The Big Apple is one of the most significant cities in the world, with a population of about 8 million people and attracting tourists daily. Aptly, it’s nicknamed “the city that never sleeps.” With so many things to do and places to visit, there is abundant exploring to accomplish in this melting pot alone.
Yes, there are the typical tourist spots many of us are familiar with and probably have gone to more than once… the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, you get the drill. However, New York City is huge and there are places you’ve never heard of before or can be described as more “low-key.” Whether they’ve been forgotten in the midst of time, located in secretive spots you wouldn’t expect, or simply inconspicuous in a massive cityscape, these are some pretty curious places to travel to.
Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
Feeling like a spy from the 1920s isn’t exactly on my radar but I can’t help but enjoy the sensation when entering Please Don’t Tell (PDT). The only way to access the speakeasy bar is by first entering Crif Dogs, the hotdog place containing a valuable phone booth. By dialing 1, a hostess will open the door and let you into the sensational hidden gem.
The bar feels small and intimate, yet classy. It’s a dimly lit place where you’ll witness interesting decorations, like stuffed animals. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty snacks, it’s truly a place to visit with friends and family. You can find it at 113 St Marks Place in East Village, make sure to make reservations beforehand!
Abandoned City Hall Subway Station
A fascinating piece of New York City history, the old City Hall abandoned subway station is an enchanting relic. Its antique architecture and design have fascinated history enthusiasts and New Yorkers alike. It is one of the original subway stations created and was the spot the very first subway departed from back in 1904.
Today, the station is off-limits and has been since 1945. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never have access to the legendary locality. The New York Transit Museum does sell tour tickets of the station to its members a couple of times a year, an unforgettable experience for anyone traveling in the city.
Whispering Gallery In Grand Central Station
Psst… you want to get in on a little secret? There’s an area under 4 archway entrances in Grand Central Station where you can whisper to someone over thirty feet away from you. This place is called the Whispering Gallery, it’s unique architecture allows sound waves to travel across the dome ceiling from one corner to the other.
Simply stand in one of the corners and have your partner stand on the opposite end, and speak into the corner. You’ll hear each other perfectly despite the loud and noisy nature of the area. It’s one of those things you’ll want to check out at least once if you’re near the area.
Nothing Really Matters
Walking down a subway station and making your usual commute, you wouldn’t expect to come across a cool dimly lit bar in the urban underground. Yet, the bar Nothing Really Matters has been set in the oddest of places, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. If anything, its mysterious nature allures many to its intriguing ambiance, making it a fantastic spot for a social night out.
You can expect to drink New York-themed cocktails with your buddies under a disco ball. The bar is located at the Southbound 1 Train Subway Entrance on 50th and Broadway.
Greenacre Park
What’s the best escape from a city that never sleeps? Nature of course – counteracts the stresses of daily life. Being surrounded by the natural environment helps calm an overactive mind that doesn’t get any rest. Well, how about appreciating greenery in the heart of Manhattan? We’re not talking about Central Park here.
Greenacre Park is a small getaway land where you can enjoy the tranquil sound of a man-made waterfall and relax surrounded by beautiful flora. Due to its unpopular nature, it feels like a secretive spot only a few can lounge around and enjoy. You can visit the park at 217 East 51st Street.
Whether you’ve never been to the capital of the world or have been living in it for years, there is always something new to learn and more to see. If you do know about these secretive places, consider spreading the message to some of your friends who may have never heard about them. We hope we inspired you to travel to a new place, and have fun in your next adventure!
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
Feature Photo by Jan Folwarczny on Unsplash
