Secret Places in New York Tourists Don't Know about ...

By Neecey

Secret Places in New York Tourists Don't Know  about ...

The Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park … there’s quite a list of familiar tourist attractions in New York that are everybody’s sightseeing list. But what are those streets and avenues hiding? If you want to get up close and personal and get and take a big juicy bite to get to the core of the Big Apple, where do you go?

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1

Secret Subway Exit in Brooklyn

Secret Subway Exit in Brooklyn One particular townhouse at 58 Joralemon Street in fact isn’t a townhouse at all, but rather a subway exit! You can tell the difference by the fact that the fake house has tinted windows, and inside there are only boxes and stairs. The building is used to ventilate all of the Brooklyn subway lines.

UPD:

This secret subway exit is located in Brooklyn, New York and is the only one of its kind in the city. It is disguised as a townhouse at 58 Joralemon Street, and can be identified by its tinted windows. Inside the building, there are only boxes and stairs, which are used to ventilate all of the Brooklyn subway lines. It is a fascinating and unique place that many tourists don't know about. This hidden gem can be explored by taking a guided tour of the area, or by simply visiting the site. It is a great way to get off the beaten path and explore a unique part of New York City.

2

World Trade Center Sphere

World Trade Center Sphere This statue once lived between the Twin Towers, and it was miraculously not destroyed during 9/11. It has been moved to Battery Park and has been equipped with an eternal flame to pay tribute to all the victims of the disastrous terrorist attack.

3

East Greenacre Park

East Greenacre Park Located at 217 East 51st Street, there is actually a park in the middle of midtown that boasts a real waterfall! It is the perfect place to pull up a chair and enjoy the New York sunshine with some nature at hand.

UPD:

East Greenacre Park is a lush oasis conveniently tucked away from the city's hustle. The sounds of the waterfall create a soothing atmosphere, making it a splendid spot for a quick retreat. Bring your favorite book or journal, and let the tranquil surroundings inspire you. Despite its central location, this hidden gem often goes unnoticed, offering a truly serene experience right in the heart of the urban jungle. Bonus: You can find a lovely little café nearby – a sweet spot to grab a refreshment before you continue exploring.

4

Roosevelt Island Hospital

Roosevelt Island Hospital This building was once a dedicated smallpox hospital, but the Roosevelt Island building that resembles a castle is now abandoned and makes for a particularly creepy spot of urban exploration.

5

C-Squat

C-Squat Known as the C-Squat, a huge building in the East Village on 155 Avenue C has been taken over by squatters and modified with amazing skateboarding ramps and even a stage area for shows.

UPD:

C-Squat is a unique destination for travelers to New York City. Located in the East Village, it is a huge building that was taken over by squatters and transformed into a skateboarding paradise. The area includes several skateboarding ramps and a stage for shows. The space is also home to several artists, who have created graffiti and other artwork around the building. It's a great spot to visit for those who want to explore the city's underground culture. Visitors should be aware that the area is not always safe, so it's best to go with a group or during the day.

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Vinegar Hill

Vinegar Hill Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn was named after an Irish battle of 1798, and the area feels super historic with cobblestone streets and home buildings that date as far back as the 1800s.

7

Cobble Hill Tunnel

Cobble Hill Tunnel This abandoned tunnel is part of the Long Island Railroad system, and there have always been rumors that the space was used for transportation of illegal goods and alcohol in the early 19th century.

8

High Bridge

High Bridge Unused since 1970, the High Bridge once was a main connector between Manhattan and the Bronx. It leads to some beautiful nature and forest areas on the outskirts of the city.

UPD:

Originally completed in 1848 as part of the Old Croton Aqueduct that brought fresh water to Manhattan, this landmark has a rich history and is now part of a revived pedestrian walkway. After extensive renovations, it reopened to the public in 2015, allowing visitors to soak in stunning views of the Harlem River. With both its historical significance and its urban sanctuary appeal, the High Bridge is an unexpected treasure for those looking to escape the city's hustle and find a moment of tranquility.

9

Red Hook Grain Elevator

Red Hook Grain Elevator Along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn is this old abandoned refinery factory that has huge silos that you can explore and also offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline.

10

Elevator Museum

Elevator Museum And speaking of elevators, why not pay a visit to the unconventional Elevator Museum on Long Island? You’ll be surprised how interesting you actually find it!

11

Mount Loretto Beach

Mount Loretto Beach Staten Island is often the forgotten Borough of New York, but this beach should be included on every visitor’s list thanks to the presence of crazy rock sculptures all along the shore.

12

Dead Horse Bay

Dead Horse Bay Its name might not be the most appealing, but Dead Horse Bay is a great place to go in search of messages in bottles. So many bottles tend to wash up along the shore of this ‘beach’ on the Rockaway Inlet in Brooklyn.

