Hidden gems in New York most tourists completely miss
Known as the city that never sleeps, New York is a thriving city with plenty of things to see and do. While everyone knows about the Empire State Building, Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, there are so many more interesting places and things that few visitors have even heard of. Go beyond the most famous attractions in New York and visit these top hidden gems you won't usually read about in a tourist guide or book.
Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Neighborhoods
New York is famous for its unique neighborhoods, many with their own culture and atmosphere. While neighborhoods like Soho, Chelsea, and the East Village might attract all the tourists, some less-visited neighborhoods in NYC are well worth checking out.
The Charm of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Cobble Hill is a quaint and beautiful neighborhood much loved for its historic buildings and tree-lined streets. Take a tour through vibrant Court Street to experience upmarket boutiques and world-class eateries. Don’t forget to spend some time in Cobble Hill Park, one of the most picturesque community parks in Brooklyn.
Artistic Vibes in Astoria, Queens
Astoria in Queens is fast becoming one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods. It is one of the city’s most culturally diverse communities with plenty of interesting cultural and dining experiences on offer. In addition, it is also the perfect destination for art lovers, from the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) to open-air artworks in the Socrates Sculpture Garden and Welling Court Mural Project.
The Cultural Mosaic of Jackson Heights
Like Astoria, Jackson Heights is a melting pot of diverse cultures and communities. Immigrants from over 100 countries have made their home in Jackson Heights. Explore places like Little India and Little Colombia to experience this area’s diverse flavors. The neighborhood is also home to one of the city’s largest LGBTQIA+ communities as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
Unveiling Hidden Historical Attractions
From unique but often overlooked neighborhoods, let’s travel to some of New York’s fascinating historical sites. While you can view examples of New York’s over 400 years of history throughout the city, here are some hidden gems worth exploring.
The Elevated Acre: A Secret Park in the Sky
Tucked away within the bustling Financial District of Lower Manhattan, the Elevated Acre offers an oasis of tranquility within one of New York’s busiest neighborhoods. This disused balcony has been transformed into a beautiful communal space with lush gardens, an amphitheater, and a spectacular view of the NYC city skyline. It’s an easy location to miss but well worth a visit: simply walk to the building at 55 Water Street and head up the escalator to find it.
The Abandoned City Hall Subway Station
The Old City Hall Subway Station was part of New York’s first subway line in 1904 and served commuters for many years until its closure in 1945. Today, the station serves as a time capsule of New York’s transit system, with many of the features and designs being perfectly preserved throughout the decades. You can reach the station via the 6 train line to the Brooklyn Bridge, and official walking tours are available from the New York Transit Museum.
Hidden Stories at the Tenement Museum
The history of New York is heavily influenced by the stories of the many immigrants who have made their home there over the years. The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side showcases the lives of those who came to the city from across the globe in search of a new life. Original artefacts, recreated living spaces, and costumed performers help bring these remarkable slices of New York history to life.
Secret Gardens and Hidden Parks
While New York is well-known for its liveliness and constant activity, there are places in the city that offer quiet and relaxation. For a break from the bustling crowds, head to one of these secret gardens and parks tucked away in the city for some peace, tranquility, and beautiful city views.
The Tranquility of The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park
Located in Upper Manhattan, Fort Tryon Park offers visitors over 67 acres of pristine parkland overlooking the Hudson River. Among the gardens and scenic landmarks is The Cloisters, a museum showcasing over 5,000 medieval artworks. The building itself is designed in the architectural style of medieval European monasteries and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Greenacre Park: Midtown's Hidden Oasis
Located within the heart of Midtown, Greenacre Park offers a compact and intimate green space within the urban landscape of NYC. This small park is surrounded by lush greenery, with the centerpiece being a beautiful cascading waterfall. The terrace offers visitors a place to sit and relax while admiring the flowers and viewing the various water features in the garden.
The Conservatory Garden in Central Park
Hidden within New York’s famous Central Park lies the six-acre Conservatory Garden, the park’s only formal garden. The garden is divided into three sections, Italian, English, and French, each showcasing different botanical designs and plant life. Free from the usual traffic of cyclists and runners found in Central Park, the Conservatory Garden is the perfect place to unwind on a leisurely walk.
Underground Arts and Unseen Entertainment Venues
Once you’ve explored New York’s hidden natural retreats and urban gardens, it’s time to dive into the city’s arts and entertainment scene. You don’t need to buy a ticket for a Broadway show to experience the best of New York’s culture. Try one of these fun yet out-of-the-way experiences.
Live Jazz at Smalls Jazz Club
If you are looking for an authentic jazz club experience, head down to Smalls in Greenwich Village. Opened in 1994, the venue has become well-known as the place to see up-and-coming jazz musicians in a relaxed and intimate setting. Although the venue is quite small, it often hosts jazz musicians from across the globe, performing music from the classic to the contemporary.
