New York City is legendary. It’s called the city that never sleeps, and you can bet there is always something going on there. If you are going to visit NYC, of course, you will want to see the famous sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. However, there is so much more to the Empire City, and you won’t want to miss any of it. Here are 10 spots in New York City that only locals know about, but you will definitely want to visit.
Subway Secrets
While the NYC subway is known worldwide, it does hold some secrets that most people don’t know about. When the city switched to newer, longer subway cars, the City Hall subway station couldn’t accommodate them. You can still see the tiled walls, brass chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings during some Transit Authority Museum tours. You can also sneak a peek from the Downtown 6 train when it leaves the Brooklyn station. Even less known is Track 61. It was a private railway once used by Presidents to navigate the city. There are no tours of the platform, so you won’t see it unless you find someone in the know.
NYC Magic
Grand Central Station is iconic. One of the busiest stations in the world, it sees three-quarters of a million people pass through each day. Can you imagine hearing a whisper in the midst of all the hustle and bustle going on there? Well, you actually can at a spot called the whispering wall or whispering gallery. On the lower level, four arched entryways make up a square formation. Here you can whisper into one archway and be heard clearly at the arch diagonal from yours. At 30 feet away, this still works even above the sounds of crowds at the station. There are scientific reasons why this works, but we’ll just call it NYC magic.
77 Water Street
In the land of skyscrapers, it might seem that a building of just 26 stories would be lost. Not so for 77 Water Street. To make sure the little building stood out, the designer decided to put something truly unique on the roof. Atop the building is a complete replica of a World War I airplane. If that doesn’t excite you, check out the penny candy for sale in the lobby. We’re not sure which is more impressive, a plane on the roof or anything that still costs just a penny, especially in NYC!
Superhero City
Spiderman, Batman, and Iron Man are all based in New York City. Have you ever wondered where it is that they all shop in the Big Apple? Well, rather obviously, it’s at the Super Hero Supply Company. The Super Hero Supply Co. sells everything you could possibly need for being a superhero including capes. The best part is that proceeds from the store support 826NYC. 826 NYC is a non-profit organization that helps school-aged children with their writing skills. That makes them real-life superheroes.
Gold in the Streets
NYC is full of secrets and many of them are below ground. Another secret that is kept underneath the city is the largest stash of monetary gold in the world. It belongs to the New York Federal Reserve. 122 vaults are hidden inside a rotating cylindrical casing embedded into the rock beneath the Reserve Bank. Amazingly, tourists can visit these vaults to see a glimpse of all the gold. But, be prepared, there is a 30-day waiting period and a lot of security measures to make sure the gold stays safe.
Bloody Angle
Chinatown hasn’t always been known for its safety. In fact, crime was a significant issue in the area. Doyers Street, located between Pell and Mott Streets, was notorious during the city’s most violent times. Its sharp 90-degree turn made it an ideal location for gangsters to ambush their victims. Fortunately, part of the tunnel has been removed, making the area safer today. However, it’s still a fascinating place to visit and reflect on New York’s rich history.
Greenacre Park
Can you imagine a lush green oasis in the middle of NYC? Well, there is just that and its centerpiece is a gorgeous waterfall that flows into a peaceful brook that runs along the Park’s entrance. The park is a privately owned area designated for public use and it is open daily. You can visit Greenacre Park for a bit of respite from the concrete jungle. It’s a great place to relax, recharge, and even meditate for a few moments.
Valentino Pier
Tucked away in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier is a hidden treasure offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the shipping industry, the Statue of Liberty, and breathtaking NYC sunsets. This tranquil and scenic park is perfect for a leisurely walk or a family picnic. People love it as an escape from the cacophony of the city. The park honors firefighter and parks lifeguard Louis J. Valentino Jr., who died while searching for injured firefighters during a three-alarm fire in an illegal Flatlands garage.
Secrets of Central Park
Central Park is much more than open green spaces. It features a zoo, a castle, numerous fountains, and a lesser-known spot called the Ramble Cave. Hidden in the park’s wooded area, the Ramble Cave is a part of the original 19th-century design, intended as a peaceful retreat for visitors and city residents. Although the cave entrance is now sealed for safety, it continues to add a sense of mystery and adventure to the bustling city park.
The Berlin Wall
History enthusiasts should check out the Berlin Wall Segment, inconspicuously located on Madison Avenue. Many pass by the original section of the Berlin Wall without noticing, despite their vibrant graffiti, some of which was created by renowned artists. These colorful segments stand out amid the sleek office buildings, serving as a poignant reminder of the city’s connection to global events. This hidden landmark underscores the significance of NYC as an international city, making it a meaningful place to visit.
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