Hidden gems in New York City: 12 overlooked spots to explore
Discover secret places in New York City, from counterculture havens to food halls and candlelit catacombs.
Beyond the Empire State Building and Central Park lies a treasure-trove of offbeat experiences and alternative attractions. In America’s quintessential melting pot, it’s always worth veering off the beaten track and getting to experience New York like a local.
Discover the Big Apple’s lesser-known side with these hidden places in New York City you won’t find in your average travel guide. Scratch beneath the surface of the city that never sleeps, and discover unique things to do like explore abandoned hospitals or experience the authentic Harlem jazz scene.
Here are 12 secret spots worth adding to your NYC travel bucket list.
- Be transported to the Prohibition era through hidden speakeasies
Learn about the history of this fascinating era as you track down old-timey saloons featured on TV shows or soak up the authentic atmosphere of a bar that serves cocktails in teacups, just like they did during Prohibition.
Insider tip: Because these are hidden venues, they’re easily missable. You might find them concealed behind vault doors or guarded by secret codes – all part of the mystery!
2. Explore the hidden history of Greenwich Village
The tree-lined streets of this vibrant neighbourhood are home to more than just trendy cafes and restaurants: they conceal a host of hidden landmarks that were at the heart of America’s social movements and artistic revolutions.
Insider tip: Be sure to allow enough time to wander the Village’s backstreets and discover the tucked-away spots that crowds tend to skip, like ancient cobblestones and bohemian art galleries.
10 more hidden gems for your NYC itinerary
- The catacombs beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
- Chelsea Market, Meatpacking District and The High Line for a taste of New York’s food scene
- Superhero movie sites and comic book landmarks across Manhattan
- The immersive Banksy Museum in SoHo
- The abandoned Smallpox Hospital ruins on Roosevelt Island
- Harlem’s intimate jazz venues
- Grand Central Terminal’s whispering gallery, hidden tennis courts and lost cinema
- Medieval art and architecture at The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park
- Scenic boat tour around Governors Island
- Little-known historic townhouses of Henderson Place
Write a comment