The Elevated Acre is a hidden gem located in the Financial District. This one-acre park is perched above street level, offering a tranquil green space amidst the bustling city. It features a lush lawn, gardens, and even an amphitheater. The park was originally constructed in the 1970s as part of a plaza bonus system, where developers received additional floor area in exchange for creating public spaces.
Tucked away on the Upper West Side, the Nicholas Roerich Museum is dedicated to the art and legacy of the Russian painter, philosopher, and mystic. Established in 1949, the museum occupies a charming brownstone and showcases over 200 works by Roerich. It’s a serene spot for art lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
The Berlin Wall Segment at 520 Madison Avenue is an unexpected historical artifact in Midtown Manhattan. This genuine piece of the Berlin Wall, decorated with graffiti by German artists Thierry Noir and Kiddy Citny, was installed here in the 1990s. It's a poignant reminder of the Cold War right in the heart of NYC.
In Greenwich Village, you’ll find Pomander Walk, a quaint private gated community that looks like it was plucked from a fairy tale. Built in 1921, the complex consists of 27 Tudor-style houses inspired by a London street setting. It’s named after a 1910 play by Louis N. Parker, and though it's private, a glimpse through the gates offers a charming view.
The New York Earth Room is an intriguing art installation by Walter De Maria located at 141 Wooster Street in SoHo. This 1977 piece consists of 250 cubic yards of earth spread across the floor of a loft space, weighing 280,000 pounds. The installation is maintained by the Dia Art Foundation and is a contemplative escape from the city's chaos.
A hidden gem for book lovers is the Grolier Club on East 60th Street. Founded in 1884, it’s America’s oldest and largest society for bibliophiles and graphic arts enthusiasts. The club houses a remarkable library of more than 100,000 volumes and hosts fascinating exhibitions on book and printing history.
The City Hall Station is an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall Park. Opened in 1904, it was the original southern terminal of the first New York City Subway line. The station's elegant design features Guastavino tiles, skylights, and brass chandeliers. Though it closed in 1945, you can catch a glimpse of it by staying on the 6 train as it loops back uptown.
The Little Red Lighthouse is a small but iconic lighthouse located under the George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park. Officially known as Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, it was built in 1880 and moved to its current location in 1921. The lighthouse gained fame from the 1942 children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" by Hildegarde Swift.
Stumble upon the House of the Rising Sun at 13-15 West 10th Street in Greenwich Village, which is said to have inspired the famous folk song. This historic building, dating back to the 1840s, has a colorful past and was reportedly a gambling den and bordello in the 19th century.
The Brooklyn Grange is an urban rooftop farm with locations in Brooklyn and Queens. Founded in 2010, it’s the world’s largest rooftop soil farm, producing over 50,000 pounds of organically cultivated produce each year. The farm also hosts events, workshops, and yoga classes with stunning views of the skyline.
Located in the East Village, the Museum of the American Gangster is housed in a former speakeasy at 80 St. Mark's Place. This quirky museum delves into the Prohibition era and the history of organized crime in the United States, featuring artifacts like Al Capone’s revolver and John Dillinger’s death mask.
The New York Marble Cemetery is a hidden historic site in the East Village. Established in 1831, it was the city's first non-sectarian burial ground and features underground marble vaults. It’s only open to the public a few times a year for special events and tours, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban landscape.
Explore the Secret Garden at St. Luke in the Fields in the West Village. This serene garden is part of the Episcopal Church of St. Luke in the Fields and features lush plantings, winding paths, and a charming gazebo. It’s a hidden oasis perfect for quiet contemplation or a leisurely stroll.