The Speakeasy Experience at Please Don't Tell (PDT)
Inspired by the classic speakeasies from America’s Prohibition era, Please Don’t Tell is perhaps New York’s best-hidden cocktail bar. Finding the bar is part of the fun: head to the Crif Dogs eatery in the East Village and head downstairs to find an old-fashioned phone booth. Once inside the bar, you can enjoy a variety of craft cocktails plus a full menu of delicious food.
Hidden Theaters and Indie Performances
While Broadway often features the latest and most popular musicals and theatrical productions, you can view many interesting and innovative productions in New York’s smaller venues. These theaters are often the best place to see daring and experimental new productions that can’t be found in more glitzy Broadway productions. Some great hidden theaters in NYC include New World Stages, the Public Theater, and the New York Theatre Workshop.
Exploring New York's Hidden Culinary Delights
Once you’ve had your fill of entertainment, chances are you’ll be looking to indulge in New York’s culinary scene. There are plenty of amazing places to enjoy dining in New York, yet here are some great choices that are often overlooked by visitors to the city.
Ethnic Eateries in Flushing, Queens
While New York is full of delightful ethnic dining experiences, some of the best can be found in the neighborhood of Flushing in Queens. Take a stroll down Roosevelt Avenue or explore Flushing's Chinatown district to experience some of the city’s best culinary treasures. From classic Italian pizza to Hong Kong-style cuisine, Flushing is one of New York’s hidden culinary gems.
Authentic Flavors on Arthur Avenue, The Bronx
Arthur Avenue lies at the center of Little Italy and is one of the best places in New York to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Head to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market to find traditional Italian sausage as well as different varieties of pasta. Then pay a visit to one of the local bakeries and cafes to enjoy some delicious Italian bread and an espresso.
Secret Food Markets and Street Vendors
Depending on what time of year you visit New York, you are likely to find street markets and vendors somewhere in the city. Street fairs and night markets are a great way to sample unique foods and purchase handcrafted items from vendors. Keep an eye on the calendar to see when the next street market will be popping up in the city.
Discovering Hidden Art and Street Murals
To experience the best of New York’s art scene, you need to go beyond what you can find in the famous art galleries. Explore the various murals and street art located throughout the city to experience New York’s true artistic expressions.
The Street Art of Bushwick Collective
Throughout the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick, you can find walls and buildings showcasing some of the world’s best street art. The Bushwick Collective is a project that has revitalized the local area, with street art and murals from local and international artists such as Banksy and ROA. Simply take the L line to Jefferson Street to begin exploring the area.
The Graffiti Hall of Fame in Harlem
The Graffiti Hall of Fame was originally established in 1980 in the courtyard of Harlem’s Jackie Robinson Educational Complex. For over 30 years, it has served as a place where up-and-coming NYC street artists could display their art, and continues to amaze visitors with some truly incredible street art. A must-see experience, although keep in mind that the Hall of Fame is only open to the public on weekends.
Hidden Galleries and Pop-up Exhibitions
While everyone knows about MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York has plenty of smaller museums and galleries that are well worth checking out. From museums dedicated to showcasing the art of Himalayan cultures to museums focused on Latin and Hispanic artworks, the city is filled with unique and sometimes well-hidden cultural attractions. Take a walk through any of New York’s cultural districts, and you are bound to find something fascinating to enjoy.
Tips for Finding Hidden Gems in New York City
While we have covered several unique and fascinating hidden gems found within New York, there are so many more out there to uncover. To locate your own personal NYC hidden gems, here are some suggestions.
Connect with Locals for Insider Knowledge
One of the best ways to get the lowdown on any of New York’s hidden treasures and secrets is to ask one of the locals. A local NYC guide can give you a free walking tour of NYC and offer a personal touch that will provide you with information not available on most tour guides. Plus, it is a good way to meet people and make new friends.
Venture Beyond Tourist Maps and Guides
Instead of relying on guides that showcase the city’s most popular attractions, consider exploring on your own and seeing what you can find. Perhaps that small gallery or theater you come across contains a hidden treasure that has been overlooked by the tour guide book writers out there. Once you’ve found one, you could be the first to recommend it to everyone else.
Stay Curious and Open to Unexpected Experiences
The important thing to remember when you are seeking out hidden gems is to keep an open mind and expect the unexpected. Never dismiss something based on first appearances, and always be ready to try something new. This way, you are bound to have some amazing and unique experiences that you will always treasure.
Conclusion
New York is a city full of amazing sights, sounds, and experiences, from unique dining establishments to fascinating displays of artistic expression. With such a wealth of hidden secrets to uncover, now is the perfect opportunity to take some time and visit some of these places and things for yourself. Take yourself off the typical tourist path and begin finding some new hidden gems in NYC today.