13

Steinway Piano Factory

Steinway Piano Factory The Steinway Piano Factory in Astoria has long since been the home of some of the world’s best pianos, and if you visit you can be treated to a tour of the factory by one of its friendly employees.

14

Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery If you enjoy the macabre side of tourism, then the Green-Wood cemetery in Brooklyn is definitely for you, with hundreds of old tombstones to see and some incredible gothic architecture to behold.

UPD:

Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, having been established in 1838. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It is also a popular tourist destination, with more than 500,000 visitors annually. The cemetery features a wide variety of monuments and sculptures, as well as a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The cemetery also has a large collection of birds, including hawks, owls, and blue jays. In addition, the cemetery has a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours, concerts, and lectures.

15

Hell Gate Bridge

Hell Gate Bridge What makes this bridge so great to visit is that you can actually go inside it. If you start at the BQE where the tracks are close enough, you can walk all the way until you arrive at the bridge.

16

Clocktower

Clocktower This huge 5000-pound bronze structure was built in 1898 and is the largest of its kind in the entire city. It’s now known as the Clocktower Gallery and provides a fascinating insight into how a clock actually works.

UPD:

Nestled in Lower Manhattan, this architectural gem isn't just a delight for horologists. Adventurous souls with a penchant for the quaintly obscure can ascend the narrow staircase leading to spectacular panoramic views that even some locals remain blissfully unaware of. While guided tours were once available, the space has since undergone changes. But the exterior alone, with its intricate details and imposing aura, is enough to warrant a selfie to remember—one that might just leave your Instagram followers enviously puzzled.

17

Trinity Church

Trinity Church Amongst all of the high rises and chrome of the Financial District is Trinity Church, whose cemetery is home to some of the very oldest tombstones in the entire city. A great destination for history hungry tourists.

18

Abandoned Subway Station

Abandoned Subway Station This abandoned subway station at City Hall was built in 1904 but hasn’t been in use since the 40s, but its elegant design and eerie atmosphere make it a wonderful and quirky tourist stop for visitors to the city.

19

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

Hallett Nature Sanctuary This four-acre piece of land in Central Park was off limits to the public for 70 years, sealed away in the attempt to have it be a bird sanctuary. Work is now underway to clean the overgrown acres and match them to the standards of the rest of the park.

20

The New York Earth Room

The New York Earth Room Hidden among the chic boutiques of Soho is an art installation that is simply a white loft filled with 280,000 pounds of dirt! The artwork was created in 1977 and the soil has never been changed since then.

21

Radio City Music Hall’s Secret Apartment

Radio City Music Hall’s Secret Apartment There is a secret apartment built within Radio City Music hall that the architects designed as a token of their appreciation, and it has been used to entertain the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Samuel Goldwyn in the past.

22

Morbid Anatomy Museum

Morbid Anatomy Museum This creepy museum houses a macabre collection of artifacts like skeletons, preserved specimens and memorials that highlight a morbid side of New York culture and history, and the gift shop is certainly worth a visit!

23

Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall Nestled in a Plaza in Midtown, you can get up close and personal with a section of the iconic Berlin Wall. Who says you have to visit Europe to experience their history!?

UPD:

The Berlin Wall was a physical and ideological barrier that divided the city of Berlin, Germany from 1961 to 1989. It was built by the East German government to prevent citizens from escaping to the West. The section of the wall that is now on display in New York City was acquired by the city in 1990 as a symbol of freedom and unity. It stands at 12 feet tall and weighs over 3 tons. This piece of history serves as a reminder of the Cold War and the struggle for freedom that took place in Europe. It is a popular tourist attraction, especially for those interested in world history and politics.

24

Wave Hill Garden

Wave Hill Garden This 28-acre paradise overlooking the Hudson River provides a perfect calm amongst the hustle and bustle of New York City. It is kind of strange to experience such Zen when everything around you in going 100 miles per hour.

UPD:

Wave Hill Garden is truly a hidden oasis, offering tranquil landscapes with lush gardens and shaded woodland paths. Whether you're looking to marvel at seasonal blooms or simply want a peaceful spot to contemplate life's mysteries, this remarkable setting does not disappoint. Throughout the year, the garden delights with exclusive plant collections and themed events that add to its charm. Imagine breathing in the sweet scents that hang in the air, watching the sun dip behind the river, all while being mere moments from the city's energetic pulse—it's a little slice of heaven tucked away in The Bronx.

25

Tabernacle of Prayer Church

Tabernacle of Prayer Church Located in Jamaica, Queens, this movie theatre turned Church is a wonderful piece of architecture and design. You won’t believe that people used to come here for the talkies rather than for worship; the place is exquisite!

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

awsome

I have a picture of that when I was passing by my mom's old neighborhood

Awesome

#23 it does not look like the wall I saw in Berlin in 1970

Angelica Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton are buried in Trinity Church!

Well .. Know they do 😂💁🏽 I'm from Germany so I would definitely go to these places if I ever will be able to visit Ne York and I hope so 😍

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