PART 2 VIDEO: 1. Plus, Brooklyn bridge was getting much more traffic anyway. Getting in takes a bit of creativity – and we don’t recommend it as it’s considered trespassing – but if you can wriggle inside you’ll get a glimpse into the glory days of cinema. The cellar-speakeasy hidden in the Brooklyn Heights French bistro Chez Moi is a cocktail bar fit for a queen. Now it’s a ghost station and a time capsule from a more elegant (and less crowded) era. Some are much closer than you think and others are best left to the experts to explore, but all are authentic gems of New York City. There, you can grab a seat and choose from the five-course, low-ABV tasting menu or order à la carte offerings, such as the Kraken, a tempura-fried whole octopus that pairs well with the Andromeda, a bubbly elixir of gin, sherry, grapefruit and cardamom. A perennial favorite is PDT, which is located beyond a telephone booth in the East Village hot dog restaurant Crif Dogs (the hot dogs are pretty good too). 232 tips and reviews. Brooklyn’s Secret Subway Exit This seemingly realistic townhouse at In 2018 NYC will open the world’s first underground park new York is known as the “Empire State” due to its growth and prosperity early in its history. Situated in the back of Warhol-themed restaurant the Factory 380, Edie’s is a speakeasy inspired by the artist’s iconic muse, the star-crossed socialite Edie Sedgwick. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/best-kept-secrets-ny Once a thriving cinema of the 1920’s, the Loew’s Theater on Canal Street in Manhattan now lies vacant awaiting restoration. Finding the explorer-inspired cocktail joint Banzarbar is a bit of an expedition in itself: Stroll down a street-art–covered alley off Rivington Street to foodie mecca Freemans, where the maître d’ will lead you upstairs to the out-of-the-way 20-seat tavern. The hospital was built on Roosevelt Island because, at the time, it was only sparsely populated and could function as a de facto quarantine. one of the most overlooked parts of NYC are these hidden gems. Dulce Base, New Mexico, US 4. Built in the mid-19th century as part of the Croton Aqueduct, this bridge once carried water from Westchester to Manhattan. Hidden gems and secret spots are what make New York City a fun place to explore. If you’re riding the number 6 subway line downtown, the final stop isBrooklyn Bridge. If you’re feeling really adventurous, trek out to southwestern Staten Island for a sight you don’t see every day—the ship graveyard in the Arthur Kill (a tidal strait) has become the final resting place of a veritable fleet of decommissioned ships. Thanks for subscribing! In this article, I’ll go over secret restaurants, bars, passageways, and other fun finds in NYC. As ridership increased on the subway during the mid 20th century, cars and platforms had to be lengthened – a job that would have been difficult to complete on on the curved platform. Here are our favorite secret spots in the city. Given their propensity to spontaneously crumble, this is one hidden place in NYC that you want to view from a safe distance. : you have made a generous donation) and even then you have to ask nicely. A moss-covered wall in the ruins of the old Smallpox hospital | Photo by Ed via Flickr. It’s located around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art and was pouched directly from the East German government by Jerry Speyer, a real estate mogul. These look great! http://www.silentlysurrounded.com/single-post/2016/11/04/New-Yorks-Secret-Gardens-Arent-Secret-Until-November, This is so cool! New York’s Upper East Side is home to some of the best European art museums in the city, including the Frick collection. Get a glimpse of New York off the beaten path in every borough through these 30+ secret places in New York shown to you by a native New Yorker. New York City has the most famous skyline in world, so it’s easy to forget that beneath those buildings lies a city teeming with art, culture, people and yes, many hidden secrets. Discover 690 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in New York City from Club 33, California 6. http://crisciph.altervista.org/going-really-high/, If you are going to visit New York you also need a photographer to shoot your adventure. The enclosed courtyard in the Henry C. Frick museum is not quite as fun as the bowling alley, but definitely easier to see. Drawing inspiration from a former boxing gym that occupied the second-floor space, it’s an ace spot for sipping drinks with fancy-sounding ingredients in an intimate—but not pretentious—rustic Polynesian-like setting. The little-known Explorers Club is one of New York City’s best-kept secrets, a place that brings travelers from all continents together to show off their discoveries, expeditions, adventures and feats. (If you opt for the latter, look for the huge painted mural of a boxer. Even though going to the top of the