7 Secret Sights in NYC That Will Leave You Absolutely Breathless

1. City Hall Station

The intricate design featured in this cathedral-like station is absolutely stunning. After being closed in 1945, it was initially supposed to be re-opened as a museum; this explains the preservation of this beautiful subway station. The best way to catch a glimpse of this is to stay on the 6 train after its final stop at Brooklyn Bridge, though MTA workers usually check the cars to ensure no one is left behind. For a guaranteed look at this underground marvel, the New York Transit Museum offers exclusive official tours to its members.

2. Waldorf Astoria: Track 61

Located under Grand Central Terminal, Track 61 was initially a loading platform. It was famously used as a way to escort high-profile guests into the Waldorf Astoria hotel without public scrutiny. Franklin D. Roosevelt is said to have traveled here by driving his car into the enormous train car and then transporting it up a spacious elevator. While the hotel is currently undergoing a massive restoration, the legend of this private siding remains a favorite piece of NYC history.

3. The Underbelly Project

This next sight has been hidden so well that its exact location remains a mystery to most. In 2010, the Underbelly Project transformed an abandoned subway station into a secret gallery featuring works from world-renowned street artists. New York Times reporter Jasper Rees stated that the "gallery, whose existence has been a closely guarded secret, closed on the same night it opened." It is a fascinating concept that continues to intrigue urban explorers and art lovers alike.

4. Whispering Gallery

I find this next attraction to have a truly romantic feel. The Whispering Gallery is located in Grand Central Terminal, near the famous Oyster Bar. Make sure to bring a friend along; when you both stand at opposite sides of this archway and whisper into the curved wall, you will be able to hear each other perfectly. I once witnessed a man proposing to his girlfriend in this manner and found it incredibly endearing.

5. Frick Museum Hidden Bowling Alley

The stunning architecture of this hidden bowling alley is absolutely phenomenal. New York Times writer Alan Feur, who had the pleasure of seeing the wonderful alley, marveled at "the pine-and-maple lane beds, the gravity-driven ball return, and the antique balls themselves, which strangely have two holes instead of the standard three." Discovered under the Frick Collection, this exquisite alley is sadly not open to the general public, but it remains one of the museum's most intriguing secrets.

6. Water Street Elevated Acre

When a friend first stumbled upon this area, I was blown away by its quiet magnificence. The view from this elevated park is astonishing; you will not find another place in the Financial District with such a peaceful ambiance. If you're looking for more travel inspiration, check out these spectacular hotel lobbies that are worth a visit. The River to River festivals are actually held in this calm spot during the summer months, offering a perfect escape from the city noise.

7. The Bushwick Collective

While the legendary 5 Pointz was sadly demolished years ago, the spirit of New York street art lives on at the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn. This open-air gallery has become a global destination for muralists. As Gadling's Jeremy Kressmann once noted, artists from all over the world drop by regularly to put up new pieces, resulting in a landscape that has become a dynamic illustration of the art form's continuing legacy and influence. With its brightly painted walls and creative energy, I can't think of a better reason to take a trip across the bridge.

I love adding new sights to my growing list of NYC's hidden gems, and I've always wondered about the secret places in other boroughs that people have yet to explore. Have you ever gotten the chance to visit any of the sights mentioned above? What are some secret sights in your city that you feel are worth visiting?