museum dedicated to European Middle Ages culture. You can see medieval elements and arts in the museum’s main building, like the gothic carvings and renaissance architecture. The museum has about 2.000 collections from many dynasties, from the European Middle Ages to the Ancient American.
Wandering around the Met Cloisters can make you feel like you are traveling back into the Middle Ages. Take a peek at the towering buildings of Manhattan if you want to get back to the present time. It is interesting to see the unique blend of the old and new in New York City.
Location: Fort Tyron Park, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive
Operational Hours: Thursday-Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM
7. Morgan Library and Museum
The magnificent library makes you feel you are time-traveling to the past. The interior is decorated with fascinating renaissance-styled carvings, beautiful paintings, and luscious wooden furniture. On the ceiling, you can find elegant nouveau murals. The place looks more like a medieval castle than a library.
Morgan Library & Museum was once a private house of the banker J.P. Morgan. It is now a museum and public library on Madison Avenue. The museum’s collections were curated by Morgan himself, ranging from ancient Egypt artifacts to medieval scripts. You can find exclusive collections in the museum, such as Mozart’s authentic manuscript. Morgan Library & Museum also has a public reading room with thousands of book collections and some computers.
Location: 255 Madison Avenue
Operational Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday from 10.30 AM to 5 PM
- Friday from 10.30 AM to 7 PM
8. Olfactory Art Keller
Looking for a unique experience in New York City? Try visiting Olfactory Art!
Olfactory Art Keller is an art gallery that combines visual art with olfactory experiences, which means you can smell the art. Yes, the exhibition presents paintings or other visual arts that come with a scent. Each art piece has its own scent notes, from floral-pleasant ones to burnt tire-awful ones.
You can also find unique scents, such as Kurt Cobain’s performance and New York scent. Seeing how creative and imaginative the artists are with those scents is exciting!
Location: 25A Henry Street, New York
Operational Hours: 12:00 PM – 06:00 PM
9. Pomander Walk
The storybook houses in Pomander Walk remind us of New England. Interestingly, this hidden gem on Upper West Side was built as the set of Pomander Walk, a romantic comedy by Louis N. Parker. Can you guess where the fictional setting of Pomander Walk is? Yes, it is England!
Pomander Walk is now a private area consisting of 27 apartments. You can see brick and bright-colored storybook buildings, along with their manicured lawns and neat setting, line the area. You should squint a bit if you are searching for this street. Pomander Walk is situated between West End Avenue 94th and 95th, marked by a small gate. You can stroll along the romantic street and take pictures of the storybook houses.
Location: West 94th and 95th Street, West of Broadway
How to get there: Walk to the 94th or 95th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue, then search for a gate in a mid-block.
10. Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal
The famous Grand Central Terminal is home to interesting secret attractions. One of them is the Whispering Gallery. Located on the first floor, next to the Grand Central Oyster Bar, the Whispering Gallery is a structure of ceramic arches. It looks beautiful with its Guastavino tiles. Moreover, the Whispering Gallery has something special!
You can try the infamous ‘Whispering’ legend. You and your travel buddy can stand on the opposite corners of the arches and lean your head on them. Speak normally on the walls, and you will find out that you can chat with your friend as if you are standing next to each other. Sounds interesting, right?
Location: Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street and Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
Operational Hours: Thursday-Tuesday from 5:30 AM to 2 PM
11. Washington Mews
Once used as horse stables for the wealthy in the 17th century, Washington Mews is now a private street in New York City. It is situated between 5th Avenue and University Place. The street gives out an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, with its cobblestoned streets and classic two-stories building. It looks more like a small city in Europe than New York.
You can find serene streets, fewer crowds, and beautiful pastel-colored houses in Washington Mews. The gated street also allows no car to enter the area. So, this New York hidden gem is perfect for relaxing strolls.
Location: Greenwich Village, between 5th Avenue and University Place
How to get there: Ride a subway to Washington Square, then take a walk towards the area. You can find a small gate between Washington Square and 8 Street. Enter the gate and start to wander around Washington Mews.
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