Empire state building is amazing for the view I like to go sometimes to less crowded places. Stop by the lobby with your camera to give it a visit. The door below it with the feather on it is your ticket in.). There, you can grab a seat and choose from the five-course, low-ABV tasting menu or order à la carte offerings, such as the Kraken, a tempura-fried whole octopus that pairs well with the Andromeda, a bubbly elixir of gin, sherry, grapefruit and cardamom. In 2020, Jennifer Hillman and Bill McKeever will complete over 30 hikes in Western New York as they research a new hiking guide in the Secret Places series that was popularized by Bruce Kershner's 1994 award-winning book Secret Places of Western New York and Southern Ontario. Déjà vu! The federal prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s forced New Yorkers to take their parties underground and behind closed doors – a trend that gave birth to some of the most legendary secret places in NYC – the speakeasies. Not the cheeriest of places, but undeniably powerful. Nowadays, alcohol regulation is much more relaxed, but for the last decade the new wave of speakeasies (essentially small cocktail bars with hidden and/or unmarked doors) have literally been the toast of the town. One of the most underrated secret spots in New York City, this place comes in hand if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the modern-day digitalization, crowds and buildings. The bad news: This covert Japanese-influenced restaurant, which sits beyond a butcher shop on Great Jones Street, has no published phone number. This hidden gem is your escape. While you can find fragments of the wall all over the world, this is one of the largest sections still intact. The slab of wall, which was purchased directly from the East German government by the Real Estate mogul Jerry Speyer, used to sit outside (where the above photo was taken). What started as a simple idea—“stand-up in a walk-up”—has become a veritable comedy phenomenon. However, art isn’t all this museum has to offer—the cellar of this mansion hides a private bowling alley that Frick added in 1914. Of the 100 odd boats in this family-run salvage yard, there are plenty of historically important vessels from the early 20th century. While it is true these are extremely important parts, they just comprise a fraction of what makes New York unique. There are two ways to enter: through a door at the back of Sweet Science and on a landing outside. While we are on the topic of visiting Cemeteries, you simply have to visit a really beautiful cemetery in New York called the Green-Wood Cemetery. Heads up! From there, you can walk across the bridge into the Bronx. ), with wagyu beef sliders and mac and cheese. For a romantic, carb-heavy date, snag a special reservation at chef Giancarlo “Wendy” Cacciatori’s Hudson Square temple to tortellini, Nonna Beppa. Being pampered by your own personal server, listening to classic Italian tunes and tasting a multicourse menu that’s inspired by your very own culinary preferences? Sure, New York attractions are known across the globe, but what about the lesser-known, secret NYC spots? All testify to the excellent graphics, concept and content of Secretplaces. The Secretplaces Team. While the food focuses on NYC faves (roasted nuts, dumplings), the libations—with cheeky names like the Camera Adds 10 Pounds—pay homage to the man who coined the idea of “15 minutes of fame.” In keeping with the spirit of the Factory Girl herself, gear up for a glam Pop Art setting, which is accessible just past a payphone—painted in Warhol’s signature silver, natch. The Museum of Interesting Things’ Denny Daniel presents the Secret Speakeasy series, a museum benefit that takes place each month in a Soho loft. Thanks for the info! Cinereal Productions’ Unbrunch tosses attendees into a world of curious delights. This city is full of so many incredible features, and most of them are very well-known: the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Museum of Natural History, etc. Today, it’s a wonderful attraction for walkers and park-goers. While the two-lane bowling alley was lost for some time (converted into an archive, actually), today it is restored to its original design. NO PHOTOS, NO FIGHTING, the hot-pink neon sign commands as you descend below Doyers Street to this Chinese Tuxedo–owned cocktail bar. When visiting New York City there are a plethora of things to see and do. If you want to see these special places, watch my video guide below. EL SABROSO: This hidden Latin American restaurant in Times Square area is a true gem for two reasons. The beautiful curves and arches of City Hall Station are a visual treat for a few lucky visitors. