Unconventional Places You Need To Visit While In New York City
Each year, many people flock to New York City to see all the famous landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. From art galleries, history museums, and Broadway shows, there’s more than enough to do while in the city. Not to mention, there are great restaurants for foodies to visit as well. However, there is more than meets the eye in New York City. Life in the Big Apple runs deeper than all the tourist attractions and famous sights. If you want to get to know the real New York, make sure to visit these hidden gems the next time you’re there!
The Museum of Ice Cream
The city might be full of famous museums, but there’s one that’s hidden from the tourist trail and is the city’s tastiest one. The Museum of Ice Cream is heaven for visitors with a sweet tooth. The museum provides an interactive experience that includes bathing in a river of sprinkles, wandering through chocolate rooms, and sampling massive ice cream sundaes. There is a catch, however. This museum opens in a different location, pop-up style, every summer. So make sure you’re on their newsletter so you know where to go.
The Whispering Gallery
This is considered to be one of the most popular hidden gems in New York City, but the Whispering Gallery is also one of the best secret treasures NYC contains. Located within Grand Central, the Whispering Gallery is an acoustic sensation. The walls allow sounds to travel across the domed ceiling. So, when two people stand at diagonal arches, they can hear each other’s whispers.
The Elevated Acre
If you want to escape the chaos of the busy streets for a little while, head to the Elevated Acre – a park in the sky. It’s located between two skyscrapers and has a grassy space that rests above the streets of the Financial District. Situated over Water Street, this little park has breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Hudson River as well as a 50-foot light sculpture.
Rockefeller Center’s Secret Gardens
It’s a known fact that Rockefeller Center is a popular tourist spot in New York City. When people arrive at the plaza, they see the ice skating rink, the Christmas tree, and Jeff Koon’s huge flowering sculpture. However, what people don’t see is the little green gem that’s hidden high above the streets of New York. Scattered over the rooftops of the art deco building is the 620 Loft and Gallery. The open space has a gorgeous private garden that has incredible views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In fact, there are five spectacular roof gardens in Rockefeller Center that were originally designed by the English landscaper, Ralph Hancock in 1933-1936. While the gardens have been closed since 1938, you can get a look at three of them from the top of the Rock observation deck.
A Piece of the Berlin Wall
Many people mistake the 12×20 foot remains for just another NYC street mural but that’s far from the truth. The dazzling piece features art from the German artists, Thierry Noir and Kiddy Citny and is made up of five concrete slabs of the original Berlin Wall. You can find this secret artifact nestled in a small Midtown plaza at 520 Madison Avenue.