10 insider tips for New York
New York City, the city that never sleeps, holds countless secrets and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Off the beaten tourist track, there are places that surprise even the locals. Here are some of the most fascinating insider tips that will make your next trip to NYC unforgettable:
1. the whispering gallery in Grand Central Terminal
An acoustic phenomenon awaits visitors to Grand Central Terminal. Stand in one corner of the archway near the Oyster Bar while another person stands in the opposite corner. Whisper a message and the sound will be mysteriously transmitted across the vaulted ceiling — a magical experience!
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
2. The Morgan Library & Museum
Once the private library of J.P. Morgan, this museum impresses with a collection of antique manuscripts, Renaissance paintings and a breathtaking ceiling reminiscent of European cathedrals. A paradise for book lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
3. Berlin Under A
A secret speakeasy hidden under a hot dog stand — yes, really! Enter the unmarked door inside the “Please Don’t Tell” bar and immerse yourself in an underground world of 1920s-style cocktails and jazz music. An authentic Prohibition-era experience in the heart of NYC.
Address: 25 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
4. Albertine Books
This literary gem is hidden away in the French consulate. Albertine Books is a dream for lovers of international literature. With a heavenly vaulted ceiling and cozy reading corners, this bookshop invites you to linger and browse.
Address: 972 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10075
5. Mmuseumm
One of the smallest museums in the world is located in a former freight elevator shaft in Lower Manhattan. The Mmuseumm presents curious exhibits such as cornflakes in the shape of US states and counterfeit luxury goods. A unique museum experience that sharpens the eye for the unusual.
Address: 4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013
6. The Elevated Acre
A secret green oasis is hidden in the middle of the Financial District. The Elevated Acre is a hidden rooftop garden that offers a breathtaking view of the East River. A perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the view in peace.
Address: 55 Water St, New York, NY 10041
7. The roof garden of the Met
Many visitors focus on the main exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and overlook the impressive roof garden. From here, you have one of the most beautiful and underrated views of Central Park and the New York skyline. There is also a seasonal rooftop bar “The Cantor Roof Garden Bar” here that invites you to linger.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
8. Pomander Walk (Upper West Side)
Nestled between 94th and 95th streets is this enchanting, private cobbled walkway that seems to have stepped out of a London storybook. The charming English Tudor-style houses and windowsills adorned with flowers give the place a fairytale atmosphere. A stroll here feels as if you have suddenly landed on a movie set — far away from the surrounding skyscrapers.
Address: 265 West 94th Street, New York, NY 10025
9. The Earth Room (SoHo)
Yes, it really is a room full of earth — 127 tons of it to be precise. This idiosyncratic art installation by Walter De Maria has existed in an apartment in SoHo since 1980. The room, filled with dark, nutrient-rich soil, smells intensely of nature, radiates a meditative calm and leaves most visitors pleasantly puzzled.
Address: 141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
10. The abandoned City Hall subway station
Beneath the bustling streets of Manhattan lies an architectural gem from a bygone era: the original City Hall Subway Station. Closed in 1945, it delights with elegant skylights, ornate tiled arches and chandeliers. It’s not officially open to the public — but if you stay seated on the 6 train when it turns around at Brooklyn Bridge station, you can catch a secret glimpse as it passes through. A brief, magical window into the city’s history — don’t miss it!
Address: Park Row & City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
New York City is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Off the beaten track, these insider tips open up new perspectives on the metropolis and make your stay an unforgettable experience.
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