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! In the six years since its three founders started hosting gigs in a fifth-floor East Village apartment, Live @ the Apt has transformed into a hub for next-generation talent, with performances from the likes of Phoebe Robinson, Hasan Minhaj, Hannibal Buress and John Early. © 2021 Time Out America LLC and affiliated companies owned by Time Out Group Plc. The Chinese Scholars Garden is a true hidden gem of New York City. You typically wouldn’t think to stay on the train as it continues to the end of the line and turns around but if you were to, you’d be in for a real treat. I love finding new places to avoid the crowds. This secret place in NYC is better heard, not seen. By Claire Leaden • January 15, 2021. Secret places in NYC aren’t always underground—in fact, this one rises above your head as soon as you enter the city. Touring Manhattan can be quite overwhelming since there is an endless possibility of things to do. For a romantic, carb-heavy date, snag a special reservation at chef Giancarlo “Wendy” Cacciatori’s Hudson Square temple to tortellini, Nonna Beppa. |Photo by Jan Mark Holzer via Flickr. http://mahitours.in/heritage-tours.html, The Female Wrestling Channel comes to New York every few months if anyone is interested in maybe wrestling the ladies or sponsoring some matches. You should try this sound meditation, guys, I think it’s just needed here…. Try another? Running from Grand Central Terminal to The Waldorf Astoria is Track 61, an abandoned train track once used to privately shuttle the more esteemed guests of the Waldorf to and from Grand Central. New York is known for its extensive underground system, so it should come as no surprise that there are secret underground abandoned subway stations. For $300 a couple, you can dine in your very own room for two in the restaurant’s bottle-adorned wine cellar. Since its inception in 2012, the loft-hopping after-hours affair Sublimate has gone from a sporadically booked treat to a hot monthly party that brings in DJ heavy hitters hailing from Ibiza to Chicago. What about gardens, I’ve heard that there are a lot of “secret gardens” in NYC, and it seems like I walk by little parks and gardens all the time. To see a secret piece of New York that’s not from New York at all — visit 520 Madison to see a chunk of the wall that used to separate East and West Berlin. Dead Horse Bay. Pomander Walk is the sight of old England in New York City. Don’t be surprised if you catch a marriage proposal when you visit – this is one of the spots in Manhattan where they often take place – but you’re more likely to meet other curious visitors like yourself. Secret NYC is your local guide to the best things to do in the 5 boroughs, from new restaurants and unique bars to the best shows, exhibits, and nightlife. Track 61 is one such station. | Photo by Benjamin Kabak via Flickr. (The show is currently on hiatus but plans to return this spring.). Greenwich Village (facebook.com/secretloft). Now, that’s amore. Share Share Tweet Email Comment. While nothing stirred us to brawl (half the edict is a shout-out to the street’s history of gang violence), it’s much harder to resist snapping pics of the cool-kid cavern, decked out in tiger-print Gucci wallpaper, flickering candles and flower arrangements that look like they were plucked straight from a wedding at the Plaza. rooftops and speakeasies tour from Take Me Out. For a safer and legal peek into Loew’s Canal Theatre, check out this picture feature in the Gothamist. The 19th-century Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island is one of them and its one of the most atmospheric secret places in NYC. Let the White Rabbit guide you into this retelling of, Finding the explorer-inspired cocktail joint Banzarbar. Expect alcohol-infused riffs on Earl Grey, mint and matcha strains, as well as the Oolong Island Iced Tea—a take on the high-octane classic—served in a glass Coca-Cola bottle. Great list! Another official New York City Landmark, the building cannot be torn down, but developers are still trying to get a plan passed to renovate it. After ducking into the secret passage, sip appropriately named cocktails like the absinthe-based Dauphin, then lounge in a dimly lit grotto while discussing French politics…or something like that. 9. Ironically, the graceful platform curve which lends it some of its charm was also its undoing. for location details, or purchase tickets on Resident Advisor. 17 Secret Places in NYC You Didn’t Know About (But Should) 1. 20 Secret Underground Places To Visit In New York City. Coca Cola Vault, Georgia, U.S.A 3. It’s a very neat acoustic trick created by a simple, though inadvertent, bit of architecture called a “whispering gallery”. Sign up for Sublimate’s mailing list, R.S.V.P. New York actually suffered more and longer from smallpox (which was vaccinated against as early as 1796) than many other places in America due to the density of its population and the fact that it received many immigrants from Europe every year. See All Buying Options. And the only surefire way to reserve a spot at this 25-seater is to get its digits from a previous diner. Dubbed “The History of Quack Medical Devices,” the February 23 edition promises old-timey medical devices and 16mm films centered on the fascinating subject, along with the usual slate of jazz music, antiques, way-back-when delights and a cash bar. | Photo by brownpau via Flickr. A little bit of Berlin in New York | Photo by Ajay Mathew via Flickr. For $300 a couple, you can dine in your very own room for two in the restaurant’s bottle-adorned wine cellar. 15 en parlent. I opened a little photo blog. The libations spring from the minds of two veterans of the bitters-focused bar Amor y Amargo and are steeped in another complex bevvy: tea. Like speakeasy bars, these 17 restaurants run on exclusivity, word-of-mouth, and an air of mystique. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. I am working for an events company in London that lists many trip / travel related events so I know every famous places however I will definitely use this post in order to discover the more intimate New York. Indeed, the bar is all #vibes, right down to the colorful cocktails. Since its inception, Secretplaces has won some of the industry's most important global awards, amongst them Cannes, the New York Festivals and Montreux Golden Awards. sublimate.org, This East Williamsburg cocktail den from the mixology minds of Weather Up is hidden above the restaurant Sweet Science. New York is one of the original U.S. colonies and has some of the most famous tourist attractions in the country: New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Niagara Falls are only a few of the famous landmarks. Secret NYC: 17 sweet speakeasies, underground gigs and more. is a bit of an expedition in itself: Stroll down a street-art–covered alley off Rivington Street to foodie mecca Freemans, where the maître d’ will lead you upstairs to the out-of-the-way 20-seat tavern. Keep an eye on their events page for notices of upcoming tours. 10 Extraordinary Places You Won’t Believe Are In New York City. So, illegal warehouse raves aren’t your thing, and the spontaneity of a TBA address isn’t as appealing as the comfort of knowing where you’re going? As tourists dig deeper, it seems like Manhattan is running out of those hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall places that made us fall in love with the city in the first place. Around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art is a five-panel segment of the Wall located inside of the lobby of 520 Madison Avenue. The good news: Getting into the super-exclusive space, which was once home to Jean-Michel Basquiat, will give you bragging rights for months. The aesthetic here is old-school glam: Purple tones, velvet couches, tufted club chairs and a wall-engulfing bookcase with novels and knickknacks. Because of this, it has become something of a pilgrimage spot for ship enthusiasts. In order to protect it from the elements it has since been moved into the lobby, but don’t worry –  the lobby is open to the public  24/7, so stop by to view this piece of history whenever you want. You can expect just about anything: Past shindigs have included out-there circus acts, stand-up showcases, poetry slams, political roasts and more. The Rockefeller Center Rooftop Garden has the most unique view in midtown. Walk-ins are accepted if space allows. https://danilamednikov.com/, Thanks for sharing this secret information about new york city. Try out the bourbon-and-rum Light Me Up, which amps up mango black tea and citrus with a jolt of amaro and Szechuan peppercorn. Indeed, the bar is all #vibes, right down to the colorful cocktails. Can we interest you in a drink? , the hot-pink neon sign commands as you descend below Doyers Street to this Chinese Tuxedo–owned cocktail bar. (Peep newspaper clippings from the duo’s felonious heyday amid the framed vintage photos.) North Brother Island, New York, US 7. Thanks to us, you don’t have to do much digging. By Marika Kazimierska Published Jul 02, 2018. The view from High Bridge | Photo by Shannon McGee via Flickr. RECOMMENDED: Full list of secret places in NYC. New York’s Upper East Side is home to some of the best European art museums in the city, including the Frick collection. This is a classified list of hidden parties in NYC, in-the-know dinners and buzzy speakeasies in NYC. Here is an amazing one! Secret Places, Restricted Areas & Closed Cities in the U.S.A 1. There are a lot of abandoned buildings around New York but only a few of them have been officially designated New York City Landmarks. Chelsea (cinerealproductions.com). BUT it is probably the most beautiful cemetery in the world so make sure you make a stop! At Blue Quarter, a cocktail bar hidden behind a bright-blue door in the back of East Village eatery Local 92, the menu is as petite as the 18-seat space, with a nine-drink list that’s rife with moments of inspiration.